Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 27

4 Words Every Minimalist Should Know

Minimalism is all about simplifying your life by owning less and prioritizing what truly matters to you. One of the key principles of minimalism is decluttering, which involves getting rid of possessions that no longer serve a purpose in your life. To make decluttering easier, it can be helpful to categorize your possessions into four different categories: unused, unwanted, unloved, and unnecessary.

Unused Items: The Dust Collectors

Unused items are possessions that you haven’t used in a while or that have been sitting around collecting dust. These can include clothes that no longer fit, books you’ve already read, or kitchen appliances that you never use. To declutter unused items, take a good look at each item and ask yourself when the last time you used it was. If it’s been more than a few months, it’s probably safe to say that you don’t need it anymore. Consider donating or selling these items to free up space in your home.

Unwanted Items: Dont Bring You Joy

Unwanted items are possessions that you don’t like or that don’t bring you joy. These can include gifts that you’ve received but don’t really like, or clothes that don’t fit your style. To declutter unwanted items, take a moment to reflect on why you don’t like them. Is it because they don’t fit properly, or because they don’t match your personal taste? Once you understand why you don’t want these items, it will be easier to let them go. Consider donating or selling these items to someone who will appreciate them more.

Unloved Items: Lost Their Shine

Unloved items are possessions that you used to love, but that have lost their appeal over time. These can include items that were once trendy, but that are now outdated, or souvenirs from a trip that no longer hold sentimental value. To declutter unloved items, take some time to think about why you used to love them. Is there a specific memory attached to the item, or was it simply a passing phase? Once you’ve identified why you no longer love these items, it will be easier to let them go. Consider donating or selling these items to make room for new things that you truly love.

Unnecessary Items: Things You Dont Need

Unnecessary items are possessions that you simply don’t need. These can include duplicate items or items that you bought on a whim but never ended up using. To declutter unnecessary items, ask yourself if you truly need the item in question. If you have multiple versions of the same item, consider keeping only the one that you use the most. If you bought something on impulse, but have never used it, consider donating or selling it to someone who will get more use out of it.

By categorizing your possessions into these four categories, you can make the decluttering process much easier. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff you own, you can focus on each item individually and decide whether it serves a purpose in your life. Remember, minimalism isn’t about getting rid of everything you own – it’s about prioritizing the things that truly matter to you and letting go of the rest.

Here are a few additional tips to help you get started with decluttering:Start small. If you try to declutter your entire home in one day, you’re likely to get overwhelmed and give up. Instead, start with one room or one category of items (like clothes or books) and work your way up from there.Use the “one in, one out” rule. For every new item you bring into your home, get rid of one old item. This will help prevent clutter from building up again in the future.Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s okay to keep items that don’t fit neatly into one of the four categories above, as long as they bring you joy and serve a purpose in your LifeMore Decluttering Resources Home Decluttering Quick Start Checklist $4.99 Add to cart What Is Your Right Size Home Checklist $4.99 Add to cart Rita’s Checklist Bundle Sale Product on sale $9.99 $7.99 Add to cart Watch Rita on YouTube

This blog is based on one of Ryta’s YouTube videos where she published several videos a week. Check out her channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ritawilkins

Rita 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 4 Words Every Minimalist Should Know first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Decluttering, Downsizing, Or Both?

Should I Declutter? Should I Downsize? 

Are you considering downsizing or decluttering? Do you wonder if you have too much clutter in your life? Do you think you might even simply have more space than you need? How can you decide if downsizing and decluttering are right for you? 

Trust In The Downsizing Designer 

Hi all, it’s Rita – and I’m here to help you answer these sorts of questions. I once lived with too much excess – and now I live a simpler happier life with less! How can you know if the decision to downsize or declutter is the right decision for you? That’s what I’m here to help you figure out. 

Do You Need To Declutter, Downsize, Or Both? 

You may find that you want to declutter your home. You might even want to downsize. Have you considered, though, that it’s possible that one of these options may in fact solve your questions about the other? 

