Organizing==>Feng Shui Guidelines for Storage Spaces
Written 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
or 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
