Fiona McLoughlin introduces the art of de-cluttering
De-cluttering is the act of clearing out the old to make way for the new, and is especially suited to springtime, as we are working the same way as nature herself. We simply can’t Spring Clean efficiently if there’s clutter about. Think about de-cluttering your home, your office – even your life!
Old things – clothes, furniture, books and even people, harbour old energy. You can tell that from the smell of old clothes in a wardrobe or the mustiness of old books. Compare it to the smell of a newly printed book, a new shoe, fresh coffee, spring flowers or a baby.
De-cluttering, is an exchange of energy – getting rid of the dark decaying, winter, yin energy, and replacing it with the sunlight, fresh buds and spring flowers of yang energy.
When you’re finished you’ll have created a fresh space where you can relax, have new 
ideas, be creative and you’ll have helped by handing out your unwanted things to others who can make fresh use of them. You’ll find all sorts of things you forgot you had, or thought you’d lost forever.
You can do lots of recycling along the way and you may even make a bit of extra cash from some ebay sales too!
What you need to get de-cluttering
- An undisturbed morning or afternoon
- Comfortable clothes
- Motivating music
- Loads of rubbish bags and boxes
- Labels to stick on them to identify things
- Marker pen to write labels
- A friend to be firm with those ‘letting go’ decisions
- Refreshments, lots of water to drink, fruit to nibble.
How to get going
First organise your bags and boxes:
- items to give away, or for clothes swapping parties
- things to re cycle
- things to mend, revamp or repurpose
- e- bay items
- and finally, total trash for the dump.
Then systematically work through each room, from the top down. Start with book- shelves, ornaments, surfaces, pin boards, wardrobes and cupboards and drawers.
You need to have a clear goal and detach yourself emotionally from things. Just ask yourself every time:
Is it useful, beautiful, valuable or essential?
If it’s not at least two of these, then it MUST go!
Select the relevant box or bag and stick it in, no turning back! If you feel wobbly get your de-clutter buddy to back you up and bin or bag it up for you. Don’t wallow in memories, remember your Goal and keep moving!
Why should we de-clutter?
It’s all about letting go and allowing newness to enter our lives – new people, activities, clothes, space, money, but most importantly, fresh energy.
It’s essential to de-clutter before any large project, such as starting a new business, moving house, attracting a new partner or having a baby. It removes the old negative energy and allows fresh new positive energy in, which gives us breathing space, enables us to see more clearly and become more productive, and makes available valuable physical space. It’s just like cutting back dead wood!
The simple act of removing, old, no longer useful or unwanted items from ones personal space is liberating. You feel clean, light, exhilarated and more relaxed. Try it – you get a natural high.
It can be therapeutic too, clearing your head, reducing claustrophobic feelings, helping with loss or bereavement or releasing an ex partner, as the removal of physical objects helps to erase emotional memories and heal the hurt which otherwise holds us back.
De -cluttering is the foundation for all Feng Shui activities as it improves the energy flow, attracting more positive energy into our lives and those who share our space.
Kids can actively participate and benefit from the whole thing.
Some benefits of de-cluttering
When we de-clutter, we learn how to group, organise and grade things. We learn how to be generous, to give things away, let go, and even how to sell things on e-bay! These are all great life skills.
The ancient art of Feng Shui, deals with maximizing one’s Earth Luck and protecting oneself from un-fortuitous happenings through the position and arrangement of your house, furniture, and posessions. De-cluttering is intrinsic to this, as it allows for the fresh positive chi energy to flow through your space, bringing with it health and inner peace.
Want to know more?
If you have any questions for Fiona or would like some advice please send her an email
We’d love to hear your own de-clutter stories – and maybe some before and after pictures. You can email us on mail@makeitandmendit.com or post your story on the Forum
Related Links
>> Organise a clothes swap (swishing) party
>> How to clean you kitchen cupboards without losing your mind
