Harvesting Simplicity - The Art of Keeping a Minimal Home
- Melissa Cotton
- 5 days ago
- 2 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 not about owning as little as possible. It is about creating a home that supports your life instead of distracting from it. A minimal home feels calm, organized, and intentional. The good news is that maintaining a minimalist space does not require perfection, it requires consistency.
The first step is to regularly declutter. Items naturally accumulate over time, so schedule monthly or seasonal reviews of your belongings. Ask yourself whether each item is being used. If not, consider donating, recycling, or selling it.
Next, adopt a "one in, one out" rule. Whenever a new item enters your home, remove a similar item. This simple habit prevents clutter from slowly returning and encourages more thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Creating designated spaces for everything is another essential practice. When every item has a clear home, cleaning becomes easier and daily life feels more organized. Avoid creating junk drawers or piles on flat surfaces that become difficult to manage later.
Mindful shopping also plays a major role in maintaining a minimalist home. Before making a purchase, pause and ask whether the item is something you truly need or simply satisfies a temporary desire. Choosing quality over quantity often leads to fewer possessions and greater satisfaction.
Daily resets can make a remarkable difference. Spending just five or ten minutes each evening returning items to their proper places prevents mess from building up. Small habits performed consistently are more effective than occasional deep cleaning sessions.
Storage should be approached carefully. While storage solutions can be helpful, they should not become a way to hide excess belongings. Instead of purchasing more containers, first evaluate whether the items being stored are truly necessary.
Finally, embrace empty space. Minimalism is not about filling every shelf, wall, or corner. Empty areas create visual balance and allow the items you truly value to stand out. Space itself can be a design feature.
A minimalist home is not created in a single weekend. It develops through intentional choices made day after day. By decluttering regularly, shopping mindfully, and maintaining simple habits, you can create a home that feels lighter, calmer, and easier to enjoy.
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.
Comments