Rita Wilkins's Blog

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, roles we’ve outgrown, and memories that once defined us. The truth is, letting go feels impossible because it isn’t just about stuff—it’s about self.

Margaret stood in her living room, surrounded by decades of furniture, photo albums, and tchotchkes. She felt a lump in her throat and a heaviness in her heart—not because of the boxes themselves, but because each item represented someone she used to be. She was stuck and couldn’t let go.

Letting go isn’t about laziness or being overwhelmed. It’s about emotional resistance—that tug of war between what we know we need to release and what our hearts aren’t yet ready to part with.

You’re not weak. You’re human.

And the good news? Awareness is the first step toward freedom.

Why Letting Go Feels So Hard

Tom spent the entire weekend organizing his office, yet at the end of it, nothing felt different. The piles were neater, but the heaviness in the room remained. He realized it wasn’t the clutter that exhausted him—it was the fear of making the wrong choices and losing memories.

Letting go feels hard because each object carries a story. Every piece of clutter represents memories, identity, control, or comfort. To release the physical item, you must face the emotions behind it. That’s the real challenge—and where true transformation begins.

Emotional Resistance: What’s Really Going On

Emotions can stop us in our tracks without us even realizing it. Here are the most common barriers I see:

Guilt: Sally couldn’t give away her mother’s china even though it had been boxed in the basement for 10 years.Fear: John clung to his filing cabinet, worried he might throw away something important.Overwhelm: Laurie stared at her closet for hours, too paralyzed to decide.Identity loss: Betty wondered, “If I let go of this, who am I?”

The first step toward freedom is noticing these feelings without judgment. Awareness is your superpower.

Healing Through Awareness

I once asked a client to sit quietly with a pile of items she said she couldn’t possibly release. At first, she cried—but then she laughed. She realized the objects weren’t controlling her; she was simply afraid to face the stories behind them.

Awareness softens the grip of resistance. For the first time, letting go felt possible.Awareness doesn’t make the process instant, but it shifts your energy from “I can’t” to “I see what’s holding me back—now what?”The Shift From Organizing to Understanding

Many people spend hours alphabetizing or color-coding. Susan, a client of mine, did exactly that for weeks—until she finally paused and asked, “Why am I holding onto this?”

That single moment of awareness changed everything. She released over half of her items.

True change begins with understanding your emotional blocks—not just moving things from one place to another.

Tiny Wins That Build Big Momentum

Progress doesn’t have to be monumental. Small wins are often the most powerful because they create visible and emotional momentum.

Clean a single drawer and notice the immediate lift in your energy.Donate just one box of clothing and see how much lighter your closet feels.Spend 15 minutes a day in one corner of a room—watch how transformational it can be.

Celebrate each tiny win. It’s proof that you can let go.

Clarity Creates Excitement

After a few small victories, excitement naturally follows.

Margaret began imagining a cozy reading nook in her newly cleared living room.
Tom pictured a lighter, calmer office.

They weren’t excited about what they were losing—they were thrilled about what they were gaining.

When you clearly understand what you want to create space for, letting go becomes joyful instead of painful.

Real Tools for Real Life

This is where my Letting Go Workbook comes in.

It’s not about pressure or perfection—it’s about guidance, reflection, and action. With 10 proven decluttering methods and 3 creative bonus tools, it meets you wherever you are.

It helps you:

Break through emotional resistanceTake practical steps for every area of your homeBuild momentum through small, achievable wins

One of my clients used the Priority Method from the workbook to finally clear a room she’d avoided for years. That one success energized her to tackle the next area—and the next. She had a built-in support system that worked for her.

A Simple 3-Step Invitation

You don’t have to tackle everything at once.

Start small. Pick one drawer, one box, or one category.Stay aware. Notice your emotions as they arise. Don’t judge—just observe.Celebrate tiny wins. Journal about them, tell a friend, or simply savor the relief.

Every step matters. Every decision is progress. Every small victory builds confidence and clarity.

My Closing Reflection: What Are You Ready to Make Room For?

Every item you release makes space for something new—more time, energy, freedom, and joy.

Margaret made room for a cozy reading nook.Tom created a space for creative projects.Betty finally aligned her home with her life today.What will you create space for?

Pick one corner, one drawer, one decision—and start now.

Your next chapter deserves space for what truly matters.

Ready to Begin Your Letting Go Journey?

If you’re ready to take action—to finally let go of what feels impossible—I invite you to grab your Letting Go Workbook today. It’s your step-by-step guide to decluttering with heart, healing resistance, and creating the space you deserve.

👉 [Get Your Letting Go Workbook Here]

SHARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! 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

Letting Go Together: The Tender Side of Downsizing and What Parents Really Need from Us

This blog is for adult children who are helping their parents downsize and navigate the emotional and mental strain while preserving dignity, love, and connection.

The Email That Stopped Me in My Tracks

Every so often, I receive an email that pierces through the noise of everyday life — one that reminds me why this work truly matters.

Recently, I opened an email from a young woman who had been watching my videos as she helped her aging mother downsize after more than 40 years in the same home.

Her email began simply:

“I just want my mom to enjoy her life now — not feel shame or sadness about what she’s letting go of.”

She went on to describe the emotional roller coaster of helping her mother sort through a lifetime of keepsakes — every box a memory, every drawer a story. There were moments of laughter, but also moments when her mother’s eyes filled with tears and her heart with doubt.

What struck me most wasn’t her mother’s struggle, but her own. The daughter’s deep desire to honor her mother’s choices — even when she didn’t understand them.

She learned to ask about the memories behind the items and to take photos so her mother could keep them in another way. But she also helped her look forward, to imagine what life might feel like on the other side of downsizing.

This email stopped me in my tracks.
It captured the exact tension so many adult children feel — the delicate balance between helping and respecting, between moving forward and holding on.

The Tender Side of Downsizing

Downsizing isn’t just a practical decision — it’s a deeply emotional transition for both parent and child. It’s the untangling of a life layered with love, memories, and meaning.

When I work with families, I often see the exhaustion behind the smiles: adult children trying to hold it all together, and parents wrestling with what it means to let go.

The tender side of downsizing isn’t found in what we donate or discard.
It’s found in the compassion we bring to the process.

This isn’t just about simplifying a space. It’s about preserving dignity, honoring history, and making peace with change.

The Emotional Weight of 40 Years

Imagine 40 years of keepsakes — photo albums, wedding china, travel souvenirs, children’s artwork, and the “someday” projects tucked away in drawers.
Each item carries a heartbeat.

For aging parents, these are not just possessions.
They are proof of a life well lived.

And yet, for adult children, that same abundance can feel like a mountain that needs to be climbed.

It’s easy to slip into frustration or impatience:

Why does she want to keep this?How can we possibly move all of this?Why does she ask so many questions?

But beneath those questions often lies something deeper… fear.
Fear of change, fear of loss, and fear of saying goodbye to a chapter that shaped both of you.

