What to Remove for Better Feng Shui

Feng shui, an ancient Chinese practice, focuses on creating a harmonious flow of energy, known as chi. In home design, this means arranging your space to promote balance, clarity, and well-being.

This involves everything from furniture placement and color choices to selecting which items to keep or remove. Here are the first things to get rid of for better energy in your home.

1. Clutter

Kristina Hollinger, a feng shui expert, notes, "Feng shui is all about creating balance, harmony, and opportunities in your life." For energy to flow freely, reducing clutter is crucial, as it represents blocked energy. This is particularly important in entryways, where clutter can accumulate.

Alejandra Brady, another feng shui consultant, explains, "Think piles of shoes by the front door. Keep clutter at bay, especially at eye level, as it adds to stress and anxiety." Begin with a storage solution in the entryway, and then tackle closets, the pantry, and other areas where items that no longer bring joy may collect.

David A. Land

2. Oversized Furniture

Furniture that is too large for a space can make your home feel cramped and unbalanced. Hollinger advises, "The key is to harmonize, not overwhelm, and to always infuse your space with positive energy and intention." For instance, a large sofa may seem comfortable, but if it barely fits in your living room, it can throw off the room's energy.

To promote harmony, choose furniture that fits well within your space and matches your room's style and purpose. As Hollinger says, "Feng shui is about balance and intentional placement."

When arranging furniture, make sure to leave space for movement. Aim for at least 18–24 inches of clearance in walkways to improve flow and functionality.

3. Sharp Edges

Sharp or pointed edges in your home can disrupt the harmonious flow of feng shui. And, our brains naturally associate sharpness with danger, which can disturb a room's peaceful energy. Conversely, round edges facilitate smoother energy flow. This is why curved furniture is popular; it softens a room's energy and promotes a sense of calm.

4. Broken Belongings

Non-functioning items, such as broken appliances or electronics, can hinder positive feng shui. Brady notes that even something small, like a burnt-out bulb, can symbolize neglect and emit negative energy. A broken clock is especially problematic, as it symbolizes time standing still. Make it a priority to repair these items or discard those beyond repair to maintain a positive flow of chi.

If you're attached to a broken item, try repairing it with creativity and care. Techniques like visible mending, such as using colorful stitches for fabric or kintsugi-style gold glue for ceramics, can honor an object's story and restore its positive energy.

Jacob Fox

5. Dying Plants

Like broken items, dying houseplants can convey a sense of neglect. Learn how to revive struggling plants and remove those beyond saving. Then, boost your home's energy by adding fresh flowers or choosing plants that symbolize good fortune and gratitude, suggests Brady.

6. Items with Negative Energy

Not all clutter is physical. Some items carry emotional weight that can disrupt your home's energy. From a feng shui perspective, belongings associated with negative memories or stressful periods can keep that energy in your space. This includes photos, cards, or gifts from tough times. Even artwork can affect your home's energy. Dark, chaotic, or violent images can bring heaviness or unease, especially in areas designed for rest. Instead, choose art and objects that uplift you and reflect the life you desire.

As Hollinger reminds us, "Your home is a reflection of your inner world. With mindful adjustments, you can cultivate a space that brings joy, peace, and prosperity."

Frequently Asked Questions

• How often should I reassess the feng shui in my space?
• Experts often recommend a seasonal or annual refresh. However, trust your instincts; if your home feels off, it might be time to declutter, rearrange, or remove items that no longer fit.
• What if I love something that technically has "bad" feng shui?
• Feng shui serves as a guide, not a strict rulebook. If an item brings you joy, it holds positive energy for you—and that’s what really counts.
• Can I fix bad feng shui without buying anything new?
• Absolutely! Enhancing your home's energy often involves rearranging, removing, and refreshing rather than redecorating. Simple actions like shifting furniture, thorough cleaning, or letting go of emotionally-charged items can significantly improve a space's energy