Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 21

Give Thanks For Minimalist Tips For Decluttering

Don’t Allow Clutter To Cause You Stress 

Are you living with too much stuff in a home that doesn’t have enough space? Are you tired of feeling stressed out because of clutter? If so, know you’re not alone. You don’t have to live with unwanted clutter – you can learn how to let go of items starting now with minimalist tips for decluttering. 

Thankful For A Clutter-Free Lifestyle 

Hello, I’m Rita Wilkins. Like you, I once had too much clutter in my life. Now, I live a minimalist lifestyle after getting rid of 95% of what I once owned. Every day, I’m thankful for being able to live a clutter-free life – and now I’d like to help you accomplish the same through minimalist decluttering tips. 

Start Your Decluttering Journey To Live A Minimalist Lifestyle 

As we get nearer Thanksgiving, many people will be reflecting on what they have to be thankful for. Perhaps, though, we shouldn’t only consider what we have to be thankful for now. Perhaps we should consider what we’ll have to be thankful for in the near future if we take the first steps to accomplish our goals. 

How can you accomplish your minimalist decluttering goals? With the help of my Minimalist Essentials workbook. This workbook includes all of the following: 

A 5-step roadmap to guide you on your decluttering journey A 30-day decluttering challenge Decluttering minimalist checklists An accountability trackerAnd more! 

Interested in other minimalist decluttering guides? Visit the Design Services online store and you’ll find what you’re looking for – including minimalist decluttering checklists, online decluttering courses, and more. 

Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today. My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post Give Thanks For Minimalist Tips For Decluttering  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Help! I Can’t Stop Holding Onto “Just In Case Stuff”

We are probably all guilty of holding onto some things “just in case” we might need them or want them.

I get it! I’m guilty too! I still have a hard time getting rid of my business suits although I rarely wear them anymore.

Sometimes we DO need to be prepared in the event that we need some of those things, but it is also possible that we tend to hold onto too many “just in case” items. For example, “Do I really need 10 business suits or could I just keep 2 or 3?

There are definitely two sides to the story…

I’m going to make the case for both sides… a case FOR and a case AGAINST holding onto possessions “just in case”.

The case FOR holding onto “just in case” stuffFor certain, we SHOULD hold onto important paperwork to avoid issues after our death

I.e., Mortgage documents, trust documents, living will.

For sure, we SHOULD hold onto some meaningful mementos from our parents and loved ones who have passed

I.e., My dad’s collection of walking sticks.

I.e., My mom’s teacups.

For sure we NEED necessary cooking utensils for everyday needs.

I.e., Pots and pans, bowls, dishes, cooking and eating utensils.

But is it really necessary to hold onto all of those things just in case?

I.e., 7 wooden spoons or four sets of measuring cups?

If you think about it, there might just be a few too many of those “just in case” items sitting around your home.

The case AGAINST holding onto “just in case” stuffIt weighs you down having to store them and maintain them.

Too much stuff causes overwhelm and stress, physically, mentally, and emotionally. It prevents us from being productive and able to focus.

I.e., Old receipts, and outdated appliance manuals.

It takes up valuable space.

How often do I need 10 business suits that take up valuable space in my closet, making it hard to find clothes that I do want to wear?

Your kids will have to sort through all of it when you’re gone.

They will wonder why you held onto your high school yearbooks and college textbooks.

It gives false comfort.

Do you really need those extra outdated power cords and old phones?

It costs precious resources.

If you want a simpler, less cluttered life, recapture the time, money, freedom, and energy from storing “just in case” stuff.

You can see that we can argue both sides of this case.

A case FOR “just in case” items.A case AGAINST “just in case” items.

But if you are motivated to start decluttering your home so you can have a simpler life with less, and if you want to start relieving yourself of some of that “just in case” stuff, these 3 steps will show you how to let go and be free of the “just in case I need it mindset.”

