You’ve applied Feng Shui inside your home, but what about the outside? Did you know that the earliest forms of Feng Shui were about where to place your home, and how to landscape it? The first thing to do when you’re applying Feng Shui to the outside of your home, is exactly what you’ve done inside: Clear out the clutter. But, because the yard can seem so big, take a notepad and pen outside and make notes as you examine the exterior of your home and your landscaping.

CURB APPEAL - PRETEND YOU’RE SELLING YOUR HOUSE

Start at the curb in front of your home. What’s the first thing that you notice about your home and yard? Amplify the plus points, and work on the minuses. Are your shrubs and plants well-groomed? Is there any dead wood that needs to be removed from trees?

Examine your lawn. If there are areas that need sod or reseeding, be sure to measure them. If you need to mow the lawn more often, note this as well. Are dandelions or other weeds a problem? Add that to the family chore list each week until you get it under control.

Are grass and weeds growing through cracks in your sidewalk? Do you need to use an edging tool along the walks?

MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK ‘GOOD AS NEW’

What about your house; does anything need repair, such as a front light or doorbell? Is there any peeling paint? Check the driveway. Automotive supply shops carry cleaning products that will lift most oil stains, if that’s a problem. (Of course, if your driveway is home to a broken car, set a date no more than three months from now. If the car isn’t running and inspected by then, sell it or donate it to charity.)

THE GARAGE CAN BE MOST IMPORTANT

The garage can be a Feng Shui nightmare. If you’re storing junk in there, or if it’s cluttered, make this a very high priority as a weekend family project. Almost every detached garage is either in the Money corner or Romance corner of your property. If you’re nagged by old bills, or if your relationship seems to be weighed down by past issues, you may notice a big difference when the garage is clean and clutter-free.

After examining the front of the house, do the same kind of survey in your backyard.

FINALLY, GET ORGANIZED

Make a realistic schedule and budget to make the outside of your home reflect the kind of life that you want to live. Stick to that plan as well as you can. Feng Shui can make even bigger changes in your life when you apply these principles to the outside of your home, as they do indoors. Try it and see for yourself.