Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 3

When Stuff Keeps Sneaking In: How to Create Boundaries That Protect Your Space

You declutter. You organize. You simplify. 
And yet—new stuff keeps showing up. 
Gifts. Amazon orders. School papers. Hobby supplies. Souvenirs. Sales you couldn’t resist. 

If it feels like your home has a revolving door, you’re not alone. 

This blog is for when the clutter isn’t old—it’s new. It’s incoming. It’s the result of life still happening. Today we’re talking about how to build gentle but firm boundaries that protect your space long after the purge is done. 

Whether you’re Martin craving a clean perimeter, Grace seeking emotional breathing room, or Jess defending your design vision—this blog will help you reclaim your space without becoming a minimalist monk. 

For Martin: Set Systems That Auto-Filter the Flow 

You love logic. So let’s build containment into your inputs. 

Try this: 

Set a “stuff budget.” How many items can come into your home in a week? A month? Use this as a metric—not just for money, but volume. Use gatekeeper zones. Create a “landing strip” for all incoming items—mail, deliveries, schoolwork. Review it once per day before anything moves deeper into your space. Add a “Review Before Keep” bin to every high-flow area (kitchen counter, entry table, office). If it hasn’t been acted on in 48 hours, it likely doesn’t need to stay. 

Systems remove emotion from the process—and make decisions faster and easier. 

For Grace: Give Yourself Permission to Pause and Filter 

You want to be gracious. You value generosity, connection, and hospitality. That’s beautiful—but sometimes it leads to emotional overflow in your home. 

Gifts. Hand-me-downs. Sentimental heirlooms. All are meaningful, but not all are needed. 

Try this: 

Say thank you—then edit later. Gratitude doesn’t equal obligation. You can be thankful for a gift and still donate it later. Set “emotional boundaries” for spaces. Example: one bin for kids’ art, one shelf for keepsakes, one drawer for sentimental papers. When it’s full, you curate—not accumulate. Use your values as a filter. Does this item support the kind of home I’m trying to build? If not, release it lovingly. 

You don’t have to keep everything to honor the moment it came from. 

For Jess: Protect Your Aesthetic Without Losing Personality 

You love self-expression. But when your space starts to feel visually noisy, your creative energy dips. 

Try this: 

Use visual volume limits. Decide how many objects can live on each surface—based on size and shape. Example: 3 objects on the dresser, 1 framed piece on each shelf. Build a “rotate out” basket. When you love everything but it doesn’t all fit, rotate seasonally or by mood. That way you get creative refresh without clutter buildup. Apply the gallery wall principle. Not everything needs to be seen at once. Spotlight what sings now, and let the rest rest. 

Protecting your visual environment is an act of self-respect—not restriction. 

Universal Boundaries That Protect Your Space 

No matter your personality, these boundaries help you stay decluttered: 

Container Rule: Set a physical limit. When the bin/shelf/drawer is full, something has to go before anything new comes in. Waiting Period: For purchases, use a 24-hour rule (or 7 days for bigger items). For sentimental items, give them a temporary “limbo bin” before assigning a permanent spot. One In, One Out: The golden rule of maintenance. Bring in a new candle? One old one goes. Got a new jacket? Donate one you no longer wear. Quarterly Space Review: Once per season, walk through your home and look for “inflow clutter”—the stuff you didn’t notice creeping in. Reset zones before they overflow. 

Need help creating your own systems? The Essential Checklists Workbook offers customizable tools for all life areas. And Rita’s 5 in 5 series keeps you inspired week after week. 

Decluttering Isn’t One-and-Done—It’s a Living Practice 

You’re not failing if clutter sneaks back in. Life moves. People change. Seasons shift. The key isn’t perfect control—it’s compassionate boundaries. 

With simple rhythms and clear thresholds, you don’t just declutter once. You stay clear, calm, and grounded—no matter what life brings through the front door. 

 

The post When Stuff Keeps Sneaking In: How to Create Boundaries That Protect Your Space  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

But What If I Forget? How to Let Go of Your Child’s Artwork Without Losing the Memories

I still remember the day I opened a dusty box labeled “My Boys’ Artwork.”
It had been tucked away in the back of a closet for years.

Inside were crayon-scribbled family portraits, painted paper plates turned into masks, and a folded construction paper card that read: “Happy Mother’s Day to the best mom ever.”

Suddenly, I was 34 again—sitting at the kitchen table with my two little boys, talking about school and preschool, their giggles filling the room.

How could I let any of it go?

And yet—I knew I had to.
Not because I didn’t love it… but because I did.

I was carrying boxes of memories from house to house, and they were beginning to weigh me down more than lift me up.

Why Is It So Hard to Let Go of Kids’ Artwork?

