Hi there, fellow moms! I’m a mom in my 40’s of four amazing kids, and like many of you, I wear a million hats every day—chauffeur, chef, counselor, referee, and everything in between. Life is busy, messy, and sometimes downright chaotic. Somewhere along the way, I realized that the clutter around me wasn’t just physical; it was emotional and mental too. It wasn’t just “stuff” taking up space; it was the weight of unfinished projects, the guilt of holding onto things I didn’t need, and the stress of an environment that didn’t reflect who I am or who I want to be.
So, I decided it was time for a reset. A 30-day environmental reset, to be exact. My goal isn’t just to tidy up but to create a space that serves me and my family—a home that supports our dreams, calms our minds, and brings us closer together.
Over the next 30 days, I’ll be tackling every corner of my environment—my home, my car, even my workspace. I want to create a space that feels light, open, and full of possibilities. If you’re feeling stuck in your own cluttered loop, I invite you to join me. Let’s explore how letting go can open up so much more in our lives.
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of energy flowing through a space and how our environment can impact our mood, health, and success. But until now, it was just a nice idea—something I thought about but didn’t act on. This time, I’m ready to dig deep, let go of what doesn’t serve me, and embrace the things that do.
In this post, I’ll share 25 actionable Feng Shui Tips and what I’ve learned about Feng Shui, the five elements that can bring balance to a space, and using the Bagua Map to help you start your own journey. Together, let’s create homes that nurture and inspire us every single day.
25 Feng Shui Tips to Declutter Your Home
1. Start with the Entryway: Clear the area around your front door to invite positive chi into your home.
2. Declutter in Small Increments: Avoid overwhelm by tackling one room or category at a time.
3. Let Go of Broken Items: Broken objects block energy; repair or discard them.
4. Minimize Objects on Surfaces: Clear countertops, desks, and tables to create a sense of openness.
5. Keep Pathways Clear: Ensure chi can flow freely by removing obstacles from hallways and staircases.
6. Use Storage Wisely: Invest in stylish bins or baskets to keep items organized and out of sight.
7. Adopt the One-Year Rule: Donate or discard items you haven’t used in over a year.
8. Rehome Unwanted Gifts: Release the guilt of keeping items out of obligation.
9. Create Zones of Purpose: Designate specific areas for relaxation, work, and play to focus energy.
10. Declutter Under Beds: Chi should flow freely while you sleep—avoid storing items here.
11. Clean Windows Regularly: Clear windows symbolize clarity and allow light to energize your home.
12. Open Windows Daily: Let fresh air circulate to rejuvenate stagnant energy.
13. Balance Your Bedroom: Keep only essentials here to encourage rest and romance.
14. Organize Your Kitchen: Declutter and clean your kitchen, especially the stove, to attract abundance.
15. Use Mirrors Mindfully: Place mirrors to reflect light and energy but avoid reflecting clutter.
16. Choose Plants Wisely: Add healthy, vibrant plants but avoid sharp or thorny varieties.
17. Limit Electronics: Reduce electromagnetic fields in your bedroom and relaxation zones.
18. Rotate Décor: Swap out seasonal items to keep your space feeling fresh and alive.
19. Maintain a Balanced Closet: Keep only clothes that fit well and make you feel confident.
20. Declutter Bookshelves: Keep only books you love or plan to read soon; donate the rest.
21. Contain Cords: Tidy up tangled cords to prevent energy blockages.
22. Utilize Natural Light: Remove heavy curtains or blinds to maximize sunlight.
23. Set a Decluttering Routine: Schedule regular decluttering sessions to maintain order.
24. Incorporate Aromatherapy: Use essential oils or incense to cleanse and energize your space.
25. Express Gratitude: Thank items for their service before releasing them to create a positive emotional connection.
The Origins of Feng Shui
Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese art and science, focuses on creating harmonious environments to promote health, wealth, and happiness. Translating to “wind and water,” it emphasizes the flow of energy, or chi, through a space. By arranging furniture, decluttering, and incorporating natural elements, practitioners believe they can foster positive energy and enhance well-being.
Decluttering plays a vital role in Feng Shui. A cluttered home blocks the flow of chi, leading to feelings of stagnation and stress. Let’s dive into the origins of this practice, its key elements, and practical tips for bringing balance to your home.
A Historical Perspective
Feng Shui originated over 3,000 years ago in ancient China as a way to align human dwellings with nature. Early practitioners analyzed geography, astronomy, and environmental factors to determine optimal placements for homes and villages. Over centuries, these principles evolved into a comprehensive system of design that influences modern interiors worldwide.
Central to Feng Shui are the concepts of balancing the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—and harmonizing the yin and yang (opposite yet complementary forces) to optimize the energy in a space.
The Five Elements of Feng Shui
Balancing the five elements is a cornerstone of Feng Shui. Each element represents different energies and is associated with specific colors, shapes, and materials. By incorporating these elements effectively, you can create a harmonious environment while decluttering and resetting your space.
