Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 45
September 2, 2021
How To Make Downsizing Easy
More and more baby boomers are reaching a point where they’re eager to begin retirement. Retirement age is also the age many baby boomers begin to seriously consider downsizing. For many, however, the idea of downsizing is overwhelming. Where do you even start? How do you know which things you should keep and which things you should get rid of?
I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer. A few years ago, I was in the position many baby boomers find themselves in today. I made the decision to downsize, got rid of the majority of what I once owned, and even moved into a smaller home. Now, I live with less, and I’m happier for it. Baby boomers, I can help you through your downsizing process by making downsizing easy.
The ABC’s Of DownsizingOne of the many tips I encourage baby boomers who are ready to downsize to try is to organize all their items into A, B, and C categories.
A Items – Items you just can’t live without B Items – Items you would like to keep if they fit, if they will look good, and if they will be functional in your new space. C Items – Items you don’t want or needOrganizing your belongings in this manner is a great way to get a head start on the downsizing process!
Stay Tuned For More Expert Advice From The Downsizing DesignerAs your Downsizing Designer, I’m eager to offer you the best in downsizing ideas and recommendations. If you’re ready to learn more about downsizing and decluttering, don’t hesitate to contact the Downsizing Designer.
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 Downsizing Easy first appeared on Design Services LTD.
100 Places to Donate Your Stuff to a Good Cause
The Downsizing Designer
If you are like many baby boomers right now, you might be looking around your home wondering where did all of this stuff come from?
You’ve started to notice, especially during Covid just how much clutter is piling up and how much stress the mess is causing.You realize you have so much stuff and you have no idea what’s even in the boxes in your attic, basement, and garage.You also realize what an overwhelming task it is going to be decluttering all of the things that you’ve accumulated for the last 20 to 30 years.And on top of that, you might have inherited things from your parents or other relatives.
And if you’re one of the lucky ones, your home has become a repository for other people’s stuff… like your adult children who now have homes of their own.
How Do You Find the Motivation to Declutter?
1. Start somewhere, anywhere! Just start!
Decide to focus on one small area at a time like a junk drawer, a linen closet, or a medicine cabinet.
Set aside 15-minutes today to get you started. You might discover that you continue well past the 15 minutes because you are starting to see progress one drawer, one closet, one shelf at a time.
Read my recent blog post: Downsize by Decluttering: What is it?2. Set a goal and a timeline
It’s important to set both short-term and long-term goals.
“By Friday I will declutter my master bedroom closet.”“By the end of the month, I will declutter all second-floor closets.”“By the end of December, I will declutter my entire home.”3. Chart your progress
Using a daily or weekly journal, keep track of the areas you’ve worked on and the progress you’ve made.
Take “before, during, and after” photos. These photos will serve to motivate you because you’ll see real progress
Celebrate small wins or big wins… They are both wins!
4. Have fun!
Decluttering gets a bad rap.
It’s so hard!It takes so much time!It’s so emotional!YES, to all of these statements but when you reframe these statements they can be motivating instead.
It will be easier and a lot more fun if you engage a team a family and friends to help you declutter.If I have a team, time will fly by and we’ll have fun together making new memories.It will likely be emotional, but if you don’t face those sentimental items head-on right now, they will continue taking up space in your head and in your heart, weighing you down.
5. Find a decluttering method that works best for you, your lifestyle, and your scheduleIf you only have weekends free… decide on one area that you want to work on, decide when you can work on it, put it on the calendar for a few hours each weekend.
Slow and steady is better than not at all!
If you have time during the week, discern what day and what time works best for you.When is your highest energy level?
Figure out the decluttering method that you enjoy, can fit into your schedule, and can see consistent progress.
One of my favorite decluttering methods is Decluttering from The Heart.
I discovered this method last winter when I realized how many warm winter coats, sweaters, scarves, and gloves were just sitting in my closet not getting used.
I thought of a homeless women’s shelter that is near and dear to my heart. It occurred to me that they would love to have a warm coat, scarf, hat, and gloves that would not only make them feel warm but would also make them feel good.
That became a huge motivation for me, knowing that I was giving it to someone who needed it, would use it, and would feel proud wearing it.
I started looking around my house for other categories that I was not using. I looked for places that needed and wanted those categories so they can be donated and re-purposed.
Some of the categories I discovered I had excess:Household itemsPantry itemsShoesHandbagsElectronicsBooksThe result of my research:
100 Places to Donate Your Stuff to a Good Cause
Download your free copy
If you are wondering where and how to get rid of your excess stuff… consider giving it a new life by repurposing it, by giving it to someone who needs it and wants it.
