Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 38

Reignite Your Life Today!

Do You Feel A Lack Of Passion In Your Life? 

You remember what it’s like to have that fire inside you – to feel yourself driven by passion and purpose. Sometimes, though, we lose our passion. Whether it’s because the course of our life takes us away from what makes us passionate or because time has simply dulled your passion, it can be hard to get that feeling back. What if you could get it back, though? What if you could reignite your life and feel that fire again? 

Try Wake It Up, Shake It Up: Reignite Your Life 

Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins. As the Downsizing Designer, I have lots of experience helping people to change their lives for the better. When you’re feeling disconnected, discontent, or disengaged from your life, it’s easy to feel stuck. You want to reignite your life and your passions, but you don’t know-how. It’s okay, though, because you don’t have to do it all on your own. I can help! 

My Wake It Up, Shake It Up is a 5-day challenge that comes with all of the following: 

Six easy-to-watch videos A 22-page workbook The push you need to shake things up in your life 

I’m eager to help you reignite your fire and rediscover your purpose. Don’t wait! Unleash your motivation with the Wake It Up, Shake It Up digital download today! 

Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today. 

The post Reignite Your Life Today!  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

“Right Size” Home Checklist: An Organized Way to Find Your Perfect New Home

By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer

Are you happy with the house you are currently living in?

Or do you find yourself complaining:

It’s too big, it’s too much work!

It’s too small, there’s never enough room!

How many of you would say your home is just right?

Do you find yourself saying “I wish I had…”

fewer bedrooms or more bedrooms.

fewer bathrooms or more bathrooms.

a smaller kitchen or larger kitchen.

Bottom line: There’s probably no “perfect home” that fits every stage of your life.

When lives change, our lifestyle needs to change.

“Rightsizing” is all about lifestyle. What “right-size” house or location fits you right now as a growing family, an empty nester, or a retiree looking for a simpler life?Do you find yourself wondering what is a “right-size” house for you right now?How big of a house or how small of a house do you really need to start over?

This blog is intended to help you determine what does “right-size” for you means right now.

 

A Checklist to Help You Find Your “Right Size” Home1.   Assess your current homeA. What do you like about it?Open floor planEat-in kitchenPlenty of closet spaceB. What do you not like about it?2nd-floor master suiteToo many unused roomsInconvenient laundryC. What do you wish you had if you were in the perfect home for your lifestyle right now?Dedicated home officeMore efficient storageMore natural light

 

2.   Assess your budget and affordabilityA. Your current homeIt’s getting too expensive to maintain.B. Your right size homeProject your needs for the next 5, 10 ,15 years.

 

3. Assess what matters most to youA.     Non-negotiable (can’t live without)Safe neighborhoodProximity to family and grandchildrenNatural lightB. Negotiable (you could live without)Big kitchenDedicated home officeFormal dining room

 

Get Your Free Printable PDF Checklist Now, CLICK HERE .

 

4. Assess current lifestyleYou work out daily at the gym.You walk to restaurants, shops, entertainment.You travel multiple times every year.Write down what you would like to do if you lived in a different house, different community, or different location.

Examples:

A clubhouse where you can meet new friends and enjoy new activities.A community with more people in your age group.

 

5. Assess your current location versus your ideal locationNow:Need to get into the car to go anywhere.Too far to see your kids and grandchildren regularly.Ideal or desired location:No need to get into a car to go to restaurants or local stores.No need to travel long distances to see your kids and grandchildren.

 

6. Assess your future needsCurrent Home: too costly to maintain, upcoming major repairsDesired Home: low maintenance, energy-efficient, new construction/new for seeable expensive repairs

 

7. Assess future lifestyle: your wants, needs, and “wish list”More freedom to travelMore time with family and friendsThe potential need for aging in placeWhether you are in your…20s to 30s looking for your first home.40s to 50s looking for a larger home to raise your growing family.60’s to 70’s looking to downsize your home for retirement.

As we move through these various life stages and circumstances, our housing and lifestyle needs naturally change. These transitions are emotional and finding the “right-size” home to fit the needs for that stage of life is part of the journey.

Remember that bigger isn’t necessarily better. Nor is smaller necessarily better.

What really matters when you are looking for a “right-size” home is what works for you right now.

Download my free Right Size Home Checklist to help you decide what’s best for you right now.

