Harvesting Simplicity - Declutter First, Organize Second: The Secret to a Calm Minimalist Home
- 6D Living
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Melissa Cotton is the creator of this series of posts, published monthly, entitled Harvesting Simplicity. She covers a variety of topics presented by Joshua Becker and others to help guide us all to live a more 'stuff-free' lifestyle. Just because it is free, does not mean we need to take and give it space in our lives.
Minimalism is often misunderstood as simply owning fewer things, but at its core, it is about creating space for what truly matters. Two practices that support a minimalist lifestyle are decluttering and organizing. While people often use these terms interchangeably, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the distinction can make the journey toward a calmer, more intentional home far more effective.
Decluttering is the process of removing items that no longer add value to your life. It focuses on reducing excess and making intentional decisions about what deserves space in your home. Organizing, on the other hand, is arranging and storing the things you choose to keep in a functional and visually pleasing way. Decluttering comes first because you cannot effectively organize clutter.
The benefits of decluttering go far beyond having a tidy space. First, it reduces stress and mental overwhelm. Clutter constantly competes for your attention, even when you are not consciously aware of it. A home filled with unnecessary items can create feelings of chaos and exhaustion. By removing excess belongings, you create an environment that feels lighter and more peaceful.
Decluttering also saves time and energy. When you own fewer things, you spend less time cleaning, maintaining, and searching for misplaced items. Daily routines become simpler because everything you keep has a purpose and a place. Financially, decluttering can encourage more mindful spending habits. As you become more aware of what truly adds value to your life, impulse purchases often decrease.
Once decluttering is complete, organizing becomes far more effective. Organizing is not about finding creative ways to store excess belongings. Instead, it is about supporting the lifestyle you want to maintain. With fewer possessions, organizing systems become easier to manage and sustain over time.
The benefits of organizing include increased efficiency, improved productivity, and a greater sense of control over your environment. Organized spaces help you quickly locate what you need and make everyday tasks smoother. A thoughtfully organized home also creates visual calm, allowing your space to feel more open and inviting.
The key difference between the two is simple: decluttering removes what is unnecessary, while organizing arranges what remains. Many people try to organize before decluttering, only to find themselves frustrated by overflowing drawers and crowded closets. True minimalism begins with letting go.
When decluttering and organizing work together in the right order, they create a home that is not only clean and functional but also aligned with your values. Minimalism is not about perfection. It is about making room for clarity, purpose, and peace in everyday life.
Melissa is a first grade teacher with a double major in Elementary Education and Early Childhood. She also has a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. After reading T. Colin Campbell’s book, The China Study, she stopped eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) and has been eating a nutrient-rich, plant-based diet. In December 2023, she earned Dr Joel Fuhrman’s Nutritarian Coaching Certificate. Melissa is an active member of the National Health Association (NHA).
Melissa is also the writer/creator of our 2024 blog series Exploring GBOMBS. Her love for teaching and learning will support others on their journey for optimal health and wellness.
(currently publishing monthly)
(previously published)
Be well
Stop.Breathe.Focus.Move.Flow.
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