How to Declutter Your Way to Feng Shui

Decluttering can be a practical first step toward a feng shui-inspired home. Feng shui is a traditional Chinese practice that considers how a room’s layout, furnishings, and open space can support balance and comfort. At home, that can mean clearing crowded surfaces, creating open pathways, and arranging furniture so each room feels easier to use. 

You do not need to follow every feng shui principle to create a calmer home. Start by tidying the areas you use most and keeping the furniture, décor, and household items that fit your current routine. 

Key Takeaways

• Feng shui is a traditional Chinese practice that considers the relationship between people and their surroundings. 

• Decluttering can help open up pathways, clear surfaces, and make rooms easier to use. 

• Keep the area beneath your bed open when possible to create a less crowded bedroom layout. 

• Arrange key furniture so you can see the door without sitting, standing, or sleeping directly in line with it. 

• Public Storage offers month-to-month storage unit rentals to help you store eligible extra furniture, seasonal décor, and household overflow while you revamp your home. 

What Is Feng Shui?

Feng shui is a traditional Chinese practice focused on creating harmony between people and their environments. In a home, feng shui often emphasizes clear pathways, balanced furniture placement, natural light, and rooms that support their intended purpose. 

In short: Decluttering for feng shui means creating more open, functional space for the furniture and household items you use now. 

Feng Shui Decluttering Ideas at a Glance

Create Open Space in the Bedroom

A feng shui-inspired bedroom often feels open, restful, and uncluttered. Start by tidying nightstands, putting away laundry, and clearing items that have collected on chairs or dressers. 

In feng shui, some people prefer to leave the space beneath the bed open. Whether or not that works with your home, reducing under-bed overflow can make a bedroom feel more organized. 

Try these bedroom decluttering ideas: 

• Keep only everyday items on bedside tables. 

• Put away off-season clothing that is taking up closet space. 

• Use a hamper or basket for laundry instead of a chair or floor. 

• Clear pathways between the bed, closet, and door. 

• Choose a small number of décor pieces that fit the room’s current style. 

Use the Commanding Position When Arranging Furniture

A common feng shui concept is the “commanding position.” This generally means arranging a bed, desk, or stove so you can see the door while using it, without being directly in line with the doorway. 

For example, a desk may feel more comfortable when it faces into the room rather than toward a wall. If your layout does not allow for that arrangement, a mirror can sometimes help you see the doorway from your desk. 

Limit Living Room Décor

Living rooms can collect décor, books, blankets, hobby supplies, and everyday items. A feng shui-inspired approach does not mean removing all personality from the room. Instead, choose a smaller number of items to display and give the rest a designated place. 

One simple approach is to select a few favorite décor pieces for shelves, tables, or a mantel. You can put away seasonal decorations and rotate them back into your space later. 

To tidy a living room: 

• Clear coffee tables and side tables. 

• Group books, remotes, and small accessories in trays or baskets. 

• Display a limited number of décor items. 

• Put away seasonal décor when the season ends. 

• Keep walkways open between seating, doors, and windows. 

Declutter the Kitchen for Everyday Use

The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in a home, and counters can fill quickly with small appliances, mail, reusable bags, and cooking supplies. A clean kitchen can make meal preparation and cleanup feel more manageable. 

Start with one counter or cabinet at a time. Keep the cookware, dishes, and small appliances you use regularly within reach. Put away items that are only used occasionally, such as seasonal serving pieces or extra kitchen tools. 

Kitchen Decluttering Guide

Clear the Dining Area Before Meals

Dining tables often become temporary spaces for mail, work supplies, bags, and other household overflow. Clearing the table before a meal can help restore its purpose as a place to gather. 

Use a small tray or basket for items that need to move elsewhere. Then take a few minutes to put them away after meals or at the end of the day. 

A clear dining area can also make it easier to enjoy a casual meal, host friends, or use the table for a planned activity. 

Organize Your Home Office for Focus 

A home office or desk area can quickly collect papers, cables, supplies, and items from other rooms. A feng shui-inspired workspace focuses on creating a clear, functional area for the work you do there. Business storage could also help you store the business-related items you don’t need every day. 

Start by removing items that do not belong on your desk. Then group everyday supplies in a drawer, desktop organizer, or nearby bin.  

Try these home-office organization ideas: 

• Keep the desktop clear except for frequently used supplies. 

• Put away cables and chargers when they are not in use. 

• Use a drawer organizer for pens, notebooks, and small office supplies. 

• Position your desk so you can see the door if your layout allows. 

• Tidy the workspace at the end of the day. 

Make Room for a Feng Shui-Inspired Home

Decluttering may reveal extra furniture, seasonal décor, or household items that do not fit your current layout. Public Storage can help you store eligible household belongings while you organize a room, refresh your furniture arrangement, or create more open space at home. 

Items to consider storing include: 

• Extra chairs, tables, or shelving not in your current layout  

• Seasonal décor  

• Empty moving boxes and packing supplies  

• Duplicate household items  

• Extra bins you want to keep in reserve 

Explore our storage unit size guide to find a storage option that can help you make more room for your feng shui home refresh. 

FAQs About Feng Shui and Decluttering 

What is feng shui? 

Feng shui is a traditional Chinese practice that considers how the layout and features of an environment can support balance and comfort. 

How do I start decluttering for feng shui? 

Start with one small, visible area, such as a countertop, bedside table, or entryway. Put away items that belong elsewhere and clear pathways through the room. 

What is the feng shui commanding position? 

The commanding position is a feng shui layout concept in which you can see the door while using a bed, desk, or stove without being directly in line with the doorway. 

Should I keep items under my bed for feng shui? 

Many feng shui approaches suggest keeping the space under a bed as open as possible. If you use under-bed storage, reducing overflow can still help the room feel less crowded. 

Can a storage unit help with feng shui decluttering? 

A storage unit can help you store eligible extra furniture, seasonal décor, moving boxes, and household items that are not part of your current room layout. 

Decluttering for feng shui can help you create a home that feels more open, functional, and comfortable. Start with one room, tidy the items you use most, and make room for the layout that works best for your everyday life.