You can  schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation with me if you have any questions regarding right-sizing, downsizing, and decluttering.Follow me on social media for more updates:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTER

The post “Right Size” Home Checklist: An Organized Way to Find Your Perfect New Home first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Downsizing: Everybody’s Doing It

By Guest Blogger at Money.com

For most people, the very phrase downsizing calls to mind empty nesters and people of retirement age. That’s not an unreasonable association. According to Forbes, baby boomers aged 65 to 73 made up the largest portion of home sellers in 2020. A study by Homes.com found that 23% of homeowners downsize once their children grow up and move on. For many, their homes represent their largest financial asset—one they use to fund the years of travel they have ahead of them.

But other real estate industry statistics reveal that downsizing cuts across generations. That’s because the most common reason for downsizing is to save money—something people of all ages need to do at various times of their lives. And the decision works for most people who make it. Rent, utility, insurance, and tax savings are some of the benefits of downsizing. Over the past several decades, real estate prices have climbed steadily. In 2020 alone, they jumped 11%.  Depending on how long you’ve owned your home, the amount of equity you’ve established might surprise you. Even if you take some of the profit you reaped by selling your home to buy another, your downsizing decision could go a long way toward paying other expenses.

If you decide to downsize soon, you have another real estate market dynamic working in your favor. During the COVID-19 crisis, mortgage interest rates have plummeted, reaching record lows in the mid-2020s. They’re still below rates we’ve seen for a decade and economists predict that they’re likely to stay that way. That means the money you make from the sale of your large home will go farther when you make mortgage payments on your new, smaller one. Shop around for the lowest mortgage rate you can find and crunch the numbers carefully to see how much you’ll stand to gain when you downsize.

Buying A Home Comes in Many Shapes and Sizes.

You have options. For some people, it can even look like upsizing or “right sizing”. Swapping an expensive condo in the city for a rural ranch home with acreage is one way to downsize. And so might be trading a sprawling suburban home for a pied-à-terre in town that’s walking distance from restaurants and entertainment. Simply moving to a less expensive real estate market is another way to downsize. You can buy a six-bedroom home in Toledo, Ohio for less than half of what it would cost to buy a one-bedroom condo in Westchester County, New York.

Ready for the next step?: Homebuying Tips

With the historic fluctuation in mortgage rates within the last year, one could say that mortgages and mortgage refinances have been the one silver lining of the ambiguous economic climate last year.

While shopping around and finding the perfect fit for you, note that there are plenty of factors that are considered upon submitting your application. Items such as credit scores, loan terms, interest rate types, down payment, home location, and the loan size, in general, can all have an impact on your application. If you need some help calculating your budget, check out Money’s mortgage calculator tool.

Other factors will affect how much you’ll pay each month too. Items such as your PMI, closing costs, loan term, taxes, HOA fees, insurance, and even the type of loan (i.e. fixed vs. ARM) can each play a large part in your monthly payment.

Follow Your Dream and Your Instincts

With a little bit of planning, you can have the best of both worlds. Now, you may be thinking you have some work to do before you’re ready to go after your dream home. Or you may be realizing your years of hard work are about to pay off! Regardless, you’ll find the house you’ve always wanted and avoid a purchase you’ll regret.

Lastly, consider the type of mortgage loan you might need. Veterans and active-duty service members should take advantage of VA loans offered. Whereas first-time homebuyers should shop around and seek discounts.

Ultimately, finding the best mortgage shouldn’t be seen as a one-size-fits-all approach. Work with a firm that will provide hands-on assistance to meet your needs.

 

The post Downsizing: Everybody’s Doing It first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Download Decluttering Checklists

Start Your Decluttering Journey Today 

Is your home covered in clutter? Would you like to learn how to get rid of clutter? Are you interested in easy-to-follow decluttering checklists? Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer. I understand how bothersome clutter can be. My life once had too much clutter, too. Then, I got rid of 95% of what I once owned. Since then, I’ve had more money, time, and freedom to live my life I as choose. You can do the same with the easy decluttering checklists I can provide. 

Decluttering Is Easy When You Try The Right Decluttering Method 

Not every approach to decluttering will work for everyone. That’s why I’ve decided to help you find the right decluttering method. My 8 Proven Methods To Start Decluttering course provides details and decluttering checklists for 8 different methods of decluttering. Once you figure out which method works best for you, decluttering will come more easily than you’d expect. 