Letting go of children’s artwork is one of the most emotional parts of decluttering. You’re not just sorting paper… you’re holding pieces of your child’s growing-up years.

Many of my viewers—especially moms—have asked:
“What do I do with all my kids’ artwork?”

Letting go can feel like erasing their love, discarding their creativity, or losing proof that you were there for every stage of their lives.

But here’s the truth:

💡 The love is not in the paper.
It’s in the experience. The connection. The moment.

You don’t have to keep every drawing to honor that love.

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. It means curating what matters most—and releasing the rest with intention.

6 Heart-Centered Steps to Let Go of Your Child’s Artwork1. Set the Intention

Before you begin, take a deep breath and remind yourself why you’re doing this.
You’re not erasing the past—you’re making space for the present and the future.

Decluttering is an act of love:
For your peace of mind, your home, and your legacy.

2. Gather Everything in One Place

Collect every box, folder, or drawer where you’ve stored their artwork.

Seeing the full volume may be overwhelming—or even shocking. But it gives you clarity and empowers more intentional decisions.

3. Touch Each Piece and Remember the Story

Give yourself permission to feel. Pick up each item and hold it in your hands.

Ask yourself:

Did they give it to me with pride?Was it a school project, art show, or birthday surprise?Did it make me laugh or cry?

This emotional processing helps you detach with gratitude.

4. Curate, Don’t Collect

Choose a small number of favorites to keep—set a clear limit.
Create a time capsule or designate one folder per child.

Ask:

Does this capture a specific stage or personality trait?Would I frame this or display it proudly?Would my now-adult child want this one day?5. Digitize the Rest

Take high-quality photos before letting go.
Create a digital slideshow, cloud archive, or print a keepsake book using services like Shutterfly.

This lets you preserve the memories without the mess.

6. Let Go with a Loving Ritual

Mark the moment. Light a candle. Say thank you out loud.
Write a short note to your child—or to your past self.

Letting go with intention brings peace and closure.

Real Stories from My Viewers

🖼️ The Scrapbook Solution

“I kept everything, thinking my daughter would want it. When she moved out, she said, ‘Mom, I don’t want a box of stick figures!’
So I chose 20 of my favorites, scanned them, and made a scrapbook called Mom’s Favorite Art Moments.
She cried when I gave it to her.”

🎨 The Grandkid Gallery

“I framed a few paintings and hung them in the guestroom where my grandkids sleep. It’s a tribute to their parents’ creativity—and a reminder that they were once kids too.”

🧡 A Shared Memory Session

“I invited my daughter to help me choose which pieces to keep. She was reluctant at first—but touched that I had saved them. She chose several to keep and said she wanted to share them with her own children someday.”

What You’re Really Keeping

Letting go of your child’s artwork isn’t about discarding memories.
It’s about curating a meaningful collection—and releasing guilt, fear, or overwhelm.

When you release the clutter, you make room to truly cherish what matters most.

✨ You’ll never forget the joy of little hands handing you a masterpiece with glue still wet.
You were there. You loved deeply. And that love doesn’t live in a box—it lives in you.

One Final Thought

You don’t have to keep every paper to prove you’re a good mother.
You already were. You still are.

Your child’s artwork will live on in your heart, your stories… and maybe even on your walls.

SHARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

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 | TWITTER

The post But What If I Forget? How to Let Go of Your Child’s Artwork Without Losing the Memories first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Maintaining a Decluttered Home: How to Build Daily Rhythms That Stick

 

Decluttering is powerful. But maintaining a decluttered space—that’s transformational. 

Too many people do the hard work of clearing the clutter, only to find it slowly creeps back in. The secret to staying clutter-free isn’t constant cleaning. It’s rhythm. It’s building simple, repeatable habits that keep your space aligned with your values. 

This week’s post is all about what happens after the purge. Whether you’re Martin craving a system, Grace seeking peace, or Jess looking to protect your visual harmony, these daily rhythms will help your home stay beautifully clear—without the burnout. 

Let’s make organization part of your life, not just a weekend project. 

For Martin: Systems That Run Themselves 

You thrive when there’s a process. You want systems that make sense and don’t rely on willpower. Daily rhythms give you mental efficiency, structure, and repeatable wins. 

Here’s how to create decluttering rhythms that run on autopilot: 

The “reset” rule: Every night, spend 5–10 minutes resetting high-traffic zones (kitchen, entryway, desk). Make it part of your shutdown routine. The “one in, one out” rule: When something new enters your home, something else exits. This keeps clutter from accumulating silently. The “30-second decision” rule: If you touch it, decide immediately: keep, trash, donate, relocate. Don’t let decisions pile up. 

Track your rhythms in a way that works for you—checklists, reminders, even voice notes. The key is consistency over complexity. 

Need a tool that brings all your decluttering routines together? Try Rita’s Essential Checklists Workbook to structure your daily, weekly, and seasonal resets. 