What excess stuff are you thinking of donating this year and where?I’d love to hear from you!Comment in the comment section below.
August 31, 2021
Remodeling? How to Max Out Your Bath Design
The Downsizing Designer
As with any remodeling project, if you want it to be successful, the time and effort you put into it upfront can make all the difference.
If you want to maximize the space you have, it’s important to first focus on the design of what’s possible for your bathroom.
Either within the existing walls or…Possibly expanding the bath footprint into adjoining areas to increase the size of your bathroom.Too often my clients feel restricted, not realizing that with some creative space planning, it might be possible to:
Provide not only the aesthetic but also the practical improvements that will increase the functionality and add value to your home .While also…
Incorporating items on their “wish list” … things they didn’t think possible.At least it should be considered.
That’s why I strongly recommend retaining the services of a professional, interior designer or a certified bath professional to assist you with exploring options for what’s possible so that you can maximize your bath design, adding maximum value to your home investment.
5 Steps to Maximize Your Bathroom Design
1. Determine wants, needs, and “wish list”Who uses the bath, when do they use it, how do they wish to use it?Is it a couple who is in the bathroom at the same time each morning sharing one vanity?Does one like to take a shower while the other likes to take long baths?2. Document the existing footprint on a dimensioned blueprintMeasure and document existing footprint. Include plumbing locations that can be reused, to save money on the renovation.Measure adjoining spaces that could possibly be used to expand the bath footprint.
FREE Download:
Step-by-Step Bathroom Designer’s Guide
3. Explore what’s possibleLook beyond the existing bath walls and footprint.Look for unused or poorly used adjoining spaces.Examples:
never used dressing area/make up tablepoorly used guest closetpoorly used hall linen closet4. Experiment with 3 or 4 space plans that incorporate one or more of the adjoining spacesIf you bump into an unused guest closet, will you now have enough room for that large walk-in shower that you’ve been dreaming about?If you bump into a never-used dressing area/makeup area, will you now have enough space to have his/her vanities and his/her storage that will prevent morning battles?
5. Select one or two designs that best suit your wants, needs, and “wish list”Obtain preliminary budget numbers to evaluate feasibility.
Here’s a recent blog that might help you Top 10 Bathroom Design Trends to Avoid.
I’m sharing these 5 design steps that I’ve used for the past 35 years because I know they work.
While each space I work on is unique to the home, and while each client’s wants, needs, and “wish list” is unique, it is well worth the time up front to explore various layouts to see what’s possible and what’s feasible so that you can incorporate items from that “wish list”.
No matter what, remodeling a bathroom is an investment.
Why not try to max out your bathroom design as much as possible?
Are you remodeling?
Are you interested in learning more about our interior design services?
Leave a comment down below, we’d love to hear from you!Schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me, click here.
August 26, 2021
Rita Wilkins Simplifies Downsizing
Does clutter cause you stress? Do you have a bunch of stuff you aren’t sure what to do with? Are you interested in downsizing or decluttering your life? I’m Rita Wilkins and I can help. Not so long ago, I was living with too much. Once I decided to downsize and declutter, I moved from a large home to a small apartment and got rid of 95% of what I once owned. Now I’m living with less and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to downsize. I can help you do the same.
Why Do People Downsize?There are plenty of reasons baby boomers in their 60s and 70s are thinking about downsizing these days. For example, here are a few reasons that people begin to consider the benefits of downsizing.
An empty nest – your kids are grown and have moved out. Retirement – you’re getting ready to retire either on your own or with your partner. Finances – your current living situation is too expensive to maintain.Downsizing gives you more time, more money, and more freedom to do what you want when you want.
How Can I Start Downsizing?At a loss for where you’d even begin if you wanted to downsize and declutter your life? Don’t worry! As the Downsizing Designer, I’ve helped countless baby boomers learn how to begin downsizing and decluttering their lives. You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Seek help to learn how to start downsizing 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 Rita Wilkins Simplifies Downsizing first appeared on Design Services LTD.August 25, 2021
5 Reasons Why Downsizing Is Good for Your Health, Well-Being… and Your Social Life
The Downsizing Designer
Do you have a morning routine that is so sacred to you that you can’t imagine living life without it?
It’s your time to prioritize YOU!
Get up earlyGo out in natureGo for a walkEat a healthy breakfastRead your prayer journalWhatever your morning routine is, it is a sacred time of your day. It’s a time when you are physically, emotionally, and spiritually connected.
