Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 46
August 12, 2021
Getting Started On Downsizing In Your 60s
Are you overwhelmed by a lifetime’s worth of stuff in your home? Do you find yourself wishing you could declutter your life? Do you feel lost when you think about how to start downsizing and decluttering? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. My name is Rita Wilkins. After downsizing and decluttering my own life, I realized I wanted to help other people like me who want to downsize and declutter but just aren’t sure how. Now, I’m known as the Downsizing Designer, and I’m ready to help you!
How Can I Get Started Decluttering?Years ago, when I decided to downsize, I moved from a large home in the country to a small city apartment. Now, I live with 95% less than what I used to own, and I couldn’t be happier. I want to help others achieve that same happiness and freedom.
Most often I find that baby boomers in their 60s and 70s have the most trouble with the getting started phase of decluttering and downsizing. They think to themselves thoughts like the following.
How do I know what to get rid of? How do I know what to keep? What if I mess it up?It’s okay not to know how to get started decluttering on your own. I’m here to help answer your questions and help you find the method for downsizing that works best for you. After all, downsizing doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. Don’t hesitate to contact me to ask more about downsizing and decluttering!
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 Getting Started On Downsizing In Your 60s first appeared on Design Services LTD.
Life Changing Decision to Downsize in Your 60s
The Downsizing Designer
The thought of Downsizing strikes fear in the hearts of many baby boomers.
The thought of leaving the home where they raised their kids, the memories, and the neighbors they would leave behind.
The monumental task of going through and getting rid of years of accumulations, everything from inherited furniture to clothing to family photos.
The thought is just so overwhelming, so even though baby boomers want to downsize and know they probably should, mani just defer the decision until “later”.
They want to downsize but they’re afraid.
Recently, I ran into a client who we helped downsize a few months prior to the Covid lockdown. She said, “Rita, I had no idea how much easier our life would be! Thank you for your inspiration and encouragement to make the decision to downsize. We had been talking about it for a number of years… Moving to a smaller home, closer to our kids and grandkids, but we kept putting it off. Looking back, we were afraid.”
“We are so glad we listened to you, we love our small home. It’s so much more manageable!”
“We love our new neighbors and all of our new activities!”
“We love being just 20 minutes from our children and grandchildren!”
“We love our new life!”
As we spoke, she recalled how concerned they were that they wouldn’t like their new home, they were afraid it would be difficult to meet new friends, and that they would miss many of the possessions they knew they had to let go of.
Free Download: 5 STEP GUIDE
Lose the Clutter, but Not the Memories
And then she said, “When I look back on our life before downsizing, I realize we spent all of our time and energy caring for our big empty nest!”
And one of the things we were most afraid of, and frankly, didn’t want to admit, was that they had worked hard to build their big house… they were proud of it, and they felt like they deserved it.
It had become a symbol of their success, but when they realized their big home no longer suited them and their empty nest lifestyle, the decision to downsize became so much easier.
And, of course, the actual process of downsizing wasn’t easy. It definitely took a lot of hard work and coordinating, but it was worth it!
FREE Download to get your Downsizing journey started!
Making the decision to downsize changed their life forever. My client is telling all of her friends, “Just do it! Stop being afraid!”
If you are thinking of downsizing, one thing I would strongly recommend is that you start talking to your family and friends who have already downsized.
I would love to hear from you. If you have already downsized, please share your ideas about how you overcame your fear and started your downsizing journey!
If you need help downsizing, please reach out and also on our website!
August 6, 2021
Professional, Free Guidance To Downsizing And Decluttering
Do you have a cluttered life that is bringing your mood down? Do you feel as though getting rid of clutter would lower your stress, but find it difficult to let go of certain items? Do you wish you had help to learn how best to downsize and declutter? Today, you can seek the help you need. I’m Rita Wilkins and I’m known as the Downsizing Designer. I’m eager to help those who want to make a positive change in their lives by getting rid of the clutter.