Will You Still Want To Move After You’ve Decluttered Your Home? 

Downsizing is a big decision – and it’s a decision that retirees in particular often find themselves considering. Is it better to move somewhere small and downsize, or should you age in place? One of my clients decided to downsize their home – but they needed to declutter first. After decluttering, however, their perspective on their home changed. 

Learn more about this story in my “Now That We’ve Decluttered, We Don’t Want to Move!” video. 

How Will You See Things Differently Once You Declutter? 

You can learn more about decluttering – including how to get started and how to stay motivated as you declutter – with my helpful minimalist decluttering checklists, online decluttering courses, and other similar tools. Visit the Design Services online store to learn 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 Decluttering, Downsizing, Or Both?  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

3 Reasons to Declutter BEFORE you Retire

Want a simpler life in retirement? Why not Declutter your home right now?

Retirement is a time for relaxation, enjoyment, and spending quality time with loved ones. It’s a time when many people look forward to finally having the time and freedom to pursue their passions and interests. However, for some, retirement can also bring stress and anxiety, especially if they’re surrounded by clutter and excess belongings.

If you’re looking for a way to simplify your life in retirement, one solution may be decluttering your home. While the idea of decluttering can be daunting, the benefits are numerous and can make a huge difference in your quality of life.

Imagine the Impact of Decluttered Home

Imagine opening a drawer, a closet, a box, or a shelf in your home that you’ve decluttered and organized. Everything is in its place, and you can easily find what you need without any frustration or wasted time. It’s a feeling of pure satisfaction and control. Now, imagine that feeling spread throughout your entire home – a home free from the burden of excess stuff and clutter. It’s a feeling of freedom, simplicity, and happiness. This can be your reality if you start decluttering now. Here are three more reasons to declutter before you retire.

1. Immediately Enhance Your Quality of Life

The first reason why decluttering is a good idea is that it can enhance the quality of your life right now. The more stuff you have, the more cluttered your house becomes, and the more stress and anxiety you feel. By decluttering your home, you can prevent tension and conflict in your household and focus on the things that truly matter. A clutter-free home is a form of self-care that allows you to be more productive, focused, and content.

2. It Is a Gift to Your Children

The second reason to declutter before retirement is that it can be a gift to your children. No one wants to think about their own mortality, but it’s important to plan for the future. By decluttering your home now, you can save your kids the stress and burden of having to clean out your home after you’re gone. You can gift your possessions to others, sell them, donate them, or dispose of them in a way that makes sense for you. This gift not only shows your children that you love and care about them but also tells them that you respect their time and feelings.

3. Enjoy More of Your Retirement

Finally, decluttering before retirement means you can relax and enjoy your golden years to the fullest. Once you’ve done the hard work of decluttering, you’ll have more time and energy for the things you love. You can pursue your passions, spend time with loved ones, and explore the world without the weight of excess belongings holding you back. You’ll have more mobility, flexibility, and less responsibility.

A Simpler Life Makes Room for a Fuller Life

So, if you’re looking for a way to simplify your life in retirement, consider decluttering your home. It may be hard work, but the benefits are worth it. You’ll enhance the quality of your life right now, give your children a gift they’ll appreciate for years to come and be able to relax and enjoy your retirement to the fullest. Need some more help? Check out these decluttering resources designed by Rita herself!

What Is Your Right Size Home Checklist $4.99 Add to cart Wake it up, Shake it up Workbook $29.99 Add to cart Quick Start Decluttering Bundle Pack Sale Product on sale $149.00 $99.00 Add to cart Rita is Live Every Tuesday on Facebook

This blog post is based on an episode of Rita’s weekly Facebook Live broadcast. 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 Reasons to Declutter BEFORE you Retire first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Downsizing And Decluttering For A Simpler, Happier Life

Do You Want A Simpler, Happier Life? 

Simplicity and happiness are things that many of us wish for – though we may not know how to achieve a simpler and happier life. What if you were the one holding yourself back from such a life? What if the things you thought you needed were making your life more complicated than it needs to be? 