1. Wood (Growth and Vitality)
- Key Traits: Growth, expansion, health, vitality, creativity
- Colors: Green, teal, and brown
- Shapes: Rectangular, column-like
- Materials: Plants, wooden furniture, textiles
- Decluttering with Wood Energy
- Remove dying plants, as they symbolize stagnation. Replace them with vibrant, healthy greenery.
- Organize creative spaces like craft rooms or desks to inspire new ideas.
- Focus on personal growth by decluttering bedrooms or offices.
- Reset Tip: Add thriving plants or wooden decor to areas that feel stagnant, but avoid overcrowding to maintain balance.
2. Fire (Passion and Transformation)
- Key Traits: Energy, passion, recognition, transformation
- Colors: Red, orange, strong pink
- Shapes: Triangular, pointed
- Materials: Candles, lighting, fiery-colored decor
- Decluttering with Fire Energy
- Simplify decor to reduce visual overload. Too much brightness can create stress.
- Improve dim areas by ensuring proper lighting, especially in spaces tied to social interactions.
- Clean and organize fireplaces, candles, or lighting fixtures to enhance warmth and vibrancy.
- Reset Tip: Use fire-colored accents sparingly to energize spaces without overwhelming them.
3. Earth (Stability and Grounding)
- Key Traits: Stability, balance, nourishment, grounding
- Colors: Yellow, beige, earth tones
- Shapes: Square, flat
- Materials: Clay, ceramics, stone, natural textiles
- Decluttering with Earth Energy
- Focus on storage spaces, like closets or pantries, to eliminate chaos.
- Organize restful areas, such as bedrooms or family rooms, to promote grounding energy.
- Clear entryways and hallways to establish a smooth flow through your home.
- Reset Tip: Incorporate earth-toned rugs or ceramics to create a calm, rooted atmosphere.
4. Metal (Clarity and Focus)
- Key Traits: Precision, clarity, focus, efficiency
- Colors: White, gray, metallics
- Shapes: Circular, spherical
- Materials: Metal decor, tools, technology
- Decluttering with Metal Energy
- Streamline technology by organizing electronics to reduce stress and improve productivity.
- Simplify workspaces by removing unnecessary items, fostering clarity and focus.
- Keep functional spaces, like kitchens or garages, neat and efficient.
- Reset Tip: Add metallic accents to enhance clarity, but use them sparingly to avoid a clinical vibe.
5. Water (Flow and Intuition)
- Key Traits: Flow, intuition, reflection, abundance
- Colors: Blue, black, dark tones
- Shapes: Wavy, curvy
- Materials: Mirrors, fountains, water-related decor
- Decluttering with Water Energy
- Clean and reposition mirrors to reflect light and positive energy. Avoid reflecting cluttered areas.
- Clear obstacles in bathrooms or water-related spaces to encourage energy flow.
- Declutter relaxation areas, like living rooms or reading nooks, to create a tranquil atmosphere.
- Reset Tip: Introduce small water features or blue accents for a calming effect.
Combining the Five Elements
- Balance is Key: Ensure no one element dominates your space. For example, a living room might benefit from a mix of wood (plants), fire (a candle), earth (a clay vase), metal (a metallic lamp), and water (a small fountain).
- Focus on Intent: Align the elements with the Bagua map to support specific life areas.
- Declutter Mindfully: As you declutter, consider which element the items belong to and whether they serve the energy you want in the space.
Using the five elements to declutter and reset your environment creates a home that feels balanced, supportive, and aligned with your personal goals.
The Bagua Map: A Blueprint for Balance
A Bagua map divides a space into nine sections, each corresponding to an area of life—health, wealth, relationships, and more. Overlay the map with the entrance of your home to identify areas for improvement.
Using a Bagua Map to Declutter
- Declutter the Wealth area to unblock financial stagnation.
- Organize the Relationship zone to foster communication and love.
- Simplify the Career section (near the front door) to encourage new opportunities.
Balancing energy across all sections ensures a harmonious space.
Why Decluttering Enhances Feng Shui
Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating alignment between your physical space and your mental and emotional state. Removing unnecessary items makes room for clarity, creativity, and opportunities. Hopefully these Feng Shui Tips will amplify this process by transforming your home into a purposeful, supportive environment.
Final Thoughts
As I step back and reflect on my progress, I feel something I haven’t experienced in a long time—peace. My home is no longer just a place to live; it’s becoming a sanctuary.
Each item I’ve let go of has lightened my heart and mind. Each intentional choice has brought clarity and calm. Decluttering isn’t about the stuff—it’s about making space for what truly matters.
Start small, trust the process, and let go of what doesn’t serve you. You’ll find the transformation isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, mental, and even spiritual.
Here’s to creating homes—and lives—filled with joy, purpose, and possibility.