This course will include all of the following and more: 

The ABCs Decluttering Checklist The Extreme Decluttering Party Checklist The Room by Room; Week by Week Decluttering Checklist Stay Tuned In For More Minimalism Checklists 

As your Downsizing Designer, I’m eager to provide top-notch advice to help you on your decluttering journey. Be sure to check this blog for more decluttering checklists. 

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. 

The post Download Decluttering Checklists  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Cure Your Love-Hate Relationship with Clutter This Spring

By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer

There is a clutter crisis in America and it’s making us sick… literally.

According to a recent study found by the national Association of professional organizers:

54% of Americans are overwhelmed by clutter.55% experience stress because of clutter.33% hang on two things they no longer want, need, or use.

Just look around at the unopened boxes in your garage, your basement, or your storage unit.

For those of you who follow me on social media, have read my book or blogs, you know how committed I am to helping you clear and cure your clutter, so you can start over and enjoy a simpler life with less where you have more time, money, freedom, and energy for the things that matter most to you.

Whatever it is that you wish you had more of… time, money, freedom, that’s what is available to you when you declutter and live a simpler life with less stuff.

What does it mean to have a love-hate relationship with clutter?

It is when you have opposing emotionally charged views around clutter.You love it AND you hate it!

 

These Are Just a Few Examples of Love-Hate Relationships With Clutter1.   Paper Clutter

Did you know that paper clutter is our #1 clutter challenge?

How many of you receive unsolicited junk mail each day?How many of you have old newspapers or magazines that you will read when you get around to it?How many of you cut out recipes or articles that you intend to use or read someday?

Most of us despise that kind of clutter but as much as you say you hate paper clutter, I bet you could find some in your own house right now! I know I can.

And yet…

How many of you have saved old love letters greeting cards, or journals from years ago?How many of you still have your kid’s first-grade artwork stored in a box somewhere in your house?And how many of you have newspaper clippings from when you were junior prom queen many years ago?

You love these papers… or at least you are emotionally attached to them because they bring back good memories so you naturally have difficulty letting them go.

In conclusion, you love some paper clutter and at the same time, you hate other paper clutter.

And as it builds up, so does the clutter in your house.

What do you do with it? What is the cure for paper clutter?

Here’s the solution: create 3 mental reminders:·       Ditch it to remove it

i.e., Old newspapers, junk mail

·       Deal with it because it requires action

i.e., Bills to pay, invitations to respond to

·       Digitize it to save space

i.e., birth certificate, photos, kids’ artwork

If you make a habit of using these 3 D’s every day (ditch, deal, digitize), you will soon see a huge reduction in your paper clutter. I highly recommend using a decluttering checklist to assist you.

 

Need a Decluttering Checklist ?

For as low as $ 4.99, you can have this Quick Start Guide to help you get started and stay clutter-free.

 

2.   Book Clutter

The 2nd biggest clutter challenge people want a cure for is too many books.

If you are inundated with books and you love them on one hand, but you hate how they collect so much dust and seem to be overtaking your home.

The cure for too many books is simpler than you might think:·       Start by sorting your books into 3 piles:KeepDonateRe-purpose

If you are donating, consider one of your Little Free Neighborhood Libraries that are popping up everywhere, a senior center, a prison, or a local church or community library.

If you are repurposing them or decorating with them, give your shelves or your coffee table a fresh new look.

An aside… It’s always interesting to be curious and try to understand why you bought certain books in the first place.

Self-helpAspirationalInspirational

Perhaps it’s time to revisit and reread those books.

Other things people hang onto that cause a love-hate relationship with clutter.

 

3.   Old Photos

Our family recently spent a wonderful day together sifting through 8 boxes of photos that had been stored in our parents’ basement and then in my sister’s basement.

In an effort to declutter the many boxes of family photos that were taking up the room in her home, she invited us for a lovely dinner and photo sorting.

It was so much fun to share stories and our memories of childhood with each other. Over the course of several hours, we reduced 8 boxes of photos to 1 box and then scanned them so that we could still share memories on one tiny thumb drive.

You can also check out my recent blog: 3 Steps to Intentionally Design a Clutter-Free Life

 

4.   Words

Another way we show our love-hate relationship with clutter is through our words and intense emotions about clutter. It is what we say to ourselves and to our partners each day.