For Grace: Home-Centered Rituals That Bring You Peace 

You want your home to feel peaceful, welcoming, and emotionally safe. You’re not chasing perfection—you’re looking for presence. 

Daily rhythms for you should feel soothing, not like another item on a list. 

Try this emotional approach to clutter maintenance: 

Create “closing rituals” for your spaces. Blow out a candle at night in the living room, fluff pillows, turn off lights with intention. These micro-actions mark emotional transitions. Build decluttering into care tasks. While folding laundry, pull out worn-out socks. When prepping food, toss expired pantry items. Connect decluttering to nurturing. Name your mood when you tidy. Ask: What do I want this room to feel like today? Let your answer guide what stays visible and what gets tucked away. 

These simple rituals turn your home into a responsive environment—one that serves your emotional rhythm, not disrupts it. 

For Jess: Aesthetic Maintenance Without the Overwhelm 

You’re drawn to beauty and energy. But even you know that when your home gets visually overloaded, your creativity stalls. 

You don’t want to clean constantly—but you do want your space to stay inspiring. 

Build your visual rhythm like a styling routine: 

“One surface, once a day.” Pick one focal area—your coffee table, your desk, your nightstand—and visually reset it every day. Swap a candle. Restyle a tray. Let the space breathe. Create a “reset shelf.” When a display or decor moment feels stale, remove it and place it on a designated shelf to rotate back later. This keeps your space fresh without overstuffing. Edit your visuals weekly. Each Sunday, scan your main spaces for visual noise. Clear what doesn’t feel aligned with your current mood or season. 

Need fresh visual energy weekly? Rita’s 5 in 5 weekly series offers quick resets you can apply in just minutes a day. 

Three Universal Rhythms for Every Persona 

No matter your style or priority, these three rhythms help any home stay lighter: 

The Nightly Reset (5–10 minutes): Put items back in place Clear main surfaces Prep for tomorrow (bags, meals, keys) The Weekly Focus Zone: Pick one area: a drawer, cabinet, closet, or corner Declutter for 10–15 minutes Either organize or simplify—based on need The Seasonal Review: Reassess storage, aesthetics, and excess Donate, rotate, or discard Refresh containers or update your visual zones 

These rhythms don’t demand perfection. They support flow. 

Maintenance Isn’t About Controlling Your Home—It’s About Letting It Support You 

The most powerful thing about building decluttering rhythms is this: your home becomes an active partner in your well-being. 

Martin feels calm because things are where they belong. Grace feels peace because her home reflects care. Jess feels energized because her space supports her vibe. 

And you? You get to live in a space that doesn’t just look good—but feels like it fits your life. 

Let your home breathe with you—not just after a big cleanup, but every single day. 

The post Maintaining a Decluttered Home: How to Build Daily Rhythms That Stick  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Simple Living: The Quiet but Powerful Rebellion

Less is more… and better!

What if the key to a more fulfilling life isn’t more?
More clothes. More commitments. More square footage.

What if the peace we’re all craving actually comes from less?
Less noise. Less distraction. Less stuff.

In a world constantly shouting, “More is better,” simplicity is a quiet and intentional rebellion.
It’s brave. It’s bold. And for many of us, it’s the first step toward true freedom.

On National Simplicity Day, we honor the life of Henry David Thoreau, who passionately advocated for a simpler, more deliberate way of living—and we’re encouraged to do the same.

Simplicity isn’t just a lifestyle.

It’s a design principle I’ve embraced for years as an interior designer—and now, as the Downsizing Designer.

In home design, we use white space, symmetry, and intentional editing to create calm, beauty, and balance.

Why not do the same in our lives?

Here’s what designing for simplicity might look like:A home that quietly supports your lifestyle rather than overwhelming itA calendar that actually has breathing roomA wardrobe with fewer, high-quality pieces that you love to wear

Simplicity is intentional.
It’s not about doing without.
It’s about being selective—choosing what to let in.

Less, but better.

5 Ways to Simplify Your Life—Starting Now

You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Start with micro-moves.

1. Design your day like you’d design a room.
Begin with what matters.
Remove the excess.
Focus only on what belongs.

2. Ask: “Does this support the life I truly want?”
If it doesn’t align with the simple life you’re creating, thank it—and let it go.

3. Give yourself white space.
Designers leave intentional open space in a layout.
You can do the same with your schedule.
Not every hour needs to be booked.

4. Declutter your digital life.
Be intentional about your attention.
Unsubscribe. Mute. Unfollow.
A cluttered phone leads to a cluttered mind.

5. Simplify one category.
Start with books. Or shoes. Or that infamous junk drawer.
Don’t tackle the whole house—small wins build momentum.

