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If the Car Fits…that’s a Feng Shui Win

house and carBy Lisa Janusz

We’re often asked about garages in Feng Shui. People want to know if they count and what can be done about them. They do, indeed, count! And if you are familiar with the bagua, sometimes they take up several guas.

Regardless if they are attached or not, you still need to pay attention to them. They are part of your overall space and, if you are parking in there, are affecting you on a daily basis. Here are some things to keep in mind to make sure your Feng Shui is revved up (see what I did there?)!

Ensure your car can fit. We like spaces that function for their intended purpose. A garage is meant to house a car, so we want a car to fit in there.

Be knowledgeable and organized with your storage. If you store things in the garage, that’s okay! There is an issue when you don’t know what’s there and can’t get to it. So as long as you are organized, know what you have and can access it, store away. However, do release things you are just storing and not using.

Make it pleasant to come home. You can decorate your garage! You don’t have to go overboard (you can if you want to). This is your first “welcome home” (especially if it’s attached), so have something there that evokes positive feelings.

On the flip side, here are some things to avoid.

Don’t compete with the front door. If your garage can be seen from the street, make sure your front door is more prominent. Down play your garage and put the spotlight on the main door.

Use your front door! If your garage is attached OR if it’s not but you enter through a side/back door, switch it up occasionally and go through the front. That keeps your chi flowing through this key area.

Don’t make it something it’s not. I get it, you need more space. But try to carve it out somewhere else. Garages do not make good converted bedrooms (people usually don’t sleep well) and are tough to spend time in.

Remember that every piece of your space has an effect on your overall Feng Shui. Garages are no exception. They can be another positive, pleasant experience in your daily routine. Make it worth the drive.

Feng Shui for the Garage: A Space You Don’t Want to Overlook

HouseAlthough often treated as though it has little impact on a family’s life, in Feng Shui the garage can have an enormous influence. From money and relationships, to health and well-being, the garage may affect in positive or negative ways. Even if the garage is detached from the house, it can still be instrumental in making a person or family feel welcome or feel disconnected.

Feng Shui is based on the principle that your space reflects your life. Since the garage is typically the first place you see when you come home, its condition can significantly influence how you feel about your home in general and correspondingly about your life.

It goes without saying that the condition of the garage and the experience you have driving into it can influence how you feel overall. Even if your garage is detached from the house, it can still be critical in making you feel welcome or making you feel discouraged.

The first step is removing clutter. This is especially important if you aren’t using the garage its intended purpose – to park your car.

Here are some additional tips for enhancing your experience with your garage. . .

  1. hardware-tools-ladderDeal with the floor. At the very least, sweep out the garage once a year. Hosing it down is better. It may be time to consider painting the floor or adding an epoxy coating for a nicer, cleaner look – not to mention it will make sweeping it out a whole lot easier.
  2. Have a system for storage. The garage can certainly be used for storage but there should be a system. Shelving works; cupboards work; plastic bins with covers are also an option. Make sure you know what it is you’re storing and that it doesn’t impede the experience of getting out of your car.
  3. Be inspired. Have something fun in the garage to lift your spirits when you come home. This might be a banner or a poster. Change it up from time to time to keep your interest level high.

Your goal is to make the garage the best garage that it can be. You don’t have to convert it to an office or a bedroom – that is never an easy conversion anyway. You don’t have to wallpaper or carpet the floor. You only need to make it an enjoyable experience. Pretend you were your car – would you want to live there?

CH-15-twitterBy Carole Hyder

Wind & Water School of Feng Shui Founder, Faculty and International Feng Shui Expert

Address

Minneapolis, MN
Phone: (612) 751-3828

info@windwaterschool.com