Can you hear yourself saying any of these things?

My husband loves to keep stuff, he’s a packrat. I love to purge.My wife loves yard sales and thrift shops.I hate to shop. Period.My wife loves to read books.I love my Kindle.

This love-hate language creates barriers to solving your clutter crisis.

I’m a designer, definitely not a therapist, but I have heard these conversations so many times before when I’m with my clients who are in their 60s and who are decluttering for retirement.

While I don’t have a cure for that, I do recommend having a heart-to-heart conversation to find common ground so you can clear the clutter in your home and your lives once and for all.

Check Out My New Online Course: 8 Proven Decluttering Methods You can  schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation with me if you have any questions regarding right-sizing, downsizing, and decluttering.Follow me on social media for more updates:FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTER

The post Cure Your Love-Hate Relationship with Clutter This Spring first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Too Busy To Declutter Your Home?

Get Ready To Successfully Declutter Your Home 

Are you having a hard time getting rid of clutter in your home? Do you wish there were an easy decluttering checklist that could help you get started? Would you like advice from someone who has experience with downsizing and decluttering? Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer. After decluttering my life and getting rid of 95% of what I once owned, I’ve found myself with more time, money, and freedom to live the life I want to live. Now, I’d like to help you do the same. 

Get Easy Decluttering Checklists In Your Inbox Today 

You could get easy-to-follow decluttering checklists in your email today. How? With my 8 Proven Methods To Start Decluttering course. This course will teach you 8 different methods for decluttering your home, complete with decluttering checklists. Get rid of the clutter and enjoy minimalism. Here are just a few of the decluttering methods you’ll learn from this course: 

The ABCs Decluttering Method The Extreme Decluttering Party Method The Room by Room; Week by Week Decluttering method Are You Too Busy To Declutter? 

Are you looking for even more useful decluttering checklists and minimalism checklists? Don’t worry, I’m here to help. As the Downsizing Designer, I know that one thing that makes decluttering so hard for some is their busy schedule. Read “Busy Peoples Quick Start Guide to Decluttering and Getting Organized” and learn how you can fit decluttering into your busy schedule.  

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. 

The post Too Busy To Declutter Your Home?  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

It’s March: Wake It Up, Shake It Up! Shake Off the Seasonal Malaise

By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer When was the last time you were on fire?

Nothing or no one was going to stop you!

You knew what you wanted and you were going for it, designing the life you love!

You were going to do whatever it took to have what you wanted.

It could have been a particular job you had your eyes on.It could have been a certain fitness or weight loss goal you had in mind.Or… It could have even been your current spouse or partner!

You were committed to attaining that special goal, you were completely focused, and you were on fire!

Didn’t that feel great? You felt fully alive and unstoppable.

Then, slowly but surely, you’ve lost that fire and you’re not sure if you’ll ever get it back again.

What would it be like to get that spark back, reignite your life so you can live your life fully engaged, fully on fire every single day?

What happened? When did it happen?

For one, we have all experienced some malaise after all we’ve just been through with the pandemic. It was hard not to!

 

But more importantly, try to look back on your life and recall these 2 things: 1. What did it feel like to be on fire?Who were you with?What were you doing?What was it that was lighting you up?2. When did the light go out?Why did that spark die?Who were you with?What were you doing?

This exercise will take some time and personal reflection, but if you want to get that fire back again, it’s important to remember how it felt and understand when and why you let it die.

Just remember this… It is possible to “wake it up and shake it up” again, to reignite that spark, that passion so you can live your life fully each day.

For those of you who are saying,

“I want that feeling again!”

I’ve created a 5-day challenge,

Wake it Up Shake it Up… Reignite Your Life.

 

It’s a digital download with 6 videos and a 22-page workbook. It’s available on my website at a special price of $29.99.

If you are feeling disconnected or disengaged in your own life, this Wake it Up, Shake it Up 5-day challenge will help you want to jump out of bed each day!

Think of it this way.

If you live on the East Coast like I do, it’s March. It’s almost spring. You can feel change and excitement in the air. There are buds on the trees, the grass is starting to turn green, and the crocus, daffodils, and forsythia are poking their heads through the soil.

These are all signs of new beginnings, new growth, and a fresh start.

Over the winter they laid dormant just like you did! But it’s time for spring, time for a new growth and so are you.