Learn About Downsizing And Decluttering From The Downsizing Designer 

Hi, it’s Rita – and I’m here to share with you what your life can look like when you choose to downsize and declutter. Once, I lived with too much space and too much clutter. It was only after I went on my own downsizing and decluttering journey that I found I had more money, time, and freedom to live as I chose. 

5 Years Later: Life After Downsizing And Decluttering 

If you’re at the beginning of your own downsizing and decluttering journey, you may feel doubt about how this process will benefit your life. Your Downsizing Designer is here to offer you clarity from the perspective of someone who is living life after downsizing. 

My journey started when I downsized from a 500,000-square-foot home in the country to an 867-square-foot condominium. I also got rid of 95% of my belongings and I can honestly say I have no regrets and I’ve never been happier. 

Want to learn more about what life after downsizing and decluttering looks like? Watch my video “A Downsizing Designer’s Journey to a Simpler and Happier Life.” 

Learn How To Get Started Decluttering, How To Stay Motivated, And More 

You don’t have to start your downsizing and decluttering journey on your own. I’m here to help as your Downsizing Designer. Find the tools you need to get started decluttering when you visit the Design Services online store. I offer easy 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 Downsizing And Decluttering For A Simpler, Happier Life  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

5 Steps to Letting Go of Sentimental Clutter While Keeping Precious Memories

Starting Over and Downsizing in Your 60s

Are you ready to let go of sentimental clutter and start over in your 60s? Downsizing is a popular choice for many baby boomers, and decluttering your home is an important part of the process. If you bring too much stuff with you to your new home, you’ll find yourself feeling cluttered and overwhelmed. But letting go of sentimental items can be a difficult task. You may be afraid to confront these items, which can trigger strong emotions.

Sometimes we avoid these difficult tasks and put our heads in the sand because it’s easier to deny these feelings than it is to confront them. Yet, you keep saying you want to start over and need to declutter.

If you want to succeed, it’s essential to learn how to let go of those sentimental items that you’ve been holding onto and have avoided, letting go of for years.

And there are ways to let go of sentimental items without losing the memories of your loved ones and special moments in your life. To help you with this challenging process, I’ve created a practical 5-step guide: “Lose the clutter, but not the memories”.

Step One: Identify the Type of Clutter That Stops You in Your Tracks

We all have different types of clutter that we find challenging to let go of. Challenging clutter can fall into three categories:

Inherited clutter are items you didn’t acquire yourself but the idea of getting rid of them brings you to tears.Attachment clutter that holds sentimental value–like wedding albums, pictures, albums, and love letters from a deceased spouse.Bargain clutter that you accumulated just because it was a good deal? Understanding the type of clutter that stops you in your tracks is the first step in letting go. For example, shoes, decorations, accessories, or clothing.Step Two: Select One Item That You Are Most Challenged By Letting Go

Hold the item in your hand and ask yourself why it’s so important to you. Acknowledge your feelings, good or bad, and what that item means to you. Once you understand why you’ve held onto it for so long, it becomes easier to let go. For me, one of the most difficult items to declutter was my mother’s collection of tea cups… She had many! We often sat, had tea, and had wonderful conversations.

But realizing I couldn’t keep all of them, I chose to keep just three of my favorites and distributed the others to my sisters and brothers.

Step Three: Ask Yourself How That Item Makes You Feel

Acknowledge the feelings associated with that item, whether it’s love, anger, or resentment. Ask yourself what you think that item means to you and why it’s challenging to let go. For me and my Mother’s teacups, I thought that I would lose my connection to her.

Step Four: Imagine Life Without Being Sentimentally Attached to That Item

Consider how your life would be impacted if you were no longer sentimentally attached to that item. You may feel free of guilt, resentment, or anger. You may also realize that someone else could benefit from that item.

 Step Five: Learn How to Let Go

Take a picture of the item or write a story about why it’s meaningful. Choose just two or three items to keep and donate the rest. Remind yourself that it’s just things and that the memories associated with those items will always be with you. These memories are attached to your heart—not to these objects.

