Downsizing for Baby Boomers posts by Rita Wilkins. Rita is a renowned expert in decluttering and minimalism, empowering individuals to simplify their lives through practical tips and resources, while also captivating audiences as a professional speaker and author.

What If It’s Not About the Clutter? How Awareness Frees You to Let Go

The Truth No One Tells You About Letting Go Most people think decluttering is about boxes, labels, bubble wrap, or finding more storage. But what if clutter isn’t the real problem? What if it’s just the symptom? Many of us—especially in this season of life—are holding onto far more than things. We’re holding onto identities, [...]

Don’t Wait to Downsize: The One Decision That Could Change Your Next Chapter

Thinking about downsizing “someday”? Waiting too long could cost you time, money, and peace of mind. In this heartfelt guide, Rita Wilkins shares why now is the right time to downsize—on your terms. Discover how letting go can open the door to freedom, clarity, and the next chapter you’ve been dreaming of. It’s not about losing—it’s about choosing what truly matters.

A Man and His Garage: From Resistance to Results

One Man’s Garage Clean-Out Story The other day, I was walking through my neighborhood when I passed a man who had completely emptied out his garage. Every single item was now sitting in his driveway. I stopped to chat for a few minutes and told him it reminded me of our dad doing the same [...]

My Partner’s Clutter Is Killing Me: Merging Households

The Hidden Challenges and Heart-Centered Solutions Moving in together should be a happy and exciting milestone—a fresh chapter in your lives. But too often, what begins with love and enthusiasm quickly spirals into a cluttered nightmare and a tug-of-war over stuff. As soon as the boxes are unpacked, you might find that while you love [...]

Decluttering? Letting Go for Good. If Not Now, When?

Have you ever stood in front of your closet or storage space, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things you've accumulated? I’ll never forget the day I stood in front of my overflowing closet, staring at the mountains of clothes, shoes, and handbags—some well-worn, others still with the tags on. With retirement fast approaching, I [...]

Closet Decluttering: 5 Key Questions to Curate Your Wardrobe 

[Embed YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/Kzz69WVV3Fo]  https://youtu.be/Kzz69WVV3Fo Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer, and welcome to the extended companion blog to my “Five in Five” video series. In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into five essential questions to help you edit your closet effectively and build a wardrobe that makes you feel amazing. It’s September, which [...]

5 Reasons Why a Simple Life with Less Is One of the Best Gifts You Can Ever Give Yourself

The busy holiday season is almost here. Will this year be like holidays past, where you’re so caught up in preparing, shopping, and wrapping gifts that there’s little time left to simply enjoy it? Have you been wondering what life would be like if it were just simpler? Less cluttered? Less overwhelming? Less stressful? Imagine [...]

Your Space Reflects Your Intentions: Decluttering for Purposeful Living 

Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer. Today, I want to talk about something that is at the heart of both decluttering and minimalism: intention. When you think about your home, ask yourself this: Is it a space that reflects the life you want to live? Or is it filled with things that no longer [...]

Etiquette of Regifting: 3 Ways to Do It Mindfully and Graciously

There was a time when regifting felt like a taboo subject—something you’d whisper about, but never openly admit to doing. But now, as many years have passed, I’ve learned that regifting can be a truly thoughtful gesture, a way of sharing joy, and, yes, reducing the clutter in our lives. But it has to be [...]

Leave a Lasting Legacy: It’s What We Do, Not What We Have

By Rita Wilkins July 21, 2024  Leaving a lasting legacy is not about the material possessions we accumulate, but rather the impact we make through our actions. The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories. It’s what we do, not what we have, that will create a lasting legacy. When you think back on your [...]

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