If the vibe at home has been a little “off” lately, chances are, it’s the clutter that’s been affecting your peace of mind. In the realm of Feng Shui, clutter is a menace that blocks the sacred flow of positive energy (气, qi), leaving your mind scattered and your energy levels low.
On the bright side, you don’t need to fork out thousands for a second renovation just to reset the energy at home. Here are 6 easy Feng Shui decluttering tricks that will effectively remove all the blockages:
What is Feng Shui & why is it important at home?
For the uninitiated, Feng Shui (風水) literally means “wind” and “water”, and it’s an ancient Chinese art of arranging living and working spaces so energy, aka “qi”(气), can flow smoothly, bringing harmony, health, and maybe even more huat into your life. In simple terms, it’s like giving your house a good traffic flow, so luck doesn’t get stuck at your doorway.
Image credit: D5 Studio Image
Speaking of doorways, in Feng Shui, your home’s entrance is the gateway from which energy enters your home, so a cluttered doorway is basically blocking your good fortune. That could be the reason why you’re still waiting on that Toto prize money year on year.
Clear out strewn shoes, bags, or umbrellas from your entryway to keep the space neat and open. A sleek shoe cabinet or storage bench can help maintain organisation while adding style.
Ensure the space is well-lit and inviting, as a bright, welcoming entrance promotes the free flow of positive energy, creating balance and harmony in your home. You wouldn’t want to be coming home in a dimly lit area while tripping over slippers.
2. Use the one-year rule (“一年不用，就该舍去”）
Image credit: Robert Bye on Unsplash
Physical items have the ability to “store energy,” and how much you use it can affect the energy in the item. More often than not, stagnant energy stays in the item if you don’t use it much, and negative energy stays in items with bad memories attached.
If you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s probably just taking up valuable space and blocking fresh energy from flowing through your home.
Feng Shui experts advocate the one-year rule: discarding items you haven’t touched in over a year to release all that accumulated bad energy. That means tossing out that fake Labubu doll you unknowingly bought and regretted, or that hoodie that belonged to your ex.
3. Declutter room by room (“逐间整理”)
Image credit: EightyTwo
Decluttering the entire house at once can feel like a gargantuan task that is equal parts overwhelming and impossible. Instead, try clearing clutter in small, manageable zones like the balcony today and the bedroom tomorrow. Remember to clear those empty boxes you’ve been hoarding since the dawn of time because you said you’d have a use for them “one day”.
Taking it step by step not only makes the task less overwhelming but also keeps the energy flowing smoothly while helping you build momentum.
4. Fix or let go of broken items (“破损必修，不修就弃”)
Image credit: CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
In Feng Shui, broken furniture, chipped plates, or that blender you’ve been “meaning to fix” all carry broken energy. If it’s something you truly love, send it for repair. If not, thank it for its service and let it retire gracefully, Marie Kondo style.
5. Maintain the flow, use the “One In, One Out” rule (“一进一出”)
Image credit: Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Prevent clutter from sneaking back into your home by balancing new purchases with letting something go. Bought a new mug? Donate an old one. Commit yourself to a bi-weekly tidy-up ritual. This habit keeps your belongings and your mind fresh, intentional, and harmonious with the energy flow you’ve created.
Once you have this habit down, you will become more mindful of your purchases, which in turn can help you save some money.
6. Make your space feel lighter, use mirrors & plants carefully
Image credit: @loveforcosy
Mirrors can make your flat look double the size, which is always a bonus. While healthy plants bring life and fresh qi into the room, make sure your mirror reflects something nice, like greenery or good light, and not your laundry pile.
And when it comes to plants, go for easy but classy ones like peace lilies or areca palms, so your home feels alive without turning into a mini Botanic Gardens.
Decluttering tips to improve Feng Shui at home
Decluttering isn’t just about tidying; it’s transforming stagnant energy into vibrant energy. Many homeowners tend to hoard unknowingly, like assigning an emotional value to certain items. It’s not wrong to do that, but eventually, your house might be filled with things that all have some sentimental value, and you end up having difficulty trying to throw anything away.
So remember, be intentional with what you keep, stick to manageable zones, and maintain a habit that protects the flow of qi. As the Feng Shui saying goes: “空间通畅, 人生顺畅” when your space is clear, your life will flow smoothly as well.
Do you like Feng Shui? We do too. Check out the other Feng Shui guides that we have prepared:
Ultimate Guide To Feng Shui At Home: How To Maximise Your Positive Energy In Every Way
9 Feng Shui Mistakes Most Singaporeans Make That Could Be Dampening Their Huat
7 Feng Shui Reno Mistakes To Avoid To Maximise Good Energy At Home
Cover image adapted from: Robert Bye, CHUTTERSNAP, Nathan Dumlao
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