Melissa Cotton is the creator of this series of posts, published monthly, entitled Harvesting Simplicity and in July of 2025 she will be moderating a book club exploring Things That Matter by Joshua Becker. (click here to join her!)
Our home, whether it is two thousand square feet or just two hundred, is a place to rest, relax, and recharge. Have you ever paused to reflect on whether the possessions in your home contribute to that sense of peace? (1)
One area where we spend a significant amount of time is the kitchen. It’s a space where we prepare meals, entertain friends and family, and share daily moments. In such a frequently used space, simplicity is key. The kitchen should be a calm, inviting environment that functions effortlessly, allowing us to enjoy both the process of cooking and the company of others.
Here are some helpful tips to simplify your kitchen
● Duplicates: Look for items that you own more than one of (spatulas, cooking utensils, coffee mugs, storage containers, cutting boards etc) Keep only the best things you actually use often and let go of the rest.
● Single task items: Prioritize keeping items that serve multiple purposes. This will help maximize space in your drawers and cabinets, creating a more efficient and organized kitchen.
● Latest trends and gadgets: In a minimalist kitchen, it’s important to only keep the items you actually use. While new gadgets may promise to make cooking easier, they often take up space and can be hard to clean. Instead of following the latest trends, stick to the essentials that truly add value to your cooking routine.
● Expensive items: If you have expensive items in your kitchen that you’re not using, it’s time to let them go. You’ve already spent the money, but keeping them only adds unnecessary clutter. Use this as an opportunity to rethink how you shop in the future, focusing on what you truly need.
● Overflowing drawers and cabinets: Keep your drawers and cabinets about half full. This allows you to easily see and access your items while making it simpler to put things away, helping to keep your kitchen organized and functional.
● Cluttered countertops: Keep your countertops clear and uncluttered. Fewer items on the counter means you have more space to work and prepare meals. Clear surfaces are much easier to clean. A clutter-free countertop creates a more visually appealing, calm space, making your kitchen feel more organized and inviting.
Letting go of the excess in your kitchen and focusing on what you truly need and use will create a more functional, organized space. You will love preparing meals in your highly simplified kitchen! In my next blog, I will offer practical tips for decluttering your living room, helping you let go of items that no longer serve a purpose and allowing you to create a more functional and intentional space.
Sources
1 Becker, J. (2019). Things that matter: Overcoming distractions to pursue a more meaningful life. WaterBrook.
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.
Discover practical steps you can take today to live a life focused on things that matter. Disruptions are the enemies of a life well lived—both the new distractions of our generation and timeless ones that have existed for centuries. But that can change today.
Things That Matter is a book about living well. It’s about overcoming the chatter of a world focused on all the wrong things. It’s about rethinking the common assumptions of today to find satisfaction and fulfillment tomorrow.
How do we get to the end of our lives with minimal regrets? We set aside lesser pursuits to seek lasting meaning. And we discover the joy of doing it every day. In Things That Matter, Joshua Becker uses practical exercises, questions, insights from a nationwide survey, and success stories to give you the motivation you need to
• identify the pursuits that matter most to you
• align your dreams with your daily priorities
• recognize how money and possessions keep you from happiness
• become aware of how others’ opinions of you influence your choices
• embrace what you’re truly passionate about instead of planning that next escape
• figure out what to do with all those emails, notifications, and pings
• let go of past mistakes and debilitating habits
Be well
Stop.Breathe.Focus.Move.Flow.
Comments