Rita’s Minimalist Essentials are on SALE NOW for a limited time. $14.99 $ 9.99Now available on Amazon

3-Step Guide to Set You Free From “Just in Case” Clutter

1. ASSESS your excess “just in case” piles.

Walk-through you’re home, room by room, one area at a time

Create piles of all of your “just in case you need it stuff.”

Basement: old paint cans, rusted tools, bins of nails and screwsGarage: multiples of shovels, rakes, hosesAttic: children’s clothing, toys, furnitureDesk: old wires, tech stuff, old phonesBookcase: college textbooks, high school yearbooks, VHS tapesCosmetic drawer: old makeup, dried-up lotionJunk drawer: takeout menus, coupons, flyersCloset: business suits, dressy dresses, high heels you never wear

2. ADMIT that your “just in case I need it piles” really mean that you probably never use it or need it

When did I last use it?

(5,10 years? I don’t even remember that I had it.)

How likely are you to need it or use it again?

(Will that size 6 dress from 10 years ago ever get used again?)

Admit to yourself that this clutter is weighing you down and that it’s been holding you back from living a clutter-free life

3. ASK yourself these questions

What is the worst-case scenario if you let it go?

Could you replace it, rent it, or borrow it if absolutely necessary?

Will you even miss it?

Do you really need 7 wooden spoons or could you make do with 3?

Does it add value to your life?Why are you still holding onto it?What emotions have made you hold onto it? 

Guilt, fear, overwhelm?

BONUS STEP!!4. SHIFT YOUR MINDSET.Help others

If you let it go, who might need this more than you do?

Your trash might be another’s treasure.

Help yourself

How could you more effectively use the freed-up space in your home?

If you struggle with holding onto things that you might need “just in case,” try these simple steps that will help you learn how to let go so you can free up space in your home and at the same time help someone else in need.

Never miss an episode! Click the following link to like Rita’s Facebook page or subscribe to her Decluttering YouTube Channel. Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.

Follow me on social media for more updates:YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTERRita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post Help! I Can’t Stop Holding Onto “Just In Case Stuff” first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Do You Know Someone Who Needs Help Decluttering?

Help Your Loved One Start Their Decluttering Journey 

Decluttering a home can seem like an impossible task – especially if you’re not sure how to declutter. Do you know someone who is struggling to tackle decluttering on their own? Do you want to help them learn how to let go of items? Are you ready to help them find minimalist decluttering tips and tricks? If so – you’re in the right place! 

Too Much Stuff, Not Enough Space? Try Decluttering Tips And Minimalist Checklists 

Hi, my name is Rita Wilkins. As your Downsizing Designer, I’m eager to help you find the money, time, and freedom I found by decluttering my life. If you’re ready to help make the decluttering journey of a friend or family member easier, I have decluttering tips and minimalist checklists to help you along the way! 

Downsize With A Heart: How To Start Decluttering 

Wanting to achieve a minimalist lifestyle through decluttering doesn’t mean getting rid of everything that isn’t absolutely necessary. With the right decluttering guide, you can learn how to let go of items while still keeping what matters. 

If you’re looking for something to help someone you love get started decluttering, give my Minimalist Essentials workbook a try. This workbook is a 60-page decluttering companion and planner. This essential tool can help you while decluttering from start to finish. Consider giving this workbook to your loved one as a gift to kickstart their decluttering journey. In this workbook, you’ll also find minimalist decluttering tips so you can learn how to help them declutter! 

Interested in more decluttering and minimalist materials? Check out minimalist decluttering checklists, online decluttering courses, and more in the Design Services online store. 

Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today. My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post Do You Know Someone Who Needs Help Decluttering?  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Why Is It So Scary to Declutter and Downsize Our Home and Our Lives?

There are so many hidden emotional layers when it comes to decluttering and downsizing our homes things that no one wants to admit or talk about.

On the surface, we all know how physically taxing and exhausting it can be.

We also know how much time it is likely to take to sort, donate, and dispose of many of the possessions we accumulated over many years.

