Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 35
July 19, 2022
Don’ts and Dos of Downsizing in Your 60s
The Downsizing Designer
If you are in your 60s, you might be thinking a lot about downsizing and decluttering:
Moving to a smaller home.Preparing your home for aging in place.Getting your home and your life in order “just in case” something happens.Or maybe you just want a different kind of lifestyle. You might be tired of the big house, all the stuff, and the costs associated with the maintenance and upkeep.
And maybe, just maybe… you just want a simpler life so you can enjoy your life more at this stage.
Whatever the reason you might be thinking about downsizing and decluttering, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of don’ts and do’s that will help you avoid common mistakes people make when downsizing and decluttering. This list will make your task easier, and more effective, and allow you to achieve your goal much faster.
First, The Don’ts of Downsizing in your 60s:
1. DON’T fall into these traps“Your kids might want it.”
Most of the time we are guessing that our kids want some of our stuff so we hold onto it only to be told, that they don’t like it, they don’t want it, and they don’t have room for it.
Avoid this trap by simply asking if they want it. If they say “YES”, tell them you’re downsizing and decluttering and give them a date to pick it up by.
This goes for anything they might want… furniture, artwork, rugs, etc.
If they say “NO” they don’t want it, that frees you up to let go of it without guilt.
“You might need it someday.”It’s so easy to fall into this trap, but if you want to downsize and declutter, there’s no way that you can take it all with you.
You need to get really good at making tough decisions.
Some are harder than others but it does get easier over time.
“You paid a lot of money for it.”We’ve all been guilty of paying too much for something and then not using it. It’s only natural that you feel guilty about spending too much for something.
The treadmill that sits in the basement and never gets used.The expensive handbags or shoes that sit in your closet that are rarely used.If you don’t use it, don’t want it, try to let go of the guilt and just let it go!
2. DON’T wait to DECLUTTERDo it now! Even if you aren’t moving for a while.
Decluttering is a process. It takes time. Enjoy it. Depending on how much stuff you have it can take several months or even a year.
If you start now, you’ll be ahead of the game when and if you do move.
And if you choose not to move, to age-in-place instead, the way you feel about your home will be so much lighter, giving you the freedom to live that simpler life with less.
3. DON’T overvalue your stuff
There’s a natural tendency to believe our things are worth far more than they probably really are.
This mindset can really slow up the downsizing and decluttering process.
The reality is that some of the china, crystal, and silver we purchased or received as gifts actually have little or no value because the market is flooded with it. That includes our big brown furniture, oriental rugs, and decorative accessories.
Be selective about the pieces you do keep and be real about their actual worth.
It’s not easy to accept this reality but if you are serious about downsizing and decluttering you need to let go and move on.
Second, The Do’s of Downsizing in your 60s:
1. DO dive into the processStart thinking of downsizing and decluttering as an opportunity to start a whole new chapter
When you approach this process as an exciting adventure to start fresh, downsizing and decluttering can actually be fun!
When you start to visualize how much easier your life will be when you have less stuff, it will help you make quicker decisions so you can accomplish your goal more effectively and efficiently.
Plan first, and have a roadmap where you can see a beginning, middle, and endWhen you have a vision, a plan, and a timeline for what you want your life to look like after decluttering and downsizing it will help you focus, stay on track, and help you stay motivated throughout the process.
2. DO find a decluttering method and a schedule that works for you
While there are numerous decluttering methods is well worth the time and effort to experiment and find the one or two that work best for you and your schedule.
You will likely gravitate to 1 or 2 once you find them, keep using those methods. You’ll be amazed at how much quicker you can progress.
3. DO be very selective about what you take with you
Remember, there’s only so much space and there’s nothing worse than overcrowding your new smaller space. It defeats the purpose of downsizing and decluttering and living a simpler life with less.
4. DO ask for help
There’s no sense in trying to be superman or superwoman.
The downsizing and decluttering process is a massive undertaking and while you might think you can do it all by yourself, why not enlist the help of your family and friends? Not only does it help you get done faster, but it will also make the process more manageable and fun!
These DON’TS AND DOS are strategies that are intended to help you get started and keep going… and most of all, to help you enjoy the journey!
Did you know that we have products in our shop that can help you get started on your downsizing and decluttering journey
July 15, 2022
Try These Minimalist Home Checklists
Minimalist design has grown quite popular recently. Are you interested in incorporating minimalist ideas into your home? Do you find yourself at a loss for where to start with minimalist home ideas? Is there perhaps too much stuff cluttering your home to really make use of minimalist design? If your answer to all these questions is ‘yes’ – don’t worry, I’m here to help!