Why It’s So Hard (for Both Generations)

As parents age, they often hold tighter to the tangible — not because they need more things, but because they fear losing the memories attached to them. Meanwhile, their adult children are trying to help, simplify, and move the process along.

It’s a collision of intentions, born out of love.

But here’s the truth: the decisions have to be theirs.
Even when we don’t understand their reasoning.
Even when we think we know best.

Respecting our parents’ choices — even when they choose to keep the box of old greeting cards or mismatched china — is a profound act of love that says: Your story still matters.

Sometimes honoring our parents means letting them hold on… until they are ready to let go.

Balancing the Emotional and the Practical

Helping parents downsize isn’t just about sorting stuff — it’s about managing emotions: theirs and ours.

The adult child feels the urgency of time, schedules, and logistics.
The parent feels the weight of memories, meaning, and identity.

Both sides are right.
Both sides are overwhelmed.

What helps bridge that divide is empathy and pace.
Move slower than you think you should.
Ask questions before making suggestions.
And remember, progress isn’t measured by how many boxes are packed — it’s measured by how much peace remains between you.

The Power of Listening

When we slow down enough to listen — really listen — something shifts.

Start with simple, open-ended questions:

“Mom, tell me about this vase.”“What do you love about this picture?”

Those conversations become sacred moments of connection. Each story your parent shares helps them feel seen, valued, and heard — which in turn makes it easier for them to release the object itself.

Sometimes the greatest gift we can give isn’t advice, but presence — an open mind and a listening ear.

Decluttering doesn’t begin with a trash bag.
It begins with a conversation.

The Healing Gift of Photos and Stories

Taking photos of sentimental items can be a bridge between the past and the future.

The daughter in that email discovered that photographing her mother’s treasures turned moments of resistance into moments of relief. Together, they created a digital memory album where each item came with a story.

This is a beautiful way to preserve what truly matters — the meaning, not the material.
It honors a parent’s emotional need to remember without being weighed down by what remains.

Shifting the Focus Forward

One of the most compassionate things we can do for our parents is to help them imagine what’s next.

Ask questions that invite them into the future:

“What are you most looking forward to in your new home?”“What will you enjoy about having less to take care of?”

When we help them see the light ahead — the freedom, peace, and simplicity that await — it replaces the sorrow of what’s being left behind with the hope of what’s to come.

Downsizing isn’t just an ending.
It’s a doorway to a new beginning.

When Shame and Sadness Surface

Many parents carry shame about their clutter. They apologize for the state of their basements, garages, or overflowing drawers. They fear judgment.

This is when our words matter most.

Instead of saying, “You don’t need all of this,”
say, “You’ve lived such a full life — look at everything you’ve created.”

Shift the focus from blame to blessing.

The goal isn’t to erase their past but to honor it — and then gently make room for what comes next.

Every item has a story. Every story deserves a little grace.

What Our Parents Really Need from Us

At this stage of life, our parents don’t need us to be their organizers as much as their encouragers.
They need reassurance that they are still in control, still respected, and still seen as capable.

They need patience, not pressure.
Compassion, not criticism.
Time, not timetables.

And above all, they need to know that the love between you is bigger than the piles between you.

Who We Become as We Let Go Together

When we help our parents downsize with empathy instead of urgency, something beautiful happens — we grow too.

We learn patience.
We learn what really matters.
We learn that love often looks like quiet understanding.

As one young adult told me after downsizing his mother’s home:

“We didn’t just empty a house. We opened a new chapter together.
Mom feels lighter, and so do I.”

That’s the gift waiting on the other side of all the sorting, decision-making, and emotions.
We don’t just help our parents let go of things — we help them and ourselves rediscover freedom.

A Final Reflection

If you’re walking this same road right now — standing in a room filled with 40 years of memories, trying to balance logistics and love — please hear this: you are not alone.

This process is emotional because it matters. You are helping your parents honor a lifetime while building a bridge to their next chapter.

Be patient. Be kind. Listen more than you talk.
And remember — this isn’t about stuff.
It’s about the relationship you’re preserving through every choice you make together.

Maybe that’s what that young woman understood so beautifully.
She didn’t just help her mother downsize a home — she helped her claim peace and happiness for her future.

And that, my friends, is the tender side of downsizing.

Coming October 15:
📘 The Letting Go Workbook

10 Proven Decluttering Methods + 3 Creative Bonus Methods to Simplify, Downsize, and Design a Clutter-Free Life You Love.

SHARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! 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

Boxes, Bubble Wrap, and the Big Fat Lies We Tell Ourselves: How to Survive Your Move with Humor and Grace

You start your decluttering and downsizing journey full of excitement, armed with a stack of boxes, Sharpies, and five big rolls of bubble wrap.You tell yourself, “This will be fun! A fresh start, a whole new chapter!”You are ready to conquer the clutter that has built up over the past 20 years and can hardly wait to live a more peaceful and simplified life in your new, smaller home.

Then you open your basement door. Reality sets in. You find yourself staring at piles of boxes and plastic bins that have been sitting there since your last move.

Moving is a roller coaster of emotions. In the beginning, optimism and energy push you forward. Midway, exhaustion, overwhelm, and self-doubt take hold. By the end, when you are finally sitting in your new home with a glass of wine in hand, you laugh at all the ridiculous lies you told yourself along the way and marvel at how strong, resilient, and capable you truly are.

This article explores the five big lies we tell ourselves when packing and downsizing, the emotions they trigger, and the survival tips that help keep your sanity, energy, and sense of humor intact.

Lie #1: “I’ll Remember What’s in That Box!”Decluttering Truth: Why You’ll Forget What You Packed

This is the classic lie we have all told ourselves.

You are standing over a half-packed box, feeling triumphant for finally emptying a drawer. You tape it shut and think, “I’ll remember what’s in there!”

Famous last words.

Three months later, when that box resurfaces, it feels like opening a time capsule. Inside are random cords, an old cell phone, a stack of outdated magazines, and a few college textbooks. You ask yourself, “Why on earth did I keep this?”

Here is the truth. Once the box is sealed, your brain moves on to the next task. We convince ourselves that we will remember because we want to avoid making one more decision in that moment. We toss miscellaneous items into a box and promise to sort them out later.

But later rarely comes. Those boxes become silent, hidden clutter that represents the emotional energy we did not have at the time.

Survival Tip:

Label every box as you pack it. Writing down what is inside forces you to consciously decide what stays and what goes. You may even realize that some items are not worth keeping at all.

Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter.

Lie #2: “Five Rolls of Bubble Wrap Will Be Enough.”Downsizing Reality: You Have More Fragile Items Than You Think

Somewhere between optimism and denial lives this common moving lie.

You toss five rolls of bubble wrap into your cart, feeling organized and ready. You imagine wrapping your entire kitchen, your grandmother’s china, and every fragile memory with ease.

Then reality hits around midnight. You have already gone through four rolls and have not even started on your glassware. Suddenly, you are scavenging for anything remotely soft—old towels, mismatched socks, or yesterday’s newspaper.

Here is the truth. Bubble wrap is not only about protecting your things; it is about protecting your peace of mind.

