Before you start applying Feng Shui, you must get the clutter out.

In Feng Shui, clutter represents stagnant energy. For energy to flow comfortably through a room, clutter must be removed.

RECOGNIZE CLUTTER WHEN YOU SEE IT

Everyone has a different definition for the word “clutter.” Basically, clutter is anything that you aren’t using at that very moment, which is in a place where it doesn’t belong.

For example, a paintbrush left on the kitchen counter is clutter; a paintbrush stored on a shelf in the garage or workroom isn’t.

Most people get used to the familiar clutter around them, and barely notice it after awhile.

If you took a notepad and surveyed each room in your house asking, “What needs to be put somewhere else?”, you’d probably have a long list.

Whether it’s a coat dropped on the floor, books left on the kitchen table, or that stack of junk mail and magazines that you keep meaning to sort, they’re all clutter.

CLUTTER DRAINS YOUR ENERGY

Clutter doesn’t add to a supportive environment. It is visually distracting, whether you consciously stop to think, “I need to do something about that,” or not. You trip over it, have to clean around it, and it’s confusing when you’re looking for something.

So, the first thing to do for good Feng Shui is to tackle your clutter.

FIRST, TAKE A QUICK, EASY VICTORY

Don’t start with the worst area of your home or office; start with the one that has the least clutter. That way, you have a small victory to start this process.

Turn off the phone and the TV, put on some energizing music, and start weeding out the clutter in just one area. Many people like to start with the front hall, or a few bathroom shelves. Whatever area you choose, keep your goal simple, and be certain that you can complete it in one brief decluttering session.

Next, learn why to buy reorganizing containers last
… and more helpful tips in

Feng Shui and Clutter, Part two