Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 43
November 3, 2021
Baby Boomers: You Are 60. Does The Amount of Stuff You Own Scare You? It Should!
The Downsizing Designer
When you look around your home, are you overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you’ve accumulated over all those years… wondering where and how to ever start getting rid of it all?
Your bookshelves and cabinets are filled with books, knickknacks, boxes of photos, and photo albums.Your closets are stuffed to the brim with clothes you haven’t worn in years.Your basement, attic, and maybe even your storage unit are filled with boxes that you have no idea what’s even in them.It’s scary when you think about just how much stuff you own and just how much work it’s going to take to sort through all of it.
It’s only natural that when we get a little older, when we are in our 60s, that we start to think more seriously about decluttering, downsizing, and retirement.
You realize it’s finally time to start getting rid of things you have accumulated that you no longer want, need, or use.
You also start to realize just how much time and effort is needed to take care of all of your stuff.
That’s when a simpler, less cluttered, more manageable life starts to look very appealing!
And you also began to realize the mammoth undertaking you have in front of you… and that’s pretty scary!
The good news is that it’s not too late to start… but it is important to just get started!
By taking control of your stuff and your life sooner than later, you’ll immediately begin to experience a new lease on life.
More freedom, flexibility, mobility, and even less responsibility!Less stress, less overwhelm, and less anxiety.That’s what a clutter-free lifestyle provides.
In addition to providing you with more peace of mind, it will also lift the burden of having your kids and heirs who have to deal with all of your stuff when you are gone.
5 Ways to Know If You Have Too Much Stuff
1. Everywhere you look there’s clutter. Countertops, cabinets, closets, drawers, and etc.
2. You can’t find what you want when you need it.
3. You realize how much time and energy you are wasting looking for things.
4. You are constantly making excuses for the way your home looks.
5. You end up buying replacement items for things you can’t find.
The most important thing is to acknowledge the fact that you have too much stuff… and that you need to start decluttering now before it’s too late.
To help you get started, I am launching a new online course called…
“8 Proven Methods to Start Decluttering.”
I created this course just for you. Once you find a decluttering method that works for you, once you make it a habit, clutter will no longer be an issue in your life.
What category of stuff do you have so much of that scares you?
Shoes? Handbags? Clothes?
The post Baby Boomers: You Are 60. Does The Amount of Stuff You Own Scare You? It Should! first appeared on Design Services LTD.
October 28, 2021
How To Make Decluttering Easy
Do you have a cluttered home? Do you find that the clutter in your home makes you feel stressed? Does it make it hard to enjoy your home? What if you didn’t have to deal with clutter any longer? Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins and I’m known as the Downsizing Designer. Once, my life was too cluttered, too. Now, I live with 95% less than what I used to own. My life is happier and simpler after I took my own downsizing journey. Now, I teach you how to downsize and declutter your life.
Make Decluttering Easy By Finding The Right MethodOnce you decide to downsize and declutter your life, you may find yourself at a loss for how to actually begin. Perhaps the task of decluttering seems so daunting and difficult that you find yourself at a standstill. You can make decluttering easy simply by finding the right decluttering method.
Learn About Decluttering Methods With The 8 Decluttering Methods Online CourseYou can learn which decluttering method works best for you when you sign up for my 8 Decluttering Methods online course. What are some of the decluttering methods you could learn?
The ABCs Method – In this method, you sort items according to how much you need and want them. The Room by Room, Week by Week Method – Take your decluttering process one room at a time, one week at a time. The Extreme Decluttering Party Method – Get your friends to help you in an Extreme Decluttering Party.Don’t wait – sign up for the 8 Decluttering Methods online course soon. Find the decluttering method that makes decluttering easy.
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 How To Make Decluttering Easy first appeared on Design Services LTD.October 21, 2021
Begin Your Downsizing Journey
Is there an overwhelming amount of clutter in your home? Do you find yourself at a loss for how to even begin getting rid of it? I’m Rita Wilkins and I was once in a similar position. However, after getting rid of 95% of what I once owned, I find that I have more time, more money, and more freedom to live as I want. Since then, I’ve helped others achieve their downsizing and decluttering goals. Now, I’m known as the Downsizing Designer – and I can help you, too.
Get Rid Of The Clutter When You Find The Right Decluttering MethodOf course, not everyone’s downsizing journey looks the same. One important step to take when you’re considering downsizing and decluttering is to find the right decluttering method. There are many different ways you can go about decluttering.
