11 Tips to Jump Start Your Feng and Spring Cleaning!
Feng shui is a lot more accessible than you might think. All it takes is a few simple steps to “improve your feng,” A lot of people assume feng shui involves buying a bunch of complicated tchotchkes — bamboo flutes, statues, and other trinkets that are supposed to balance energy.
Whether you’re getting ready, to move into that home or apartment, here are some ideas for improving feng shui throughout your space, from the entryway to the bathroom.
1. Maintain a 6-foot clearance. Everything within 6 feet of the front door — inside and outside — needs to be clear and clutter-free to help energy flow. Floor mats are OK, but avoid putting items like shoe racks and other obstructions immediately around the door.
2. Add plants. Plants have been scientifically proven to absorb negative energy. It can help foster vibrant energy in and around the home.
3. Pick your palette thoughtfully. Although red is feng shui’s 2016 color of the year, depending on the facing direction of the home and what wall you paint red, it can actually be bad luck. You can use accent pieces and accessories like a blanket, pillows, throw rugs, etc.
4. Add living things. Pets are a good thing because they move energy around in our homes!
5. Consider shape and scale. Contrary to popular belief, feng shui doesn’t exclusively favor furniture with rounded edges. In fact, a variety of shapes are your best bet for achieving a well-balanced room. Furniture should be in scale and proportion to the size of the room. Avoid oversized furniture in a small place and vice versa: small furniture in a large space.
6. Shed some light. Make sure you have enough light sources to have a good balance of brightness and make dark spaces light.
7. Free up counter space. Stow any appliances you don’t use regularly to open up space and inspire more energy and movement. Editing out extraneous items— even that cacophony of magnets on your fridge — is key to achieving a feng shui house.
8. Purge a drawer. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter and don’t know where to begin, try starting with a “give to charity” pile. Often, all it takes is this first step to give you the momentum to declutter your entire home.
9. Consider your bed placement. Avoid putting your bed against a wall adjacent to the bathroom or the kitchen; doing so is believed to negatively affect health.
10. Avoid large mirrors. When a mirror reflects the bed or any part of your body, it can cause insomnia. If you’re a renter stuck with wall-to-wall closet-door mirrors, slide the doors open at night, install curtains you can draw before bed, or add contact paper to cover them up.
11. Conceal electronics. If you have a TV in the bedroom, unplug it and throw a towel over it at night. Also, keep laptops and cellphones off the nightstand so they don’t disturb your circadian rhythm; electronic devices are best stowed in another room while you sleep.