Decluttering & Downsizing Blog

Rita Wilkins Decluttering and minimalism blog
House for sale sign in front of a traditional family home, representing the emotional decision many baby boomers face when considering selling or downsizing.

Why Baby Boomers Are Not Selling Their Homes: It’s Not Just the Market

There has been a lot of conversation lately about why baby boomers are not selling their homes. Many experts point to the housing market. They mention high interest rates, economic uncertainty, rising home prices, and the challenge of finding somewhere affordable to move. And yes, those things matter. But I ...
Older couple stands together by a window, smiling as they look toward their adult children and grandchild chatting in the background of a warm, cozy home.

Motherhood After 50: Learning to Love Differently Without Losing Yourself

Motherhood has been on my mind a lot lately. Not because I want flowers or gifts, although those are always lovely, but because holidays like Mother’s Day have a way of bringing emotions to the surface. Feelings we often tuck away. Feelings we may not even realize we are carrying ...
Three generations of women smile together on a couch as a mother receives flowers and a gift for Mother’s Day, capturing love, connection, and appreciation.

What Mom Really Wants for Mother’s Day

“What should we get Mom for Mother’s Day?” Flowers, a card, brunch, and thoughtful gifts are all lovely. But today, I want to share a little secret about what moms really want. And if you are a mom reading this, you might quietly smile, nod your head, and think, “Yes, ...
Woman sitting on a couch with her eyes closed, gently pinching the bridge of her nose, looking overwhelmed and stressed while decluttering.

Why Decluttering Feels More Stressful Before It Feels Better

The Messy Middle No One Talks About Have you ever started decluttering and instead of feeling better… you actually felt worse? Like somehow, you made a bigger mess than the one you started with? I received a comment recently from someone in this community, and I think so many of ...
A large stack of paperwork and documents sits on a cluttered home office desk beside a mug, computer, keyboard, calendar, and office supplies, representing paperwork stress and paper clutter.

Paperwork Stress Is Real: Why You Avoid Paper Clutter and How to Start

Do you have a pile of paperwork somewhere in your home that you keep meaning to get to? But somehow, you don’t. And every time you see it, you feel a wave of stress. Maybe it’s a stack of unopened mail on the counter. Maybe it’s a folder of forms ...
Woman sitting peacefully on the floor in a bright, clutter-free room, surrounded by natural light, plants, and simple home décor, symbolizing calm, intentional living, and reclaiming your space.

Overwhelmed by Clutter? How to Reclaim a Room You’ve Stopped Using

Is there a room in your home that you’ve quietly stopped using? Maybe it was once a space you loved. A craft room. A sewing room. A home office. A guest room. A creative corner. A place that once had purpose, meaning, and joy. But now, every time you walk ...
Woman sitting on a couch with a tablet beside a donation box filled with clothing, reflecting on decluttering and letting go without regret.

Why You Can’t Let Go, Even When You Want To: 3 Ways to Get Unstuck Without Regret

If you are in your 60s or 70s, chances are you have already decided, or are at least beginning to wonder, whether it might be time to downsize, declutter, simplify, and move into a space that feels more aligned with this season of your life. You know it may be ...
Woman in her 60s sitting thoughtfully on a sofa with hands clasped, beside the words “What’s Next?” written on a soft, blurred background, representing reflection, life transitions, downsizing, and deciding what comes next after 60.

When Your Life No Longer Fits Your Home After 60: What to Do Next

Let me ask you something—and answer this honestly. Have you ever found yourself quietly wanting something different? A smaller home. A simpler life. Maybe even a fresh start somewhere new. And then almost immediately… the guilt sets in. Because your home is beautiful. You worked hard for it. Your family ...
Couple standing together looking at their large home, reflecting on downsizing and life transition decisions.

What If Staying Is the Mistake?

Downsizing, Letting Go, and Choosing the Life That Finally Fits Let me begin with a simple question—one that may feel a little uncomfortable, yet deeply familiar: What if the life you’re afraid of choosing… is the one that finally feels like you? When Your Home No Longer Feels Like Home ...