Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 47
July 15, 2021
How To Downsize Your Sentimental Clutter
Is clutter overrunning and overwhelming your life? Do you feel as though you can’t get rid of clutter because of your sentimental attachment to it? I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer. Not so long ago, I was able to simplify my life through downsizing and decluttering. After going through my downsizing journey, I’ve had more time, money, and freedom to do what I want. Now it’s my mission to help others on their downsizing journeys.
Learn To Let Go Of The Sentimental ClutterOf course, even if letting go of clutter if ultimately the right decision to make, it isn’t always an easy one. This is especially true if you experience emotional or sentimental attachment to some of the items that are cluttering your life. That’s why I’ve designed an easy 5 step guide to help you overcome emotional roadblocks like guilt and sentimentality so you can downsize and declutter your life.
5 Step Guide: Lose The Clutter, Not The Memories is designed to help you overcome feeling suck, stressed, and overwhelmed, and instead help you feel the following:
Relieved – Once you’re able to let go of the feelings of obligation and guilt you feel about certain items, you will be able to let them go with relief.
Empowered – With negative emotions no longer holding you back, you’ll feel empowered to take control of your life.
Free Of Guilt – You don’t have to let emotional attachment or feelings of obligation make you feel guilty for wanting to declutter your life.
Sign up for 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 How To Downsize Your Sentimental Clutter first appeared on Design Services LTD.
July 12, 2021
You’re 60. You’re Downsizing. Isn’t it About Time to Clear Other People’s Clutter from Your Home?
July 7, 2021
Easy 5 Step Guide To Downsizing
Do you find yourself overwhelmed by clutter? Do you find yourself at a loss for how you can clear out the clutter and simplify your life? My name is Rita Wilkins, and I was once in that very same position. Once I realized I could live happily with less, I was able to let go of 95% of my possessions. Now, I’m here to help others who want to simplify their lives through downsizing and decluttering.
What Stops People From Decluttering Their Lives?In my experience, people who are overwhelmed by the clutter in their lives often want to do something about it. Emotional roadblocks, however, hold them back. If you’re considering downsizing your life but find it hard to start, you may be feeling any of the following emotions.
Stuck – Do to emotional attachment or feelings of obligation, you feel as though you are stuck with the clutter and will never truly be rid of it. Stressed – The clutter interferes in your life daily, and yet you aren’t sure what to do to lessen the stress it makes you feel. Overwhelmed – The amount of clutter seems so overwhelming that you can’t think of how to start decluttering. Lose The Clutter, But Not The Memories – An Easy 5 Step Decluttering Guide!You don’t have to take on your downsizing journey alone. Right now you can sign up for a free 5 Step Guide on decluttering. With my 5 Step Guide: Lose The Clutter, Not The Memories, you can stop feeling stuck, stressed, and overwhelmed, and instead feel relieved, empowered, and free of guilt!
Sign up for 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 Easy 5 Step Guide To Downsizing first appeared on Design Services LTD.July 3, 2021
Don’t Let This Happen to You: I Downsized but I Still Have Too Much Stuff!
By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer
Have you ever moved to a new home, and as you’re packing you can’t decide, so you say I’ll just take it with me… just in case I need it?
So you move into your new home. You still can’t decide, so you put it in the attic or basement so you can decide one day.
Five to ten years later, you go to sell your home and you find that same box or boxes exactly where you left them when you moved in 5 to 10 years ago.
Never used…Taking up space…You even forgot what was in them.Read my recent article, How Do You Know What to Take and Not Take with You When You Downsize Your Home?Fast forward… you’re moving again. This time to a smaller home that doesn’t have an attic or a large basement. You look at that same box or boxes… are you going to take the time to go through them and make decisions or are you going to hurry through and take it with you again?
It’s not just boxes though….
It’s clothing, shoes, accessories.It’s furniture, sentimental items, and books.It’s decorative accessories, hobby items, and kids’ stuff.Too often when we downsize, we take way too much stuff with us!
Don’t let this happen to you!
All it takes is a little planning and a lot of decision-making.
My Top 5 Tips to Help You Prevent This Downsizing Dilemma
1. Think “less is more”: Declutter first
Take on the mindset of “less is more”.