When you underestimate how much packing material you need, it is often because you underestimate how much you actually own. We want the process to be neat, fast, and controlled. But downsizing is not about control; it is about acceptance. Acceptance that you have accumulated a lifetime of possessions.

Survival Tip:

Instead of buying more bubble wrap, give yourself a little grace and humor. When you start wrapping fragile items, ask yourself, “Is this worth the bubble wrap?” You will be surprised how often the answer is no.

Sometimes the most liberating part of downsizing is realizing that not everything needs to be protected—only what truly matters.

Lie #3: “We Really Don’t Have That Much Stuff.”Decluttering Mindset Shift: Seeing What You Actually Own

We have all said it. “We don’t have that much stuff.”

We say it with confidence until we start opening closets, drawers, attics, and basements. Suddenly, we discover four sets of dishes, a lifetime supply of candles, and enough holiday décor to light up the entire neighborhood.

It is human nature to underestimate how much we own because we stop noticing it. These things blend into the background of our daily lives. That pile in the corner becomes invisible.

When you start pulling everything out, the sheer volume of “just in case” items can be overwhelming.

Survival Tip:

Before you start packing, take a complete inventory. Walk room by room and take photos of everything you own. No judgment—just awareness.

Seeing your belongings clearly helps you make intentional decisions about what to keep and what to let go of. It may sting a little at first, but freedom always follows honesty.

Lie #4: “We Can Do This Ourselves.”The Truth About Moving: Why You Should Not Do It Alone

This lie often starts with good intentions and a touch of overconfidence.

We tell ourselves that we can handle every box, label, and load on our own. But somewhere between day four and the twelfth trip to the donation site, reality sets in.

Tempers flare, muscles ache, and you start questioning why you thought this was a good idea.

Downsizing is not just about sorting and lifting. It is about making thousands of decisions, each layered with meaning, memories, and sometimes guilt.

The truth is, you do not have to do it all yourself. Ask for help and accept it when offered. Friends, family, and professional organizers want to support you. Let them.

You will finish faster, safer, and with your sanity intact.

Survival Tip:

You can do it yourself, but you do not have to. Ask for help early, hire a professional if needed, create a realistic plan, and set clear goals. Most importantly, give yourself permission to enjoy the process.

Lie #5: “Unpacking Will Be Quick and Easy.”Moving Reality Check: Why Unpacking Takes Time

We all tell ourselves this lie to stay calm in the middle of chaos.

After weeks of sorting, packing, and labeling, we imagine that unpacking will be effortless.

But unpacking is just as messy as packing—sometimes even more.

You find yourself wondering who packed the Christmas ornaments with the bathroom supplies or why you kept four identical black sweaters.

Unpacking is really packing in reverse, only now you are tired, your patience is thin, and your enthusiasm disappeared when the moving truck left the driveway.

Survival Tip:Take your time. Focus on unpacking the essentials first, and leave the rest until you find the right place for it.If you are not excited to unpack something, that may be your answer—it is time to let it go.Give yourself permission to go slowly. Breathe. Celebrate progress instead of perfection.

Sometimes the real work and the real freedom begin when the boxes arrive.

The Bottom Line: Moving Is Not Just About Boxes and Bubble WrapMoving is never just about packing materials or furniture.

It is about facing the stories you tell yourself, confronting the big lies, and deciding what to carry forward into your new home and your new life.

By recognizing these five lies, you can move forward with humor, grace, and sanity intact.

Let go of the past. Make space for what truly matters. Step confidently into your next chapter, both physically and emotionally.

The next time you stare at a mountain of boxes, pause and ask yourself:
Am I packing for my future, or am I dragging my past along for the ride?

Moving is not only about where you are going—it is about who you become when you get there.

Resources to Help You Declutter and DownsizeBooks:Downsizing the Family Home: What to Save, What to Let Go by Marni Jameson Decluttering and Downsizing the Family Home: Strategies for a Stress-Free Transition

Videos to Watch:

If Not Now, When?The Hidden Cost of Delaying Your Downsizing Decision10 Things Every Woman Over 50 Should Declutter Right Now If She Wants More FreedomComing October 15:
📘 The Letting Go Workbook

10 Proven Decluttering Methods + 3 Creative Bonus Methods to Simplify, Downsize, and Design a Clutter-Free Life You Love.

SHARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! 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

The Hidden Truth About Downsizing and Decluttering

Why It Feels So Hard… and How to Finally Move ForwardThe Unspoken Downsizing and Decluttering Struggle

No one told you it would feel like this.

Downsizing and decluttering sound so simple on paper: pack, donate, throw away, move on.

But when you’re standing in a room filled with a lifetime of belongings—the books you’ve read, the dishes you served family meals on, the furniture that once held your children’s toys—you suddenly realize… this isn’t just about stuff.

It’s about your life. Your memories. Your identity.

And that’s why so many people, maybe even you, find themselves staring at their things, paralyzed, overwhelmed, and wondering why it feels impossible to let go.

You’re not alone. I’ve been there too.

Why Traditional Advice Falls Short

If you’ve ever searched for help with downsizing, you’ve probably seen the typical advice:

Just get rid of whatever you haven’t used in a year.If it doesn’t spark joy, toss it.Only keep what you need.

Easy, right?
Except it’s not. Because your heart doesn’t work like a checklist.

Telling someone to simply “get rid of things” ignores the deeply human experience behind those belongings—the love, the loss, the history wrapped up in them.

If you’ve struggled to let go, it’s not because you’re weak or disorganized.
It’s because you’re human.

The Hidden Emotional Weight

Every item carries a story.

The special china in your cabinet? It’s not just plates—it’s Thanksgiving dinners, family conversations, and candlelit laughter.The boxes of photos? They’re not clutter—they’re your legacy and family history.The rocking chair? It’s the one that rocked your babies.

One woman I worked with couldn’t part with her dining room furniture. Her children had grown, moved away, and started families of their own, but the table represented decades of birthdays, milestones, and Sunday dinners. Letting it go felt like letting go of her role as mom and hostess.

This is the emotional weight we carry. And it’s heavier than any box.

The Fear Factor

Fear often hides in the background of decluttering:

Fear of the unknown future.Fear of losing a piece of yourself.Fear of making a mistake. What if I need this later? What if I regret giving it away?

A client once confessed that she kept stacks of old business files, just in case. She had been retired for years, but letting go felt like cutting off a piece of her identity. What she didn’t realize was that the papers weren’t her career. She was her career—the relationships, the contributions, the impact she made.

The files were just paper.

When we recognize fear for what it is, we can finally release it.

The Guilt Trap

Guilt is another powerful obstacle. It sounds like:

This belonged to my parents—I can’t just give it away.My kids might want this someday.I spent good money on this. I should keep it.

One man held onto his father’s tools for 20 years after his dad had passed. He never used them, but he felt he’d dishonor his father by letting them go.

The turning point came when he donated them to a local trade school, where they were used daily. His guilt turned into gratitude.