When you are in control of your life and not the other way around…
It sets the tone for your day.It allows you to get centered and focused so you can set intentions for your day.It is good for your health and well-being.In many ways, downsizing and decluttering is similar to that sacred morning routine. When you downsize and clutter, when you live a simpler life with less .Life is just easier and simpler!
You have more time for yourself.
You have more freedom to live your life on your own terms.
There Are So Many Reasons Why Downsizing and Decluttering Is Good for Your Health and Well-Being, but Here Are My Top 5 Reasons
1. Less stuff, more connections
When you live a simpler life with less, you have more opportunities to prioritize and focus on closer connections to loved ones, colleagues, and yourself. This leads to happier, more intimate relationships that improve overall health and happiness.
2. Less stuff, more peace of mind
When you live with less stuff, there’s less mess, less stress, and less overwhelm. You have a sense of control of your own life, a sense of peace, calm, and confidence that leads to a happier more fulfilling life.
Check out my best-selling book
Available in AMAZON
3. Less stuff more gratitude
When you experience less stress, you appreciate what you do have more!
Not just things, but the people in your life, the special moments in your life. Just being able to be present in the moment and just enjoy it for all that it is.
4. Less stuff, more energy
When you are not encumbered with too much stuff, you have more time, energy, and freedom to focus on what matters most to you.
Your productivity and creativity increase simply because you have less stress weighing you down.
5. Less stuff, more life
Having less stuff contributes to a healthier life and lifestyle so you make better choices with regard to food, exercise, sleep, and activities.
When you live a simpler life with less there are fewer have to’s and more time for what you want to do… like your early morning routine!
Read my recent blog “Life After Downsizing”.
Downsizing and decluttering contribute to a longer, healthier life and lifestyle, allowing you to make room for creating your best life.
Its positive impact on your health and well-being can add years to your life and life to your years.
Wishing you well on your downsizing and decluttering journey.
Please let me know if I can assist you in any way.
Reach out to me on my website.
Do you have a morning routine? Please share it to keep inspiring others!We’d love to hear from you! Leave your comment down below.
August 24, 2021
5 Reasons Why Downsizing Is Good for Your Health, Well-Being… and Your Social Life
The Downsizing Designer
Do you have a morning routine that is so sacred to you that you can’t imagine living life without it?
It’s your time to prioritize YOU!
Get up earlyGo out in natureGo for a walkEat a healthy breakfastRead your prayer journalWhatever your morning routine is, it is a sacred time of your day. It’s a time when you are physically, emotionally, and spiritually connected.
When you are in control of your life and not the other way around…
It sets the tone for your day.It allows you to get centered and focused so you can set intentions for your day.It is good for your health and well-being.In many ways, downsizing and decluttering is similar to that sacred morning routine. When you downsize and clutter, when you live a simpler life with less .Life is just easier and simpler!
You have more time for yourself.
You have more freedom to live your life on your own terms.
There Are So Many Reasons Why Downsizing and Decluttering Is Good for Your Health and Well-Being, but Here Are My Top 5 Reasons
1. Less stuff, more connections
When you live a simpler life with less, you have more opportunities to prioritize and focus on closer connections to loved ones, colleagues, and yourself. This leads to happier, more intimate relationships that improve overall health and happiness.
2. Less stuff, more peace of mind
When you live with less stuff, there’s less mess, less stress, and less overwhelm. You have a sense of control of your own life, a sense of peace, calm, and confidence that leads to a happier more fulfilling life.
Check out my best-selling book
Available in AMAZON
3. Less stuff more gratitude
When you experience less stress, you appreciate what you do have more!
Not just things, but the people in your life, the special moments in your life. Just being able to be present in the moment and just enjoy it for all that it is.
4. Less stuff, more energy
When you are not encumbered with too much stuff, you have more time, energy, and freedom to focus on what matters most to you.
Your productivity and creativity increase simply because you have less stress weighing you down.
5. Less stuff, more life
Having less stuff contributes to a healthier life and lifestyle so you make better choices with regard to food, exercise, sleep, and activities.
When you live a simpler life with less there are fewer have to’s and more time for what you want to do… like your early morning routine!
Read my recent blog “Life After Downsizing”.
Downsizing and decluttering contribute to a longer, healthier life and lifestyle, allowing you to make room for creating your best life.
Its positive impact on your health and well-being can add years to your life and life to your years.
Wishing you well on your downsizing and decluttering journey.
Please let me know if I can assist you in any way.
Reach out to me on my website.
Do you have a morning routine? Please share it to keep inspiring others!We’d love to hear from you! Leave your comment down below.
Top 9 Ways You Can Plan Now to Age in Place
The Downsizing Designer
If you are in your 50s or 60s, and you are starting to have discussions about whether you should downsize your home or whether you should age in place, there are a number of steps you can start taking now to modify your home should you decide to stay.