My name is Rita Wilkins. I’m also known as the Downsizing Designer. Once, my home was also too cluttered to incorporate minimalist design. Then I realized, though, that I didn’t need much of what I owned. It was clutter getting in the way of me leading a happier, fuller life with more time, money, and energy to do what I wanted. After I got rid of 90% of what I once owned, I decided I wanted to help other people declutter their homes and their lives too!
These Decluttering Checklists Help You Get Started DeclutteringIf you’re truly interested in minimalist design and the minimalist lifestyle, you need to first declutter your space. If you haven’t had much experience in decluttering, you may not know how to get started decluttering. Don’t worry! My decluttering checklists can help you.
My decluttering checklists are short, simple introductions to decluttering that will help you on your journey to minimalist living. Packed with easy minimalist organization tips, these minimalist home checklists are a must-have for those ready to enter the minimalist lifestyle. Try them today!
Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design ServicesDo 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.
The post Try These Minimalist Home Checklists first appeared on Design Services LTD.July 13, 2022
5 Minimalist Lifestyle Hacks to a Simpler More Relaxing Summer
The Downsizing Designer
Summer is here… Are you having fun yet?
Or are you still rushing around, shopping, packing to get away so you can finally relax and have fun? It sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? Hurry up so you can relax!
And then, after all of the running around, you get to your destination and you realize that you were so rushed to pack everything but the kitchen sink, that you forgot to pack some of the most essential items:
Beach towelsBeach chairsBug repellentOf course, you can go shopping to buy those things once you arrive, but you’ll end up taking some of that precious time from family, friends, and having fun.
You might be wondering…
How do other people do it? They make it all look so easy and pack everything they need? How can you make your life easier rather than harder when it comes to getting away on vacation or even for the weekend? How could you max out your time for more fun and relaxation?We can learn a lot from minimalists when it comes to living a simpler more manageable life with less.
These 5 minimalist hacks or shortcuts will help you think and act like a minimalist so you can make your summer simpler and more manageable can have more time and more fun!
5 Minimalist Hacks to a Simpler Life This Summer1. Lighten up! Travel lightIdentify what is essential.Identify what can be eliminated.Remove anything that’s unnecessary and take only what matters most.Have the courage to leave it behind because it will free up time and energy, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
Think back to a recent trip where you overpacked for a vacation or business trip.
Were there things you packed but never wore or never used?Did you pack too much just in case ?We’ve all been guilty of this from time to time, but if you want to lighten up, and simplify your life this summer, so it will be more manageable and enjoyable, think like a minimalist and only take those things you absolutely need.
2. Be intentional. Plan aheadThis simple tip will help you overcome over-packing.
Before your next trip even if it’s a weekend getaway take time to:
Write down what activities you will be participating in.Write down exactly what you will need for those activities.Don’t add anything else to that list and if you can, continue to edit and pare it down even more.
You will start to think and act like a minimalist during travels when you arrive at your destination with only the items that you need.
You won’t end up lugging extra stuff with you.
Try it. You’ll be glad you did!
Check out my recent ONLINE COURSE, click here.
3. Be ready, be set to go! Bag it!I love this simple shortcut! It will make planning for your next trip or outing so much easier!
If there are certain things you do on a regular basis either at home or when you travel, pack a bag that is dedicated to that activity so you can be ready and set to go on a moment’s notice without the hassle and time it takes to gather everything up.
For example:BEACH BAG· Beach towel· Bathing suit· Sunscreen· Flip-flops· Sun hat· Sunglasses· Cover up· Bug spray· Water bottle· Beach chairSPORTS BAG FOR PICKLEBALL· Rackets· Balls· Shoes· Sunglasses· Water bottle· Sunscreen· Sun hat· TowelEVERY DAY BACKPACKS· Wallet· Money· Credit Cards· Phone· Charger· Readers· Pen· PadIn essence, have a bag ready to go for each occasion including walking your pet.
Each time you finish using it, be sure to replenish it so it’s ready to go the next time.
4. Clear your calendar… Do less!Edit your calendar regularly. Say NO more often!
Rather than adding more activities, remove activities from your calendar that prevent you from having time and freedom to do what matters most.
