How to Finally Declutter the Things You Thought You Couldn’t Let Go | FB LIVE

[@carlsenlifeafter60carlsen11]

I always tell my friends when I’m helping them declutter take a picture of it and then let it go. I have a large house and I declutter every six months. It’s getting really easy 😊

[@ritawilkins]

@@carlsenlifeafter60carlsen11 you’re a wise friend

[@cuernavacadave]

So funny I saw your post this morning. Your comment about your mother’s china certainly applies to me. My mum passed almost 3 years ago and I still have her dishes she wanted me to have in boxes in my basement. They’re not china, but, a very pretty pattern, very similar to the “Old Country Roses”. My china cupboard is full of my own dishes so, no room for another cabinet or more “things” stuffed here and there. Because Mum wanted me to have them, it is very hard to let go of them. But, time will tell:) I did however, get my spare room cleaned out, or almost (It’s all still setting on the bed) but, on it’s way out. And, also went through sympathy cards and old birthday cards from friends and got rid of most of them, only keeping a few from special ones from friends that have passed or are just special to me. Thank you for your help and tips. Will keep chugging along. Have awesome day!

[@ritawilkins]

Thank you for your comment and your vulnerability to share what is difficult to let go of. Your story will inspire someone else. Please keep me updated on your next accomplishments Rita

[@cuernavacadave]

@ , absolutely:)

[@donnamclaughlin9215]

Do you have a place to put the dishes and admire them? They are decor. Only if they make you happy.

[@cuernavacadave]

@ , no, don’t have a place for them as of yet. But, I could look for a china cabinet for them. However, the next question, where Will I put it:)

[@scara1859]

Think of how many new families or others who want to have family over if they had a nice set of dishes and they don’t have to pack up the babies and can have everyone at their house and they are scouring thrift places to afford a beautiful set of dishes that someone has donated. People rarely have big weddings anymore to have a registry for these big items and usually only have the essentials. Please donate whatever you can to make another person’s life happier❤

[@donnamclaughlin9215]

Laughter is the best medicine. I see myself growing younger as I declutter. I added some more modern items, streamlined modern styles and kept some vintage for interest and warmth. Less weight; younger posture. Nice video. Thank you. 💐

[@ritawilkins]

@@donnamclaughlin9215 I hadn’t thought of that before, but you’re right as you Declutter you’re not only become lighter but in many ways, you become younger! I’ll have to explore that and write about it. Thanks for your feedback.

[@lindawhite5006]

I have my clutter, and my oldest daughter died 12 years ago and I have her things too! Her daughter was 2 y/o back then and her father remarried and we haven't seen her (except in pictures) in 12 y! I'm saving her Mom's items for her. If she wants to trash them fine. I get very emotional when I go thru her items! But she needs to know who and how sweet and wonderful her mother was and how her mom had tried to conceive her for over 10 years and she was so in love with her! I feel that is my job!!! I BELIEVE in 6 years she'll come looking for me!!!

[@barbaradobson9298]

Oh I think she will come looking for you. She’ll want to know about her Mom and her love for her… who doesn’t need more love ! I’m sure she’ll treasure something that her Mom’s hands held once and treasured. I think she’ll treasure your stories and memories of her Mom. You might want to start a memory book and start writing some of these down for her. Praying for your reunification.

[@lauriewichman5082]

Thank you! You words are Encouraging and helps one to have a positive approach !!! For those who struggle in this area, like myself Decluttering and downsizing can seem so overwhelming ! It can be done when you start with things you can begin to let go of, things you obviously don,t need. Give yourself praise for what you were able to get rid of ,even if at first it may be slow progress. Not shoving it back in closet 😊 is Great advice. Thanks for the non shaming approach😊 When we want our kids to clean their rooms we tell them a way to make it fun.May God Bless you in your work!!

[@ritawilkins]

@@lauriewichman5082 thanks so much for your kind words. Because I experienced exactly what many people are going through, I’m speaking from my heart, knowing the emotions that are associated with letting go of things. Please share my videos with other family, friends and colleagues whom you think might benefit. God bless you on your journey. Rita, the Downsizing designer.

[@yolandaz2706]

Thank you so much for your tips!! Very much needed!

[@sandradankowski6120]

This is my second comment. I want to thank you for your honesty and guilt relieving tips to decluttering the sentimental stuff and giving the freedom to not feel guilty for getting rid of these prescious things. I like hearing this from a mature woman instead of someone half my age ( I'm 72 years old). It carries more weight of generational life experiences and holding on to traditional values and memories that are going away now days. Thank you.

[@ritawilkins]

@@sandradankowski6120 thank you Sandra. I suppose with age also comes some wisdom from our actual experiences. Thanks for your comment and let’s stay in touch

[@sandradankowski6120]

@ritawilkins thank you for taking the time to reply.

[@donnamclaughlin9215]

Yes!!!! Well said!

[@ellenthompson4441]

I like your style! Good advice

[@ritawilkins]

@@ellenthompson4441 thankyou!

[@kriscampbell2327]

I keep hanging onto my Mom's wedding dress. She got married and wore it in 1944. I will feel guilty parting with it but I am going to look for a vintage clothing shop and walk in and see if they want it. I'm hoping watching some of your videos will clarify ( and remove) the roadblocks to parting with stuff. A new subscriber. My goodness, I just realized the dress is 80 years old. It isn't in good condition. If no one wants it will I be able to bag it up and throw it in the trash? A lot of emotion in that scenario. Whew! This downsizing and decluttering is not a simple process. I've watched 3 of your videos so far.