When we shift from holding onto guilt to passing along value, letting go feels less like betrayal and more like legacy.

The Overwhelm Paralysis

Then there’s the sheer volume.

Decades of accumulation can make even the thought of downsizing feel impossible. I once walked into an attic where the owner hadn’t stepped foot in 10 years. She admitted she would just close the door—it was too much to face.

Overwhelm creates avoidance. Avoidance creates shame.

But here’s the truth: no one fills a house overnight, and no one clears it overnight either.

Small steps matter. Even sorting one drawer can build momentum.

Why Downsizing Can Feel Like Losing Control

For some, downsizing isn’t a choice—it’s a necessity.

Health concerns, financial pressures, or family influence can force the decision. And when adult children start telling parents what to keep, it can feel like losing control of your own life.

That loss of autonomy often hurts more than letting go of the belongings themselves.

Whenever possible, downsizing should be approached as your choice, your decision, your future.

I often remind people: This is not about giving up. It’s about taking charge.

Reframing the Process: From Loss to Freedom

What if downsizing and decluttering weren’t about losing, but about curating?

Curating your home. Your life. The experiences you want to carry forward.

One woman told me that after she downsized, she felt set free. She traded three cluttered bedrooms and endless maintenance for one cozy living room filled with her favorite pieces.

“I feel lighter,” she said. “I can breathe again.”

That’s the hidden gift: living with less can mean living more fully.

Gentle First Steps

You don’t need to start with the hardest items. In fact, you shouldn’t.

Start with duplicates.Start with things you know you don’t use.Try a trial separation box: pack items away for three months. If you don’t miss them, you have your answer—let them go.

My Decluttering by Heart method teaches that letting go isn’t about rules—it’s about listening to your heart, honoring your past, and choosing your future.

Email me at ritawilkins@ritawilkins.com to know more about this free resource. The Role of Support and Community

You weren’t meant to do this alone.

Support makes all the difference:

A trusted friend who reminds you of your goals.A family member who respects your choices.A professional downsizing and decluttering consultant who can guide you through.

One client told me she only made progress when she invited her granddaughter over. Together they laughed, shared stories, and created memory boxes. What once felt heavy became joyful.

Sometimes what we need most is simply someone to walk beside us.

Hope and New Possibilities

Here’s what I want you to know: downsizing isn’t an ending. It’s a beginning.

On the other side of clutter is freedom—more space, less stress, and new possibilities.

I’ve seen people rediscover forgotten hobbies, start traveling, build stronger relationships, and finally enjoy white space on their calendars.

Living with less isn’t about deprivation. It’s about liberation.

It’s about writing your next chapter with clarity, purpose, and joy.

You’re Not Alone

If you’ve been silently struggling, now you know the truth. It’s not just you. Downsizing and decluttering are hard because they’re deeply human.

But you don’t have to wait for a crisis to take control.

You can begin today—one drawer, one memory, one decision at a time.

And what you’ll find on the other side isn’t emptiness.
It’s freedom.
It’s lightness.
It’s space for what really matters at this stage of your life.

Living with less allows you to experience more than you ever imagined.

If you want to dive deeper into the emotional side of downsizing and decluttering, check out my book:
A Journey to Less: A Life Designed for More

SHARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! 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

Clutter Traps: Eight Sneaky Ways That Steal Your Freedom (and How to Escape Them)

Have you ever walked into your basement or opened a closet and felt like the walls were closing in on you? You swear you just set a few things aside “for later,” but somehow those piles multiplied overnight.

It feels like clutter has a secret life.
It creeps. It hides. It pretends to be harmless.
And then one day, you wake up and realize you’re caught in a trap you never saw coming.

I call these clutter traps—the subtle snares, illusions, and sticky webs that keep you stuck, weighed down, and sometimes even paralyzed. They steal something priceless: your freedom, energy, and peace of mind. If you’re ready to **boldly escape clutter traps and take back your space, this guide will help you shine a light on the shadowy corners and get free—before they swallow you up like quicksand.

Trap #1: The “Someday” Snare

How it shows up
“I’ll declutter after the holidays… after I retire… when I have more time and energy.”

Why it’s dangerous
Someday is a shape-shifter. It always looks close, but the moment you reach for it, it slips further away. Meanwhile, clutter multiplies in the dark.

I once worked with a client who postponed downsizing her attic for years. By the time she finally peeked inside, it was so full she burst into tears—she had no idea where to start. For her, “someday” never came.

What to do instead
Trade someday for today—even just 15 minutes. Set a timer and tackle one drawer or one shelf. That tiny win breaks the spell and kick-starts momentum. If you’re wondering how to start decluttering today, begin with the smallest, least emotional space you can find.

Trap #2: The Sentimental Snare

How it shows up
Boxes of your kids’ artwork from 1993. Every greeting card you ever received. Your grandmother’s teacups and china.

Why it’s dangerous
Love gets tangled up with objects. Before you know it, your attic looks like a card shop. Sentimental clutter is heavy because it’s laced with guilt.

One mother saved every stuffed animal her now 40-year-old son ever owned. “He’ll want these someday,” she said. Spoiler: he didn’t. He laughed and begged her to donate them.

What to do instead
Keep the best of the best—the teddy bear with the torn ear, the two teacups you’ll actually use. Photograph the rest and jot the memory in a notebook or voice memo. Objects take up space; memories live in your heart.

Trap #3: The Guilt Trap

How it shows up
“I can’t get rid of this—it was expensive.”
“My sister gave it to me; she’ll be offended if I donate it.”

Why it’s dangerous
Guilt turns ordinary objects into emotional handcuffs. You’re not keeping the item out of joy, but out of fear—of offending, wasting, or regretting.

One man kept a hideous antique chair in his living room for five years because it was a gift. Every time he looked at it, his mood dropped. That chair didn’t just take up space—it sucked the joy out of the room.

What to do instead
Reframe guilt in gratitude: “This gift already served its purpose. The money was already spent. Now it can bless someone else.” And ask yourself: “Do I want my kids to inherit my guilt collection?”

Trap #4: The “What If” Weight

How it shows up
“What if I need this old blender someday?”
“What if I lose weight and fit into those jeans again?”
“What if we need the old fax machine?”

Why it’s dangerous
“What if” keeps you stuck with VHS tapes, mystery cords, and clothes that don’t fit. Meanwhile, the daily cost is your space, energy, and peace.

What to do instead
Ask: “If I needed this tomorrow, could I borrow it, rent it, or easily replace it?” If yes, let it go.

Trap #5: The Memory Mirage

How it shows up
“If I give away my wedding dress, I’ll lose the memory.”
“If I donate Dad’s fishing pole, I’ll lose those weekend moments.”

Why it’s dangerous
This mirage convinces you that memories live in objects. They don’t. The dress doesn’t hold the joy of your wedding—your heart does.

A client cried when she donated her father’s rusty tools, certain the memories would fade. Weeks later, she told me the memories felt stronger than ever.

What to do instead
Photograph the item. Write the story behind it. Make a small album and share it with someone you love. When you release the object, the memory lives on.