The Simple Living Test

Ask yourself:

What am I holding onto that no longer fits?What am I saying “yes” to that’s really a “no”?What part of my life is too loud and wants to be quieter?

Simplicity is more than clearing space.
It’s reclaiming your time, your values, your happiness… and your peace.

It’s about intentionally choosing what fits you right now.

An Invitation

You don’t need to move to the woods like Thoreau did.
You don’t need to throw everything away and start from scratch.

Just start.
Maybe it’s one drawer. One shelf.
Or one decision that propels you forward.

You don’t need more.
You need less—and that’s better.

That’s simple living.
A quiet, but powerful rebellion.

Want to join me?

SHARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

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 | TWITTERThe post Simple Living: The Quiet but Powerful Rebellion first appeared on Design Services LTD.

How to Declutter When You Love Everything

You’ve read the books. You’ve watched the shows. You want to declutter—but every time you try, you stop mid-sort, surrounded by items that feel too personal, too expensive, or too beautiful to let go. 

You don’t have a “stuff” problem. You have a meaning problem. 

This blog isn’t about getting ruthless. It’s about honoring the reasons you hold on—and gently guiding you through the emotional, logical, and aesthetic blocks that keep you stuck. 

Because when you love everything, it’s time to look deeper into what you value most. 

For Grace: You Feel Attached Because You’re Emotionally Present 

You see the meaning behind your things. That candle reminds you of your sister. That dress holds a memory from a beautiful trip. The box of birthday cards? Pure love on paper. 

Decluttering for you can feel like betrayal. But it doesn’t have to. 

Instead of asking “Do I love this?” try: 

Does this still serve me now? Is this memory inside the object—or inside me? Would I choose to bring this into my life today? 

Honor the memory, but release the burden. Take a photo. Write about the experience. Then give the object a beautiful goodbye. 

Try this practice: Create a small “Legacy Shelf”—a single, visible place where 5–7 deeply meaningful items live. If it doesn’t fit there, it may not be serving your present. 

For Martin: You Keep Things for Good Reasons (But Too Many of Them) 

You value logic, practicality, and function. You might not feel emotionally attached to items—but you feel responsible for them. 

“I might need this one day.” “It still works.” “That cost too much to just toss.” 

The challenge? These are all technically valid. But they don’t answer the real question: What’s the cost of keeping it? 

Try a containment rule: Give yourself a box or bin for each category of “just in case” items. Once it’s full, no new additions unless something else goes. 

Use logic to support letting go: 

How often have I used this in the past year? Would I even remember I have this if I needed it? What’s the worst-case scenario if I didn’t have it? 

Rita’s Essential Checklists Workbook includes decision frameworks to help cut through this kind of mental clutter. 

For Jess: You Love the Vibe (But the Volume Is Getting in the Way) 

You’re not holding on for function or nostalgia—you’re holding on for potential. Every item in your space was chosen for its texture, mood, or story. Your home is your canvas. 

But when everything has a story, nothing gets to shine. 

Visual overwhelm blocks creativity. Curating is not rejection—it’s editing for impact. 

Reframe decluttering as styling. Ask yourself: 

Does this support the current energy of my space? Is this enhancing the vibe—or interrupting it? What if I just rotated this out for a while? 

Create a “style archive” bin where you store off-season or excess decor. When the seasons change, so can your palette. 

Need visual motivation? Rita’s 5 in 5 weekly series offers fast styling resets to keep the creativity flowing without the clutter pileup. 

A Values-First Decluttering Framework 

Whether you identify most with Grace, Martin, or Jess, the way forward is the same: let your values guide what stays. 

Try this 3-step method: 

Name your core values for your home. 
(Comfort, creativity, order, peace, hospitality, ease…) Assess each item against that value. 
Does this object actively support that value right now? Keep what aligns. Release what doesn’t. 
Let it go with gratitude. Not because it’s bad—but because your life has shifted. 

Decluttering doesn’t mean detachment. It means refinement. And it means you’re paying attention to what you need most now. 

When You Love Everything, Start With What You Love Most 

Don’t start with guilt or “shoulds.” Start with your favorite corner. Style it with only the items that light you up. Then work outward. 

That joy, clarity, and breathing room you feel? That’s your new standard. 

Let everything else fall into place—or fall away. 

The post How to Declutter When You Love Everything  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Break Free from a Lifetime of Clutter: Let Freedom Ring!

Clutter. It’s something we can all relate to, right?

Whether it’s the physical clutter that overwhelms our homes, the mental clutter that prevents us from focusing, or the emotional clutter that weighs us down, each type holds us back. It keeps us from freely living our best lives.

That’s why it’s so important to prioritize decluttering—not just your stuff, but also old habits, negative attitudes, and self-limiting beliefs.

The good news? You have the power to change. To break free from a lifetime of clutter and make room for a new chapter filled with what matters most to you.

