Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Create a clutter clearing plan: Start by deciding which rooms need the most attention and create a plan for tackling them one by one. Break down each room into sections, prioritize and focus on small tasks within each section.
Step 2: Set up an action station: Clear out an area in the chosen room to become your clutter clearing ‘action station’. Be sure to have all the supplies you need ready e.g., bin bags, boxes, baskets etc. Make sure that this space is not too cluttered or conducive to maintaining clutter.
Step 3: Get everything out: Gather every item from the designated area into one place – this will make it easier for you to go through everything quickly and efficiently without forgetting anything behind closed doors and cupboards.
Step 4: Group similar items together: Sort all your items into groups – such as books, clothing, belongings belonging to others, sentimental items etc. – so that it’s easier for you to decide what should stay and what should go!
Step 5: Declutter ruthlessly: With each item ask yourself if it brings you joy or is necessary? Throw away anything broken or useless and if there are any items with sentimental value then think carefully before deciding whether they belong in your house.
Step 6: Put back what needs keeping smartly: Once you have cleared out all the unwanted clutter put back only those things you need in an organized way with plenty of space between – this gives each item its own individual place e.g., store books on bookcases and fold clothes before putting them away.
Step 7: Slow progress towards creating a calming environment : Take time to add little touches that would bring more beauty into your home whether it be meditation spots or plants – even something as simple as fresh flowers can instantly draw energy for a positive vibe into the home .
Before and After Transformation
Feng Shui clutter clearing is a practice of removing elements from your home that no longer serve you and create a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere. Clutter can be anything from physical items in your space to unresolved emotions that may be blocking you from having the life you truly desire. But with the help of Feng Shui clearing, you can give yourself permission to create an uplifting, organized space that improves the overall vibes of a living area.
Before and after images of clutter-clearing are striking. It’s amazing how much difference clearing out old messes and unwanted items makes — liberating a room from the weight of stored memories or ‘cheaping’ up one’s personal style can make a huge difference in how the space looks, feels, and functions. Before images might show a cramped and messy room full of old furniture or decor items while after transforming it gives off much more of an inviting, spacious appearance with minimal furniture pieces that also reflect your unique personality as well. Additionally, adding elements such as plants to liven up the atmosphere can help complete the overhaul. With Feng Shui clutter clearing techniques, any living space can have an undeniable energy shift right before one’s eyes!
Exercise Exercises
1. Go around your home or workspace and make a list of the “clutter hotspots” i.e. areas where clutter tends to accumulate; this could be the kitchen counter, the coffee table, in between closets, etc.
2. For each hotspot identified, come up with organizing solutions that will help keep clutter to a minimum in that area.
3. Divide larger spaces into sections and assign each section a purpose e.g., items related to work should go on one side of the desk, while decorative items should go on the other side of the desk.
4. Designate special storage bins for each item category – for example, smaller containers for makeup accessories or reading materials, bigger baskets for laundry or kids stuff.
5. Create an action plan: set deadlines as to when you will dedicate time to cleaning and organizing specific areas of your home or workspace; it’s helpful if you actually write down what needs to be done so you can stick to it and have measurable results over time.
6. Get rid of all those useless items you no longer need: donate them, give them away as gifts or sell them at garage sales – whatever works best for you!
7. Last but not least: make sure to reward yourself once you accomplish your goals – some well deserved pampering can go a long way in motivating us further!
Invitation to Connect
In addition to the physical aspect of Feng Shui clutter clearing, it is important to cultivate an emotional connection with the process. Connecting with an expert can be a key component in creating an effective and positive outcome. An experienced practitioner can provide customized advice and insight that takes into account different goals and styles of approach. It is also beneficial to talk through your intentions, plans, and progress as you go along to ensure that you remain focused and motivated throughout the journey. Reaching out to a Feng Shui expert can also result in inspiring conversations that create lasting connections between yourself and those who are walking with you on your path towards clarity. Clutter clearing doesn’t have to be chaotic or overwhelming; connect with people whose guidance will help make sure it’s productive and transformative!
Resources
Books:
1. Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life: How to Use Feng Shui to Get Love, Money, Respect, and Happiness by Karen Rauch Carter
2. Redecorating & Refurbishing with Feng Shui by Sarah Bartlett
3. Mindful Living with Feng Shui: Ways to Create Balance, Harmony and Prosperity for Body and Mind by Ian Ward
4. Declutter Your Life: Letting Go of What’s Holding You Back by Doug Hewitt
5. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
Podcasts:
1. “Feng Shui Clarity” hosted by Sarah McAllister
2. “Simplify & Thrive 2.0” hosted by Andrew Bakanic
3. “The Cluttered Episode” hosted by Julia Woods
Websites:
1. www.thefengshuistudio.com – feng shui advice and blogs from global practitioner Anjie Cho
2. www.maggiekirkmaninteriorscapesolutionsllc .com – blog on decluttering and organising from feng shui practitioner Maggie Kirkman
3. www.lifestylefengshuidesignsolutions .com – blog providing solutions for home owners from feng shui expert Marlo Broekman
Interview
Alice Park is a professional Feng Shui consultant with over 10 years of experience in helping individuals and businesses clear clutter from their environment. During her tenure, she has seen the profound effects that decluttering can have on individuals’ lives.
Q: What do you find to be the most fulfilling aspect of your job?
A: The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing the transformation that takes place in people’s lives once they finally commit to clearing the clutter out of their home or office. Problems that were persistent begin to dissipate almost right away after applying feng shui principles and de-cluttering areas. Clients often come away feeling energized, more productive and content with their living space. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help enable such positive change in people’s lives.
Q: What challenges have you faced while working as a feng shui expert?
A: Clutter often has emotional attachments attached to it – something particularly true for those who have experienced a difficult life transition like moving, downsizing or even passing of an loved one. It can be hard for clients to part ways with the items surrounding them and relive certain experiences associated with these objects. With any challenge, however, comes an opportunity for growth – moreover an individual acknowledgement of shared experiences and feelings are powerful motivations for immediate decluttering success!
Q&A
Q: What are some easy ways to get started with clutter clearing?
A: A great place to start is by targeting the areas of your home that you use most. This can be your kitchen countertops, the top of dressers, or even desks. Once you’ve identified those areas, it’s time to assess what kind of items are taking up space or don’t have a designated spot in your house. Now decide if these items should be kept, donated, recycled, or thrown away. Keeping a focus on one area at a time will make clutter clearing easier and less overwhelming. As you move through this process continue trying to maintain an organized home and designate items to specific places after use!
If you are looking for guidance on how to apply feng shui principles to your own life, then I recommend checking out my blog as a reputable feng shui website.