Trap #6: The Convenience Illusion

How it shows up
Stuff shoved into closets, basements, and storage units. Out of sight, out of mind—or so it seems.

Why it’s dangerous
Clutter is like debt—it doesn’t disappear when you hide it; it accrues interest. Every month you pay that storage bill, you’re paying for avoidance. The storage unit costs aren’t just financial; they also drain your energy and delay decisions.

A client spent nearly $12,000 storing furniture she hadn’t touched in eight years. “That’s two dream vacations I’ll never get back,” she realized.

What to do instead
Treat storage as temporary, not a dumping ground. Set a clear deadline to empty it. If you haven’t needed it in a year, you probably never will.

Trap #7: The Comparison Trap

How it shows up
Scrolling Instagram thinking, “Her house looks like a magazine. Mine looks like a yard sale.”

Why it’s dangerous
Comparison doesn’t just steal joy; it paralyzes action. You freeze because you feel your home (or you) isn’t good enough.

What to do instead
Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate every bag, drawer, or box that leaves your home. Remember: Instagram doesn’t show the mess behind the camera. Your real life is beautiful.

Trap #8: The Legacy Blind Spot

How it shows up
“My kids will want this someday.”

Why it’s dangerous
Nine times out of ten, they don’t. Treasures to you often feel like burdens to them—something many Boomers discover during estate clean-outs.

What to do instead
Ask your kids now. Accept their “no” with love. True legacy isn’t in stuff; it’s in stories, values, and time together—a legacy of love, not stuff.

Escaping the Web

Clutter is clever. It sets traps that look harmless: a teacup here, a “what if” item there, one more box in the basement. Left unchecked, it weaves a sticky web that robs you of freedom. The good news: every trap has an exit. Start small, be kind to yourself, and keep going.

This week’s challenge:
Shine a flashlight on one trap you’ve been caught in. Name it. Take one tiny step to escape it. Freedom isn’t found “someday.” It’s found today, in every single thing you let go of.

Want more help decluttering? Check out my Minimalist Essentials Workbook—a comprehensive guide for room-by-room decluttering. It’s only $14.99.

SHARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! 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

Living Large with Less: The Unspoken Perks of Downsizing and Decluttering

For many years, as an interior designer, I helped people upsize to bigger homes with larger closets and expansive kitchens.

Fast forward. I downsized and decluttered. Now, those same clients and audiences are asking me to help them downsize their large homes.

It’s funny, isn’t it? For decades, the American dream was about more, bigger, better.

And now? The biggest luxury people are craving is less:

Less clutterLess stressLess stuff stealing their time, energy, and freedom

How many of you have ever opened a closet or basement door and thought… “Nope, not today!”

How many of you have then said, “I’ll get to it someday”?

And secretly… how many of you hope that “someday” never comes?

Here’s the thing: someday is one of the biggest traps we fall into.
We keep saying:

Someday I’ll declutterSomeday I’ll downsizeSomeday I’ll finally use those extra rooms for something I actually love instead of a storage space

But what if you traded “someday” for today?

Ask yourself: if you only had 10 years left, would you want to spend that time cleaning out your basement—or living life to the fullest… traveling, laughing, saying yes to long-held dreams?

That’s why I now speak to audiences around the country about decluttering and downsizing. Because here’s the truth: downsizing isn’t about downgrading—it’s about upgrading your life. It’s about unspoken perks no one tells you about: the freedom, clarity, and peace of mind that come when you finally let go of the stuff you don’t want, need, or use.

Let’s be honest.
Stuff is high-maintenance. It needs to be cleaned, dusted, organized, and stored.
It’s kind of like that needy friend who just won’t stop bothering you.

I thought our stuff was supposed to serve us—not the other way around!

The Unspoken Perks of Decluttering and DownsizingPerk #1: More Time for What You Love

When you have less to clean, maintain, and organize, you suddenly realize how much time you’ve been giving away to your stuff.

One woman downsized from a 3,500-square-foot home to a 1,200-square-foot cottage. She later told me, “I thought I would miss my big house. Instead, I found three extra hours a day I never knew I had. Now I spend them painting, playing with my grandchildren, and doing what I truly want to do.”

What would you do if you suddenly had three extra hours in your day?Perk #2: More Money in Your Pocket

Every closet and cabinet is costing you money—bigger spaces, higher utilities, endless storage containers, even “just in case” purchases.

A couple I know sold their large home, paid off their mortgage, and now use the savings to travel to Italy every fall. Downsizing literally gave them the freedom to travel and put more stamps in their passport.

If you had extra money each month, would you spend it on more stuff—or more experiences and memories?Perk #3: Better Health and Less Stress

Clutter isn’t just physical—it weighs on your mind and body. Studies show clutter raises cortisol, the stress hormone.

A client once admitted, “Every time I opened my garage, I felt tense and uptight.” After clearing it, she said she felt 10 pounds lighter—without losing an ounce.

A decluttered home is calmer and can be some of the best medicine you could ask for.

Can you imagine the relief of walking into a home that instantly makes you feel calm and at peace?Perk #4: Closer Relationships

This may surprise you: when you let go of excess, you make room for more connection.

Families tell me that after downsizing, they eat together more often because the dining table is no longer buried under clutter.

Adult children also feel relief knowing their parents are safe in a smaller, manageable home. One widower let go of years of accumulated belongings and later said, “For the first time in years, my kids actually enjoy visiting because the house feels like home again.”

How might your relationships flourish if your home became more welcoming and less cluttered?Perk #5: Greater Freedom and Flexibility

Less stuff means fewer anchors. You’re free to travel, say yes to spontaneous opportunities, and live wherever life calls you.

A retired couple downsized to a condo and told me, “We lock the door and go. No lawn, no leaks, no worries.”

Downsizing isn’t about giving up—it’s about gaining the freedom to choose how you want to live your next chapter.

What new adventures would you say yes to if you weren’t weighed down by things?Perk #6: Renewed Energy and Clarity

A cluttered space drains you, but a simplified one sparks new energy.

One of my clients downsized her office and suddenly had clarity to start the business she had been dreaming of for years.

A clear space creates a clear mind—and a clear mind can reimagine new life.

What long-delayed dream might finally come alive if you created space for it?Perk #7: A Legacy of Love, Not Stuff

When you declutter now, you relieve your loved ones of the painful task of sorting it later.

One woman told me, “I had to go through every drawer in my mother’s house after she passed. I swore I wouldn’t do that to my own children.”

Downsizing becomes an act of love—leaving your family with memories, not messes.

When your family looks back, will they remember your love—or the burden of your stuff?Perk #8: The Joy of Living Large with Less

This is the ultimate perk: discovering you never needed all that stuff to feel rich.

Many of my clients who moved into smaller spaces say, “I feel lighter, freer, and oddly enough, wealthier!”

Why? Because they’re no longer owned by their possessions. They’re living large in what matters most: freedom, experiences, relationships, health, and joy.