You Got This!

By following these five steps, you can learn to let go of sentimental clutter while keeping the precious memories that go along with them. So, if you’re preparing to downsize, or just want to declutter, give it a try! Remember, it’s not about losing the memories, it’s about creating space for new ones.

Quick Start Decluttering Bundle Pack Sale Product on sale $149.00 $99.00 Add to cart 5 Step Guide To Lose The Clutter But Not The Memories Workbook $29.99 Add to cart Rita is Live Every Tuesday on Facebook

This blog post is based on an episode of Rita’s weekly Facebook Live broadcast. 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 5 Steps to Letting Go of Sentimental Clutter While Keeping Precious Memories first appeared on Design Services LTD.

What Are The Emotional Benefits Of Decluttering?

Downsizing, Decluttering, And Self-Care 

Are you tired of all the stuff cluttering your home? Are you finding it more difficult to maintain the home you have? Do you look around and wonder how you’ll be able to keep up with this home and all your belongings in the future if you’re already having difficulties? 

Here’s the secret you may not know yet: You don’t have to keep any of these things you don’t need, and you don’t even need to keep the extra space you’re not using. 

Hey everyone, it’s Rita again – your Downsizing Designer. I’m here to remind you that improving your life through downsizing and decluttering is always an option. Like me, you may find that you have more money, time, and Freedom to live as you choose once you get rid of the excess. In fact, you may find that there are even emotional benefits to decluttering and downsizing. 

Decluttering And Downsizing Can Be A Form Of Self-Care 

In addition to being a practical choice with the benefits of increasing your time, money, and freedom to live life as you please, decluttering and downsizing can be the choice you need to make to take care of yourself. Self-care means taking care of your mental and emotional health as well as your physical health. 

What Are The Emotional Benefits Of Downsizing And Decluttering? 

When I went on my own downsizing and decluttering journey, I experienced unexpected emotional benefits. Listen to me tell you all about the unexpected emotional benefits I experienced in my video “3 Unexpected Emotional Benefits of Downsizing and Decluttering.” 

Want To Learn More About Downsizing And Decluttering? 

Do you want to declutter your home? Not sure how to get started decluttering? Do you wish there were an easy minimalist decluttering checklist you could follow? Look no further – the Downsizing Designer is here to help. Visit the Design Services online store for easy 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 What Are The Emotional Benefits Of Decluttering?  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

The Importance of Decluttering Your Parents’ Home Before It’s Too Late

Does the amount of your parent’s clutter scare you? It should! As our parents age, many of us will face the difficult task of decluttering their home. Decluttering your parent’s home can be overwhelming, emotional, and time-consuming, but it’s a necessary step to take before it’s too late. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of decluttering your parents’ home, and provide some tips on how to make the process a little easier.

The Emotional Toll of Clutter

When you’re in the midst of decluttering your parents’ home, you’re likely to experience a range of complicated and unexpected emotions. You may feel grief and anger, loss and resentment, guilt, and obligation. In addition to dealing with the emotional loss of your loved ones, you’re also dealing with the physical stuff they left behind.

Walking through their home, you may find many rooms are exactly as they left them – your dad’s razor and shaving cream on the bathroom counter, their toothbrushes and half-empty toothpaste tube next to the sink, the kitchen cabinets filled with chipped coffee mugs and mismatched glassware. It can be a lot to handle, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

Creating a Plan

Looking back, you may wish you had talked to your parents about decluttering before it all happened so suddenly. You may wish you had taken the time to listen to their stories about family pieces that meant so much to them and created a plan with them and your siblings to understand their intentions and wishes for certain pieces.

If your parents are still living in the same big house and you get scared every time you see all of their clutter, it’s not too late. Talk to them now. Don’t wait. Ask if you can work with them to clear the clutter while you still have the opportunity. These conversations will help prevent family upset and sibling rivalry later on.

