Having just moved, I am very familiar with both living in chaos and living in a house that needs to be thoroughly cleaned, changing the energy left by the past owners. 

All of us have a kind of radar that detects if there is chaos, neglect, stagnation and even procrastination. The environment reflects all of this and more. Think of your surroundings like clothing, only on a larger scale. Does it ‘fit’? Does it inspire? Does it comfort you? Is it beautiful? When you get dressed to the 9s and you are stylish, your spirits are lifted. Confidence, self-respect and poise all rush in and improve your posture and your mood.

The same thing is true for a room. If it is dirty or cluttered or askew in any way, it subliminally transmits a lack of refinement and actually is emanating confusion, dislike or hate, indecisiveness or being overwhelmed.

Take a look at what is around you right now. What small thing can you do to improve it?

What I have found is the way to start the energy moving is to get rid of the clutter. A simple Feng Shui ritual can help you start. Each day for nine days in a row give away, throw away, or somehow eliminate from your home or office 27 items. Yes, that is right − 27 items a day for nine days. If you skip a day, you have to start over as energy is cumulative.

When you have a problem letting go of something, hold it to your heart and ask if this is the energy you want in your future. As you let things go, thank the item for its previous usefulness and then let it go with gratitude in your heart. As the law of physics tells us “nature abhors a vacuum” so you are creating the space for something new and wonderful in your life.

The other element of space clearing is more subtle, as it literally changes the mood and energy content of your surroundings. This is where a Feng Shui master’s clients have been thrilled at the sense of a new beginning, a clean slate once the old vibes are transformed.

Everything that goes on in a home is affecting objects and the space in between. You have all walked into places and felt either a ‘lift,’ or the opposites – depression, arguments, confusion or congestion. This process is so freeing and rewarding; you owe it to yourself to get the stress out of your life and get pleasurable comfort in. This can be done through “saging” your house while clearing the old energy and blessing the home with new energy.

With your home clean, clutter free and clear, both physically and energetically, you are ready to live a happier, stress free life. •

This article was written with the help of Feng Shui Master Elspeth Anne Beier of Four Pillars Feng Shui, Charleston, S.C. and Greenwich, Conn. Gillian Drummond of Drummond House recently opened the Design Nook at 17 S. Trade Street, Tryon, N.C. Visit her website drummondhouseco.com, email her at info@drummondhouseco.com or call 828-859-9895.