Learn How You Can Lose The Clutter But Not The MemoriesIf you’re having trouble with sentimental clutter, I recommend signing up for my free 5 Step Guide: Lose The Clutter, But Not The Memories today. Getting rid of clutter doesn’t mean that you are letting go of or disrespecting the memories attached to those particular items. You can get rid of clutter while still keeping the memories precious to you.
Overcome The Negative Emotions Associated With Clutter And Letting GoMy free 5 Step Guide will help you to overcome negative emotions that are associated with the clutter itself or with letting go of sentimental items. Common negative emotions associated with a cluttered life and with the process of letting go include the following.
Stress – Too many items cluttering your life can contribute to your stress, making it hard to enjoy your home. Guilt – People hesitate to let go of old unused gifts, souvenirs from trips, etc because they feel as though it would be disrespecting a precious memory to let go. Overwhelmed – The process of decluttering itself can seem overwhelming and impossible to start.Don’t let these feelings hold you back. When you sign up to receive my 5 Step Guide to help you lose the clutter, you’ll learn how to cope with and overcome these emotions. Don’t wait! Sign up 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 Professional, Free Guidance To Downsizing And Decluttering first appeared on Design Services LTD.August 5, 2021
Trending: Guest Bedroom Upgrades… Sign of Our Times?
The Downsizing Designer
Have you noticed what I am noticing? Are you starting to receive invitations from family and friends again?
Come for dinner?Join us for golf or tennis?Let’s have coffee or a drink?Is it a sign of our times? After a year of being cooped up in our houses, working and learning from home, not being able to travel, visit family and friends.
Are you noticing that just like the beautiful spring flowers and trees that are coming back to life, are we also opening up, wanting desperately to let the light and life back in?
Over the past several weeks I have been receiving many calls from design clients requesting an upgrade to their guest rooms… you know, that room in the house that gets ignored… it has been a hobby room, a workout room, a storage room, and most recently as Zoom room or a home office!
But now my clients are asking that it also becomes an inviting guest bedroom.
They’re ready to entertain again, to have overnight guests.They’re ready to reconnect with family and loved ones, to create new experiences and memories.All of this is great news because as a designer, I heartily embrace getting to help clients design beautiful spaces that also help them live better lives.
But also, as a designer for over 35 years, I have had the opportunity to observe and participate in many of these lifestyle shifts so when I see what I am seeing now… requests to design beautiful guest rooms from multiple clients, I become curious about the bigger picture.
I wonder what it is saying about:
Who we are…What it is that we are yearning for in our lives…What is it that is missing right now…Full disclosure: I am a designer, not a psychologist, but I am intrigued by how often they go hand in hand.
Here’s my designer take on an emerging trend and why it seems that upgrading guest rooms might possibly become a growing new trend.
What does this desire to invite family and friends back into our home say about us?
“I’ve missed you”“Please come visit and stay awhile”“Let us pamper you, take care of you”“We’re so glad we can be together again!”A well-designed guest room or guest quarters can do just that. It can accomplish all of these.
Is it a trend? Is it a sign of our times? It’s too early to tell, but if you are starting to plan your first getaway to visit family and friends since the pandemic, I’d be willing to bet they are sprucing up the guestroom right now just for you.
Five of My Favorite Tips for Designing a Guest Bedroom That Will Make Your Guest Feel Like They Never Want to Leave
1. Start with a statement headboard and a great bed
Since the bed is the primary focus in a guest bedroom, why not make a huge statement that invites them in?
Start with an over-scaled upholstered headboard in a piece of exquisite fabric.Take your time finding a mattress that your guest would love to come back to.2. Go all out with creature comforts
It’s all about comfort and pampering your guests.
Use fine linens, luxurious towels, plush robes, slippers, pillows, and area rugs.Go beyond the essentials. Provide comfortable seating, dresser, mirror, closet space, space to unpack, phone chargers, books and local magazines of interest.3. Touch all of the senses and pay attention to every detail
Don’t hold back:
Provide designer soaps, bath products, candles, specialty chocolates, cheeses, wines, coffee and teas, and soft music.Other nice touches: fine papers, pens, journals, and notepads.
