Have you been feeling bogged down by the sheer amount of objects in your home? Do you ever get “stuck” when you are trying to rid your home of unnecessary items? If so, then we suggest following these 7 expert Feng Shui tips. The main idea behind decluttering is much simpler than you may think!
-
Downsize, downsize, downsize
Realize that there is a big difference between organizing unnecessary objects and removing unnecessary objects. In an interview with the New York Times, Dr. David F. Tolin, an expert in the field of hoarding, remarks that the problem of accumulating excessive things cannot simply be solved by adding more storage bins in a home.
He explains that amassing clutter “isn’t a house problem. It’s a person problem. The person needs to fundamentally change their behavior.” And, although you may not be one of the estimated 1.5 million Americans suffering from a hoarding problem, the doctor’s sentiment can be applied to all of us.
Simply put: feel free to organize only what you need, and donate, trash, or store everything else.
-
Learn to look at your possessions objectively
Let’s face it, it’s hard not to become attached to our belongings. Of course, there’s nothing bad about loving what you’ve worked hard for—you should absolutely enjoy the fruits of your labor. Nonetheless, it’s important to be honest with yourself.
Are you holding onto your CD collection because it might be worth something one day, for instance? Take a step back and allow yourself to think objectively; your actions that follow may surprise you. Don’t worry, those old CDs won’t hold a grudge if you throw them in the “donation pile!”
-
Only surround yourself with positive memories
Be honest, are you still holding on to a box of love notes from a failed high school romance? If so, it’s important to ask yourself whether or not that container at the back of your closet motivates or helps define you. When we have negative memories attached to certain things, it does nothing to uplift us in our day-to-day lives. Take some quiet time to identify these objects and let them go!
-
Focus on making your home welcoming to guests
Whether it’s a vase of flowers on your kitchen counter or sweet smelling soap in your bathroom, it’s always important to make your guests feel right at home. Think of how you feel when you visit friend’s homes that are messy or cluttered—it can really be uncomfortable. If you can’t find the motivation for yourself, do it for others!
-
Pass down your good decluttering habits to your children
Let’s be clear that there is a big difference between nagging your kid to clean a room and teaching him or her how to surround themselves only with what they need. Children outgrow toys and clothes all of the time, so the next time you prepare a donation bag, invite them along to fill it up. The concept of eliminating clutter may actually be easier for your child than you might think!
-
Purge any objects that you no longer use
Did you know that there is an average of 300,000 items in every American home? Yes, you heard that right. Now, we know that’s a pretty shocking number, but it’s a good thing to keep in mind while you’re trying to practice minimalism.
If you have copies of things, for instance, like two old blenders and a new one, it should be a no-brainer to get rid of the old ones. Take a good, hard look in that garage or attic—if you think something is too outdated or damaged, just get rid of it!
-
Only surround yourself with things that you need NOW
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to donate every object that you haven’t touched recently, but it DOES mean that you should remove them from your view. If you own items that you do not use, but absolutely cannot part with, invest in a storage unit or even a backyard shed.
After doing this, you’ll soon be reaping the benefits of eliminating “visual clutter,” thus creating a more relaxing space for you and your family to enjoy.
For even more brilliant Feng Shui-inspired insights, be sure to check out mindbodygreen’s article here. Happy decluttering!
What do you think of these expert Feng Shui tips? Do you have any more that you would add to this list? Do you have a favorite charity that accepts household donations? Tell us all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!