According to principles of the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui, clutter prevents chi (positive energy or life force) from flowing throughout your home. Clutter contributes to feelings of being stuck or of being unable to relax in your home. The mere act of clearing clutter can renew your life by releasing negative emotions, and allowing you to create space for the things you want to achieve. But Feng Shui also goes beyond clutter to enhancing your space so that it works for you by uplifting your health, happiness and general success in life. There are many Feng Shui methods and techniques to do this, but I’ve chosen the simplest ones you can start to apply today.
Declutter and purge. Clear out anything that you haven’t used in 2 years. Do the same for every room, for every closet, cabinet, nook and cranny of your house. Throw out anything that’s broken, outdated , hasn’t been used or you simply don’t love it anymore. Only keep what you love. Put the rest in bags and donate them to a good cause.
Let there be light. As much as possible, allow natural light to enter your home—open windows and curtains during the day—this automatically lifts your spirits.
No technology in sleeping spaces. Remove all tvs, computers or video games , Xboxes from kids’ rooms. If you absolutely must keep these items in your bedroom, be sure to cover them up when not in use, especially at night since the electric waves may disrupt the quiet energy you need to get a proper night’s sleep.
Close all bathroom doors. If your bedroom has an adjacent bathroom, keep the door closed between them at all times, especially at night so that their energies remain separate.
Clear your entryway. The entry is not a gathering place but it is important because this is a first impression of your home. The main entrance to your home should be clutter-free and inviting. Remove shoes, bicycles, toys or anything that you tend to “drop” on your way in. This applies to behind the door as well. This allows for more energy to flow easily into your home. Your entry should facilitate the flow of people and should be clutter free for safety purposes. Removing shoes as you enter the home is also a good health practice to get into so you do not carry the pollutants, pesticides, germs or chemicals and transfer from your shoes to your home. Consider a seat so you or your guests can safely and comfortably remove their shoes. A chair or bench would be perfect, and then an attractive place designated for shoes.
Books, books, books. Put your books where you can see them, on your coffee tables, in bookshelves. When you give books a prominent space in your home, you stimulate a love of learning and exploration for the entire family.
Plants, plants and more plants. You can never have enough plants. Plants are the ultimate life-giving force. Put them everywhere. Never keep dead plants inside or outside your home. Keeping dead plants sends a message that your home is “lifeless.”
Clean your windows. Your windows are your eyes to the world. You want them crystal clear not blurry, dirty or muddled.
Move your bed. Place your bed the farthest away from the bedroom door. You want to face the door while lying in bed but not be IN LINE with the door. In Feng Shui this is called the Commanding Position.
Fix all your plumbing. No dripping faucets or blocked drains. When you have a plumbing problem at home, this is a reflection of blockages in your financial life, your energy and life in general.