FREE DOWNLOAD:
4. Don’t be afraid of color
It sets the mood that will make them feel welcome, pampered, and cared for.
Current design palettes include amethyst, sea glass, and tuscan sun.Color can create an immersion experience.5. Don’t forget the lightingConsider a chandelier or sconces to upgrade the overall experience.Lamp lighting is essential for a guest bedroom.If you have overhead or recessed lights, make sure it can be softened with dimmers.
Most importantly, spend quality time with your family and loved ones. The beautiful guest room simply sets the stage for a wonderful reunion.
As a bonus, you can read my recent article “10 Most Common Design Mistakes and How to Prevent Them”.
If you want to know more or if you want to inquire about our interior design services, schedule your complimentary 30-minute call with me to discuss. Click here.
Or visit my website: www.designservicesltd.com
The post Trending: Guest Bedroom Upgrades… Sign of Our Times? first appeared on Design Services LTD.
August 3, 2021
The 3-Day Workweek: It’s possible!
The Downsizing Designer
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work less, maybe 3- or 4-day work week, and yet still make a great income that will provide for you and your family?
This lifestyle design concept of a 4-hour workweek was introduced to us by Tim Ferriss a number of years ago. The idea being, that you can work less and make more money, allowing you the freedom to spend more time on things that matter to you outside of work…
Time with familyStart and grow a new businessTravel and learnThis lifestyle is about designing and living life on your own terms.
During the COVID lockdown, as we worked from home, perhaps on some level we all got a taste of what life could be like if we had more freedom, more time, to chart our own course.
Rather than returning to the office full-time where your time belongs to others, many are choosing not to go back to the office. They are figuring out how to work from home so they can have more quality time with their families and making a good living.
Check out my best-selling book available in AMAZON
FREE Download: Get Chapter 3 for free
They are challenging their thinking from the way things have always been to the way they would like them to be in the future so they can live in alignment with what matters to them… and to live a life with no regrets.
Recent studies show that people over 40 work best when they work only 3 days a week. They performed best when they worked 25 hours per week due to less stress and fatigue.
Benefits of working less and living more are real:Better health, happiness, focus, and productivity.How Can You Work Less, Play More, and Make More?1. Do only what you love
Take time to discern what matters most to you, what you’re passionate about, and where you can use your God-given talents to bring the most value to others while fulfilling your own goals.
Start by making a list of non-negotiables…
What you “DO” want and what you “DON’T” want.Remember… don’t settle!
Work smarter, not harder by clearly identifying your best client, the type of client you love working with, who value what you do. Be willing to focus most of your time and effort on this area.
Know your “best time” and “best place” to work… when and where you are most productive and most focused.Prioritize, set goals, establish clear boundaries and abide by them.Examples:
Time with your family.Time for you.Taking only the clients who value you and who are willing to pay you well for your time and talent.FREE DOWNLOAD: The Reverse Bucket List 2. Organize, systematize and optimize your businessMake your business as efficient as possible by automating as much as possible… both your business and your income.
Examples:
Evergreen online courses, group coaching, affiliate marketing, and online banking.3. Stay in your laneWhere you are doing what you do best, and where you can stay in your “zone” …Where you are most creative and can contribute the most value.
Rather than wasting your time in multiple lanes, delegate and let others do tasks you don’t enjoy, aren’t good at, or that slow you down.
Allow yourself to focus only on what you do best.
4. Avoid distractions at all costs
Be intentional about how and when you answer phone calls and emails or use social media. Set boundaries that allow you to focus and be highly productive.
Block out times for you and your team to work on specific projects and let nothing get in your way of having that focused time to work independently or collaboratively.
If are you are feeling burned out, that you were working too much, and not having enough time to enjoy life, start by prioritizing what matters most to you and what you do and don’t want.
Let go of all the things that are preventing you from having the freedom, flexibility, mobility, and fulfillment that you have worked hard for and deserve.
Watch to learn more:
YouTube “Work Three, Play More”
For the past five years, I created this lifestyle for myself of Working 3, Playing 4.
