|
Printer-Friendly
Version
Feng
Shui Guidelines for Storage Spaces
by Stephanie Roberts
Professional organizers and helpful-hint
sources often recommend storage solutions such as shelves above doors
and in corners, hooks on the backs of doors, and peg-board for tools
and small appliances. They are masters at maximizing every square inch
of a closet with bins, baskets, shelf dividers, and multiple hanging
rods. What they don't realize is that, from a feng shui perspective,
these techniques can cause as many problems as they solve.
For good feng shui, it's important
to leave some of your storage space unused, for doors to open all
the way, and to aim for visual simplicity. As you work toward achieving
the organizer's dream of a place for everything and everything in
its place, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Spaces that are completely full block the
flow of "chi" (vital energy) into your home and your life. Full file
drawers block the flow of new business; full bookcases block the flow
of new information and knowledge; a full bedroom closet can block
your ability to attract a new relationship, and so on. Wherever possible,
keep 20-25% of your storage areas available for new ideas, relationships,
and opportunities to flow your way.
- Storage units hung from the ceiling create
oppressive energy that presses down on whatever is underneath them.
Anything stored overhead can contribute to feelings of depression,
anxiety, and overwhelm. A pot rack hanging over the stove is considered
especially bad because it "weighs down" your finances.
- Shelves over a door, or on a wall beside
your bed or desk have a similar oppressive effect, and can lead to
headaches, poor sleep, lack of energy, or muddled thinking.
- A hook on the back of the bathroom door
is fine if all you hang on it is a summer-weight robe and PJs. If
the hook is piled with three terry robes and a few extra towels, so
the door no longer opens all the way, that's a feng shui no-no. Never
use hooks on the back of the main door to your home or on bedroom
doors; it is essential that these doors open freely and completely,
with nothing stored behind them. (That means removing anything stored
on the floor behind the door as well.)
- Vinyl-coated wire shelves on the inside
of a door can be a good way to keep lots of small items tidy; however,
they should only be used on closet, cabinet, or pantry doors.
- Avoid under-bed storage if you can. If you
must use this space, use it for extra bedding and for soft, seasonal
clothing such as sweaters. Never store any kind of sharp objects,
information (books, videos or DVDs, paperwork), or exercise equipment
under the bed; you may have trouble sleeping or feel exhausted no
matter how much rest you get.
- As much as possible, store things where
they are accessible but out of sight. Peg board and open shelving
create visual clutter, so limit these to the garage, workroom, or
pantry where they won't affect the energy of the rest of the house.
- Be thoughtful about how much stuff you display
in a room. Filling the den with knick-knack shelves so hubby can have
his entire collection of sports memorabilia on display creates visual
overwhelm. From a feng shui perspective, it's better to invest in
closed storage such as drawers and cabinets and have only a few treasures
on display at a time. Change the selection every three to six months,
and with each rotation you'll rediscover old favorites. By displaying
fewer items at a time, you'll actually enjoy and appreciate your collection
more.
- Another common problem is family photos
and snapshots scattered lavishly throughout every room and wall in
the house. Select a dozen of the best ones, frame them attractively,
and create a mini-gallery on one wall in one room or hallway. Store
the rest or put them in albums. (Okay, okay, you can stick a few on
the fridge, too!)
- Aesthetics are as important as functionality
in feng shui. Keeping earrings and small jewelry in an ice-cube tray
or egg carton works, but it's cheap-looking, cheap-feeling, and will
drag your energy down every time you use it. It's okay to be budget-conscious,
but appearance counts, too. A small plastic storage box is more attractive
than an ice-cube tray and you can get one at your local discount,
craft, or housewares store for less than three dollars. They even
come in pretty colors so you can choose one to match your bedroom
décor.
With these easy guidelines in mind,
you can choose storage solutions that will keep your space tidy and
create good feng shui in your home. For even better results, remember
to get rid of clutter before you put things away. Why waste time and
money finding clever storage solutions for stuff you can do without?
Copyright © 2003 Stephanie Roberts
STEPHANIE ROBERTS is a feng shui consultant and
writer in Maui, HI. She is the author of the popular "Fast Feng
Shui" book series and the "Clutter Free Forever!" Home Coaching
Program. For more tips and information, visit her websites at http://www.fastfengshui.com
and http://www.clutterfreeforever.com.
SEE ALSO:
Article: When 'Just Do It' Isn't
Enough: Coping with the Emotional Aspects of Clutter Clearing
Article: Clutter is Natural
Article: What Clutter Clearing Can
Do For You
Article: Clutter's Side Effects:
How the State of Your Home Affects Your Life
Article: Clutter Clearing and Your
Authentic Self
eBook: Clutter-Free
Forever! Home Coaching Program
Back to Feng Shui Articles Main page
Feng Shui Books & eBooks:
|