Read the recent article: Steps to Intentionally Design a Clutter-Free Life 5. Shop like a minimalistYou can avoid buying more than you need if you learn to shop like a minimalist.
· Be intentional. · Always have a list. · Plan ahead. · Think through exactly what you need and will use.You will not only save time, but you will also save money and energy by using this simple minimalist hack.
These simple tools, tips, strategies, and hacks are used daily by minimalists.
It all boils down to processes that are lifetime skills that help you quickly decide what’s important and what’s useful. They can help make your life easier, happier, and more enjoyable!
These hacks are habits you can easily integrate into your life each day to make your life simpler and more manageable. Now that’s true freedom!
July 7, 2022
Downsizing and Decluttering in Your 60s: When and How to Start
The Downsizing Designer “The secret to happiness is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” ~ Socrates
What is it about turning 60 that changes us? I have a big birthday coming up soon so perhaps I’m being a little nostalgic, meaning this blog is coming directly from my heart.
When I turned 60… time seemed to be going so much faster.
There was a new sense of urgency to make the most of my time left on earth.
And yet, ironically…
There was also a newfound desire and commitment to slowing down, being in the moment, and focusing only on the things that mattered most like family, friends, faith, and giving back.
Everything else just didn’t seem to matter as much. Stuff was just stuff!
It was time to declutter not only my extra stuff but also it meant I need to declutter my calendar so I could have more want-to’s and fewer have-to’s.
It meant removing anything from my life that was not working, that was weighing me down and preventing me from living the life I really want it. That included unhealthy habits and unhealthy relationships.
After all, there is still time to:· Do the things I’ve always wanted to do.· Say the things I still need to say.· Leave the legacy I want to leave.Downsizing and decluttering helped me prioritize my life, to find things and people that would give purpose and meaning, and to celebrate this special time of life before something happened i.e., a health crisis, financial hardship, or death of a loved one.
Life in your 60s is a special stage of your life.Empty nestPre-retireRetiredMore time, money, freedom, and energy to do what you put on the back burner. Now it can be put on the front burner and fire it up! It’s time for family, friends, both old and new, travel, experiences, learning, basically anything that you dream of is now possible.
What is it that you want more of? What do you want your life to look like in your 60s and 70s? What do you need to let go of to accomplish your goals?When do you know that it’s time to Declutter and Downsize?
The simple answer is to start decluttering now .
Give yourself time to sort through your home so you don’t get overwhelmed.
The sooner you start decluttering, the sooner you will start to experience more time and freedom to experience the life you’ve been dreaming of.
The typical decluttering process takes anywhere between 3 to 6 months.
For downsizing, give yourself even more time, i.e., 6 months to several years.
During this time:1. Discern the kind of lifestyle you want: i.e., city life, 55+ community.2. Discern the kind and size of the house, apartment, condo, or cottage you want and need.3. Estimate your housing costs and your living expenses.4. Test drive the type of home you want to live in.Example: Take a vacation to those areas that interest you for a few weeks and meet people who could be your potential new neighbors.5. Decluttering your home will also help prepare your home to be put on the market. The best advice I can give you is to declutter and downsize before it’s too late.It’s an exciting new stage of your life and yes, the whole process of decluttering and downsizing can be overwhelming but I promise you it will be worth it when you discover how much happier you will be living a minimalist lifestyle… a simpler life with less.
July 1, 2022
Use These Minimalist Organization Tips
Do you have too much stuff in your home? Are you ready to get rid of it and declutter your space? Too much clutter can lead to stress and dissatisfaction with your living space. Don’t let clutter rule your life – try minimalist designs in your home once you declutter! How can you get started decluttering? With my help!
Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer. Once I got rid of 90% of what I once owned, I was able to incorporate minimalist ideas and minimalist design into my everyday living. Now, I seek to help others declutter their lives and their home so they can enjoy the minimalist lifestyle as well.
I Don’t Know How To Get Started DeclutteringDoes the decluttering process confuse you? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you need to go through? Do you worry you won’t know what to keep and what to get rid of? Worry no longer! I’ve designed helpful decluttering checklists to help you get started decluttering.
What Is A Decluttering Checklist?These minimalist decluttering checklists are designed to help you get a quick start on decluttering. Each checklist is short – between 5 to 10 pages – and easy to read. These checklists give you some very basic decluttering knowledge and let you know how to get started decluttering.
Remember, decluttering your life is the first step towards enjoying minimalist design in your home. Get started learning these minimalist hacks today!
Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design ServicesDo 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.
The post Use These Minimalist Organization Tips first appeared on Design Services LTD.June 28, 2022
5 Steps to Ensure a Successful Downsizing and Decluttering Journey
The Downsizing Designer
This blog is intended to set you up for success and lay a foundation with strategies for a successful decluttering and downsizing journey.
If you are decluttering and downsizing, chances are you’re overwhelmed at the thought of the enormity of the job ahead of you.
I know I was! I remember sitting on the floor of my big family room, looking up and crying!
Where do I even begin?
How can I possibly downsize and declutter this monstrosity?
And then I began to think of all the big design projects I have successfully completed over many years and realized that…
Decluttering and downsizing are really just project management.
Maybe on steroids, but if you shift your mindset from:
It’s overwhelming and impossible to it’s just managing a big project…It begins to seem so much easier and possible.
Step 1: Shift your mindset to succeed at downsizing and decluttering
Just for a moment, think of 2 or 3 big projects you’ve taken on in your lifetime and succeeded at, whether it be personal or professional. Perhaps it was…
A big fitness goal i.e., running a half marathon or doing Iron ManA big weight loss goal i.e., lose 50 poundsA stretch career goal i.e., start your own business or write a bookEach one of these goals involved project management. Even if you tell yourself you’re not good at managing large projects, likely you have succeeded at a number of big goals in your lifetime.
If you are just starting your downsizing and decluttering journey or if you’ve been at it for a while and need motivation, start thinking of downsizing and decluttering as just like any other big project you’ve taken on and succeeded at.
You’ll be amazed and how much easier and manageable it will be!
Step 2: Start with the end in mind and then work backwards
Envision what kind of life you want once you have decluttered and downsized.
For me it was clear:
I wanted a simpler life with less clutter less stuff, less stressI also wanted a more carefree lifestyle with more mobility flexibility and less responsibility.All of my stuff was physically and mentally weighing me down, preventing me from having the life I was longing for.
· When you are clear about your why… Why you want to downsize and declutter? · What you want your future life to look like…The downsizing and decluttering process gets easier because it’s just a process to get you to your goal.
Check out my Downsizing and Decluttering Workbook, CLICK HERE.
Step 3: Develop strategies to manage the process of downsizing and decluttering
Remember it’s just a process.
Remember it’s just project management.
When you’ve successfully managed a large project before, a weight loss or half marathon, you likely had a plan to make it happen daily, weekly, or monthly.
The plan probably included:
MilestonesTimelinesMeasures for successYou probably even had a reward system set up to celebrate small and big wins.
Downsizing and decluttering are exactly the same journey and methodology.
Take time to create a realistic plan, and develop a strategy that works for you and your lifestyle.
Write it downReview it daily and weeklyMonitor or measure your progress each weekYou will start to see results and get energized to get your project done.
Step number 4: Choose the right team
I don’t recommend trying to downsize and declutter on your own. Rather, I recommend building a team, paid or voluntary to not only lighten the load, but also to keep you motivated and on task.
When I started my downsizing and decluttering journey, I honestly thought that I could do it myself. Fast forward: one month after many tears and lots of negative self-talk, I picked up the phone and called my sisters. They immediately said, of course, we will be there next weekend!
I realize not everyone has family that can help or is willing to help and that’s OK. Instead, reach out to friends or colleagues to see if they will assist you if even for a small part of your downsizing and decluttering journey.
And of course, volunteer to reciprocate.
If you don’t have anyone to volunteer there are companies both large and small that assist you with downsizing and decluttering.
As a matter of fact, decluttering is one of the new services we started providing once I became known as the “Downsizing Designer”. My team helps you do the heavy lifting by delivering your donated items to donation sites or trash. It’s amazing how appreciative people are when they save time and energy.
When choosing your team:
Be sure to share your vision goals and timeline with them.
Ideally, your team is made up of a combination of organizers, do-ers, and heavy lifters.
The goal is to have team members with different skill sets to help you accomplish your overall objectives.
Step 5: Declutter first, THEN DOWNSIZE
What’s the point of taking stuff with you to your new downsized home that you don’t want, need or use or if it won’t fit or look good in your new space?
Too often this happens and then you have to double downsize or remove extra things that don’t work in your smaller space.
Hot tip #1: Declutter the large items firstThe furniture you don’t want, used, or it won’t fit.