I now have more time, money, and freedom for not only pursuing the career that I love but also the life that I love.
If you want to work less, play more, and make more, it is possible!
If you want to know more,
please reach out to me for a complimentary 30-minute phone call.
The post The 3-Day Workweek: It’s possible! first appeared on Design Services LTD.
August 2, 2021
Lose the Clutter, but Not the Memories: The Downsizing Designer’s 5 Step Guide
The Downsizing Designer
I’m so glad to be here with you again. Many of you might know I took a few weeks off because I moved from my tiny Philadelphia jewel box apartment to a right-size small home in Historic New Castle Delaware built in the 1780s.
I chose this home and this village for lifestyle. It is closer to my family and granddaughter, it is large enough to have overnight guests, I have plenty of space to now entertain again and it is one block from the water.
Read my recent article which talks more about the same: A Checklist for Finding the Right-Size Home for Your Current Lifestyle
Now it’s time to catch up on my weekly blogs and videos and having just gone through more decluttering and downsizing during my move, I can relate to many of the same emotions that you might be having yourself.
Being overwhelmed when you try to get rid of sentimental items…
You become attached to themYou feel guilty about letting go of things you’ve inherited or that were given to you by special people in your life.You might even feel resentful because you don’t have room for other people’s stuff.The thought of getting rid of sentimental items such as photos, wedding albums, letters, trophies, etc. is one of the most difficult parts of downsizing and decluttering so I created a brand-new document to help you rid yourself of sentimental clutter without losing the memories.
FREE DOWNLOAD: 5 Step Guide
Lose The Clutter, But Not The Memories
Follow these 5 Steps
Step #1 – Review the five types of clutter and discern which one of those is most difficult for you to let go of:Attachment clutterInherited ClutterAspirational clutterBargain cutterAbundance clutter
For example, if you choose…
Attachment Clutter:
i.e. Letters, family photos, books, and gifts given by a special person in your life, items left by a deceased loved one.
Step #2 – Ask “why” it’s important to you.
For example, “it is a bridge to your past and it connects you to your loved one.”
Step #3 – Ask “how does it make you feel?”
For example: “nostalgic, happy, and a fear of destroying those memories if you let it go.”
Step #4 – Ask “how would you feel if you could let it go?”
For example: “relief, freedom from guilt, and the ability to move past it so you can let it go.”
Step #5 – How to let it go.
For example:
Take a photo of it, write a story about it, and why it means so much to you.Choose two or three of the items, then digitize the rest (photos, letters)Give (gifts, etc.) to someone who wants nails and will use them.
Follow these five steps to help you learn how to let go of sentimental items without losing the memories so you can appreciate more the few things you do choose to keep.
When you use this guide, it will help you feel empowered, relieved, and able to move forward, no longer overwhelmed and burdened by sentimental clutter.
If you want to learn more about downsizing your life and upgrading your lifestyle,
to purchase my Amazon #1 Best Selling book.
The post Lose the Clutter, but Not the Memories: The Downsizing Designer’s 5 Step Guide first appeared on Design Services LTD.
July 29, 2021
5 Step Guide: Lose The Clutter, But Not The Memories
How long do you plan to let clutter make your life harder? Aren’t you ready to let go of the stress that clutter brings? My name is Rita Wilkins and I am known as the Downsizing Designer. I have been on my own downsizing journey, during which I got rid of 95% of what I once owned. Since then, I’ve lead a life that is happier and simpler. I can help you do the same.
Free 5 Step Guide Can Help You Lose The Clutter, But Not The MemoriesWhat’s the best way to start your downsizing journey? How about with a free lesson from the Downsizing Designer? I’m offering a free 5 step guide entitled 5 Step Guide: Lose The Clutter, But Not The Memories. This guide is designed to be an easy starting point for those looking to downsize and simplify their lives.
Let Go Of Stress And Guilt So You Can Declutter Your LifeIt is especially hard to declutter when feelings of guilt and obligation hold you back. This 5 step guide, however, teaches you how to let go of those feelings.
You’ll discover what type of sentimental clutter you have.