Or if you decide to move, to downsize, or right size, preparing your home now with some universal design features will actually benefit you when you go to sell your home. Having some of these features are very desirable to baby boomer homebuyers, as well as homebuyers of most age groups.
If you start planning now, implementing a few of these ideas over time, you will be able to stretch out your renovation budget.
9 Simple Modifications You Can Start Making Right Now to Age in Place1. Better lighting
As we age, we need better lighting, so adding additional lighting will benefit you not just now, but in the long run.
Recessed lightsAdding additional recessed lights in selected areas (i.e., hallway, bathroom, bedroom, library) will help with overall ambient lighting.
SconcesSconces are both decorative and ambient. Add sconces in the bathroom flanking your mirror and also in dimly lit hallways.
Under-cabinet lightingIf you currently have undercabinet lighting in your kitchen, you are already benefiting from a great task lighting source. Consider putting undercabinet lighting in other areas of your home that have wall cabinets i.e., laundry room, home office, mudroom.
Your home will not only look brighter, but you’ll also appreciate the extra light as your eyes start to need more light.
2. Change door and cabinet hardware
As we age, it is harder to turn doorknobs or to grasp small cabinet knobs.
By simply replacing your doorknobs with lever handles and changing out your cabinet knobs to cabinet pulls, you are already addressing an issue that you might as you age.
3. Lower light switches
This is one modification that people don’t often think about, but if you were sitting in a wheelchair, you would certainly appreciate the difference. You don’t need to lower switches throughout, rather change them out in the most used areas (i.e., kitchen, hallway, bathroom, bedroom).
4. Install grab bars
Safety is important at all ages, but as you age it is normal to lose some strength and balance. Installing grab bars in your shower or tub or next to the toilet now could prevent a serious fall or injury.
I also like to recommend a vertical grab bar at the point of entry and exit in the shower or tub. This is helpful to stabilize you regardless of your age.
5. First-floor bedroom suite
While this is a more expensive renovation, it’s smart to plan this sooner than later in the event of an illness or injury, and later on, as your main bedroom suite should you choose to age in place.
Start looking around your home for rooms that could possibly be converted to a first-floor bedroom suite (i.e., dining room, living room, library, or den). Ideally, they are close to plumbing, as that helps reduce renovation costs either now or in the future.
FREE Download: Bathroom Design Tips
6. Master bathroom renovation
If you are planning a major master bathroom renovation, make sure that you include the following:
Walk-in shower with a low threshold or no thresholdComfort height toilet that makes raising and lowering yourself easier.Higher vanity helps reduce the amount of bending.Accessible storage that can be open, without doors, making it easily accessed if you are to be in a wheelchair or walker.Wider doorways and walkways will help you maneuver more easily as you age.7. Open floor plan
If you are planning a major renovation, consider an open floor plan that allows for more accessibility, flexibility and better traffic flow.
8. No step entry
If you currently have steps entering into your home, start looking for additional options that do not involve steps. If you were thinking about aging in place this is one of those areas to not overlook that could be incorporated into a bigger renovation.
If you currently have steps in your entry, make sure you have the proper handrails and lighting.
9. Start decluttering now
For those of you who follow me, you probably expect to hear this from me since that is one of my primary mantras as the Downsizing Designer. When you declutter over a period of time, your job will be far easier and more manageable whether you choose to move or to stay and age in place.
If you want to know more about aging in place, go to my website
to schedule a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation.
The post Top 9 Ways You Can Plan Now to Age in Place first appeared on Design Services LTD.
August 19, 2021
Downsizing For Retirement In Your 60s
Are you looking into retirement? Not sure if you should keep your current living situation or move into somewhere smaller and more affordable? Wondering how you’ll manage all of your stuff in a smaller living situation? Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer. Not so long ago, I was in your shows – considering downsizing and now knowing quite how to begin. Now, I live 95% less than what I once had, and I couldn’t be happier. If you’re in your 60s or 70s and looking to downsizing for retirement, I’m ready to help you.
Why People Consider Downsizing Before RetirementThere are many reasons people of retirement age consider downsizing – whether that means simply getting rid of clutter or even moving to a new home.
The kids’ stuff – You may have things your kids left at home once they grew up. Which things will you keep? Will your kids want any of it? Old gifts or souvenirs – You may have items you’ve held onto because of the memories associated with them, even if they serve no functional purpose. Finances – Your retirement funds are limited, and you want to make sure they last. How Do I Get Started Downsizing?You don’t have to take the first steps on your downsizing journey all on your own. Regardless of the reason you want to downsize and declutter, I can help you figure out the method of downsizing that will work best for you. Contact me today to learn more about how to start downsizing.