Remove, dispose of, donate, or sell anything you don’t want, need, or will use.Moving to a smaller home forces you to make decisions.
Clutter is really just a series of deferred decisions.Decide to decide. No messing around. Keep asking yourself, do you need it, will you use it, and do you love it? If not, decide to get rid of it.You can make decluttering easy, effective and fun!
2. Think “minimalism”: Needs first
Force yourself to focus on “bare bones” first.
What do you actually need in your new smaller home?What is absolutely essential?In your larger home, you had many more places to put things. In a smaller home, you don’t.
For the moment, think like a minimalist.What will you absolutely need? A bed, chair, sofa, and desk?I know, coming from a designer that probably sounds strange, but it’s the best way to start training your brain to think like a minimalist.
Get you FREE download: The ABC’s of Downsizing
3. Think “Scale”In your larger home, you could get away with larger scaled items. In a smaller home not so much.
You don’t want to overwhelm the space with too many oversized pieces that don’t fit or look right in a smaller home. This is not to say that you can’t take a few larger scaled pieces to make a statement i.e. a large mirror, armoire, or statement headboard.
Just be more selective about the ones you do decide to take.
4. Think “Multi-functional”
Given a choice between two pieces of furniture, one that can be used in several different ways versus one that feels just for one purpose, choose the one that can serve several needs. i.e. high or low storage tables, desk, eating, cocktail table, and storage.
5. Think “Lifestyle”
Living in a smaller space frees you up to do more of what you really want. i.e. long walks, bike rides, travel, and entertaining.
When you have a big home as beautiful as it might be, it is a different lifestyle.
More demanding of your time, energy, and resources.
Learn more: How to Avoid the Costs of Double Downsizing If you downsizing to a smaller home, if the simpler, less cluttered lifestyle is what you are looking for, follow these five tips and mindset shifts:1. Think less is more: declutter first2. Think scale: smaller is better3. Think minimalism: essential items first4. Think multi-functional: space-saving and practical5. Think lifestyle: less stuff means more time, money, and freedom for your new life
Want to continue learning more about downsizing and decluttering?
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What is lifestyle design? Check out my website.
Check out my blog page “The Good Life Blog”
July 1, 2021
Start Simplifying Your Life With Downsizing
As you grow and mature you’re likely to find that collecting things doesn’t bring you happiness. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Too much stuff, too much clutter, could be weighing you down. I’m Rita Wilkins, the downsizing designer. After going on my own downsizing journey, I’m ready to help others who want to downsize and simplify their lives.
How Do I Let Go Of Sentimental Clutter?One of the many reasons we often have trouble letting go of clutter is because of our emotional attachment to certain items. Maybe you have trouble letting go of gifts from family and friends, even if it’s something that isn’t useful to you. Maybe you have souvenirs from trips that you want to remember. Maybe your adult children have recently moved away and you find yourself holding onto items they’ve left behind.
The truth is you don’t have to hold onto every little thing that has memories attached. It is possible to move past the feelings of attachment and guilt associated with getting rid of these items and declutter your life. How?
A 5 Step Guide: Lose The Clutter, But Not The MemoriesI’m currently offering a unique guide for those interested in simplifying their life through downsizing. My 5 Step Guide: Lose The Clutter, But Not The Memories will have you going from feeling stuck, stressed, and overwhelmed to feeling relieved, empowered, and free of guilt for letting go of your sentimental items.
Sign up by email and you can download 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 Start Simplifying Your Life With Downsizing first appeared on Design Services LTD.June 29, 2021
Travel Light: Declutter Your Suitcase before You Go
By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer
Have you ever returned from vacation and realized there were things in your suitcase that you lugged around with you for your entire trip, but that you never wore? You ended up wearing the same clothes over and over again.
If you are anything like me, you might also be guilty of throwing things in your suitcase at the last minute… “Just in case you might need them”.
If so, you are definitely not alone! On some level, we might all be guilty of over-packing and stuffing our luggage with things we won’t need or won’t use… those extra shoes, toiletries, two mini dress outfits.
All of these…
Can weigh you downCan add costly baggage feesCan make your travel more cumbersome and less enjoyableIf this sounds familiar, a cluttered and overstuffed suitcase is similar to a cluttered home with too much stuff that we don’t use and don’t need.