But what we are often unwilling, or perhaps too scared to talk about is how emotionally confronting it can be so we tend not to talk about it or hide it deep within ourselves.

As a result, we hide the real reasons why we are afraid because on some level we realize that clutter is not just what we see in front of us, but also the impact that it has inside of us.

Confronting the Fears of Clutter

Until we decide to confront those fears of why clutter has such a strong hold on us, things will remain the same. No permanent change will take place. We will remain stuck in our own clutter.

Decluttering and downsizing should not be scary because:

Once you start to understand, what’s been holding you…Once you stop with the excuses of why you can’t let go of your stuff…

You can then stop being afraid and move forward.

If we want to know one of the top reasons why clutter scares us, it is that our identity is confronted. We’re challenged when we have to let go of our stuff or move to another home or neighborhood.

OUR HOMES AND OUR STUFF DEFINE WHO WE ARE and they also define how we want others to perceive us. I.e., The big house, the nice car, and designer clothing, all represent our success to not just ourselves, but also others.

2. OUR HOMES AND OUR STUFF ARE WHAT MAKE US UNIQUE. It makes us feel safe and secure.

3. OUR HOMES AND OUR STUFF REMIND US OF WHO WE WERE.

House: where we raised our kids and had birthday parties and family dinners.Old pictures: remind us of our youth, being a young mother, or now being an empty nester, with the kids, grown and gone.Clothes in our closet: remind us of when we used to be a size 6 or 8.

4. OUR HOMES AND OUR STUFF REMIND US OF WHO WE ONCE WANTED TO BE. This may or may not have already happened.

Books: may suggest we aspire to be a motivational speaker or famous author.

Videos and CDs: may suggest we hoped to run a marathon, or do an Iron Man one day, or perhaps climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

It’s scary to let go of all the stuff that reminds us of:

Who we are.Who we were.Who we wanted to be.

We make excuses for why we can’t let go.

I can’t let go of “X” because I might need it someday (so we hold onto it).I can’t let go of that dress because I might lose 10 pounds and fit into it again.I can’t let go of photos, china, crystal because I might lose memories of my mother.I can’t move or declutter because I have too much stuff, and too many memories, and besides, my kids grew up here.Overcoming the Fear of Change and Embracing a New Path

These convenient excuses keep us from or stop us from decluttering, downsizing, moving on, and changing. We use these excuses over and over again to justify staying right where we are because change is scary and change is hard.

But…

Once we see these excuses for what they really are. (Obstacles and barriers)Once we decide to confront them by challenging, outdated identity and beliefs.Once we admit they’ve limited our thinking and our actions.Once we come to terms with the fact that we’ve grown, we’ve changed, and that our lives are different now (kids are grown, the big house doesn’t suit us anymore and we want a different lifestyle as empty-nesters).

We can then start to see the benefits of decluttering and possibly moving to a smaller, more affordable, and more manageable home. With less stuff will be more agile, free to travel, and explore. Will have more time to pursue new interests. Will also save money on maintenance costs.

We’ll start to get excited about new opportunities ahead… we are no longer scared. We’ll actually start to embrace the idea of decluttering and downsizing.

Yes, we realize it won’t be easy and there’s a lot of work ahead of us, but we also realize it will be worth it on the other side! 

Preventing Decluttering Regret: How to Do It

If this topic resonates with you and if you are stuck or trapped on your decluttering and downsizing journey, I invite you to spend some time thinking about what’s been scaring you and stopping you.

Please share this blog and talk about it with others who are going through similar challenges.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and know you can always email me at ritawilkins@ritawilkins.com with any questions you might have.

Announcing A Brand-New Workbook

On another note, I’m so excited to tell you that we just launched a brand-new workbook called Rita’s Minimalist Essentials. It’s now available on my website. See the link below. 

It’s a 60-page all-in-one decluttering companion and planner. It’s intended to help you jumpstart your decluttering journey.