Sort by Items – Perhaps it’s easiest for you to sort your clutter into categories based on the items themselves. Go Room by Room – On the other hand, maybe the easiest way for you is to take the decluttering process one room at a time. Have Friends Help – Worried that you won’t make much progress if you declutter all on your own? Have your friends help out! Learn About Decluttering Methods From The 8 Decluttering Methods Online CourseWant to learn more about how to declutter by sorting items, going one room at a time, or calling on the help of your friends and loved ones? Sign up for the 8 Decluttering Methods online course! This online course offers plenty of alternatives to the above-mentioned methods as well. Find the decluttering method that suits you the best!
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 Begin Your Downsizing Journey first appeared on Design Services LTD.5 Extreme Decluttering Tricks That Will Simplify Your Life
The Downsizing Designer
It seems like we’re always looking for different tricks or hacks to make our lives easier.
There are two questions I get asked the most when it comes to downsizing and decluttering…
Where do I start?
People are often so overwhelmed by the amount of clutter. The task of decluttering is so daunting, that the amount of clutter actually prevents them from getting started.
I remember sitting on the floor of my family room in my big home when I first started my downsizing and decluttering journey. I looked up, cried, and asked myself “where do I even begin?”
Those emotions and that experience were so real that I can still feel them today. If you are overwhelmed by the daunting task ahead of you, I hope that these extreme decluttering tricks will help.
The second most asked question is…
Are there any tricks that I can use or that you recommend to your clients to declutter that will simplify their life?
The funny thing is that these 5 extreme decluttering tricks will not only get you started, but they will also be tools and habits you can use regularly to keep clutter at bay, giving you the peace of mind from living in a clutter-free environment.
5 Extreme Decluttering Tricks That Will Simplify Your Life
1. Pick a decluttering method that works best for you and use it regularly
If you have a decluttering method that you’ve used in the past and you were able to make good progress, why not use that decluttering method again and again?
My personal “go-to” decluttering method is the 15-minute Burst Method, where at least once a day I declutter an area of my home that bothers me the most, one that if I let it continue, would pile up, causing more stress.
I pick one area, I set my timer for 15-minutes and I declutter. Typically, my biggest culprits are my desk, my kitchen counter, or my car. This habit is now part of my daily routine and it helps simplify my life.
2. Start with one drawer, one shelf, one area at a time
A little progress is better than no progress at all.
It’s surprising just how motivating it is to complete one area, no matter how big or small. Once you start to see progress, you will gain momentum. This little trick helps you get started when you are stuck and don’t know where to start.
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100 Places to Donate Your Stuff to a Good Cause
3. Rainy day decluttering
I don’t know about you, but if it’s a beautiful sunny day, decluttering is the last thing I want to be doing!
If you know it’s going to be a rainy weekend, why not plan to make a big dent in your decluttering project?
Pick one area of your home, get your trash bags ready, turn on your favorite music, and just get started! I’ve used this trick many times. My mantra has become “never waste a rainy day.”
4. Start with the obvious… which includes duplicates
One of the fastest and easiest way is to get started is to remove items that are broken, not used, or no longer wanted, especially bigger items of furniture that are just taking up space.
Examples: China cabinets, servers, large credenzas, are pieces that we might have used at one point in our lives when we had formal dining rooms. It’s just an opportunity for you to rethink whether you actually use those pieces or whether they’re just taking up space.
Another little trick that I recommend, is to take “before and after” pictures of the area that you declutter. You’ll not only be pleased with your progress; you’ll be motivated to not add things back in… thereby simplifying your life.
5. Have fun! Instead of making decluttering a chore, make it a game!
When you feel overwhelmed or when you get stuck, don’t be afraid to call a friend or family member to help you get back on track.
When we tell ourselves the task is daunting… it is daunting. But when we reframe that statement to say, “decluttering is just a process why not make it fun?” Then, decluttering can actually become like a game that we want to win!
When I was trying to downsize and declutter my 11 closets and nine rolling racks (watch my TEDx talk), I called a friend who I knew would be brutally honest with me… and she was!
Over the course of several day, moving from one closet to the next, I tried on every single piece of clothing I owned. She would tell me if it fit and if it looked good then I would keep it. She would also tell me if it looked terrible and did not fit properly then I would donate it.
At that time, I had four different sizes in my closets.