Read related blog article: Enough Is Enough! I’ve Had It with All This Clutter!Before you head out on your next vacation, try decluttering your suitcase before you go so you can…
Enjoy more quality time on your vacation.Waste less time looking for stuff in your suitcase.Not only that but if you bring only what you need and love (ala Marie Kondo), you will also have more time to focus on your vacation and creating new adventures.
Read more: Are You “Dueling” with Clutter? How to Win the Battle and Get Your Life BackIn an effort to provide you with some extremely valuable minimalist packing tips, I reached out to a special friend who is also a senior flight attendant for a major international airline. For the past 10 years, Elle has learned to live well out of the suitcase while globetrotting around the world.
Who better to ask than someone who has so much experience in packing a bag for short or extended trips?
Do you want to stop over-packing so you can enjoy your travel more?
Elle’s Top 10 Recommendations for Traveling Light and Maximizing the Minimal Space in Your Suitcase 1. Check the weather for where you were traveling to and plan accordingly. e. Jacket and sweater? If not needed, don’t bring it.
2. Determine the length of your stay and the activities you will be participating inMake sure to have the appropriate clothing and shoes but also take one extra dress, a pair of slacks that can be dressed up or dress down for those unplanned activities. 3. If you have a perfect outfit that you’ve successfully traveled with before consider taking it againe. That black dress that fits perfectly in all occasions or that hat and glasses that can be paired in all attires. 4. Bring comfortable walking shoes and footwearPeople tend to pack a lot of footwear that takes up room in your suitcase. Pack comfortable flats that go with most outfits and a good pair of sneakers for hiking or sporting events.
5. Bring your favorite workout geare. Yoga pants or swimsuit. It’s possible to continue your workouts while traveling.
Free Download: 5 Step Guide
Lose The Clutter, But Not The Memories
6. Roll your clothing (ala Marie Kondo ) Rolling your clothing saves space and it helps you to easily distinguish your outfits without having to root through everything.
7. If you are staying in a hotel that provides toiletries skip bringing extraDon’t clutter your suitcase with additional shampoo, conditioner, and soap if it’s going to be provided at the hotel.
8. Ask if they have a washer and dryer where you are stayingThis allows you to pack less and re-use your clothing multiple times.Make sure to bring Ziploc bags that can be used for wet swimsuits, dirty clothes, and organizing.
9. If you wish to disconnect on vacation do you really need your laptop and all your devices?Bring only one device i.e. your cell phone, it can do it all, including using it for e-books.
10. Remember, the bigger your suitcase the more you will bring… and the more you will have to carry.Consider bringing a smaller suitcase that has only what you need and what you’ll use.
And don’t forget to declutter your suitcase as you go.
When everything has a place and when there is just enough to suit all of your travel needs, you’ll have more time for making those new memories!
Check out my online course “Wake it Up Shake it Up: 5 Day Challenge”
Learn more: Secrets to Living a Vacation Mindset Everyday
I hope this helps you as you are packing for your vacation remember to declutter your suitcase before you go!
Want to know more about lifestyle design?
Visit my website at www.designservicesltd.com
We have over 450 blogs on interior design, lifestyle design, and downsizing design.
June 23, 2021
What Baby Boomers Who Downsize in Their 60’s and 70’s Are Demanding When They Move to a Smaller Home
By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer
Baby boomers have always been known for doing it their way, so it’s not surprising that they are reinventing the way they want to live in their retirement years.
As an interior designer for over 35 years and with baby boomers being my primary client base, I have assisted them with designing their large homes, beach homes, city condos, and now smaller homes as they move from one stage of their life to the next.
At each phase there were different needs and demands:
The Starter HomeThe Young Family HomeThe Dream HomeThe Vacation HomeThis has been their journey and I’ve been privileged to share it with them as their designer, their friend, and as a fellow baby boomer myself.
One of the more recent movements occurring in the baby boomer population is downsizing and right-sizing to a home that is more manageable and one that they can enjoy for now and will suitable for them as they age.
Read more about The Benefits of Living in a Smaller Home.
So as their lives change, so do their priorities and their demands… and true to form, while baby boomers might be downsizing in square footage they are upsizing their lifestyle!