It is within reach for every one of us to “wake it up and shake it up”, to experience new life new growth just like spring flowers.

It’s inside of each and every one of us. Sometimes we just need a little ”kick in the pants” or a little inspiration to get started.

 

5 R’s That Will Reignite Your Life

 

1.  REDISCOVER 

The “Why” that makes you cry.

You’re “why” is that passion that puts the fire in your belly. It’s what makes you want to jump out of bed. It will reignite your purpose and passion.

 

2.  RECONNECT 

You have an opportunity through some of the exercises in my 5-day challenge to reconnect with your old dreams and create new ones that you were once passionate about.

 

3.  RESET

If you want to unlock and unburden yourself from what is holding you back, it’s important to push the reset button. This exercise will help you declutter your stuff, your mind, and your schedule.

 

4.  REIMAGINE

It is possible to live the life of your dreams, one that you design yourself. In my 5-day challenge, you will have an opportunity to reimagine and redesign your life.

 

5.  RECHARGE

Who doesn’t want to light up?

When you wake up from your malaise, you realize you need to reboot/recharge your status quo life! It’s entirely up to you to do the work and unburden your life so you can recharge it.

 

If you are interested in my 5-day challenge, wake it up shake it up, click this link to sign up.

This will change your life. There are 6 videos, a 22-page workbook.

Isn’t it worth just 20 minutes a day to wake it up and shake it up?

Stop settling for status quo living. Live your life to the fullest each day!

I’d love to hear back from you!

You can  schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation with me if you have any questions regarding right-sizing, downsizing, and decluttering.Follow me on social media for more updates:FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTER

The post It’s March: Wake It Up, Shake It Up! Shake Off the Seasonal Malaise first appeared on Design Services LTD.

There’s Something About Turning 60 That Changes You

By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing DesignerPerhaps it’s that you see your clock ticking right before your eyes.You have less life in front of you than behind you.You have so much more you want to accomplish.You’re not done yet!In fact, you are so ready to go for it, to live life on your own terms so that you can make the rest of your life the best years ever!There’s a new sense of urgency and energy to live life now, to reignite your passions, reclaim your power, and that spirit of adventure. You’re ready to say “hell no” to stereotypes of older women that say life has passed you by.You’re ready to say “hell yes”  to rediscovering that bold, confident, unstoppable you!

 

In an article I recently wrote for Sixty and Me, I provide you with 10 simple steps on how to bring back that sense of adventure, freedom, and fun.

 

Sixty and Me Article:BRING BACK THE ADVENTURE, FREEDOM, AND FUN THAT’S BEEN MISSING FROM YOUR LIFE!This is your time to celebrate YOU!

 

You can  schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation with me if you have any questions regarding right-sizing, downsizing, and decluttering.Follow me on social media for more updates:FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTER

The post There’s Something About Turning 60 That Changes You first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Decluttering With Your Spouse

Are You And Your Spouse Tired Of Your Cluttered Home? 

Let’s face it – living with clutter is stressful. If you and your spouse are ready to make a change and get rid of clutter in your home, allow me to help. Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins and I’m known as the Downsizing Designer. After downsizing and decluttering my life, I’ve become dedicated to helping others learn how to declutter their homes through the use of easy-to-follow decluttering checklists. You can get started today! 

First, Find Your Decluttering Method 

The first step you should take is to find the decluttering method that is right for you – and I’ve designed a course to help you do just that! My 8 Proven Methods To Start Decluttering course details 8 methods for decluttering and includes decluttering checklists to help you get started. You’ll receive the course in your email when you sign up. You can download the PDF decluttering checklists for reference whenever you like. 

Sort your clutter in the manner that suits you best. My course will teach you how to 

Declutter item by item Declutter room by room Declutter with the help of friends and more! Is Your Spouse Ready To Declutter? 

Not sure if your spouse is ready to start decluttering? Want to get them on board so you can declutter your home together? Don’t worry – the Downsizing Designer can help you with that, too. Read “5 Tips: How to Get Your Spouse on Board When Decluttering Your Home.” This decluttering checklist will help you and your spouse get on the same page when it comes to decluttering your home. 

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. 

The post Decluttering With Your Spouse  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Downsizing in Your 60s for Retirement

By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer

If you are in your late 50s, early 60s, chances are you’ve been having conversations about whether you should downsize from your big home or not.