How Decluttering Changed My Life

My own decluttering journey was transformational. It changed my life. I realized that all of my clutter was holding me back—preventing me from creating the life I truly wanted.

But once I learned to let go—not just of the physical clutter, but the mental and emotional clutter too—I experienced a sense of freedom I’d never felt before.

The downsizing and decluttering journey wasn’t always easy. There were many moments of self-doubt. But with each small step forward, I gained confidence in my ability to choose only the things—and beliefs—that mattered most to me.

And that’s what I hope for you… to discover the freedom that comes from letting go of a lifetime of clutter, so you can celebrate your own independence—and let freedom ring.

To inspire you on your journey, I’ve created five easy-to-follow steps with “before and after” stories, so you too can experience what freedom from clutter really looks and feels like.

1. Physical Clutter: Declutter Your Home

Before:
You walk into your bedroom and feel overwhelmed by piles of clothes, papers, and random stuff that doesn’t belong there. It’s nearly impossible to relax or get a good night’s sleep.

After:
You enter your calm, clutter-free bedroom that looks and feels like a sanctuary. Everything has a place. It holds only the essentials and a few meaningful things you love. It’s the perfect space for rest and renewal.

Freedom:
A decluttered, organized space invites peace, clarity, and calm.
Start with the area of your home that overwhelms you most. Choose a small section—one drawer, one shelf, one closet. Ask yourself: Do I use it? Do I love it? Would I choose it again? If not, let it go.

2. Time Clutter: Declutter Your Schedule

Before:
Your calendar is packed with “shoulds,” “have-tos,” and obligations you said yes to out of habit, guilt, or pressure. You feel constantly rushed with no time for yourself or the things that matter.

After:
You’ve cleared your schedule and made space for what’s important to you—quiet mornings, daily walks, dinners with family—all without guilt.

Freedom:
Simplify your daily commitments to make room for what matters.
Review your calendar:

What drains you?What energizes you?
Say yes only to what aligns with your values—and no to what doesn’t.3. Emotional Clutter: Declutter Your Relationships

Before:
Some relationships leave you feeling drained or small. You feel unseen, unappreciated, or disrespected.

After:
You’ve created boundaries and chosen to invest in relationships that uplift and support you. You feel valued, heard, and loved by the people in your life.

Freedom:
Let go of toxic, one-sided, or unhealthy relationships.
Surround yourself with those who truly care about and believe in you.
Stop holding on out of guilt, habit, or fear.
Today, reach out to someone who builds you up—and step back from someone who doesn’t.

4. Mental Clutter: Declutter Your Mind

Before:
Your inner voice whispers: You’re not good enough. You’ll never get organized. You’ll never change.

After:
You’ve started challenging those limiting beliefs. You’re replacing negative self-talk with empowering thoughts:
I can. I will.

Freedom:
Let go of the stories that no longer serve you.
Start with awareness—then rewrite the narrative.

5. Purpose Clutter: Declutter Anything Not Aligned with Your Vision

Before:
You’re chasing goals that don’t really matter to you, saying yes to what leaves you feeling empty, unfulfilled, and off-course.

After:
You’ve let go of others’ expectations and reconnected with your own values. Now you’re living with purpose—aligned with what matters most to you.

Freedom:
Define what a meaningful, purposeful life looks like—for you.
Ask:

What stays? (It aligns with your goals and values.)What goes? (It doesn’t.)

Curate your choices and habits around the life you truly want to live.

In the end, breaking free from clutter is about so much more than letting go of stuff.

It’s about freedom.It’s about liberating yourself from anything that holds you back.It’s about making space for what truly matters.

Let freedom ring—starting today.

SHARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

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 | TWITTERThe post Break Free from a Lifetime of Clutter: Let Freedom Ring! first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Don’t Wait to Downsize: The One Decision That Could Change Your Next Chapter

For many Baby Boomers, downsizing is something we plan to do “someday.”

But here’s the thing:
Waiting too long to downsize can cost you more than just space.
It can cost you time, money, energy—and missed opportunities.

If you’ve been thinking about simplifying your life, now is the time to do it.
Downsizing isn’t just about getting rid of stuff—it’s about making room for what truly matters in your next chapter.

1. Downsizing Gives You More Freedom… Now!

One of the most common things I hear from my clients and followers is:
“Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

When your home is filled with unused rooms, endless maintenance, and closets bursting with things you haven’t touched in years, it’s no longer just clutter…
It’s a burden.

Downsizing to a smaller space frees you from:

The mental weight of too much stuffThe financial strain of heating, cooling, and maintaining unused spaceThe emotional stress of procrastinating and living with “I’ll get to it someday” boxes

And what do you get instead?

