Earth Day – recycle, reuse, sustainability

Earth Day - recycle, reuse, sustainability

Feng Shui’s foundation is about balance and harmony.  Often there is an area of a home that tends to be out of harmony that tends to be a catch all space like a basement or storage room.  This month is all about recycling, reusing, and being more sustainable, so let’s tackle your storage space. 

Where is your catch-all space? In most American homes, it is the basement. 

Out of sight, out of mind, right?  No.

Despite being out of sight, the space can impact your Chi and your home’s Chi.  In Feng Shui, we call energy or energy flow Chi.  An untidy, overcrowded basement will block the chi and attract negativity, it can even make you sick.  Over the years, I have observed my clients experience this; the one area they tend to use as a catch-all tends to always be out of control.  They clean the storage space, and sure enough, within six months, it is a cluttered mess again.  Why is that? We tend to hold on to things longer than we need to, the box of letters from an ex-boyfriend, or maybe a tote of old clothing that no longer fits but you just can’t let go of.  These items carry stuck and stagnant chi, and that stuck energy will attract more stuck energy.

Personally, this space is my basement, and I dread cleaning the basement.  Here are my tips on conquering your storage space:

Create themes

We have an area for all the ski equipment, Holiday décor, camping/hiking equipment, and my favorite corner is for my décor.  I have created a small store of sorts for my décor so I can change out pictures, small tables, and other items to keep my home feeling fresh.    

User clear storage containers

One of the ways you can organize a space is by using clear containers.  Ditch the boxes with the black Sharpie, and replace them with clear bins.  When you have a clear bin, you are able to see exactly what is in the bin.  Plus, clear containers allow light to flow through, so they will help brighten dark corners.  

Add more lighting.

Invest in some extra lighting, there are so many options now that you don’t need to have an outlet.  The light brings more yang energy which will help move the chi. Lighting also makes the space more welcoming, so you are more apt to take the time to put something where it belongs versus tossing it by the door.

Sweep and Vacuum

When was the last time you swept your storage room?  Are there cobwebs or dust bunnies?   This is a sign of very stagnant chi.  I would sweep the space and open the windows if you have them.  Diffuse orange or lemon while you are cleaning.  Citrus is fresh and cheerful, it will help motivate you as well.  Leave an old towel with citrus oil in a jar in the space to help keep the area smelling great after you clean.

Color

Color is another wonderful way to lift a space.  If you are working with the basement, the space may be below grade, which adds to excess Earth energy.  Too much Earth energy can make a space feel stuck or sluggish, adding to the stagnant chi. 

You can add color by using rugs in bright colors. If you can paint, use a bright white to bring in the Metal Element, which will support you in keeping the space organized.  And the white will brighten a basement storage area, making it feel clean and welcoming.  Avoid more Earth elements. 

In Feng Shui, we use the Five Elements to balance the energy in the space. 

The Five Elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal.  Each element has colors and shapes associated with them. 

Water: deep dark blues and blacks, wavy patterns

Wood: greens and blues, columns, and rectangles

Fire: reds, bright oranges, and triangles

Earth: browns, golds, and squares

Metal: grays, whites, pastels, and circular shapes 

Celebrate Earth Day by selling, repurposing, and donating items by conquering your catch-all storage room, creating a harmonious, well-organized space brimming with positive Chi. 

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