Wouldn’t it be freeing to discover that “enough” was always more than enough?Final Thoughts

So let me ask you…

·       What would it feel like to wake up tomorrow with more time for what you love instead of spending hours managing things you don’t?·       What if every time you walked into your home, it greeted you with calm and comfort instead of stress and overwhelm?·       What if your family’s legacy was filled with joy-filled memories instead of the burden of too much stuff?

Maybe, just maybe, you’ll discover what so many others already have: when you let go of excess, you gain something far richer. You begin to live larger, freer, and more abundantly—with less.

Downsizing and decluttering isn’t about what you give up.

It’s about what you make room for—in your home, your life, and your heart.

So ask yourself:

If not now, WHEN?

SHARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! 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

The Last Step of Decluttering No One Talks About

(And Why It Might Be the Reason You’re Stuck)

You just spent the last two weekends decluttering:

Your closets feel and look much lighter.Your adult son’s room is finally cleared of his high school trophies, college textbooks, and old sports uniforms.

You can hardly wait to convert that room into your own craft space after all these years.

But there’s one big problem.

You’re now tripping over all of the trash bags, asking yourself:
“What am I supposed to do with all of this stuff?”

It’s discouraging, isn’t it?

You thought once you sorted and bagged everything, you’d be finished. But as you look at the neatly stacked bags in the hallway, you suddenly realize you’ve got another four to five hours of hauling to the donation site ahead of you.

Here’s the truth no one tells you:

The real victory isn’t in sorting and bagging the clutter—it’s in actually getting it out of your house and out of your life.

Many people get stopped right here. Some never even begin decluttering because the thought of what to do with it all afterwards feels overwhelming.

But without that last step, clutter never really leaves your home… or your life.

Why This Step Is So Important

This last step is where freedom becomes real. Without it, all those boxes and bags become a new category of clutter—out of the closet, but still under your roof.

When you do follow through, you free up space, regain momentum, and truly experience the peace you’ve been craving.

Example:
John, in his early 70s, could no longer lift heavy bags and boxes. He almost gave up on decluttering altogether until a friend told him about a local charity that offers pickup. The very next week, they came, loaded everything, and whisked it away. John finally felt free.

It’s not just about letting things go.
It’s about letting them leave.

Ask Yourself These Big Questions Before You DeclutterFast or value?
Do you want the clutter gone quickly, or do you want to spend the time to make some money selling it?DIY or delegate?
Will you manage it yourself, or would you rather hand it off to someone else?Energy and time.
How much do you realistically have to invest in this step?Physical ability.
Can you lift, carry, and transport items safely?Values and peace of mind.
Would you prefer to:Donate to a cause you care about?Earn extra cash?Simply reclaim your space and sanity?

Your answers will guide you to the best solution.

The Decision ChartIf you want…Best optionFast and easyCharity pickup, junk removal, downsizing consultantMaximum valueConsignment shops, vintage stores, online selling, estate sale companyMinimum effort (delegate)Estate sale service, downsizing consultant, junk removalHeart-centered givingFaith groups, refugee support, animal shelters, Buy Nothing groupsCommunity connectionSwap parties, college drives, Buy Nothing groupsEco-friendly choicesSpecialty recycling programs

This chart helps you see your options at a glance—and eliminates the analysis paralysis that stops many people from finishing their projects.

Practical and Creative Exit Strategies

Here are smart ways to move your items out and keep momentum going:

Buy Nothing Project – Gift directly to neighbors in need.Free Table or Box – Place items outside; you’ll be surprised how quickly they disappear.College Campus Drives – Great for furniture, bedding, and cookware.Faith or Community Centers – Many help families in transition.Specialty Consignment Shops – Clothing, furniture, antiques, sporting gear.Online Marketplaces – Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Craigslist.Charity Pickup Services – Goodwill, Habitat ReStore, Amvets.Specialty Recycling Programs – Electronics, eyeglasses, towels for animal shelters.Swap Parties – Trade with friends; donate leftovers.Downsizing Consultants – Experts who manage the entire process.Junk Removal Services – For when you just want it gone—yesterday!

Think of these as exit strategies. Choose the one that fits your lifestyle, energy, and timeline.

Bottom LineSome of you will want to squeeze every last dollar from your stuff.Some of you just want it gone—yesterday.Some of you need help carrying the bags—and that’s perfectly okay.

What matters most is choosing the solution that fits you—your stage of life, your energy level, and your values.

Because once the clutter is out of your home, you’re not just decluttering your space—you’re decluttering your life and making room for your next big adventure.

Don’t put it off for another day. You’ve got this!

For more inspiration and tools to help you declutter, visit my website Design Services, Ltd. and download my free PDF: 100 Places to Donate Your Stuff.

SHARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! 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

Dear Baby Boomers: Why It’s Time to Let Go and Live More

A letter from my heart, to my fellow Baby Boomers, about downsizing, decluttering, and creating your next best chapter.

Let’s be honest with each other. We’ve lived long enough to accumulate… well, far too much stuff.

Closets that seem to multiply their contents overnightBasements that could qualify as architectural digsGarages that no longer fit cars because they’re too full of “just in case” boxes and bins

I get it because I’ve been there too!

This isn’t just about clutter. This is about memories, identity, and decades of living.
Each item has a story.
Each drawer feels like a page in our lives.

But here’s the thing: all that stuff that once served us?
It’s now quietly weighing us down.

The Weight of Too Much Stuff

I remember walking into my own attic several years ago, looking at the towers of boxes and thinking, where do I even start?
My first instinct was to close the door and walk away.
Maybe you’ve felt that way too.

It’s not necessarily that we don’t want to let go… it’s just that the sheer volume paralyzes us.
We think: This will take forever. I don’t have the time, energy, or desire. I’ll deal with it later.

But maybe you’ve noticed… later has a sneaky way of turning into years. And that stuff keeps multiplying while your energy does not—and the clock keeps ticking.

The Real Cost of Waiting

Let’s talk about what happens when we keep putting it off.

Financially: holding onto a house that’s too big, too expensive, and too much to maintain slowly chips away at our retirement nest egg.

Emotionally: the weight of unfinished decisions and putting it off to another day creates stress, guilt, and sometimes even shame.

Physically: let’s be real. The older we get, the less energy we have to climb ladders, haul boxes, and move heavy furniture.

One woman I worked with waited until her health forced the move. Downsizing became urgent, exhausting, and overwhelming for her and for her kids. She told me later, I wish I had done this years ago when I had the energy to enjoy the process—to look over all my things, reminisce, and choose what I wanted to keep and what I wanted to let go of.

The Big Question We All AskI hear this question all the time: Does downsizing really make life better, or will I regret it?

It’s a fair question because no one size fits all.
For much of our lives, we’ve been told bigger is better. More square footage and more storage equals more stuff. Downsizing can feel like you’re moving backwards.

But let me tell you a quick story about Jim and Carol.

They sold their family home after 35 years and moved into a sunny two-bedroom condo downtown. They worried they’d miss the space. But now?
They walk to coffee, shops, theater, and meet up with friends. They travel freely without worrying about lawn care or big house repairs.
Carol told me, I feel 10 years younger. I didn’t realize how heavy the house was on my shoulders until the weight was lifted.