PeaceBreathing roomWhite space on your calendarFreedom and time to say yes to new opportunities and adventures2. You’re in Control—and You Get to Do It on Your Own Terms

One of the most loving things you can do for yourself—and for your loved ones—is to declutter and downsize before you have to.

Let’s face it: life happens.
Waiting until a life event forces the decision to downsize—such as a sudden illness, a fall, or the loss of a spouse—often makes the process far more emotional and overwhelming.

But when you downsize proactively, you’re in the driver’s seat.
You get to decide:

What to keep, donate, pass on, or discardWhere and how you want to live nextHow your new home can reflect your next chapter, not your previous one3. Letting Go of Stuff Opens the Door to What Really Matters

Let’s be honest:
Much of what we hold onto isn’t about function—it’s about emotion, memories, and fear of regret.

But here’s the powerful mindset shift:
Downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading.

It doesn’t mean you’re losing—it means you’re choosing.
You get to choose what you want to bring with you… and what kind of life you want to create.

You’re not just making space in your home—you’re making space in your mind, heart, and calendar so you can:

Travel moreSpend quality time with the people you loveSay yes to opportunities—without feeling tied down by your thingsWhat If Downsizing Is the Fresh Start You’ve Been Looking For?

What if that one decision—to let go of a home that no longer serves you or your current needs—could lead to:

A smaller home with less maintenance, less expense, and more joyA move closer to family, friends, or your favorite placesA lighter, freer version of yourself—ready to live life on the skinny branches and welcome what’s next

Downsizing isn’t the end of an era.
It’s the beginning of something beautiful.

Don’t Wait for the Perfect Time

Start where you are.
Start small.
But just start.

Excited? Ready to Begin Your Downsizing Journey?

If you’re curious about how to get started—and stay motivated—check out my Minimalist Essentials Workbook and Planner.

It’s a 60-page all-in-one decluttering guide packed with:

ChecklistsFun 30-day challengesCalendarsProgress trackersA list of 100 places to donate

Available for just $19.99 through the link below or on my website.

I know you’ll find it to be a gentle, encouraging companion to help you move forward—without regret.

And that next chapter you’ve been dreaming about?

It’s much closer than you think.

SHARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

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 | TWIThe post Don’t Wait to Downsize: The One Decision That Could Change Your Next Chapter first appeared on Design Services LTD.

The Summer Edit: Declutter Your Life, Not Just Your Home

Summer is the season of expansion—longer days, looser schedules, and open invitations. But when your calendar, phone, mind, and suitcase are all packed too full, even the sunshine starts to feel heavy. 

That’s where the Summer Edit comes in. 

This isn’t a full home overhaul. It’s a mid-year moment to pause and ask: What’s actually essential right now? What would feel lighter if you let it go—not just from your home, but from your habits, your digital life, and especially your suitcase? 

Let’s take a minimalist lens to summer living and travel. Because you deserve clarity, ease, and space to breathe. 

Step 1: Declutter Your Time, Not Just Your Things 

For Martin: You thrive on systems—but summer often disrupts your rhythm. Now’s the time to clean up your calendar like you would a cluttered closet. 

Cancel or postpone recurring meetings or activities that no longer serve your goals. Block out “white space” on your schedule to rest, reset, or think deeply. Build one day per week with zero commitments—just open room for what matters most. 

For Grace: You might feel torn between saying yes to everyone and honoring your own need for peace. Let go of obligations that no longer align with your values. 

Say no with kindness—and clarity. A “Summer Edit” can mean fewer events, but deeper connection. 

For Jess: You follow energy and vibe. Use that instinct to prune your calendar visually: color-code or print your week and highlight what energizes you. If anything feels heavy or cluttered—let it go. 

Step 2: Declutter Your Digital Life for Mental Space 

Digital clutter can be just as exhausting as physical mess—especially when notifications and distractions are constant. 

Quick Digital Declutters: 

Unsubscribe from 10 email lists in 10 minutes. Delete unused apps from your phone. Organize your camera roll: favorite your best photos, delete the rest. Set screen time limits for social media. 

Martin: Use folders and labels to keep files organized by function. Apply the same logic to your desktop that you use for your drawers. 
Grace: Let go of saved messages or screenshots that no longer hold meaning. 
Jess: Curate your digital space like a gallery—clean, focused, inspiring. 

Need accountability? The Essential Checklists Workbook includes room-by-room (and even digital) reset tools to guide your momentum. 

Step 3: Declutter Your Travel Style—Minimalist Packing for Summer Freedom 

This is where minimalism really matters. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a long-haul flight, overpacking is a form of clutter that follows you. 

A minimalist packing mindset frees you up for adventure, spontaneity, and clarity on the go. 

For Martin: Systemize the Suitcase 

Create a reusable packing checklist categorized by trip type. Use packing cubes to create visual zones (clothes, gear, toiletries). Stick to neutrals and layering pieces for maximum flexibility. 