Tips for Decluttering

If your parents have passed away or are now seriously ill, you’ll have to tackle the decluttering process on your own. Here are some tips to make it a little easier:

Talk to your parents and adult kids. Let them know your intentions and find out what your parents’ intentions are for passing certain things on to the next generation.Tell stories about pieces that are meaningful and why.Involve your siblings in conversations about items each would like to inherit and those they have no interest in.Create a plan for decluttering, dispersing, and disposing of items. This plan will help prevent making decisions under stress and during emergencies.Get your adult kids on board to help.

If you have time and your parents are still alive, take the time now to address the clutter so the clean-out can take place over a period of time. This will give you time to carefully weigh what’s trash or treasure.

Inheriting the Biggest Transfer of Wealth and Stuff in US History

Over the next 10 years, tens of millions of adult children will be tasked with decluttering their parents’ homes. American adult children will inherit the biggest transfer of wealth in US history, but they will also inherit the biggest amount of “stuff” in US history.

For the most part, younger generations do not want most of their parents’ stuff because it’s not to their taste and they’re choosing to live with less. That’s why the amount of stuff in your parents’ home right now should scare you because you’re likely the one who will have to deal with it if you don’t get them to declutter now.

Embrace the Moment

Finally, it’s important to remember that decluttering your parents’ home is not just about getting rid of stuff. It’s also an opportunity to reconnect with memories and find new ways to preserve them.

Rita is Live Every Tuesday on Facebook

This blog post is based on an episode of Rita’s weekly Facebook Live broadcast. 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.

VISIT  OUR ONLINE SHOP

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 The Importance of Decluttering Your Parents’ Home Before It’s Too Late first appeared on Design Services LTD.

How to Help Declutter Your Parents’ Home Before They Die

By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer

There’s always more than one side to a story.

That’s why it’s important to have conversations and listen to each other’s points of view so you can learn from each other and come up with mutually agreeable solutions.

What am I referring to?

How can you help your parents declutter their home before they die… so you can…

Prevent the need for the BIG CLEAN OUT once they’re gone… much of which can be done beforehand.Have all participate in the decision-making and the decluttering process itself… lighten the physical and emotional load.Avoid family battles, sibling, rivalry, and hard feelings, that impact the family, often for many years. 

A few months ago, I was asked to speak at a conference about decluttering for baby boomers, one of the subjects in my book, Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle.

After I spoke, and during the book signing event, I had 2 separate conversations that made me realize how painful this topic is for both the adult children and the aging parents.

And that this hot topic not only needs to be addressed but solutions are also needed to be offered.

Conversation #1 (mid 30’s male)

A young man in his mid-30s approached me and said, every time I bring up the subject of decluttering and downsizing with my parents, they get extremely defensive, and it often escalates into a big argument.

He said they became outraged and refused to talk about the subject even though I told them that I am more than willing to help them with the entire process.

He was hurt and frustrated because he wants to help them with the huge task while they were still alive and able to help with the decision-making.

But they just won’t listen!

Downsize your sentimental clutter.

Sign up to download our 5-step guide and worksheet right now.

Conversation #2 (retired baby boomer couple)

At the same conference, a retired baby boomer couple told me that they know they need to declutter and ultimately downsize, but they are overwhelmed with the physical and emotional task of decluttering a lifetime of possessions.

They wish their kids would offer to help, but when the topic comes up, they show little or no interest, because they are so busy with their own lives.

The couple was frustrated, disappointed, and quietly annoyed because they know that once they are gone, much of their prized possessions will just get put in a dumpster with little or no regard for their wishes.

They are also concerned that there will be family disputes among their children so they wish they could find a way to work together while they are still healthy and able to help make decisions about their own things.

But they just don’t care! 

2 different sides to the same problem:

How to help parents declutter their home before they die. 

Avoiding the conversation altogether is a big mistake. It just doesn’t work.

The reality: your parents will die and there will be a lot to do to clean out their home when they’re gone.

No one likes to discuss it, but avoiding the subject and postponing the conversation will only make matters worse when that day comes.

How do you get your parents on board to discuss decluttering their home? And…How do you get your adult kids on board to consider lending a hand with your decluttering?