You’ll determine what those items mean to you.
You’ll learn how to painlessly let go of those items.
Lose The Clutter, But Not The Memories, TodayTo learn more about how these questions will help you on your downsizing journey, sign up for the 5 Step Guide: Lose The Clutter, But Not The Memories 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 5 Step Guide: Lose The Clutter, But Not The Memories first appeared on Design Services LTD.July 22, 2021
The Physical and Emotional Challenges Faced When Downsizing in Your 60s and 70s
The Downsizing Designer
In my career as an interior designer, I have helped clients upsize, right size, and downsize. Moving is a challenge no matter what your age or size of your home, but there is something different and very unique when you choose to downsize in your 60s and 70s.
For one thing, when you downsize in your 60s and 70s there are definitely benefits:You have the opportunity to let go of a lot of the stuff you’ve been accumulating for many years.You have the opportunity to live lighter, less encumbered, since you have more time money and freedom to enjoy your life.There is definitely a life after downsizing… it’s just the process of getting there, the physical and emotional challenges that we have to first go through.
Like any other journey though, I can attest to the fact that it’s well worth the time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears.
The prospect of downsizing is at first is daunting and overwhelming.You look around your big house and all of the things you’ve amassed over many years.You have no idea where to start.You have so many decisions to make.What to take with you?What to let go of?What to do with all of the stuff you’re getting rid of?How can you possibly pack and move all of that stuff?Having just moved again myself last week to a right size small home and historic New Castle Delaware, I was amazed at just how much stuff I still had even though I downsized by 95% just for years ago.
But even more amazing to me, was how emotionally and physically draining it was in spite of being very organized, decluttering first, having a plan and timeline, and trying to pace my move over an eight-week period.
I guess I thought it would be easier this time… but it wasn’t!
In order to help those of you who are downsizing, I created a few “hot off the press” tips on how to deal with the physical and emotional challenges that you will face when downsizing in your 60s and 70s.
Hot off the Press Tips on How to Deal with The Physical and Emotional Challenges When Downsizing in Your 60s and 70s
1. Acknowledge what you’re feelingStress, anxiety, uncertainty, sadness, grief and etc.
Memories, both good and bad will be triggered when you let go of sentimental items like old letters, photos, and memorabilia.
When you acknowledge your feelings, you realize this is a transition, a time of change in your life, a big mile stone that you are passing through.
2. Focus on all that you are gaining rather than what you are letting go of
When you are choosing to downsize, to live a simpler life with less, have more time, energy, and freedom for things you really want, it’s only natural to think about the past… raising your kids in your family home, the parties, family events.
Instead, focus on the new memories that are yet to be made in your new home.
FREE Download: 5 Step Guide
Lose the Clutter, But Not the Memories
3. Decide to decide and stay positive
Yes, there are many decisions to be made during the messy process of downsizing, but if you want to move forward there’s no room for ambivalence or indecision.
Yes, there is a lot of packing and moving to do, it is easy to get stuck… especially in the messy middle, but don’t give up, stay positive, and consistently keep moving forward.
4. Get a team
At this stage of our lives, it’s almost insane to think we can still do all of that ourselves. Besides, having a team makes it much easier, more gets done in less time, and it’s much more fun
I recommend a team who can help you sort, donate, dispose of items. You make decisions and they help you do the work.I also recommend a team to help you wrap, pack, unpack, and put away.This was a gift I gave to myself this time. The only way that I was able to complete my move, unpack, and set up my new home in just three days was that I had a team who played their A game.
Learn more: The Extreme Decluttering Party
5. Take care of yourself during your downsizing journeyEat well and rest when you need to take breaks and naps if necessary.Keep mentally and physically strong so you can be on your A game throughout the process.
Most of all, just have fun! Enjoy the journey, make it an adventure because a whole new life awaits!
PS: Even though as “The Downsizing Designer” I write and speak on the topics of decluttering and downsizing I think it’s important to let you know that I, too, experienced the same feelings of overwhelm that you might be feeling on your own journey.