You’ve probably had conversations with family or friends who have already downsized so you can learn from their experience. And if they’re honest, they’ll give you their thoughts, pros and cons, and the good, bad, and ugly of downsizing.

Downsizing is a big deal, it’s life-changing, and one size does not fit all.

If you are considering downsizing or moving to a smaller home than you are currently living in… before you jump in, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to see if it is the right decision for you.

This blog is intended to provide you with a few new tools that will help you with your decision-making process.

 

Downsizing? A Checklist to Help You Decide1. Why do you want to… or have to downsize?Empty Nest:Extra bedrooms, wasted space, downsizing just “makes sense”.It’s an opportunity to have more time for “you”, more fun experiences, and being with your kids and grandkids more.Financial Issues/Concerns:You are concerned with the rising costs of your home, taxes, upkeep.You are starting to be concerned about not being able to afford your big home.Health, Aging, And Safety Concerns:Anticipating your future needs as you age. (i.e., one-floor living)Considering future health issues that may necessitate a space suitable for handicap accessible.

 

2. What kind of lifestyle do you want? What’s most important to you at this stage of life?Where do you want to live?What kind of house do you want to live in?Do you want to live in the same area? (Or a cottage at the beach or a condo in the city?)Do you want the ability to “lock and leave”, giving you more time to travel, be with family and friends?Pros of Downsizing

Downsizing certainly has its advantages. These are just a few of the benefits that many boomers enjoy when they move to a smaller, more manageable, often more affordable home.

1. Less upkeep, less space to manage

More time, freedom, and energy to pursue other interests.

2. Fewer expenses (i.e., utilities, property taxes, maintenance)

More money to help offset monthly expenses and more money to enjoy life.

3. Less stuff

Less stuff to manage and care for, and pay for upkeep and maintenance.

More time, energy, and freedom to enjoy your life.

4. Less stress

With less stuff, you begin to realize you have been holding onto things you no longer want, need, or use.

You also realize your stuff has been holding you back from living a new life of freedom. (Physical and emotional freedom)

When you let go of your stuff you have an easier and simpler lifestyle.

Download your Free Printable PDF, CLICK HERE

Cons of Downsizing1. You will need to declutter, let go of stuff you’ve collected for years

One of the biggest hurdles to downsizing is letting go. Change is hard.

Letting go of things you have collected for many years is not easy.

Is a new simpler lifestyle worth it to you?

You have to declutter at some point in your life anyway. Downsizing might be the inspiration and motivation you’ve needed to make it happen.

2. You don’t want to, you’re afraid, you’re resisting leaving the homestead you raised your children in

Do you like the home you have, the neighborhood, and your neighbors?

Change is hard. It’s natural to resist what you’ve become accustomed to for so many years.

The second biggest hurdle to downsizing is saying goodbye to your homestead.

While your bigger home might be good for now, it’s important to consider what your life will be like in 5 to 10 years. Is it worth making the move now before it’s too late?

3. Underestimating costs associated with downsizing

It’s important to do your due diligence and be familiar with the real expenses of downsizing.

(i.e., closing costs, higher taxes, homeowner fees etc.)

4. Overestimating your house value

It’s important to be realistic and grounded when setting a price for your home in your area.

Get several estimates from reliable realtors.

5. Not downsizing enough the first time

Double downsizing or having to downsize more than once can be very costly. It’s important to analyze just how much space you will need when you’re looking for your home to prevent the need to downsize again.

6. You’re not happy with where you moved, the house you selected

If you don’t do your due diligence, you may find yourself in a situation where you are unhappy about your choice.

That’s why it’s important to take your time and make this important decision.

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to downsizing.

Before you make your decision, weigh both the pros and the cons.Make sure you do your homework so that it makes financial and logistical sense.

As a downsizing designer, I have the opportunity to speak to baby boomers all over the country about my own downsizing journey and the impact that downsizing has had on my life.

Living with less has provided me with a simpler, more abundant life. I now have more time, freedom, money, and energy to pursue what matters most to me.

As you embark on your own downsizing journey, please visit my website to take advantage of over 500 blogs and many free resources that will help you make the best decision for you.

You can  schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation with me if you have any questions regarding right-sizing, downsizing, and decluttering.Follow me on social media for more updates:FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTER

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