How To Create Places That Feel Like Home

PART I. Uncluttering with Feng Shui
Through the many years of working with people one- on- one in their living and working environments, and as groups in classroom settings; I observed an unchanging rule. When people are in balanced and harmonious environments, they are much happier. They work better. They are efficient and productive. They understand easier; as a result, they learn faster. They feel in control. They enjoy life, themselves, and whatever they do. There is an overall contentment in the air around them. On the other hand, people in chaotic environments feel lost, anxious, dissatisfied, disappointed, overwhelmed, and unhappy.

Applying Feng Shui principals in conjunction with people’s personal tastes of color, artwork, decorative objects and furniture; I have been successful at creating places that feel like home for everyone I have helped. Feng Shui is a way to arrange your space and your lifestyle so that it is in sync with the nature and with you. The words Feng Shui mean "wind" and "water”. Just like wind and water swirl freely around in their environments, people should be able to move and function with ease in theirs. Feng Shui principals help create surroundings in which negative energy is prevented and positive energy is allowed to flow freely without obstruction. Failing to apply some basic rules and cures lead to disorder, chaos, turmoil, and sometimes even disaster.

Beneficial energy flow in buildings is obtained by correctly arranging furniture and not allowing energy stagnation in any area. The latter is accomplished by not letting clutter build up. Clutter has non- beneficial effects on people mentally and emotionally, also it causes many physical problems. You can help your clients learn not to let clutter build up, by teaching them the basic rule; have only what is really needed and loved in our environment. This requires a thorough uncluttering and letting go off many objects which accumulate for years. After this part is accomplished, the furniture is then arranged with energy flow and functionality in mind. The rest of Feng Shui principals and cures are applied for further enhancement.

Sorting through belongings and deciding to let go is a hard process for many people. Attachments can cause great deal of anxiety. Under the light of my experience working with many different personalities and backgrounds, I have found that mental and emotional preparation before starting the actual physical work has proven to be successful with everyone. This process is especially important for those who really have a hard time to let go. These people might also need a longer preparation time.

Below are some simple and effective preparation methods that I developed. I have observed that these are simple yet powerful steps that have strong effect on the success of the project completion.

MEDITATATION:
This is done before you actually start working with the client. Whatever form of meditating your client practices is acceptable. It can be going for a walk, or just sitting quietly in a room by themselves. They can do as many times as they need it. Here is what to say them.
Start with taking deep breaths and blowing it all out. In your minds eye, imagine the way your place will look when everything is done. Be bold and creative. Picture your space in your mind. What do you want it to look like? Dream of the colors, the layout of the furniture, the fabrics, the décor and the mood of your place. Smell the new paint, and the fresh aroma of the cleaned rooms. Touch the textures. Imagine yourself walking, sitting, reading, dancing in your recreated space. Feel the smile and happiness in your face.

HAPPY SPOT:
This part is done on the day of work. Before starting to declutter, create a happy spot in the space you will be working in. This could be a shelf, a small table or top of a low cabinet. Clean that space. Bring in fresh flowers, some candles, and a glass bowl with stones or shells in, filled with water. Ask your client to play some music that she loves, and that calms her. You can bring some soothing CDs with you.

PEACE and QUIET:
If possible no phone calls- received or made, no TV, no radio shows. It is best to work with no distractions, and aggravating stimulants.

Here is Figen’s list to help your clients to decide what is clutter.
How to decide what is clutter:
1. Things that are not used
2. Things that are given to you but you don’t like or need.
3. Things that are given to you by someone who caused you pain.
4. Things that you have in multiples.
5. Projects that have been waiting to be finished for a long time.
6. Supplies and books that were bought when you were learning something that you don’t have interest in anymore.
7. Memorabilia from people or events in the past, which has no value or meaning now.
8. Things that drain your energy.
9. Things that have negative connotations.
10. Things that remind you of unpleasant events or times.
11. Things that make you feel bad about yourself.
12. Things that are broken, torn, stained, cracked or creased that can not be fixed or you don’t think you will ever fix.
13. Collections.
14. Too many things in display in small area.

WHILE WORKING: Help your client NOT regret, complain, or concentrate on how much work is left. Help them focus on their goal and how much have been done. Encourage them to look at their happy spot when they feel overwhelmed while sorting. Remind them to breath. Lead them to drink water from a bottle. Bottle cap should be placed when not being used.

TIP: Trash, donation or give away items must be taken out of the house immediately after the work for that day has ended. This gives a person a sense of accomplishment and feeling of completion.