As soon as you start to declutter the large pieces, your home already feels lighter. It also shows big progress and that’s highly motivating.
Hot tip #2: Start decluttering in areas where decision-making is easier for youStart where there’s no emotion attached to the things.
Where you can quickly identify items, you want to keep, dispose of, or donate.
These are 2 of my favorite decluttering hacks or shortcuts.
Hopefully, these 5 steps will help you ensure the success of your decluttering and downsizing journey!
June 25, 2022
Start This Decluttering Course Today
You don’t have to live with unwanted and unnecessary clutter. You can start your decluttering journey today. Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins. I’m also known as the Downsizing Designer. After getting rid of 90% of what I once owned, I live with more time, money, and freedom to do as I please. I can help you learn to live abundantly with less, too.
This Decluttering Course Helps You Get Started DeclutteringPerhaps you’ve wanted to declutter your home for some time, but you feel stuck. How can you get started decluttering? The truth is that what works for one person may not work for another when it comes to decluttering your home. What’s important is finding the right method that suits your preferences.
The 8 Proven Methods to Start Decluttering Course can help you find the decluttering method that works best for you. Each method comes with a decluttering checklist that makes it easy to start your decluttering journey!
Is There An Easier Decluttering Guide?If the 8 Proven Methods to Start Decluttering Course seems a little overwhelming, won’t worry. I also offer simple decluttering checklists as well as decluttering workbooks. Try one of the following to start your decluttering journey.
Home Decluttering Quick Start Checklist What Is Your Right Size Home Checklist 5 Step Guide To Lose The Clutter But Not The Memories Workbook Wake It Up, Shake It Up Workbook Downsizing and Decluttering for Boomers Workbook Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design ServicesDo 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.
The post Start This Decluttering Course Today first appeared on Design Services LTD.June 22, 2022
A Decluttering Home Checklist Regardless of Your Age
The Downsizing Designer
I just got off the phone with a new decluttering and downsizing client.
Before we hung up, she thanked me profusely and then said, “I feel better already even though we haven’t even started! I already feel a huge sense of relief.”
Why did she feel so relieved?
Knowing that she took one big step:To make that phone callTo admit she needs helpTo acknowledge that she was overwhelmed and didn’t know where or how to get startedDuring our call she told me:
She has been going around in circles with her decluttering, not making any noticeable progress.
She would start decluttering one area, get stuck, then go onto another area, never accomplishing anything of consequence.
When I asked her if she had a decluttering goal, a plan, a strategy, a timeline to accomplish her decluttering, or even a particular decluttering method that works for her lifestyle and her schedule, she said “no”. Then I asked if I could help her create a game plan to help her get started. She asked me if I would work with her to develop a plan and strategy that she could then implement on her own.
She’s excited because she’s ready. She’s committed to following through with her plan so she can experience not only the peace of mind that comes from a clutter-free home but also a sense of control of her life and a big accomplishment.
In working with her,She will have weekly goals and strategies that we will share with her husband and kids.She will have a decluttering plan and timeline that they as a family can begin to implement together.She will practice using various decluttering methods so she can find one that works best for her family schedule and their busy lifestyle.
Photo by: MoneySavingMomShe will learn some of my favorite decluttering hacks that are life-changingAnd…She will have our home decluttering checklist that will help keep her and her family on track during and after their decluttering journey.I’m sharing this conversation with you because in September, I will be launching a new in-person workshop and an online workshop where I will teach you the exact steps that I use with my one-on-one clients.
I will be opening up registration in mid-July. If you wish to get on our list to receive an invitation to this event, please email me at Ritawilkins@ritawilkins.com
In the meanwhile, if you would like to get started with my home decluttering checklist go to my website shopping cart.
June 16, 2022
These Workbooks Help You Downsize And Declutter
Is your home too full of clutter? Do you want to get rid of unnecessary and unwanted things in your home? Are you considering downsizing your home? If so, I can help! Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer. I’m dedicated to helping people learn more about how downsizing and decluttering can give them more time, money, and freedom to live life as they choose. You don’t have to get started on your decluttering and downsizing journey all on your own – you can seek help today!
Try My Downsizing And Decluttering WorkbooksYou can get started decluttering today with the help of one of these workbooks
Wake It Up, Shake It UpThe Wake It Up, Shake It Up Workbook can help you rediscover your purpose, learn to dream big, declutter your thoughts, and more. The 22-page workbook also comes with 6 videos – and all are part of a 5-day challenge to help you shake up your life!
