Clearing clutter is the first step in Space Clearing which further helps you to create a good Feng Shui. Clutter has a negative impact on your space, blocking the flow of chi. It can drain you of energy, keep you stuck in the past, and make you feel uncomfortable. The less you own, the less things weigh on you – physically, mentally and emotionally. Decluttering things helps you lighten your load, making you feel lighter in body, mind, and spirit.

If you have inherited items or been given second hand furniture along with antiques and many other forms of memorabilia, the act of cleansing is very important. Such items can absorb the energies of their previous homes and its owners and subsequently this can be released into its new environment.

Therefore, to prevent any cross contamination, the cleansing ritual of furniture and other such items, is just as important as the cleansing of its surroundings.

In order for the cleansing to be effective its often necessary to cleanse the whole home to enhance the flow of positive Chi energy.

General cleaning will often need to take place with cupboards being emptied of any unwanted items and out of date stock. Any junk, general rubbish, over filled cupboards merely add to the stagnation of a house and must be put in order before the cleansing process can take place

What Constitutes Clutter

Firstly, there are the things that you hold on to ‘just in case’ but rarely or never use, ranging from clothing to cooking utensils, not to mention the junk that fills shelves, worktops, drawers, cupboards, the spare room, loft or garage. Or too much crammed into a small space, stacked on the floor, in corners or under furniture, all impeding healthy energy flow. Secondly, there are the things you do not even enjoy having around you, objects that trigger upsetting feelings or unhappy memories, items that hold a negative message such as papers connected with past failures or photos of former lovers. They are the most obvious types of clutter.

Clutter Clearing – Why Do It

Clutter clearing is the essential therapeutic Feng Shui detox. You release stress, restore your personal vitality and regain clarity when you turn out items that have ceased to serve or inspire you. When you keep around you only things you love or need, you’ll be astonished how much your physical energy and enthusiasm increase, performance and morale will invariably improve in business environments.  Feeling lighter and positive you are ready to enjoy the fullest benefit of your surroundings. By creating space for what you want to come in, positive situations are more likely to happen. Life flows more easily because the atmosphere is no longer stagnated by obstacles and old baggage. With that in mind, it becomes easier to discard things that could be hindering you.

Self-Help Tips – A few tried and tested tips to get you started

• Start small – start with one drawer rather than a large area. Once you make a start, you will feel the enthusiasm to tackle more.
• Make a deadline – it helps you focus and drives you to do more in the time you have.
• Ask yourself – ‘Does this have a value for my life in any way?’
• Get a partner or friend to help you by asking questions like “Are you sure you really need this?”
• Even if someone just holds the bag you fill while you talk to yourself, it can be hugely motivational as well as much more fun.

Some Creative Storage Solutions

Make use of recessed space for extra shelving or cupboards; store irregular-shaped objects, collections of items and children’s toys  in lidded boxes or attractive baskets; use folders with labeled sections for diverse pieces of papers; keep oversized odd papers in portfolios.  Lever arch folders with stylish designs or co-ordinated colours are a great solution when they will be visible.  Storing each box, basket or folder with the content neatly labeled will enable you to locate things easily, otherwise they could tend to get lost. It also highlights what to clear out when no longer needed, making regular de-cluttering much easier.

How Clutter Affects You

Having clutter around you has a deep effect upon your well being. Not surprisingly, it can make you feel disorganised, overwhelmed, lethargic, despondent even physically congested. And instead of truly enjoying the present moment you may tend to reflect on the past.  People are often reluctant to throw things out, or give them away, because they have become attached to them. But it is only an illusion to feel  that possessions are a vital part of a person’s identity, security, self-worth, or happiness. Once you recognise that, it is easier to let go. You will probably feel stronger as well. Clutter management is essential, whether to improve workspace or living space around you, address life-changing circumstances or sell your property faster.