What Do Baby Boomers Expect in Their New Smaller Homes?1. Comfort and safety
Universal design homes built for all but particularly for the aging population.
Good lighting, wider doorways, and fewer floor transitions.
2. Community as well as privacy
Both of these are important to baby boomers.
A great community of like-minded friends to socialize with and help prevent isolation as they age.A network of friends, both old and new combined with their desire for privacy isone way they want to have it all.
Free Download: FREE CHAPTER 3
My Best-selling book: Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom.
3. Convenience and proximityAccess to good transportation, urban culture, restaurants, shopping, and medical care. Walkability, mobility, and flexibility. Activities like walking, biking, hiking, golf, tennis, and swimming.
Less responsibility for mowing the lawn or shoveling the snow.
4. Amenities and choicesOutdoor living spaces for entertaining, work, and relaxation.Voice-activated lighting, music, heating and cooling, and securityBiophilic design that brings the outside in.
(If you want to know more about Biophilic design I have given more details about it in my recent blog post, Top 10 Bathrooms Design Trends to Avoid)
5. Personalization, customization, and great customer serviceA strong desire to do it their way, put their own personal stamp on it.
His and her spaces including bathrooms, closets, bedrooms, and offices.Upscale finishes throughout.
Baby boomers are demanding what they want in their new smaller spaces, a design that is meant to fit their lifestyle and suit their specific needs at this stage of their life.
After all, baby boomers have been doing it their way all of these years… why stop now?
Want to know more about lifestyle design trends? Visit my website at www.designservicesltd.com
We have over 450 blogs on interior design, lifestyle design, and downsizing design.
June 22, 2021
Designing the Perfect Space for Your Grandchildren in Your Own Home
By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer
Perhaps it’s because I am now a grandmother that the subject of how to design a perfect space for your grandchildren in your own home has risen to the top of interior design topics that I have been talking about and writing about.
Many of my friends, family and clients are grandparents, so it’s a topic we frequently discuss when we are together. And as a designer for over 35 years I’ve helped my clients design their nurseries, kids’ rooms, kids play areas and even classrooms.
But as much fun as it has been to design these areas for my clients, my curiosity and creativity have quadrupled now that I have a 1 ½-year-old granddaughter who I get to see weekly. She has filled a space in my heart I never even knew existed.
I know that I’m not alone when I am wondering how to integrate a few perfect spaces in my own home that are:
Toddler friendly…Safe yet fun… set up to encourage curiosity, responsibility, and independence.If you have a small home, you might want to read my recent blog post about 5 Practical Design Tips to Maximize Your Small Home.
Years ago, my two sons attended a Montessori school. I was always impressed by the simple design and layouts of their classrooms. The spaces were well organized, colorful, intuitive for that age group.
It was easy for toddlers to access everything as it was designed for their own height.
But what impressed me the most was it was an environment that encouraged independence. The child size furniture and layout made it easy for them to help themselves to toys, games, puzzles, and activities. Everything had a place that created a sense of calm, simplicity, and an ideal place to learn and play.
Because I can’t yet interview my granddaughter (she’s only 1 ½) I found myself trying to visualize space through a child’s eyes, designing with a toddler‘s needs and abilities in mind.
7 Ways to Make Your Home Toddler-Friendly
1. A Low Set of Cabinets with One Toy or Activity for Each Shelf
Enough space to give them choices, but not too many choices so they can focus and concentrate on one activity at a time. Too many will simply overwhelm.
A way for them to learn to use the toy or activity then return it to where it belongs.
2. Child-Size Table and Chairs
A small child height table that acts as a desk, work area, play area, or reading area.
3. Small Chest of DrawersFor extra clothing so that they can access it themselves and begin to choose their own outfits when they are able to dress themselves.
4. A Small Roll Up Mat
The mat is to help them identify a specific play area for their activities.
A mat is also an opportunity for them to learn how to roll it up and put it away when not in use.
5. A Low Bookcase or Basket of Books and a Small Reading ChairThis allows them to easily access and choose what they are interested in reading, or being read to.
This also provides an opportunity for them to learn how to put it back when they’re done with it.