It was easy to donate most of the large size clothing because I was determined not to get back to that size.The second size down was a little bit harder, but then I realized that I did not wear nearly as many dressy business suits or dressy dresses, so it was easy enough to donate those.The third size down was the most difficult because that was my current size. But when I looked at how many white pants and black pants I had, it made sense to donate at least half of them.The fourth size down I kept some of those because I was motivated to get to a smaller size I hadn’t been to in years.My friend who is so brutally honest with me and gave me one of the best gifts I’ve ever received because she forced me make decisions that I had been deferring for a very long time.
She helped me overcome a hurdle I have been dealing with for many years.
If you are stuck, if have such a friend, don’t hesitate to ask for their help.
Please share a trick that you’ve used to help you get motivated todownsize and declutter?
NEW!
Each week I will be sending an email to my email list on how to optimize different areas of your home for holiday entertaining.
If you’re not on our email list and would like to receive these design tips, visit my website and subscribe. You will get these helpful hints on design, decluttering, downsizing, and so much more.
October 19, 2021
Focusing On Your Kitchen: Optimizing Your Space for Holiday Entertaining
The Downsizing Designer
It’s mid-October, the last vestiges of warm weather here on the East Coast.
It’s such an exciting time of the year with the upcoming holiday season where we are looking forward to entertaining family and friends, inviting them into our homes to share food, drink, and fun. It’s an opportunity to make new memories.
But with the extra people in your kitchen this holiday season, there’s obviously a need for more food, more food prep, and better space usage than usual.
And with that, comes stress, overwhelm, and last-minute concerns that everything will be ready for your house guests.
But this year, instead of stressing out, these 5 design tips are intended to help you prepare and optimize your kitchen for holiday entertaining so you can enjoy your guests and your holiday more.
5 Tips to Help You Optimize Your Kitchen for Holiday Entertaining
1. Declutter your kitchen· Declutter your kitchen counter
Since you will need more counter space for food prep, baking, serving, and even gift-wrapping, clear anything and everything from your kitchen counter that does not relate to the holidays or to what you will need for entertaining.
For example:
Small appliances that are rarely used and decorative items that are off-season. Store them in an area you can bring them back out when needed.
· Declutter your refrigerator, freezer, and pantryRemove outdated items. Use them, donate them, or get rid of them. Make room for pre-cooked meals that are ready to serve, saving you time and effort allowing you to spend more time with your guests.
· Declutter your kitchen cabinets and drawersRemove any items you won’t need during the holidays. (i.e., extra mugs., small appliances)
Take this time to purge anything that are duplicates or items you no longer want, need, or use.
Put only the items you will need back into your cabinets, making it easy for you to locate them when needed during the busy holiday season.
2. Inventory items you already have
Make a list of all items that you already have in your pantry, refrigerator, freezer so that when you do buy, you are buying only what you need, not purchasing duplicate or triplicates. (i.e., condiments and spices)
Anticipate how many people you will be entertaining so you can have the right amount of dinnerware, glassware, silverware, serving pieces that you will need without having to go to the basement for storage area to retrieve them while your guests are there.
When you first declutter and purge, then inventory, you will not only save yourself time, money, and energy, it will prevent those emergency trips to the store while your guests are there because you will have everything you need.
3. Organize: Have a “home” for everything
Since you decluttered and inventoried what you already have, make room for what else you will need, the next step is to organize everything in your cabinets: refrigerator, freezer, and pantry so that everything has a place and you will be able to put your finger on it at a moment’s notice.
Note: Before you take this step, make sure you declutter first .
4. Prepare ahead
Plan your menus now. Prepare meals in advance and freeze them.
Take time to make old family favorites and allow time to create a few new ones.
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5. Space plan in advanceMake sure to have multiple space plans ready for your different entertaining needs that might include:
Add the table leaves now so you don’t have to do it after your guests arrive.Add the appropriate number of seats and chairs that you’ll need.Plan for alternate eating areas for the larger crowds i.e., living room, sunroom, libraryPlan your food presentation zones. Where you will stage the appetizers, bar, entrées, desserts/coffee, etc.Having a plan in place will alleviate last-minute chaos and stress.
When it comes to holiday entertaining, it’s not just the food we should be planning for, it is also planning for how your kitchen spaces will be used during holiday entertaining. When you start implementing these steps now, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress and be able to enjoy your guests and your holidays more!
NEW!
Each week I will be sending an email to my email list on how to optimize different areas of your home for holiday entertaining.
If you’re not on our email list and would like to receive these design tips, visit my website and subscribe. You will get these helpful hints on design, decluttering, downsizing, and so much more.
How can you start now to alleviate the predictable holiday stress?
October 14, 2021
Bathrooms Need a Little Love Too!
