Declutter

Declutter, declutter, declutter

Allow Ch’i Energy to Flow in your life and Surroundings

One of the focuses of Feng Shui is to have Ch’i energy (life force energy) flowing uninterrupted in our lives and surroundings. This is most important because when Ch’i energy is blocked, things don’t flow. When things don’t flow, we feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and out of balance and control. We feel as though we are spinning in one spot, and no matter how hard we try, we don’t seem to move forward.  The key here is to help unblock the Ch’i energy.

Clutter

The leading cause of blocked Ch’i energy is “clutter.”  Clutter is an accumulation of things and/or memories that may or may not be needed. It begins in small piles, but if not kept in check, it grows and affects all areas of our lives. It affects how we feel and see ourselves, adds stress to our lives, and impacts our surroundings. The good news is that clutter is in our control. The determination to declutter and reclaim our lives is up to each one of us.   

Why do people accumulate clutter?

People accumulate clutter for various reasons.  Some keep clutter because it offers them a false sense of security, a way of dealing with their fear of change, and for others, it’s an excuse for not addressing issues in their lives. Clutter includes memories – old, good, bad, your past, resentments, disappointments, and anger. When we hold on to clutter – physical or mental, the Ch’i energy around us stagnates, and as a result, things become blocked in our lives. We must let go of the old to allow new opportunities into our lives. The way to unblock Ch’i energy and get our life back on track is to declutter.      

What does “Decluttering” mean?

Decluttering our homes and lives has become a hot topic in social media, podcasts, books, etc.  This is because decluttering has produced tangible results. Marie Kondo is a tidying expert and bestseller author who became successful by sharing her “tidying up” process in the home. Her tidying-up process is based on holding each item and determining if it brings you joy.  If it does, keep it! If it doesn’t, you can either donate or discard it. Another popular method used is the one-year rule. After one year, any item not used or touched is to be donated or discarded.  The one-year period provides ample time to determine whether you need the item. Both methods help open space for Ch’i energy to flow. 

If the term “decluttering” makes you nervous, then use Ms. Kondo’s term “tidying up.” Both approaches produce the same results: moving out what no longer serves you releases blocked Ch’i energy. The sooner you begin the decluttering process, the sooner you will see positive changes in your life.

 

 

 

The Declutter Process

Begin the decluttering process by selecting one room in your home or workspace. Work on one area at a time; this will make the process manageable. You can do this!

This process may take some time, but the benefits will be worth every minute you spend on this.  

 

Go through the items in each area of your home.  You will immediately know what you need to do with some items. But for the items you are unsure of, ask yourself these questions.

  • Do I really need this item?
  • What sentimental value does this item hold for me?
  • What type of feelings does it evoke for me?  Happy? Sad? Anger? Dislike?
  • When was the last time I used this item?

 

Find three containers that you will put each item into.  Here are the three categories for the containers.

  • Donate – Item is in good condition and may be given away for someone else to enjoy.
  • Discard – Item is in sad shape, and it is time to let it go.
  • Keep –     You will keep this because it brings you joy and has a place in your home. 
  • Unsure – Although I am not a fan of this category, I understand it.  There are items that you need to give extra thought to.  Just make sure all your items do not end up in this pile. 

Here is a quick room-by-room overview that will help you in the decluttering process.  Remember, ask the above questions to determine if an item should be kept, donated, or discarded.

 

 

 

Bedroom(s)

  • What clothes, shoes, and socks have you outgrown? Which are no longer your style?
  • Go through the drawers and decide what you still use, need, and do not.
  • Under the bed
    • Take everything out and determine if it’s still needed. Try to reduce the items here as much as possible. Remember—less is more. 
  • Nightstand(s)
    • Go through the content of each drawer and decide on each item.     
    • Look at what is on the nightstand. Do you enjoy seeing these items first thing each morning? Try reducing the piles of books, magazines, and other stuff here. This does not mean you need to get rid of everything; it just means you find a better-suited place for these items. 
  • Corners
    • Things tend to accumulate in the corner(s). Go through the contents and take action.