I’ve created 2 separate PDFs, to help you start these conversations: 

PDF #1: How to Get Your PARENTS on Board to Talk About Decluttering Before They Die

PDF #2: How to Get Your KIDS on Board to Help with Decluttering Before You Die

If you would like a copy of either one or both of these PDFs to get the conversation going, please email me at ritawilkins@ritawilkins.com

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.

VISIT  OUR ONLINE SHOP

Follow me on social media for more updates:YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTERThe post How to Help Declutter Your Parents’ Home Before They Die first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Decluttering Tips: How To Get Started

Want To Learn Decluttering Tips And Tricks? 

Decluttering your home may seem like an insurmountable task. You’re overwhelmed by the sheer amount of clutter, by the time you think it will take, or by the fact that you don’t even know how to get started. You don’t have to go through your decluttering journey on your own, though. The Downsizing Designer is here with decluttering tips and tricks. 

Hi, it’s Rita again. As you begin your own decluttering journey, I’m here to lend a helping hand. I’ve used my personal experience and the knowledge I’ve gained helping others as the declutter to gather decluttering tips, tricks, and advice in online decluttering courses that are available now. 

How Do I Get Started Decluttering? 

Perhaps the trickiest part when it comes to decluttering is learning how to get started. I’ll let you in on a secret – it’s much easier to get started decluttering when you’ve found the right decluttering method. 

What’s The Right Decluttering Method? 

The answer to what the right decluttering method is is different from person to person. That’s why it is so crucial to pick the method that is right for you and that suits your priorities. For example, these are my 3 most popular decluttering methods: 

The ABC Decluttering Method – Focuses on going through clutter item by item. The Burst Decluttering Method – Lets you structure the time you spend decluttering. The Room-by-Room Method – Allows you to declutter room-by-room. 

Is one of these methods the right method for you? Take my online courses and find 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 Decluttering Tips: How To Get Started  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Downsizing and Starting Over After Divorce

By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer

Divorce is never easy, but unfortunately, many of us have gone through it. It’s such an emotional time and you’re not always thinking clearly. Many important decisions need to be made during this time, one of which is figuring out how to identify all of the stuff and joint assets you have accumulated during the marriage.

The reality is that it’s important to not just declutter the physical space… the furniture artwork, etc., but to also declutter the mental space so you can start over after a divorce.

Why it’s important to declutter both the physical and mental space?

1. It’s best to declutter now rather than living with the constant reminders and negative memories of stuff you’ve accumulated over the years together.

2. Pare down and purge stuff that triggers negative emotions and surround yourself with only things that make you happy and that you care about.

3. An organized new home will bring the peace and calm you are needing in the midst of the storm of emotions associated with divorce.

4. Decluttering can give you a sense of freedom, and a new opportunity to start fresh. You’ll feel lighter, unencumbered, and more in control of your own life.

How to get started letting go of physical and emotional clutter.

1. Start with items that trigger strong emotions,

Sell, gift, donate, or dispose of …

Gifts given to you by your ex-spouse such as:

Wedding rings, engagement, and anniversary jewelryMaster bedroom furnitureClothing and accessories

2. Room-by-room and category-by-category , keep purging items that impact you negatively.

3. Put aside items you’re not ready to let go of yet.

If possible, put them in a place you can’t see them so they can’t stop you.

Come back to them at another time.

4. Keep items you will need.

Be practical. Divorce is expensive so you may not be able to immediately afford to replace certain items, so hold onto them for now, for example, bedding and furniture.

5. Keep items that you value

Special pieces of furniture, artwork, accessories, and things that will bring good memories to your new home.

6. Keep in mind your new living, space and possible space limitations.

If your newly downsized home is smaller, don’t take more than what you’ll need or will use. You do not want to clutter your new home.

While divorce is an unfortunate chapter in your life, it’s also a time to reimagine and rebuild a new life.

Decluttering your physical and emotional stuff is cathartic.

It’s an opportunity to discover a new life with less stuff but more happiness.

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