It’s packed with

5-Step Guide to help you let go of sentimental items.30-day decluttering challenge.Checklists.Accountability tracker, AND SO MUCH MORE. $14.99 Click here to get your own copy!$9.99 introductory price for a limited time only!

Never miss an episode! Click the following link to like Rita’s Facebook page or subscribe to her Decluttering YouTube Channel. Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.

Follow me on social media for more updates:YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTERRita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post Why Is It So Scary to Declutter and Downsize Our Home and Our Lives? first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Holiday Decluttering Bundle Available Now

Are You Ready To Give The Gift Of Decluttering? 

No one likes to live in a cluttered space. However, sometimes we find ourselves at a loss for how to successfully declutter our lives. Do you or does someone you know need help decluttering? Are you eager to feel at home in your space rather than stressed out by the clutter? If so, you’re in the right space. 

Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins. Many know me as the Downsizing Designer. This is because while I once lived with too much clutter, once I got rid of 90% of what I once owned I learned I had more money, time, and freedom to do what I wanted. Now, as the Downsizing Designer, I seek to help people like you on their decluttering and downsizing journeys. 

Minimalist Decluttering Tips To Help You This Holiday Season 

Did you know that decluttering your home can be a form of self-care? It’s true! Decluttering your space helps you reduce stress, become more productive, and teaches you to live more with less. If you’re interested in decluttering your space through the use of helpful minimalist decluttering tips, try my Holiday Decluttering Bundle! 

My Holiday Decluttering Quick-Start Bundle includes all of the following: 

1 complete online course 2 minimalist decluttering workbooks 1 e-book 2 minimalist checklists to help you declutter 

Don’t wait – this Holiday Decluttering Quick-Start Bundle is the total package when it comes to helping you get started and stay motivated on your decluttering journey. 

Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today. My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post Holiday Decluttering Bundle Available Now  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

3 Creative Ways to Deal with “Other People’s Clutter”

If someone else’s trash is another person’s treasure…

Why is it that someone else’s stuff is cluttered but yours is not?

Why is it so much easier to declutter other people’s stuff rather than our own? Perhaps you’ve heard yourself complaining about “my husband’s stuff, my wife’s stuff, or my kids’ stuff.”

While it might be easier to declutter someone else’s stuff, it’s definitely not smarter if you want to avert arguments, maintain healthy relationships, and get the job done.

No one likes to be told what to do or forced into doing something they either don’t want to do or have no interest in doing. It’s far more effective to find a collaborative approach to solve clutter chaos.

Clutter is a fact of life. It happens. Face it, it’s ongoing and it never really ends. 

If you want to get everyone in your family on board, this touchy subject needs to be handled in such a way that they’re willing to cooperate. It needs to be discussed with everyone in the household:

Spouses, partners, roommatesKids living at homeKids not living at home

And yes, even yourself! Sometimes the most difficult type of clutter to get rid of is your own clutter. If you are struggling with household clutter, perhaps hoping that one day it will go away including the arguments that surround it.

But they won’t. In fact, they will likely continue to escalate until you meet this problem head-on and find a more collaborative approach to dealing with “other people’s clutter” in your home.

Deal With Your Own Clutter First

This might sound contradictory because you want to know how to deal with “other people’s clutter,” but one of the most powerful things you can do is lead by example by dealing with your own clutter first.

If the clutter in your home is out of control to the extent that it’s making you angry, upset, and anxious, control what you can control first… And that’s your own clutter.

Once you’ve accomplished this, you’ll be surprised at how much better you feel about your own situation, and how empowered you are because you’ve regained control of your own clutter first.

And likely, your family has noticed, and they probably feel the difference in you and your more organized spaces. You likely have inspired them to follow your example and they will certainly be more willing to listen to you about family clutter.

Jumpstart your decluttering journey with our printable 60-page all-in-one decluttering companion and planner. CLICK HERE to LEARN MORE of Rita’s Minimalist Essentials. The Heart-To-Heart Family Conversation About Clutter

Before you can make any progress, you will need to address the elephant in the room by having a heartfelt conversation about the impact clutter is having inside your household.