For Grace: Pack With Heart 

Choose pieces that serve multiple purposes and make you feel like yourself. Carry a journal, favorite scarf, or book that roots you. Leave space in your bag—emotionally and literally—for new experiences. 

For Jess: Style With Restraint 

Pick a signature palette for the trip and build from there. Bring a few expressive accessories, but don’t overstuff your bag with options. Curate your travel toiletries and makeup like you would style a shelf: minimal, beautiful, purposeful. 

Minimalist Travel Essentials: 

One weekender bag or carry-on 2 bottoms, 4 tops, 1 outer layer, 1 pair of shoes A slim pouch with travel documents, headphones, and one “personal ritual” item A compact, clear toiletries bag with TSA-approved essentials 

Want more weekly inspiration to pack and prep like a minimalist? Rita’s 5 in 5 weekly series delivers practical tips you can apply before every getaway. 

Step 4: Edit Your Summer Expectations 

You don’t need a perfect home, a jam-packed itinerary, or a new wardrobe to have a memorable summer. 

What you do need is space—physical, mental, emotional—to feel present. 

Let this season be less about stuff and more about sensation: breezes, laughter, long walks, naps, cold drinks, open evenings. 

Clear the path. Lighten your load. Make room for joy. 

The post The Summer Edit: Declutter Your Life, Not Just Your Home  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

When Letting Go Feels Right: A Decluttering Method to Avoid Regret

“Letting go doesn’t mean losing… it means choosing.”

We’ve all been there.

You’re holding an old photo, a chipped teacup, or one of your kids’ school projects.
You want to declutter—but something inside whispers:
“What if I regret letting it go?”

That fear of regret is powerful… and often paralyzing.
But what if I told you there’s a way to let go that doesn’t leave you feeling empty, but empowered?

Letting go doesn’t mean losing.
It means choosing—intentionally, mindfully, and from the heart.

The Truth About Regret

Regret usually stems from one of two places:

Letting go too quickly, without thinking it through.Holding on too long and feeling buried under the emotional weight of stuff.

But when you slow down, reflect, and declutter from the heart—with a method that respects your memories and values—you’ll discover a new kind of freedom.

The Decluttering Method That Prevents Regret

Let me introduce you to a process I’ve refined over the years, while helping people downsize and declutter their homes—and their lives.

It’s a method I call Decluttering by Heart.

It’s not about bins, containers, or perfect organization.
It’s about alignment:

With WHAT to keepWith WHO you are right nowWith WHERE you’re goingHere’s How It Works:1. Start With Your Vision—Not the Stuff

Before touching a single item, ask yourself:

Who am I becoming?What kind of life do I want to live in my next chapter?

When you define your vision first, you begin making decisions through that lens.
Letting go becomes an act of choosing what serves your life today—not what used to.

2. Hold. Feel. Ask.

As you hold each item, don’t ask:
“Should I keep this?”

Instead, ask:

Does this reflect who I am today?Does it bring me peace, purpose, or joy?Would I choose this again if I didn’t already own it?

This heart-based questioning filters out clutter and prevents regret, because your decisions are thoughtful and intentional.

Real-Life Examples of “Hold. Feel. Ask.”

Example 1: A Business Suit From a Former Career

Who am I today?
I’m retired. I lead community workshops in jeans and sneakers.Does it bring me peace, purpose, or joy?
I’m proud of that chapter, but wearing it now makes me feel like I’m pretending.Would I choose it again?
No. I wouldn’t spend money on something that no longer fits my life.

Example 2: College Textbooks From 30 Years Ago

Who am I today?
I’ve moved on. My interests and knowledge have evolved.Does it bring me peace or joy?
No. It feels like clutter.Would I choose it again?
Definitely not. I’d Google it or borrow a book from the library.

Example 3: China Inherited From a Beloved Relative

Who am I today?
I value simplicity and casual dining.Does it bring me peace or joy?
It’s beautiful, but feels like a burden I worry about breaking.Would I choose it again?
No. I’d admire it, but I wouldn’t buy it.What to do?
Pass it down to someone who will use it—or sell it with love.

Example 4: A Box of Childhood Toys

Who am I today?
I’m a mom of grown kids, but I’m not a clutter-keeper.Does it bring me joy?
A few toys make me smile—but the rest overwhelm me.Would I choose it again?
No. I’d prefer a few meaningful keepsakes and photos.What to do?
Keep a few special pieces. Donate or discard the rest with gratitude.3. Honor the Memory Without Keeping the Item

Often, the fear of regret is tied to a memory—not the item itself.

Try this instead:

Take a photoWrite a short memory or storyCreate a digital legacy album (like on Shutterfly)

“You’re not erasing the past—you’re preserving it differently.”