Lose The Clutter But Not The MemoriesAre you worried that if you get rid of some of the unnecessary and unwanted items in your home, you’ll be getting rid of the memories attached to them? If so, the 5 Step Guide To Lose The Clutter But Not The Memories Workbook is perfect for you. Download this 11-page workbook today!
Downsizing And Decluttering For BoomersIf you’re a member of the Boomer generation, you’re likely at a point where you’re considering downsizing and decluttering your life. Whether it be because you finally have an empty nest or because you’re approaching retirement, the Downsizing and Decluttering for Boomers Workbook can help you get started decluttering and downsizing today.
Try Other Decluttering Checklists Or CoursesDo you want a simpler guide to decluttering? Or, perhaps, could you benefit from a course that goes more in-depth about the subject? If so, try one of the following:
Home Decluttering Quick Start Checklist What Is Your Right Size Home Checklist 8 Proven Methods to Start Decluttering Course Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design ServicesDo 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.
The post These Workbooks Help You Downsize And Declutter first appeared on Design Services LTD.June 13, 2022
3 Simple Ways to Manage Emotions When You Are Downsizing and Decluttering
The Downsizing Designer
For those of you who are either in the midst of decluttering and downsizing or if you were about to embark on this life-changing journey, there’s no way to minimize the impact that decluttering and downsizing can have on your emotions during the process.
While it is much easier to focus on the physical items and task at hand, it’s important not to ignore the emotional challenges that you will be facing.
Those feelings are real and cannot or should not be dismissed because it is an important part of the letting go process.
If you are in the midst of decluttering and downsizing, likely you have experienced some of these emotions:Overwhelm and indecisionWhere do I even start?
Anxiety and fear of the unknown and fear of changeWhat will my life be like if I leave this house I’ve lived in for many years?
Sadness and sentimentalitySaying goodbye to what you know, neighbors, friends, your house.
Letting go of things you have an emotional attachment to.
Guilt or shameLetting go of items that were given to you that you don’t want and need.
If you’re feeling any of these emotions right now, you’re definitely not alone.
3 Simple Ways to Manage Emotions When You Are Downsizing And Decluttering
1. Identify and acknowledge what you are feelingBe brutally honest with yourself. Acknowledge what you’re feeling. Don’t deny it. Don’t ignore it.
In the middle of my own downsizing and decluttering journey, I would find myself crying for seemingly no reason at all.
But I learned to take a few minutes to sort through what I was feeling in that moment so I could move on.
If I didn’t understand it, I would talk with my siblings. Often, they saw something I didn’t see.
Often, I would cry because I was overwhelmed and exhausted, thinking the process would never end.
Another prevalent feeling for me was profound sadness about saying goodbye to the beautiful big home I worked hard to build. And also letting go of the many beautiful things I accumulated over many years.
But once I understood what I was feeling it became easier to move forward because I knew my life would be simpler and more manageable when I had less stuff.
Learn to check in with yourself. Become more self-aware of the invisible forces working inside of you.
Try not to dwell on your feelings… your overwhelm, your sadness, your stress or you will end up getting stuck.
The process of decluttering and downsizing is a mammoth undertaking especially if you have lived in a house for many years and perhaps inherited things from your parents or loved ones.
With so many decisions to make…
· How to choose what to keep or get rid of· What to do with things you want or have to get rid of· How to let go of sentimental itemsThere’s no wonder you can get decision paralysis. That’s when having a downsizing and decluttering team comes in handy.
Having someone to lean on or to share the physical and emotional challenges and barriers. Even if for an hour or two at a time, and list the help of family members and friends. The project will no longer seem so emotional, so overwhelming… and it might actually be more fun.
3. Create a vision for what you want your life to look like after decluttering and downsizingMy mantra: I wanted to live a simpler life with less
This vision helped me through many difficult and challenging moments. Keeping your vision alive will keep you moving.
· Once you have your vision clearly established, set short and long-term goals. Write them down.· Measure your progress weekly and monthly· Celebrate your wins both large and small· Be grateful for how far you’ve come. Focus on that. Don’t dwell on how much you have left to doMost important: Take care of yourself on this downsizing and decluttering journey. It is emotional. You will experience a roller coaster of emotions.
Grow from what you learn about yourself and life during this process. Your life will definitely be simpler and less stressful on the other side.
Check out our new online shop for tools that will support you in your downsizing and decluttering journey.