Livingroom/Dining room 

  • Furniture
    • Do you feel at ease when you walk into this room?  Does this room reflect who you are?  
    • Are papers, newspapers, laptops, iPads, etc., on the table?  If so, create an area where these items may be placed for easy access.   
    • Are there pillows that you loved at one time but do not anymore?  Donate them and keep an eye out for replacement pillows that wow you!  You don’t need to spend lots of money.  Feng Shui is not about spending money to buy new things. It is about bringing harmony and balance into your life with what you have.   
    • Make this a space where you enjoy making memories, a fun room to spend time with family and friends. 
  • China closet
    • Go through the China closet and determine if everything is still loved or needed.
    • Once the clearing has been completed, clean/wash the remaining items. Dust and dirt stagnate Ch’i energy.
    • Look around the room. What doesn’t “fit” here anymore? Is there anything you would rather not see in this room? You don’t have to discard it; you can move it to another location.
    • Look at knickknacks here. Do they still bring you joy?
    • Are there any chipped or broken items here?  If so, it’s time to get it fixed or discard it.  

 

 

Kitchen

  • The Kitchen is the center of your home.  Here is where everyone gathers to eat, talk, laugh, and plan for what we would like to happen.
  • Cabinets/Food pantry
    • Go through your cupboards and donate food you have, but know you will not use and discard expired items.   You will feel a difference when you do this. 
    • Keep your cabinets and drawers clean and organized. Discard any broken or chipped items and donate items that are no longer used. Remember, the kitchen represents good health and prosperity. Keeping it in order will go a long way.
  • Refrigerator/Freezer
    • Take an inventory here. Are the foods here fresh and healthy for you and your family?
    • Can you identify the food in your refrigerator or freezer? If not, it is time to discard expired or unidentifiable foods.
  • Stove/Oven  
    • Discard any no longer functional pots/pans. Holding on to things that no longer serve you stagnate Ch’i energy.  
    • Make sure that all burners are in working order and use them all. This will keep your wealth and abundance balanced. 

 

 

 

Bathroom

  • The bathroom is an area to be mindful of because it is linked to our health and resources. Very important, make sure there aren’t any leaky faucets in this room. If so, get them fixed ASAP!   You don’t want to drain your finances and resources. 
  •  Countertop
    • Clear off any items not needed.  Discard near-empty toiletries and other items that you do not need.   Our goal is to declutter as best we can. 
    • Make sure that this area is clean and always free of clutter. 
  • Medicine cabinet
    • Are there any expired medications?  Is there anything in here that is no longer needed? Remember, out with the old and in with the new.
    • Do you have any bottles (shampoo, liquid soap, etc.) you no longer like or use? Discard them.
    • Is the mirror clean?  A mirror is a reflection of you.  A clean mirror is a sign of a clear mind. 
  • Towels
    • Take inventory here: do towels need to be replaced or removed? Remember the one-year rule.
    • Are there dirty towels piled up in the bathroom?  If so, get them out of there.  Dirt and clutter all stagnate Ch’i energy.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

WorkSpace

  • Desk
    • Are there piles of clutter (bills, invoices, correspondence) on your desk? 
      • Move non-essential items from the desk to a drawer, such as staplers, paper clips, etc.
      • Aim to have your desk as clear as possible.  An organized working area allows your creativity to flow.  
    • Desk drawers
      • What items have you kept in the drawer that are no longer needed or required?
      • Do you have more than one of the same items?
        • If you have multiples of the same item, keep what you need and donate the rest. This will free up space for new items.   
      • File cabinets
        • Do you have any files that are no longer needed?
          • You may want to consider scanning new files instead of storing paper files whenever possible. In some cases, keeping original files for an extended period is required.  
        • Table(s)
          • Are the items on these tables needed? Can items be consolidated?

The first go-around takes time, but you will see positive changes in your life once done. If you find one area difficult, leave it for later and move on to the next area. We don’t want to stop and lose momentum. Continue, but don’t forget to return and finish it at a later time. Our aim is to finish the decluttering process. Every bit counts, so don’t get yourself overwhelmed. YOU GOT THIS!    

Our goal in decluttering is to release stagnant Ch’i energy in our lives and surroundings. When we release the old, we open space for new opportunities.