The Downsizing Designer
Why is it that our bathrooms are often the last rooms in our house to finally get the love and attention they deserve… when in fact, they are one of the most important rooms in our homes?
We spend a lot of time talking about our kitchens because it is considered the heart of our home, the favorite place for our families and friends to gather.
But the fact of the matter is, the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in our home because it is where we begin and end our day.
We often take our bathrooms for granted, even though in addition to them being a necessity,
it is often a place where we find inspiration or that big new idea while enjoying a refreshing hot shower…
Or
It is also the one sanctuary space in our home where we can be left alone to unwind and recover from a long day.
Learn more: If You are Remodeling Your Bathroom Why Not Future-Proof It?So, if your bathroom is feeling a little neglected right now, here are a few simple, yet affordable ways to show them some love.1. New vanity, countertop, fixtures, and hardware
If you are replacing your bathroom vanity, here is something to consider.
Do you really need two sinks or would one be better, giving you more counter space and possible tower storage?
Not all couples use the bathroom at the same time so it’s important to ask yourself whether you really need two sinks, or whether one would suffice, and then provide more storage space.
2. New very large mirror!
I advise clients all the time to go big with their mirror!
One of the ones I love specifying lately is the backlit mirror for a new updated way to light up your day. It’s not only very bright, it can be dimmed, and it prevents the need for a vanity light above or sconces flanking the mirror.
3. Add wainscoting and crown molding
These are inexpensive architectural features that will enhance and upgrade the look of any bathroom.
4. Paint or wallcovering
FREE Download:
Bathroom Design Guide
Don’t be afraid to go bold and dramatic with color, especially in a powder room or guest bath.
In your main bathroom, you might want to consider a quieter and more peaceful color to start and end your day.
5. Additional storage
Before you add additional storage, make sure you declutter first. Remove items from your bathroom you no longer want, need, or use. For example, outdated make-up, make-up bags, etc.
Once you have determined your specific storage needs, add the additional organizational tools you need. For example, over toilet storage unit, rollouts, deeper drawers, baskets. They will not only help you stay organized, but they will also help you control clutter.
6. Add live plants
Bring the outside in as much as possible, including natural light where feasible. Greenery not only adds color, but it just makes you feel better.
7. New towels, area rugs, shower curtain to complete the look
Last, but not least, add artwork or inspirational quotes that inspire and motivate you. They will help you set the tone for your entire day.
What are some other ways that you have shown your bathroom some love?Leave your comment below.Need any assistance with your bathroom design or remodel?Schedule your complimentary 30-minute phone consult. Click here.
Declutter Your Life Today
A cluttered home can feel messy and overwhelming. Maybe you’re ready to get rid of some of the clutter but you aren’t sure how to begin. If you’re ready to declutter your life, I can help. My name is Rita Wilkins and some know me as the Downsizing Designer. I once had too much clutter and too much space. Now, I live with 95% less than what I once owned and I live a happier, simpler life.
What Are The Benefits Of Decluttering And Downsizing?Baby boomers, if you’re considering starting your own downsizing journey but you aren’t certain you want to take that final step, consider the following benefits that come with decluttering and downsizing.
More Time – Decluttering and downsizing means you’ll spend less time maintaining items or space you no longer need. More Money – By no longer needing to maintain things you don’t need, you’ll have more money. More Freedom – Decluttering and downsizing affords you more freedom to live your life the way you want. Pick Out Your Preferred Method For DeclutteringWant to learn more about how to declutter your life? As your Downsizing Designer, I’m eager to help you find the method of decluttering and downsizing that works best for you. My online course, 8 Decluttering Methods, provides in-depth descriptions of 8 different decluttering methods. Sing up today and learn which method is the right method for you.
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 Declutter Your Life Today first appeared on Design Services LTD.October 8, 2021
How And Why to Start Downsizing This Fall
The Downsizing Designer
Have you been thinking about downsizing? Has it been on your mind for quite a while… even though you may not be downsizing for a few months or even a few years from now?
Did you know that fall might actually be one of the best times to start the decluttering process? Even though we’re coming into the busy holiday season.
Sounds crazy, right? But think of it this way…
Holiday Decorations
Soon, you’re going to be hauling out your holiday decorations from your attic or from your basements. When you do this, think about how many of those boxes or plastic bins have been stored and not used in several years.
How many of those decorations have you NOT used?How many of those decorations have you ACTUALLY used?How many do you think you will need when you move to a smaller home?Why not take the opportunity to declutter your tree ornaments and holiday decorations right now in the fall season?