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 Downsizing For Retirement In Your 60s first appeared on Design Services LTD.Settle for Less: Life After Downsizing
The Downsizing Designer
From a very early age, we were told to never “settle for less” and that if you were not living “the life”, you were probably settling.
You were probably told that by your parents, your best friend, or maybe even your mentor, and I’m sure that they meant well when they said that to you.
But I want to push back on that statement and ask you to consider it differently, because…
What if you actually want less… not more?What if you find joy in living a simpler, less cluttered life with the less stuff, less stress, and less overwhelm?What if you want fewer “have to’s” and fewer “should’s”?I get it!
“Don’t settle…”
Often said when talking about relationships, a job, or a career that you don’t love.Often refers to having financial freedom or achieving other goals that you would like to accomplish.But I’m talking about something completely different than that.
I’m talking about “Life after Downsizing”.
When you downsize and declutter… and when you live with less, you are in charge of your own life. Why be pressured into owning more, doing more?
That’s the trap that many of us baby boomers got ourselves into. (Myself included)
We believed the commercials, we bought into the idea more is more, bigger is better. Our “success” was on full display… or was that success?
But after you downsize and declutter, you discover something profoundly life changing.
TIMEFREEDOMYou suddenly have more time and freedom to live life on your own terms, not someone else’s.
FREE Download:
31 Lifestyle Upgrades That Will Change Your Life!
At first glance, it might seem that downsizing means downgrading your life.
But I can assure you it’s not!
In fact, when you downsize your home, your possessions, and your life, you are actually upgrading your life. You are actually raising your standards because you create boundaries and only “let in” what you want to let in.
You get to choose:
How you want to live your life.Who you want to spend time with and when.What you do with your own time.You get to set the boundaries around what you want and don’t want in your life.
Making the choice to downsize, live more with less actually helps you dream bigger, have bigger goals that are aligned with your values.
You get to make better choices for the life you really want.
Settle? I don’t think so!Settling for less is about choosing to live with less stuff, less busyness, jobs you don’t want, people you don’t want to be around.Settling for less is about choosing …and living the life you love!
A question:
How are you settling for less…and loving it?
Leave your comments below.
Let’s connect!
Want to know more …
About downsizing?About lifestyle design?
Website: designservicesltd.com
Schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me to help get you started!
Visit our Good Life blog to see over 450 articles on downsizing, lifestyle design and interior design.
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Read my best-selling book:
Downsize Your Life Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time Money and Freedom
The post Settle for Less: Life After Downsizing first appeared on Design Services LTD.
August 17, 2021
Design the Life You Love: What Is Lifestyle Design Anyway?
The Downsizing Designer
“Everyone dies, but not everyone has truly lived” – CS Lewis
This is one of my all-time favorite quotes because it reminds me that each day, we have a choice…
To live an ordinary life or to live an extraordinary life!
It’s about creating a clear vision for your life… what you want and what you don’t want based on your values and what matters most to you.
Looking at how you currently spend your time, money, and energy versus how you would like to spend your time, money, and energy.Looking at your life through a new lens and deciding what needs to change, what you need to disrupt to have the life you really want.Lifestyle design is about being free to live life on your own terms and believing it’s possible to design the life you really want.
And it’s also about shifting your mindset, having the courage to step out of your comfort zone, to question and challenge the way things are so you can create a vision for yourself and your life, turning that vision, that dream into your own reality.
But it takes work… hard work!
To live intentionally… you have to want it, believe it, and do the work!
You also have to expect that you will fail at times, but you will learn and grow from those experiences.
Lifestyle design is living each day as if it were your last, prioritizing your life to live in alignment with what matters most to you.
How to Design the Life You Love!1. Create a vision for yourself and your life and map it out.2. Acknowledge and reframe your limiting beliefs that stop you from having the life you really want.3. Discern what matters most to you. Watch those who inspire you and follow their lead!4. Think out of the box, get very creative, expand your way of thinking for what’s possible. Challenge everything and see your life through that new lens!5. Be open-minded, be optimistic. Embrace change and believe you can do it no matter how difficult and no matter the circumstances.6. Continue to see the big picture. Take steps each day to achieve your dreams and your goals. If something gets in your way create new solutions to overcome them.7. Share your dream with others and collaborate. Let them help you expand your dream and vision to help you design and live the life you love.
Check out my Amazon Best-selling Book
Want to know more? Go to my website at www.designservicesltd.com