4. Let Go With Ceremony

Regret often happens when we toss items too quickly.

Instead, create a small ritual:

Light a candleSay “thank you”Bless the next person who’ll enjoy the item

This mindful release brings peace and closure.

5. Focus on What You’re Gaining

You’re not just “getting rid” of things. You’re making room:

For space to breatheTo move freelyFor new opportunities, adventures, and memories

“Letting go becomes an act of welcoming what’s next—not mourning what’s gone.”

A Final Thought on Choosing With Courage

Decluttering isn’t just about your home.
It’s about your life.

When you let go with intention, clarity, and gratitude…
you don’t lose.
You gain.

And most importantly—you leave no room for regret.

Letting go isn’t about losing.
It’s about choosing.

And you didn’t just let go…
You chose to let go.

Would You Like the “Letting Go Without Regret” Worksheet?

I’ve created a beautiful, heart-based worksheet to guide you through this process gently.
If you’d like a copy, send me an email:

📩 RitaWilkins@RitaWilkins.com
Subject line: Letting Go Worksheet

SHARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

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 | TWITTERThe post When Letting Go Feels Right: A Decluttering Method to Avoid Regret first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Empty That Storage Unit Now! What are you waiting for?

Are you still holding onto that storage unit, month after month, year after year?

Maybe you’re telling yourself:
• I’ll get to it eventually.
• I might need that stuff someday.
• I might regret letting it go.

But here’s the truth: every month you keep that storage unit, you’re not just spending money—you’re losing opportunity.

What could you do with that extra $100–$200 a month?
That’s not just rent. That’s money you’ll never get back.
And for what?

For storing things you probably should’ve decluttered when you moved?

What I Learned from Keeping a Storage Unit for Four Years

When I look back on my own downsizing journey, one of my biggest regrets is that I paid for a large, air-conditioned and heated storage unit—for four years.

Yes, four years.

When I finally emptied it, I donated or discarded at least 75% of its contents. What a waste of time, money, and energy!

But once I let it all go, I felt free, unburdened and proud of myself for finally dealing with not just the physical clutter… but also the emotional weight tied to it.

I didn’t realize how emotionally attached I was to those “just in case” items—most of which I hadn’t even thought about during that entire four-year span.

Letting go felt like removing a weight I didn’t even realize I was carrying.

What I gained?
Freedom. Peace of mind. And more money every single month to invest in the life I was actually living.

So let me ask you:
• What’s really hiding in your storage unit?
• Is it worth the cost—financially and emotionally?
• What would it feel like to finally deal with all of it… and let it go?

If you’re downsizing, decluttering, or simply longing for a simpler life, don’t make the same mistake I did. Empty your storage unit sooner rather than later.

Don’t let that someday stuff steal joy from your life today.

You deserve the freedom that’s waiting for you on the other side of that roll-up door.

✨ Need help getting started? My Minimalist Essentials Workbook is a practical guide to help you declutter with purpose, make confident decisions, and say goodbye to storage guilt for good.

Your 10-Step Plan to Finally Let Go

Step 1: Schedule it like a move
Set a date. Treat it like a business appointment you cannot miss.

Step 2: Gather your team and a truck
Ask for help, and make it efficient.

Step 3: Bring the right supplies
Boxes, trash bags, markers, tape, water… and a get-it-done mindset that’s ready for tough decisions.

Step 4: Work in sections
Divide and conquer. Break the space into zones or rows so it’s not overwhelming.

Step 5: Ask the right questions
– Would I pay to move this again?
– Would I choose this if I didn’t already own it?
– Who am I now—and does this item belong in my life today?
– Am I keeping this for me… or someone else?

Step 6: Decide to decide
Sort into categories:

Keep: Only if it’s essential or deeply meaningful—and has a home waiting for it.Donate: If it’s useful, but not for you anymore.Sell: Only if it’s truly worth the time and effort.Discard: If it’s damaged or outdated.

Step 7: Set boundaries
Use a single box labeled “Decide by [date].” Then honor that deadline.

Step 8: Deliver donations and discards immediately
No stalling. No second-guessing. Just do it.

Step 9: Don’t rent again
Once it’s empty, cancel your contract right away. No turning back.

Step 10: Celebrate
You just saved yourself money, space, and stress. That is worth celebrating.

A few final thoughts:
Your storage unit might be full of just-in-case items…
But your life? It’s happening right now.

Let go of the past so you can fully celebrate your present—and create a lighter, freer future.

If you’re ready to go deeper on your downsizing journey, my new eBook, A Journey to Less: A Life Designed for More, is here to walk with you, step by step. Because having less can truly give you so much more.

HARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

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 | TWITTERThe post Empty That Storage Unit Now! What are you waiting for? first appeared on Design Services LTD.