No yelling, no arguing, no judging. Just a thoughtful, respectful conversation that allows each person to contribute to the conversation so that you can learn from each other and so that each person is heard.

Start by setting a quiet time and place for your entire family together with no phones, TV, tablets, or other distractions.

Open the conversation by letting them know that you love them and need their help and support with the amount of clutter in your home and discuss how it’s impacting each and every one of them. 

Let them contribute to the conversation. You might hear some of the following:

I can’t find my clothes to get ready for school.The house is so messy I don’t bring my friends over anymore.I am tired of hearing arguments between mom and dad about clutter.Mom is always upset and yelling at us about clutter.We don’t want to spend time together anymore; we’d rather be in our rooms or with our friends.3 Creative Ways to Deal With “Other People’s Clutter”1.   One on One Approach

Listen closely to what each person is saying.

Ask how they can help with keeping their own spaces decluttered and organized.

I.e., Their room, their toys, their clothes, their office, their desk, etc.

Ask them to create a specific plan and time they will work on this and what they are willing to commit to daily to help keep their area neat and organized.

I.e., Their clothes, toys, dresser, drawers, closet.

2.   The All-Hands-On Deck Approach

Ask your family if they will commit to a fun family cleanup each day for 15 to 20 minutes. Set the timer and finish in that timeframe.

This will make a fun challenge that involves team and teamwork rather than being a chore.

3.   Divide And Conquer Approach

In addition to their individual space, ask if they will volunteer to “own” one of the common spaces in your home, one that they will take responsibility for keeping it organized and clutter-free.

I.e., their bathroom, the mudroom, the playroom, the kitchen counters

Ask them to commit to 10 to 15 minutes daily to help maintain their area.

These 3 creative approaches are collaborative and enrolling. The conversation is a heartfelt request, “we need your help as a family working together and we can do this!”

Let them know that you know everyone is busy and that you’re not asking for perfection. You’re just asking them to try to help keep their family home decluttered and organized.

Remember… Don’t let clutter get between you and a happy relationship with your spouse and your family.

If you find yourself being agitated by “other people’s clutter,” deal with your own clutter first then try these 3 creative ways to engage your family in dealing with clutter.

As always, I’d love to hear back from you. Let me know how this approach works for you and your family.

Never miss an episode! Click the following link to like Rita’s Facebook page or subscribe to her Decluttering YouTube Channel. Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.

Follow me on social media for more updates:YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTERRita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post 3 Creative Ways to Deal with “Other People’s Clutter” first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Focus On What Matters – Minimalist Essentials

What To Do If You Have Too Much Stuff 

Living with too much stuff can be frustrating. When clutter fills your home, it can make life chaotic. You hold onto things you think you need, but you’re really holding yourself back from the simple lifestyle you crave. What if you didn’t have to overcome decluttering challenges on your own? What if you could learn more about how to become a minimalist from someone who’s already accomplished her decluttering goals? 

Learn Minimalist Esstenials And Decluttering Tips From The Downsizing Designer 

Hi, I’m Rita. After getting rid of 95% of what I once owned, I discovered I have more time, money, and freedom in my life. As your Downsizing Designer, my goal is to help you find that same freedom through minimalist essentials and decluttering tips. Decluttering doesn’t have to be a challenge – you can learn how to get rid of items without getting rid of everything you own. 

Decluttering Methods Make Decluttering Easier 

What makes learning how to become a minimalist through decluttering easier? Learning decluttering methods! There is no one-size-fits-all approach to decluttering. The most effective way to declutter is to find out which decluttering methods resonate with you and to create your unique decluttering routine around those methods. 

Where Can I Learn More Decluttering Methods? 

If you’re ready to learn more about minimalist decluttering, I encourage you to visit the Design Services online store, where you can find my minimalist decluttering checklists, online decluttering courses, and more. If you want to know just the essentials of decluttering, try my Minimalist Essentials workbook today! 

Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today. My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon.

The post Focus On What Matters – Minimalist Essentials  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

5 Ways A Minimalist Lifestyle Will Change You and Your Life Forever

The journey to becoming a minimalist doesn’t happen overnight.

It can take years of self-discovery. It’s a journey that requires deep courage and commitment, sometimes painful introspection to confront old beliefs and self-sabotaging habits. The journey will help you discover what matters most to you, so you can weed out anything that doesn’t align with your core values and beliefs.

A Guide to a Minimalistic Lifestyle

Living a minimalist lifestyle is an opportunity to shed anything and everything that you no longer want, need, or love.

When pared down to the essentials, life is simple, uncluttered, more meaningful, and more fulfilling.

You’re no longer weighed down or burdened with too much “stuff.” You take back control of your own life and you are no longer controlled by stuff for the desire to buy more.

My Downsizing and Rightsizing Journey

I have moved 4 times in the last seven years, a time for a new lifestyle, and a new experience in a new area.

Each time I moved, I shed more things that no longer served me, and the best part was, I didn’t buy more. Each time I moved, I felt lighter, more powerful, more committed than ever to live a simpler life with less.

I had more time, money, freedom, and energy. What I didn’t expect was that I was content, happy, and at peace.

There was no reason for me to buy more since I finally was content with all I needed and wanted. Prior to becoming a minimalist, I was forever seeking more. When in fact, what I was really seeking was less…

Less stress.Less overwhelm.Less clutter.

Even though I have become a minimalist, the journey to owning less continues. It’s not perfect and it’s certainly different for everyone. What matters most to me does not matter at all to you, but that’s just it… You get to choose what you want and what you don’t want.

It’s your journey. If you choose to pursue the idea of living with less, you will never regret it and you will never want to go back to the way things were.

5 Ways A Minimalist Lifestyle Will Change You and Your Life Forever.1. More Time

When you have less stuff to clean, manage, and maintain, you free up more time for things that are important chill

Because you have fewer distractions, you’re able to focus more, be more creative, efficient, and productive. You value your time and don’t want to waste it.

You start to develop sustainable habits and simple daily routines that help you maintain a clutter-free environment. With less to maintain, and with a shorter to-do list, your time is freed up to do more of what you want to do, not what you have to do.

2. More Money

A minimalist value spending less, having little or no debt, and saving more. He enjoys making do, caring for what he already has, and buying quality over quantity. He is deliberate about how he chooses to spend his money.

They also like to re-purpose, and share rather than buying everything new because they become resourceful.

Saying no to buying more or no to impulse shopping, becomes easier and easier because they realize they no longer shop to fill a void in their lives, but rather shop to buy only what is essential.

3. More Freedom

A minimalist lifestyle provides you with the gift of true freedom from:

BusynessClutterDistractionsShame and guiltThe burden of too much “stuff”

It also provides you with the freedom to…

Experience the peace, calm, and happiness of a simple life with less stuff and fewer commitments.

It offers the freedom to prioritize you.

What you want and don’t want.What you value and don’t file.

It makes your life easier so you can choose what you want to pursue or not

4. More Energy

Because you have more time, money, and freedom When you live like a minimalist, you have more energy, both physical and mental 

To explore new opportunities

To experience your life with a new lens

To live your best life now.

You embrace your power to change what you want and need to change so you can create the life you envision.

5. More Clarity

As a minimalist, it becomes easier to make decisions because you’ve taken the time to understand what matters most to you, and what doesn’t.

When you are mindful of what you value most, your life has a newfound purpose and meaning. It’s not hard to make decisions when you’re clear about what matters most to you and what aligns with your values. It’s that simple.

6. BONUS! More ContentmentWhen you realize you have all you want and all you need and that you don’t want more.When you realize that more stuff will never make you happier.When you realize you have enough, you are enough, there’s no need to compare yourself to others any longer.