Free Download: 31 Lifestyle Upgrades
6. A Small Easel, Blackboard, or Whiteboard
This is a place where they can experiment with drawing, painting and self-expression.
7. A Small Low Bed or Mattress for Pack and Play
A place for them to lie down, rest, or nap.
Other ideas:Personalize the space with their name. This can be done easily with removable stickers, decals, or stick and peel.A large floor-length mirror to be used for dress up and for learning how to dress and care for themselves.Decorative details such as large colorful knobs that are easy for them to grab, colorful pillows and colorful fabrics.
No matter what, keep it simple. Less is more.
I think your young grandchild will, in their own way, appreciate a special place in your home that is intended for them to play in.
Most importantly, it is the special times you spend together that years from now, they will remember how much fun it was to visit their grandma’s and grandpa’s house. You’ll have an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Are you designing a grandchild’s room? Let me know if I can help in any way.
If you are in need of design assistance please reach out to me at RitaWilkins@RitaWilkins.com
And go to my website and schedule a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation.
June 20, 2021
Committing To your Downsizing Journey
Baby boomers, have you considered that downsizing many be the way to get the simpler, happier life you’ve desired? My name is Rita Wilkins. After I began my own downsizing journey and gave away 95% of what I once owned, I realized I was left with more time, money, and freedom to do what I want. Now, as The Downsizing Designer, I’m ready to help others do that same.
Commit To Your Downsizing Journey With Help From My Email LessonsI’ve designed a email course for baby boomers called How to Downsize and Declutter for Boomers: Find Freedom in Living with Less. During this course, I address many common concerns and roadblocks that baby boomers may have as they consider downsizing.
Emotional Roadblocks – I teach you how to recognize, understand, and move past emotional roadblocks that prevent you from letting go of clutter. Dueling Downsizers – I help married baby boomers approach their partners about the benefits of downsizing and help them talk through their respective concerns and needs. Your Children’s Things – I help baby boomers decide what to do with the things their children have left behind. Are these things your kids really want? Is there any real purpose to holding onto these things? Baby Boomers, You Don’t Have To Walk Your Downsizing Journey AloneThrough the How to Downsize and Declutter for Boomers: Find Freedom in Living with Less course, you’ll receive easy to digest emails that will guide you through your downsizing process. I’ve taken great care to craft this information to make it easy for baby boomers to take on downsizing and decluttering. I’m eager to help you live the life you want by decluttering your life.
Learn more about this course when you sign up: How to Downsize and Declutter for Boomers: Find Freedom in Living with Less.
The post Committing To your Downsizing Journey first appeared on Design Services LTD.June 18, 2021
Downsizing And Decluttering For Empty Nesters
I’m Rita Wilkins, The Downsizing Designer. In my experience, many baby boomers find that, after a life of collecting things, souvenirs, and gifts, they simply have too much stuff! I once had too much stuff, as well. I simplified my life by downsizing and decluttering. I gave away 95% of what I once owned and I’ve never been happier! Now, I can help you do the same.
Empty Nesters – You Can Simplify Your Life With Downsizing And DeclutteringOne of the many potential catalysts for starting your own downsizing journey could be that your nest is finally empty. Your children are grown and living their own lives in their own homes. However, they leave both space and things behind. What do you do with those things and that space?
Downsizing for empty nesters is one of the topics covered in my email course, How to Downsize and Declutter for Boomers: Find Freedom in Living with Less. I encourage baby boomers who are holding onto things for their kids – do the kids really want this stuff? In this part of the lesson, I cover:
Swedish Death Cleaning – A practical way to make things easier on your loved one after you’re gone. Getting Clarity – Learn how to get clarity on what your loved ones really want. Finding Value – Researching the appraised value of what your loved ones don’t want. Baby Boomers, Learn How To Declutter And Downsize Your Life TodayHow to Downsize and Declutter for Boomers: Find Freedom in Living with Less is a course I designed with baby boomers specifically in mind. The lessons are arranged in an easy to digest way so that you can get the most out of them. Learn about the benefits of downsizing and the positive effects it can have on your life.
Learn more about this course when you sign up: How to Downsize and Declutter for Boomers: Find Freedom in Living with Less.
The post Downsizing And Decluttering For Empty Nesters first appeared on Design Services LTD.
