Embrace the Beauty of Autumn
It’s fall. A new season.
It’s time to enjoy being outside in nature, taking long walks and just enjoying the magnificent color of autumn leaves.
It’s also a time when on the first rainy day we might scramble to change out clothing in our closets from summer to winter.
And it’s also time to declutter our homes in preparation for the upcoming holidays.
Rediscover the Joy of a Clutter-Free and Inviting Space
As you look around your house, you might be semi-disgusted and certainly overwhelmed at the amount of clutter that you’ve allowed to build up. Even to the extent that you might say, “I hate this mess, I hate this house.”
If you find yourself hating the home you once loved, how do you get that “loving feeling” back? How do you experience your home like it’s new to you again?
I suggest you start by remembering falling in love with your home the first time you saw it. Remember, it was perfect! It was exactly what you always wanted!
Fast forward. As time passed, it got cluttered, then even more cluttered. When you were raising your kids, you didn’t have much time to declutter. But now the kids are grown out of the house. (But maybe their stuff is still hiding in your basement or their old bedroom)
Your life has changed. Your Home Needs to Change Too.
Your wants and needs have changed, but it’s the same old house. Everything about the house remains the same. Your house needs to change with you and your changing lifestyle.
Obviously, it’s not feasible to move to a new house whenever your life changes. (Empty nest or retirement.) But there are a few things you can do right now to satisfy your current needs so you can fall in love with your home all over again by making your space work for you, your current needs, and your desires. This can be done by changing a few things in your existing space at literally no cost. All it will take is a little bit of your time, energy, and elbow grease.
My top 3 secrets to help you love your home again.
Secret Number 1: The Big Purge. Settle For Less Stuff.
Take time to declutter your entire house, removing anything you no longer want, need, or use.
This is a perfect opportunity for you to:
- Uncover the home you once loved underneath all of that stuff!
- Take back control of your home by minimizing your excess possessions.
- Remember, the less stuff you own, the more space you’ll actually have to focus on creating the new home you really want.
There are many life-giving benefits of owning less, and being content with what you have. When you declutter and let go of your excess possessions, you’ll lighten the load so you have less stuff and more life.
Secret Number 2: Rethink, Reimagine, Re-Purpose Existing Space
As an interior designer for over 40 years, this is one of my favorite things to do with clients.
First, identify areas of your home that you are no longer in love with and that no longer fit your current needs and lifestyle.
Then, make a detailed list of each area by asking the following questions:
- Why don’t you love the space anymore? Why isn’t it working for you now?
- What do you need and want the space to do for you that would make you love it again?
- What do you need to do to make that happen?
For example:
You work from home most of the time and you are still working from your dining room/dining table just like you did during Covid.
It’s not working because you can’t separate work life from home life and your spouse complains because of the mess. Besides, you have difficulty concentrating.
You want and need a dedicated home office, a place to work, where you can close the door, and have quiet, uninterrupted space you need to be productive.
In other words, if you don’t like how certain areas of your home are not working, identify how you can rethink, reimagine, and find a new purpose for that area that is not used or not will be used.
An example:
Your adult child’s bedroom is the perfect “found space” that will easily provide for your current needs.
All that needs to be done is to have your adult child remove anything they want, then donate or dispose of the rest. Then, you can claim that space as your new home office, one that you will love going to each day!
Secret Number 3: Create Your Own New “Lifestyle Space”
What is a “Lifestyle Space?”
- It is a space that is unique to you, to your specific wants, needs, and wish list.
- It is a clearly defined space or zone with a specific purpose for specific activities.
- It is one that can be carved out within your existing home for a little or no cost.
- It is one that is intended to enhance the quality of your life when you are in that space.
A few examples of lifestyle spaces:
- A Clutter-free zone.
This is a space where clutter is not allowed, one that everyone understands the rules and agrees to abide by them.
It is intended to generate a sense of peace, calm, and contentment.
- An Unplugged space
This space is free from any distractions. TVs, phones, and computers are off-limits.
It is a space that invites conversation, fun, and quality time together.
- A Sanctuary space
This is a special, almost sacred space for you to get away and escape to within your own home.
It is intended to provide a quiet space for time alone, to think, read, write, journal, listen to music, to get refreshed and inspired.
These are just a few ideas for lifestyle spaces that you can create within your own home. They will cost you little or nothing and you can create them right now.
Each of these 3 secrets gives you an opportunity to redesign space within your existing home, and create the home you really want and need right now, one that will help you fall in love with your home all over again!
Here are a few Amazon products that I recommend and use myself when I declutter or create new spaces.
FYI, full disclosure, I am an Amazon affiliate, which means I get a small commission if you purchase an item using my link. But just so you know, it doesn’t change the price that you would otherwise pay if you were to go directly to Amazon.
iRobot Roomba 692 Robot Vacuum
Wi-Fi Connected, Personalized Cleaning Recommendations, Works with Alexa, Good for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors, Self-Charging
Electronic Organizer Case
Cord Organizer Storage Bag for Women, Travel Tech Pouch Packing Essentials for Charging Cable, Cell Phone, Power Bank, Earphone, SD Card, Single Layer
Wire Garment Rack Heavy Duty
Clothes Rack Metal with Shelves, Freestanding Portable Wardrobe Closet Rack for Hanging Clothes 74.4″ L x 17.7″ W x 76.8″ H, Max Load 780LBS, Black
Storage Organizer Bin System
9 Compartment, Plastic
Sets of 2-Tier Multi-Purpose Bathroom Cabinet Under Sink Organizers and Storage
Stackable Kitchen Pantry Organization and Storage, Pull Out Medicine Cabinet Organizer with 8 Movable Dividers
Are you Ready?
Take that first step and open yourself up to a world of freedom, peace, and fulfillment. Rita has the expertise and tools you need to create a more peaceful and intentional life. From eBooks to online courses and personalized decluttering plans, Rita’s resources are designed to help you achieve your goals and create a life that feels authentically you. So why wait? Start living your best life today with Rita’s lifestyle design and decluttering resources. Remember, the power to live a minimalist lifestyle lies in your hands.
Rita is Live Every Tuesday on Facebook
Never miss an episode of Rita’s weekly Facebook Live broadcast! Click the following link to like Rita’s Facebook page or subscribe to her Decluttering YouTube Channel. Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.
Follow me on social media for more updates:
YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTER
Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services
Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon.