[@ritawilkins]

@@kriscampbell2327 Kris, such a heartfelt story, thanks for being so honest about your feelings. If you email me, I would like to send you a free pdf sbout letting go of sentimental items. It’s called the 5 step guide to lose the clutter but not the memories. So many people haves been helped with that guide. My email is [e-mail] Remember the memories are in you hear, not in the item. Rita

[@jamesharris4008]

I would be worried I'd regret getting rid of it, as it can never be replaced.

[@DLee-xy7gm]

Yes! I DID laugh out loud!

[@Lorrieonline]

It's difficult letting go of things my mom used over the years, sewing patterns, crafting supplies. I know my small home could be more enjoyable but it's difficult to sort through things. Thank you for the tips.

[@NatasaJanser]

I tell myself: I don't need this item but someone can use it

[@susanc2827]

Great advice! Thank you!💞

[@ritawilkins]

@@susanc2827 thanks for your comment Susan Best wishes on your journey Rita

[@Granefran]

I am also too fatigued to get much done. Start and end up putting a lot back into boxes pushed into a closet or under the bed or stacked in the corner. Lived here over 50 years in my 1100 sq. ft house.

[@carlsenlifeafter60carlsen11]

Ask for help there’s people that will come and help you declutter if you’re too fatigued to do it. You can just sit in a chair and say yes or no or maybe ,take a picture of it and then let it go.

[@toddylu6869]

I would take out one and I mean one box at a time, set a 15 min timer and declutter it. You can still do a lot in very small increments. Yes, there are people who want to help. I would see who I could find and set a 1-2 hour timer and let that be it. That way it is a finite amount of time and space. They would be apt to come back.

[@katl6426]

I take a photo & then donate so someone else can enjoy them. Interestingly though, in the 10yrs since i started doing it, i've never once felt the need to look at any of the photos! The other thing i do when i'm procrastinating, is to imagine my house was on fire & there was no time to grab anything, so it was all burnt to ashes. I ask myself what i'd genuinely be shattered about losing when choice wasn't an issue, & surprisingly, the fact is that i'd still be alive & things can be replaced. I'd be sad, but pragmatic about it since it was out of my control & my life is worth more. It was an interesting exercise for me - put a lot of things in perspective. The only thing my inner voice keeps fighting is the idea of all the paperwork going, but i try to ensure my important information is saved electronically & backed up to a cloud server.

[@Kiki-wi7px]

YOU ARE SMART !! 👍🏽

[@maureenviola]

Over loyalty to my own past “but I got that in Japan on that trip” and extreme over loyalty to the ancestors - makes a heavy emotional toll of trying to discard

[@sandradankowski6120]

This is so true. Im in the middle of 4 different elderly relatives/friends homes that are being sold or moving that need to liquidate their things. I now have a garage full of stuff that belongd them that has been given to me for sentimental reasons and because im also. "collector" of glassware and dishes. I will never get to most ofit; my house is full. I definitely need to decluter and get rid of a lot of my collections and their stuff as well. A lot of stuff nobody wants due to the fact not dishwasher or microwave safe and are more forml, not minimalist.

[@Kiki-wi7px]

So Many People Have their Garage's FULL of S-T-U-F-F that they'll NEVER USE & yet the Nice Car Sit's Outside in All the Element's. 🤔

[@katie7748]

Isn't it sad how lazy people have gotten that cooking without a microwave and washing by hand is too much work for them? I'm a whippersnapper and adore old, beautiful things. I don't have much, but I treasure what I do have. Someday I hope to have a beautiful china cabinet full of beautiful things. Someday...

[@empresspamelaallhoney]

My parent 60+ year old fine China set. Non-microwavable, they divorced, holding toxic energy from my toxic childhood.

I had several sets of china also depression era dishes, from husbands mother, sold to antique dealer after she passed.

[@tracyd2598]

Tell it good bye, and good riddance! No point in keeping a reminder...

[@krystallovern6752]

New subscriber ❤ I just discovered your channel ! Do you ever go LIVE? I have been a minimalist for decades. I sold my mansion in New York and moved to Savannah Georgia. ❤❤❤

[@ritawilkins]

@@krystallovern6752 thanks for your comment and for subscribe. I go live on Tursdays on Facebook In 2025 will be doing more live, possibly on KZbin If you go to my website there will be updates Www. Design services.com

[@donnamclaughlin9215]

You sold an empty mansion? If you have money then you can do whatever you want.

[@Carol-br3bd]

It's the hidden that is the culprit for so much misery. And I am laughing at all the hold on things. It's different if we use , repurpose, display and interact with isn't it.

[@Hummingbird64]

Greeting cards for 28 years , pictures of people not in my life anymore, the photos you want to keep can now be put on digital computer.

[@Tom-l8s5m]

Yes i am that younger guy that find older wemen sexy❤u my lady so hot..lov your hair and eyes...

[@joane8651]

How about my Mom's Hope Chest??🤭

[@katie7748]

I have my gramma's. Hideous but also somehow beautiful 70s floral pattern on the seat. It's at the foot of my bed holding my paper dolls I played with when I was at her house growing up as well as the granny square blanket she had draped over the back of her rocker. I spent MANY hours on her lap in that rocker being read to. If our house burns down and I have time to grab anything, it'll be that blanket and the bear my husband gave me towards the beginning of our wonderful marriage.

[@joebideb]

My chest was always " hopeless " 😂

[@mariablume1967]

I keep many things, because the persons who offered me certain thins are still alive and even they probably never would find out, if I got rid of the things, I would feel bad about getting them away. I also keep different things, because I am creative and I am oldschool - loving to repair and renew things. I would also feel more free to get some of my personal things out, if I were not married even these things has nothing to do with my husband. We have sooo many books and I could really enjoy just having few! I would love new furnitures too.