And that’s just one example.

The Advantages of Living Smaller

Here’s the surprising truth: smaller living can actually make life bigger.

Less to clean, repair, and manageMore time and energy for travel, family, hobbies, and the little things that make life worthwhile

When you stop maintaining a house that doesn’t fit your life anymore, you gain the freedom to focus on what truly matters to you at this stage of your life.

Rightsizing, Not Just Downsizing

This isn’t just about shrinking your home. It’s about rightsizing your life.

This is such an important question to reflect on:
Does my current home and all of this stuff reflect the life I want right now… or the life I used to have?

Rightsizing means aligning your space with your values, your energy at this stage of life, and your dreams for this next chapter.

It’s not about loss.
It’s about living intentionally.

Facing the Hard Truth with Compassion

Now let’s name a few of the fears we all carry about downsizing and decluttering.

What if I regret letting this go?What if my kids want my house one day?What if I lose part of myself?

I’ve had many of those same thoughts myself, but here’s what I’ve learned:

You’re not your stuffYour identity isn’t in the atticYour memories aren’t in boxes

They’re in your heart, your stories, and the people you love.

And as for the kids?
Let me be blunt. Most of them don’t want our stuff.
What they do want is time with us and a future where they’re not sorting through decades of our things.

Decluttering now is one of the greatest acts of love you can give them.

And listen, I say this with true humility.
I was there once. I faced the exact same concerns and fears that you might be having.
But the more I got into decluttering, I can’t tell you how many times I said:
I can’t believe I bought this.
I can’t believe I kept this!

The more I let go, the more confident I became that I was doing the right thing by downsizing. And for those of you who know my story and have listened to my TED Talk, I have never regretted downsizing from my big home. I have all I want, all I need, and I’ve never been happier.

I have another example.
Dan and Linda were terrified to move out of their big house, but after letting go of the clutter, they started hosting Friday night dinners with friends again. Linda said, I thought downsizing would shrink our lives, but it actually made them bigger.

A New Sense of Urgency

Here’s the truth, my Baby Boomer friends: none of us are getting any younger.
If not now, when?

The longer we wait, the harder it gets—physically, emotionally, financially.
But the sooner we start, the sooner we can step into the freedom of a simpler, less cluttered life.

So What’s Next?

Decluttering and downsizing aren’t endings. They’re new beginnings.

More peace of mindMore energy and time for adventureMore freedom to live the way we’ve said we wanted to

This isn’t about giving up. It’s about creating space for what’s next.

So let me leave you with this:
Don’t let the weight of too much stuff keep you from the joy that’s waiting for you on the other side.

Don’t let fear or procrastination rob you of the freedom you have worked hard for and deserve.

Decluttering isn’t about losing. It’s about gaining.
Gaining space, gaining peace, and gaining the ability to live fully in this next chapter of your life.

If not now, when?

SHARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! 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 | TWITTE

Stop Organizing Your Stuff and Start Facing It

Clutter Is Not the Problem. It’s the Symptom.

Have you ever thought: “If I just got more plastic bins… if I just labeled them better… I’d finally feel more organized and in control”?

I’ve heard this countless times from clients over the years and honestly, I’ve even said it to myself before.

But here’s the truth I’ve learned from decades of designing and decluttering homes:

Clutter isn’t the problem. It’s the symptom.

That’s a hard pill to swallow, especially for those of us who grew up in an era where stuff meant success, security, and status. But let’s be real, no amount of organizing, color-coding, or pretty baskets is ever going to give you the freedom you’re craving.

Because if organizing were the solution… you’d be free by now.

Why Organizing Isn’t the Answer

Let’s be clear: there’s nothing wrong with wanting order.

A well-organized pantry makes cooking easier.A tidy garage feels good when you drive in each day and helps you find things when you need them.A neat closet makes mornings simpler.

But here’s where we get stuck:

Organizing often becomes a distraction.It gives us the illusion of progress without requiring the harder decisions.It moves things from one place to another instead of letting them go.

Think about it: how many times have you “organized” your basement only to realize it looks the same six months later?

That’s because organizing doesn’t address why the clutter is there in the first place.

Why We Hold On: The Emotional Baggage Behind the Stuff

Clutter is rarely about the items themselves. It’s about the emotions and unmet needs beneath them:

Fear of scarcity: What if I need it someday?Guilt: It was a gift from my kids. How could I let it go?Identity: These books show who I am and what I’ve learned.Security: If I have more, I’ll feel safer in case something happens.Love and loss: If I let go of this, I’ll lose the memory that comes with it.

When we only focus on organizing, we avoid facing these deeper emotions. But ignoring them doesn’t make them disappear—it just buries them under neater piles.

👉 If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend Joshua Becker’s The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own.

The Organizing Trap: Perfectionism in Disguise

Organizing often feels productive, but sometimes it’s just perfectionism dressed up in pretty bins.

We spend hours creating “the perfect system” or shopping for the “perfect containers.” But underneath it all, we’re not dealing with the real cause of the clutter.

Perfectionism keeps us stuck because if we’re always organizing, we never have to face the scarier step: deciding what stays and what goes.

A quick story:
I once worked with a woman who proudly showed me her garage. Every tool was labeled, every shelf was color-coded—it looked like a magazine spread. But she admitted she hadn’t parked her car inside for ten years.

Her “organized clutter” still filled every square inch. Organizing gave her surface-level control, but it robbed her of what she longed for: simplicity, space, and ease.

The Moment of Truth

Here’s what I want you to hear: Getting organized might actually be holding you back.

It focuses on appearances instead of transformation.It delays decisions you already know you need to make.It distracts you from asking the deeper questions:Why am I afraid to let this go?What am I really trying to hold onto?What would freedom look like if I owned less?Why Decluttering Is Different

Decluttering isn’t about making your stuff look better.
It’s about making your life feel better.

When you declutter:

You make real choices about what matters most.You face the stories and emotions behind the stuff.You stop rearranging your past and start designing your future.

Decluttering is uncomfortable—but it’s also where the real breakthroughs happen.

My Own Wake-Up Call

Years ago, I was that woman with too much.
A big house. Fancy things. Closets overflowing with clothes I never wore.

I thought organizing would fix my overwhelm. But the truth? I wasn’t willing to face why I kept accumulating.

I believed more stuff would make me happy. It didn’t. The more I accumulated, the emptier I felt.

It wasn’t until I downsized, decluttered, and moved into a tiny apartment that I finally discovered what had been missing all along: freedom, peace, and pure childlike joy.

Owning less helped me value what I had more.

Are You Stuck in the Organizing Trap?

Ask yourself:

Do I spend more time moving things around than letting them go?Am I waiting for the “perfect system” before I start?Does my house feel heavy even when it looks neat?Am I afraid of what I’ll feel if I start letting go?

If you answered yes to any of these, chances are you’re stuck in the organizing trap.