A true sense of contentment session. You look around, and you are appreciative of all you have, the people in your life that you love and care about.

You are satisfied. You are peaceful. You were happy and content.

You are living the life of a minimalist. A rich, abundant life with less!

A special announcement! I’m launching a brand-new product, Rita’s Minimalist Essentials.

We’ve been working on it for the last six months and it’s finally ready!

Rita’s Minimalist Essentials will help you jumpstart your decluttering journey with our 60-page all-in-one decluttering, companion and planner.

It’s packed with.

A 5-step roadmap to get you started  A 30-day decluttering challenge to motivate youMultiple decluttering checklists to show you the way An accountability tracker to help you stay on course.

This tool will help you: 

Get started and stay motivated.Simplify your life.Learn how to live like a minimalist.To get started, click on this link for your downloadable PDFSpecial pricing for a limited time only50% off $14.99, now only $9.99Use coupon code SAVE50 at checkout.If you have questions, email me at Ritawilkins@ritawilkins.com Rita is Live Every Tuesday on Facebook

Never miss an episode of Rita’s weekly Facebook Live broadcast! Click the following link to like Rita’s Facebook page or subscribe to her Decluttering YouTube Channel. Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.

Follow me on social media for more updates:YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTERRita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post 5 Ways A Minimalist Lifestyle Will Change You and Your Life Forever first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Minimalist Essentials To Help You Declutter

How To Become A Minimalist With Decluttering Tips 

If you, like many others, enjoy minimalist style and design but find your home is too cluttered for minimalism – you should know you don’t have to live with the chaos clutter brings. You can choose to become a minimalist by following minimalist essentials and decluttering tips. Choose simplicity today! 

Learn How To Get Started Decluttering Today 

Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins. After getting rid of 95% of what I once owned, I decided I wanted to offer my help to those seeking to learn more about minimalist decluttering tips. Choosing simplicity and minimalism over clutter and chaos gave me more freedom – and I’d like to help you accomplish the same. You don’t have to be satisfied with living with too much stuff. Choose to learn more about minimalist decluttering today! 

Why You Should Embrace A Minimalist Mindset 

Decluttering is about more than learning to let go of items and cleaning your physical space. Embracing minimalism and decluttering also allows you to focus on what truly matters. How can you learn how to get started decluttering? The trick is to find a decluttering method that resonates with you. The right method can make it seem easy to overcome your decluttering challenge. 

Are you ready to overcome the challenges of decluttering? If so, you can learn more about how to become a minimalist through decluttering when you visit the Design Services online store. You discover more about your personal approach to decluttering when you try my minimalist decluttering checklists, online decluttering courses, and more. The newest addition to the Design Services online store is my Minimalist Essentials workbook, so be sure to check it out! 

Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today. My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post Minimalist Essentials To Help You Declutter  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

How To Throw An Extreme Photo Decluttering Party

Do you have boxes of old photos sitting in your basement or big photo albums taking up space on your bookcase shelves?

If you are a baby boomer or part of the sandwich generation, chances are you not only have your own photo collections, but you also have those that you inherited from your parents and grandparents.

The sad thing is that the longer they sit, the more likely they are to deteriorate, and the less likely you are to ever get around to dealing with them. Wouldn’t it be a shame to have someone just throw all of those precious memories and family history away after you’re gone without ever having taken the time to at least look through them?

Efficient and Emotionally Liberating

If you have made previous attempts to go through some of the boxes of family photos, you realize how time-consuming and emotional it can be. That is why I want to share an idea with you about how to throw an extreme photo-decluttering party.

It will help you sift through those boxes and boxes of photos with your family and loved ones while providing you all the opportunity to share stories, reminisce, and learn more about your family history.

My Sister’s Approach to Decluttering Family Photos

The idea for this novel approach to decluttering years of photos was inspired by my sister last Thanksgiving when she asked if we could all help her go through 60+ years of our mom and dad’s photos after Thanksgiving dinner.