Don’t end up moving them to your new smaller home only to have the boxes or bins go unused again!
Learn more: Simplify Your Life: Stress Less This Holiday SeasonSummer and Spring Clothing
If you are going through your summer clothing right now…, what clothing did you not wear all summer?
Since you are already transitioning your wardrobe to fall and winter, why not take the opportunity to declutter and downsize your unused summer and spring clothing so you don’t accidentally take them with you to your new smaller home?
Guest Areas
If you are planning to have family and friends visit and stay with you during the holidays, you’re likely going to be refreshing your guestroom and guest bath.
Take a close look at items in those rooms that you can downsize and declutter now so you can reduce the time and effort it will take when you are ready to move. That time spent now will not be wasted. Your guests will appreciate a simpler, well-edited, and curated guest sanctuary.
Clean closets with plenty of room for guests to hang their clothing.Dresser drawers with room for them to use without encroaching on your things.Medicine cabinets that are empty except for all those wonderful amenities that will make your guests feel special.These are just a few things you can do this fall to help prepare for downsizing in the future.
Remember, downsizing takes time… usually 3 to 6 months.
Get your FREE download: The ABCs of Downsizing
3 Quick Tips on How to Get Started1. Create a plan, have a goal and a timeline for your decluttering.
2. Start with rooms that aren’t used or are not being well used.
When you move to a smaller home, think of the rooms that you will no longer have in your smaller home. That’s a great place to start.
3. Remove large furniture that you know will not fit in your smaller home.
Donate, give to family, remove from your home, and your downsizing journey will begin.
The good news is… when you are downsizing to a smaller home, it forces you to make decisions about what you don’t want, don’t need, or will not use so you can focus more on what matters most to you.
After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?
What’s one thing you are going to do to start decluttering this fall?
If you need any downsizing and decluttering assistance, you can schedule your 30-minute complimentary phone consult, click here.
October 7, 2021
When To Start Decluttering
Many baby boomers are now reaching a point in their lives when they’re ready to downsize their lives. A lifetime of clutter has accumulated in your home and that clutter makes your home feel messy and stressful. If this description matches your experience, know that you are not alone. I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer. After decluttering and downsizing, I now live with 95% less than what I used to and I couldn’t be happier.
When Is The Right Time to Declutter And Downsize?The answer to this question will, of course, differ from person to person. Some of the most common catalysts to downsizing include:
Retirement Age – You’re ready to retire and live a simpler life. Do you really need all of the things you own? Is your home too big to maintain during retirement? Empty Nester – Your children have grown up and moved out. Do you really need to keep everything they left behind? Can you utilize the space they left or would it be better to move? When You’re Ready – Of course, a perfectly valid reason for wanting to declutter and downsize is just because you feel you’re ready. Learn About Decluttering Methods With Help Of The Downsizing DesignerRegardless of your personal reasons for wanting to downsize and declutter, you can seek the help you need to begin. Soon I’ll be offering an online course that outlines different methods of decluttering your life. Figure out the method that suits you the best by signing up for 8 Decluttering Methods.
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 When To Start Decluttering first appeared on Design Services LTD.September 30, 2021
What’s The Right Decluttering Method?
Baby boomers, are you ready for a change in your life? Do you find yourself bogged down by too much stuff? Is the clutter of your home weighing on your mind? You can make a real change in your life starting today by downsizing and decluttering. My name is Rita Wilkins and I’m known as the Downsizing Designer. I’m eager to help you live a life with more money, more time, and more freedom through downsizing and decluttering.
How Do I Know What The Right Decluttering Method Is For Me?One of the things that tend to hold back baby boomers who are interested in downsizing and decluttering is the fact that they aren’t sure how to start. How should you start the decluttering process? What method is the right method? Is there only one method to decluttering, or do you have options?
Find Your Decluttering Method TodayThe truth is, there are several approaches you could take to decluttering your home. As the Downsizing Designer, I’m eager to help baby boomers begin their downsizing journey. With my help, you can learn how to
Begin Your Downsizing Journey – Take the first steps to having more money, more time, and more freedom. Find The Right Decluttering Method – Find the method for decluttering that suits your needs Get Rid Of Stressful Clutter – Stop allowing clutter in your home to cause you stress.Learn More About Decluttering Methods Today
Don’t wait – sign up for the 8 Decluttering Methods online course, available soon!
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 What’s The Right Decluttering Method? first appeared on Design Services LTD.