A New Way Forward

Instead of chasing organizing systems, try this:

Start small. Let go of 10 items today.Sit with the emotion. Ask what story you’re telling yourself about that item.Reframe it. Instead of “I’m losing something,” say: I’m gaining freedom.Visualize. Picture the lighter, freer life you’re moving toward.

Decluttering isn’t about erasing your past—it’s about making room for your future.

👉 Another book you might enjoy: The Clutter Connection: How Your Personality Type Determines Why You Organize the Way You Do by Cassandra Aarssen.

Final Word

Baby Boomers, we’ve reached a season where more isn’t better anymore.
We don’t need bigger houses, fuller basements, or more bins.

We need less. We need space. We need freedom.

Because clutter isn’t the problem—it’s the symptom.
And once you face what’s underneath, that’s where the real freedom begins.

So stop just organizing your stuff. Start facing it.
And ask yourself: Are you ready to stop organizing… and start living?

SHARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! 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

Baby Boomers! Still Paying for a House That’s Too Big?

Holding On for Dear Life—While Paying for Square Footage

For many Boomers, these two realities happen at the same time. We hold on for dear life to objects, furniture, and keepsakes that represent our past, while simultaneously paying a premium to house them in spaces we barely use.

The emotional and the financial go hand in hand:

That dining room you never use? You’re still heating and cooling it.The spare bedrooms that sit empty? You’re still insuring and maintaining them.The closets stuffed with decades of “someday” items? You’re paying for every square foot they occupy.

It’s a double burden—clinging tightly to things that weigh us down emotionally, while spending hard-earned money to keep them under our roofs.

Ask yourself:

Am I investing in my next chapter—or just preserving my past at a high monthly cost?How much of my home is filled with life—and how much is filled with stuff?What would it feel like to trade the weight of both for freedom, peace, and financial breathing room?

The truth is, letting go frees you twice—once in your heart, and once in your wallet.

This blog isn’t just about decluttering. It’s about freeing yourself from the weight—emotional and financial—of a home that no longer fits your life today.

12-Step Guide to Letting GoStep 1: The House That Became Too Big

For many of us, the house we’re in today was once alive with noise, chaos, and kids running in and out of every room. It was the right size then… because it fit the chapter of life we were in.

But fast-forward to today: the kids are grown, the rooms are empty, and we may only be using a third of the house we’re still paying dearly for.

Here’s the hard truth: Are you really living in all of your square footage—or is your stuff living there instead?

Step 2: Add Up the Real Cost

Clutter is expensive. That oversized house that was once full of family dinners and birthday parties can now feel cavernous, with unused space silently draining your finances. You’re still heating, cooling, insuring, and maintaining a house that’s too big for this stage of life.

Maybe it’s time to consider that as our lives evolve, our homes should evolve too. A new chapter doesn’t require the same square footage as the last one.

Awareness is the first step to change.

A quick exercise:

Walk through your house with fresh eyes.Notice which rooms you use daily.Which ones are rarely stepped into.Which ones are simply storage.

Then ask yourself: Am I paying for space I live in—or for space my stuff lives in?

Step 3: Reframe What Letting Go Really Means

Letting go is not about losing part of yourself. It’s about gaining back your freedom, peace, and breathing room to grow.

Imagine walking into your home where everything you see is something you love and use.
No overwhelm. No guilt. Just peace.

If you feel resistance, try using this mantra: Choose us over stuff.

Step 4: Start With Easy Wins

You don’t need to start with your wedding dress or your grandmother’s fine china. Start small: expired pantry food, broken lamps, outdated electronics, tangled cords.

Those items are low-hanging fruit. Releasing them builds momentum and strengthens your letting-go muscle. Each bag you donate or box you recycle is a quick win that moves you forward.

Think of it as training for a marathon. You don’t run 26 miles on the first day—you practice, you pace, you build strength for the journey ahead.

Step 5: Release the Guilt

This is one of the hardest parts for Baby Boomers. We inherit things from our parents, keep things our kids don’t want, and hang onto gifts we never liked out of obligation.

But here’s the truth: love doesn’t live in those objects. It lives in your memories and your relationships.

Holding onto every dish, figurine, or piece of furniture doesn’t honor your loved ones. It buries you under their stuff.

Try this: Before letting go of sentimental items, hold it, thank it, and take a photo. Write a short note about why it mattered. That way, you keep the memory without sacrificing your space.

Step 6: Revisit Generational Beliefs

We grew up with “Save it, you might need it someday.” That belief made sense then, but today it keeps us trapped in clutter.

The question is no longer “What if I need it someday?” but “What is this costing me to keep it?”

It’s time to rewrite the rules. Less stuff equals more freedom.

Step 7: Imagine the Life You Want Now

Close your eyes and imagine your next chapter.

What does it look like?

More time to travel?More energy to enjoy your grandkids?A simpler home with less maintenance and lower costs?

Now open your eyes and look around your current home. Does it support that vision—or does it stand in the way?

Your future doesn’t live in a box in the attic. It lives in the choices you make today.

Step 8: The 15-Minute Declutter Sprint

Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Break it down into small chunks.

Set a timer for 15 minutes. Pick one drawer, one closet, one shelf, or one box. That’s it.

Once the timer goes off, you’re done. If you feel ambitious, do another round. Small wins add up to big change.

Step 9: Make Peace With “Someday” Clutter

We all have boxes labeled “someday,” “just in case,” or “I might need this.”

Let’s be real: If you haven’t used it in 10 years, someday probably isn’t coming.

The best gift you can give yourself—and your kids—is freedom from the burden of “someday.”

Step 10: Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Decluttering isn’t about getting it all done in one weekend. It’s about steady, consistent progress.

Take before-and-after photos. Celebrate every bag you donate, every shelf you clear, every room you reclaim.

Progress is freedom—one step at a time.

Step 11: Redefine Legacy

Here’s something most Boomers don’t want to hear: our kids likely don’t want our stuff. Not the china cabinet, the bulky furniture, or the bins of knickknacks.

What they do want is you—your laughter, your wisdom, your stories.

One of the greatest gifts you can leave behind is a simpler, lighter life—not a house full of things they’ll be forced to sort through.

Step 12: Choose Freedom Over Square Footage

As a designer for 40 years, I once spent my career helping families upsize into larger homes. Today, I help that same generation do the opposite—downsize, simplify, and design spaces that actually fit the life they want now.

At the end of the day, this isn’t about losing. It’s about letting go of what no longer serves you so you can fully embrace your next chapter.

The big house isn’t your identity.

It was one chapter of your story. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is finish that chapter with grace and start the next one with intention and purpose.

You’ve worked too hard and come too far to spend this beautiful season of life weighed down by possessions you don’t use. Every step you take, every box you release, is a step closer to freedom, peace, and joy.

If this blog resonated with you, share it with a friend, sibling, or even your kids. Let them know: we don’t need to be defined by our stuff.

And for weekly tips and inspiration on downsizing, decluttering, and designing a life you truly love, watch my YouTube channel.

HARE YOUR STORY!Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! 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