Harvesting Simplicity - The Power of Clean Surfaces
- Melissa Cotton
- Oct 27
- 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.
One of the most impactful changes I’ve made as a minimalist is keeping flat surfaces consistently clear in our home. Walking into our kitchen each day and seeing clean, clutter-free countertops is both calming and energizing. They’re always ready—whether we’re chopping vegetables, batch-prepping for the week, or preparing a nourishing, plant-exclusive meal, the kitchen offers open, uncluttered space that makes it easy to get to work. It’s a quiet habit that supports a more intentional and peaceful daily life.
This simple practice extends far beyond the kitchen. In a world overflowing with stuff, keeping key surfaces clear—like bathroom counters, fireplace mantels, dressers, side tables, and the dining table—is a simple yet powerful way to bring calm into your home. These surfaces tend to attract clutter—mail piles, keys, toiletries, picture frames, and forgotten mugs. But when you commit to keeping them clear, the impact is surprisingly powerful.
Here are three key advantages to embracing clear surfaces:
Easy to Clean
Visual Calm
Always Ready
Easy to Clean
The biggest perk? Cleaning becomes effortless. Wiping down a clear bathroom counter takes seconds. Dusting a mantel with nothing on it is a breeze. You’re not lifting knick-knacks or dodging clutter—you’re done before you know it. This simplicity builds momentum. The easier cleaning is, the more likely you are to keep doing it, making your home feel consistently calm and put-together.
Visual Calm
A cluttered surface sends a visual signal to your brain: there’s more to do. A clear space, on the other hand, feels restful. Your eyes can relax, your thoughts slow down, and the stress that often simmers in the background starts to fade. Walking into a room where the dining table is clean and ready for a meal—or just for quiet—is a subtle, daily gift.
Always Ready
A clear surface is ready when you are. Whether you’re unpacking groceries, folding laundry, jotting down a note, or sitting down to eat, there’s nothing to move or rearrange. No prep, no friction—just open space that quietly supports whatever comes next. It makes your home feel calm, flexible, and aligned with daily life.
Living with clear surfaces isn’t about perfection or rigidity—it’s about creating a home that feels calm, open, and intentional. It sets the tone for how you live and move through your space. Start with just one surface. Clear it. Leave it empty. Let it breathe. You may be surprised by how much lighter your home—and your mind—begin to feel.
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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