I am not an expert in this area but I have read a number of books on this subject. One of the first books I read and has been one of my favourites ever since is Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston. I used this book as my bible for quite awhile and fashioned the first talk I did on Decluttering Your Life with this book. Here are a few of the tips I talk about with my peeps.
1. Placement of Furniture
When it comes to your home the placement of furniture can be important. You want the spaces in your home to have a good flow which allows for good energy. You need space to move around, sit and have a chat with someone, or maybe do some reading with a good lamp. Think about the activities that you want to do in each of your rooms.
2. Bedroom
You want your bed to be facing out from your room meaning that the headboard needs to be at a back wall facing the door. (if possible)
You don’t want to have things in your bedroom that do not relate to sleeping, rest, relaxation, intimacy….. you don’t want computers, other electronics, exercise bikes, or anything that is crowding out your space. It is best if it is a peaceful and calm space.
If you want to be in a couple relationship having two end tables and two lamps can be a good way to bring some love into your life and your space.
I have never been a fan of storing things under the bed but sometimes we have small spaces and this can be a good solution – in Feng shui they would likely say no. However, if you need to do this because of space constraints I would suggest a zippered container or a tote with a lid that closes properly.
3. Big Furniture
Do you have big furniture in your home – like an old sideboard, entertainment unit or a piano that has been sitting there forever? They can be hard to get rid of. After awhile we just see through them and they become invisible and just a part of the space. Maybe they are buried under the stuff. There is always a way to let go of these items though. Keeping them just clogs up your home and your energy.
4. Mirrors
You want your mirror facing inward to reflect good energy coming in and not flowing out. Mirrors can multiply things too so you want to be careful of where you are placing them. They can make your space feel bigger if they are placed well.
5. Entranceways
This is a good area to put your attention to as entranceways are considered to be the mouth of your home and of course that is where the first impression comes from with others but also with yourself when you come home.
6. Unfinished Projects
Also not good Feng Shui whether its unfinished renovations, things that need to be fixed, unfinished crafts, etc. The problem is that we know they are there even though we might not be consciously thinking about them. Make a plan to finish them or donate them to someone who will.
7. Dead Plants
If you have dead plants throw them out. Also fake flowers or big plants can be okay but once they become really dusty or looking shabby its time to give them a shower in the tub or for them to go.
8. Other People’s Clutter
This could be other people who you live with which can be challenging. It could be that your adult children have left behind their belongings and do not take them because they don’t have the space or maybe they have other reasons. Maybe you were kind enough to allow someone to store some things in your garage and they are still there. This is your home and you get to make decisions about what you have in your space. There are things you can do to help move these situations.
I have a free ebook that might be helpful called How to Help Others to Declutter
There is so really much more we could talk about when it comes to Feng shui and so much to learn. I am fascinated by this topic. What about you?
Let me know if you would like to hear more about this subject or if you have any further questions?
I love the Feng Shui ideas you shared about encouraging optimal flow in your home. I love having plants, but I replace them when/if they die. Nothing makes me sadder and zaps my energy more than seeing dead plants.
I’ve heard about NOT storing things under the bed, but we don’t have the option of placing off-season things elsewhere. I use closed plastic boxes to contain them. I hope that’s OK.
Hi Linda, Yes, I think it is best to use closed plastic boxes under a bed. You really wouldn’t want to use cardboard. I love the Feng Shui topic and there is so much more that could be shared. Thanks so much!
I’m really resonating with the unfinished projects and dead plants. I know a lot of people have these around, and often think they are having no impact. But I do think their presence in our lives is sending a negative message of insufficiency. Who needs that?
Toss those old plants (or try to rescue them, if possible), and make decisions on the projects. Some broken things really aren’t worth keeping. I keep trying to tell my husband this. He has a harder time letting go on this one than I do.
Hi Seana,
Yes, those unfinished projects send a negative message of insufficiency. I love that description! It’s so true and I believe they just make us feel bad when we see them or we tell ourselves that we “should” finish or fix them. Who needs that? Right! thanks for commenting
I’m a fan of Feng Shui. Years ago, I had a client who was a Feng Shui-certified consultant. She came to my house and suggested where things should go in relation to our goals. The takeaway I found was that if something doesn’t feel good to you, it should go.
Absolutely Sabrina, That is a great take away and makes so much sense. Thank you
I am also not an expert on feng shui but found Kingston’s book to be a great introduction. While some aspects (like water vs. wood qualities) elude me, I intuitively understand and believe in how energy moves. I like to compare it to plaque in the arteries making it harder for blood to flow; we may not consciously notice it, but it’s happening. It’s the same with the chi.
I really like how you explain the basic concepts as they relate to decluttering and arranging things, but also how you acknowledge the reality of some people’s situations and offer accommodations.