Wishing you well. Please let me know if I can assist you in anyway.
Reach out to me on my website.
July 21, 2021
Free 5 Step Guide To Downsizing And Decluttering
Do you want to simplify your life by downsizing? Not sure where to begin? There’s no need to worry – you don’t have to take this journey on your own. My name is Rita Wilkins and I’m the Downsizing Designer. After downsizing my life and getting rid of 95% of what I once owned, I realized how much simpler and fuller my life has become just by letting go of clutter. Now I help others do the same by teaching them about downsizing.
A Free 5 Step Guide To Start You On Your Downsizing JourneyAre you ready to start your own downsizing journey? You can get free expert guidance when you sign up for my 5 Step Guide: Lose The Clutter, Not The Memories – an easy 5 step guide that teaches you how to downsize your sentimental clutter.
Acknowledge Your Emotions So That You Can Let GoWhen you need to declutter sentimental items, you don’t have to shove away your emotions in order to learn to let go. Rather, my 5 step guide encourages you to acknowledge those emotions so that you can understand them. You’ll be encouraged to ask yourself the following:
Why is this item important? How does this item make me feel? How would it feel to let of this item? Lose The Clutter, But Not The Memories, TodayTo learn more about how these questions will help you on your downsizing journey, sign up for the 5 Step Guide: Lose The Clutter, But Not The Memories 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 Free 5 Step Guide To Downsizing And Decluttering first appeared on Design Services LTD.July 20, 2021
A Checklist for Finding the Right-Size Home for Your Current Lifestyle
The Downsizing Designer
If you are a baby boomer and if your family has gotten smaller, maybe you’ve been looking around your house, wondering if it is still a good fit for your empty nest or retired lifestyle.
There might be bedrooms you no longer need or use. They might have even become storage areas for your stuff or your grown kids’ stuff.There might be extra bathrooms that rarely get used but still need to be cleaned.There might be a formal living room or dining room you wish were still filled with big family get-togethers like they once were.Your life has changed…Your kids have grown and now have lives and homes of their own.Your neighbors suddenly look younger than you do.Your former neighborhood friends have since moved.You’re left wondering if you, too, should downsize or “right-size” to another home and area, one that is a better fit for your current stage of life and lifestyle.
You have friends that…
Moved to a city condo or apartment so that they could be within walking distance of restaurants, shops and theaters.Chose to live in a 55+ community so that they could be closer to their children and grandchildren.Chose to live in a cottage near the beach or the mountains to experience a completely different lifestyle.You were wondering:
What is the right size house and location for you?How do you go about finding it?Having just gone through this entire process myself were I chose to leave the bustling city life behind and move to a quieter lifestyle in a small, historic village on the water.
I created a checklist that will help you discover the “right-size home” that is a perfect fit for your current stage of life and desired lifestyle.
If you are considering right-sizing your home, I’ve created this new checklist to make your journey easier, jog your memory, make a list, so you don’t miss something, and to get you started.
The Rightsized Home Checklist
Think of this checklist as your “wants, needs, and wish list” when you are looking for the right-size home. You will start by asking yourself a series of questions and checking the boxes that apply to you.
I recommend that when you use this checklist that you and your spouse or partner do it independent of each other and that you respond separately to ascertain the most accurate picture of the right-size home for you and your desired lifestyle.
See my newly published Right-Sized Home Checklist.
SIGN UP to get your FREE DOWNLOAD
Finding the right size home takes time and effort…
To discern what matters most to you.To decide what you want, need, and wish for at this time of your life… right now as our lives change, so do our needs and desires.Getting it “right” means…
The right floorplanThe right locationThe right sizeThe right budgetThe right for you and your lifestyle nowBottom line:
One of the most important items in any checklist is to do a “gut check” … how does it feel?
When you do get it right, you will “JUST KNOW”!
I wish you well on your journey.
Please let me know if I can assist you in any way.
Book your complimentary 30-minute phone consult with me.
The post A Checklist for Finding the Right-Size Home for Your Current Lifestyle first appeared on Design Services LTD.