My siblings and their spouses all agreed that we would help by sorting through the photos and taking the ones that were most meaningful to them.

What started out to be a practical way to declutter the boxes and bins of photos that had been stored in my sister’s basement since we cleared out our parents’ home many years ago, turned out to be a time for us to revisit special memories, share stories, some of us had never heard before. During this time together, we laughed, we cried, and we connected in a way we had never connected before.

And… We managed to get through most of the boxes, promising to have another extreme decluttering party again next Thanksgiving.

Get in The Holiday Spirit by Organizing Family Photos Together

With the holiday season just around the corner, if you’ve been wanting to deal with those boxes of photos in your basement, perhaps you can ask your family if they want to participate in a fun family event like this one!

Here’s How to Throw Your Own Extreme Photo Decluttering Party: Before you get started:Ask if your family members want to participate.At the beginning of the party, explain how the process works.Explain that the goal is to have everyone make decisions about photos that they want to keep, share, or dispose of.Then at the end of the party, take the pictures they want to keep.Let them know that as they are going through the photos it will likely be emotional. It will stir up memories, good, bad, and sad, and that you are all here to support each other.Get started!Open one box at a time. Pass a few piles of pictures around the table.After you’ve gone through your pile, decide which ones you want to keep or toss. Also, decide if there are any that you might want to share with your siblings or other people.Circulate the remains of your pile to the next sibling. Take another pile from the box.As you are sorting through the photos, share stories and memories that come to mind.If you don’t recognize people in the photos, ask your siblings to help identify them. They might recognize relatives you haven’t seen in years.At the end of the extreme decluttering party, take your piles with you.When you get home, organize them in a way that works for you so that you can enjoy them and share them with your kids and grandkids for years to come.How to organize and manage your newly edited photos:Sort piles into various categories that work for you.

I.e., By family, by friends, by decade, by special events, and by trips that you’ve taken.

Label them accordingly.Store in a Vintage Square Photo Boxes. Keep on a floating Shelves so that you can easily share them with family and friends. Frame and hang the special pictures that you want to enjoy every day. You may want to put them into a picture gallery in a hallway or wall that you see every day. Scan, digitize, and store the remaining photos on the drive. Put in folders so you can share them with family and friends.Scanner. I recommend Epson v600 Perfection Scan and put favorites into a special Shutterfly book. Give these as a gift to someone you love. If you are not tech savvy, use a local or online digitizing service like legacybox.comBONUS!!!

When sorting photos, these are recommendations for photos that can be discarded and decluttered,

Printed photos: what NOT to keep.

Duplicate photos or those that look very similar.

(I.e., the same picture taken from a different angle)

Blurry, overexposed, underexposed, or poorly composed photos.Unflattering photos.Photos of old boyfriends or exes, people who bring back bad or sad memories.People and places that you don’t recognize.

If you are looking for a fun way to declutter all of those photos that are sitting around in boxes in your basement or attic, try throwing your own extreme decluttering party this holiday season!

FYI, full disclosure, I am an Amazon affiliate, which means I get a small commission if you purchase an item using my link. But just so you know, it doesn’t change the price that you would otherwise pay if you were to go directly to Amazon.

Are you Ready?

Take that first step and open yourself up to a world of freedom, peace, and fulfillment. Rita has the expertise and tools you need to create a more peaceful and intentional life. From eBooks to online courses and personalized decluttering plans, Rita’s resources are designed to help you achieve your goals and create a life that feels authentically you. So why wait? Start living your best life today with Rita’s lifestyle design and decluttering resources. Remember, the power to live a minimalist lifestyle lies in your hands.

Rita is Live Every Tuesday on Facebook

Never miss an episode of Rita’s weekly Facebook Live broadcast! Click the following link to like Rita’s Facebook page or subscribe to her Decluttering YouTube Channel. Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.

Follow me on social media for more updates:YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTERRita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post How To Throw An Extreme Photo Decluttering Party first appeared on Design Services LTD.