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Posts Tagged Storage

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

On May 2, 2017   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
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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.

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Storage Wars….with Yourself?

On September 2, 2014   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
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couple moving boxes2By Lisa Janusz

Some people think that Feng Shui consultants are against storage. Not true. We know it’s useful and necessary (like seasonal decor). The key is knowing – and using – what you have so that your time, energy, space – and possibly money – isn’t being directed to things of no value to you. This is especially important for people who are paying for off-site storage. You are keeping your energy extended with your things, so they need to be important.

Since your space reflects your life, a build-up of storage in your basement (the past), attic (the future) or garage (where your car should live), can be a message to you.

Here are 5 tips for dealing with storage situations:

  1. Use it or release it. Be realistic with yourself on whether you really use the item.
    • Don’t keep things out of guilt (it was a present!) or sentimentality (it was my grandmother’s!). There is someone out there who will give it new energy by being thrilled to use it.
    • Don’t keep things for “someday.” If you are saving something for later, think about the timing. If it will be happening within a couple of years, that might make sense. But if it’s been over 5 years or is that far away, then think about it carefully. Will you really want those hand-me-downs in your new dream house? Will your kids want them when they go off to college or have a house of their own?
  2. Know it. Boxes should be labeled with what is in them. If you have a bunch of mystery boxes, then either go through them to see what is in there OR simply label them with the date. If you don’t use it within 6 months – don’t even take another look. Assume you don’t need it and let it go.
  3. Access it. Keep things organized using whatever system works for you. Don’t keep things that are so buried they are too much trouble to reach.
  4. Love it. Don’t store things that “will do.” If you are going to spend time and energy storing it, focus on items that have meaning and bring you joy.
  5. Release it. This is a hard one for us all (yes, me too!). Really take a look and think, “how long has it been since I’ve used this?” Even if you still like it, if you haven’t used it in years, let it go. Give it new life.

Remember, you are investing your energy in all the things that you own/are surrounded by (even if they are “off-site”). It’s important to make sure that they are supporting you. Take another look and maybe make some hard decisions. Opening up and clearing out can only benefit you. Each time we release, we allow – opportunities, health, relationships and more.

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Booked on Feng Shui: Your Books Speak Volumes

On April 1, 2014   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
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Ying Yang bookshelf

By Carole Hyder

Most people own books of some sort-textbooks, novels, self-help, biographies. Some people have skads of books – so many, in fact, that they’re stored in boxes in the basement because there are not enough bookshelves to hold them all. There are some people who can’t let go of their college textbooks from 30 to 40 years ago. Others love their books so much they wouldn’t think of keeping them in boxes – stacking them in various corners waiting for the right place to call home.

Setting up a library or a library area is always a good plan for someone who owns a lot of books. The extra bedroom could become a quiet reading spot where shelving would make the books accessible. An unused formal dining room may convert beautifully to a formal library, complete with floor-to-ceiling shelves and a rolling ladder to access the most remote volume. Sometimes a purging is required to get the books to fit appropriately into a space.

Because books represent the opinions and stories of others, they do need Feng Shui consideration for proper integration. Here are a few ideas of where and how books are appropriately, or inappropriately, placed:

  1. Books should be maintained in an upright or horizontal position. Since books (due to their different size and color) easily turn into a haphazard assortment, keeping them neatly in place will help. I’ve taken to storing the books I have in my office according to color – it works for me!
  2. Never store books in your bedroom.  Books represent the voice/opinion of the author and therefore bring with them a lot of  vibration and “noise.” Other than the book or two you may be reading at night, store the rest of them elsewhere.
  3. Having books near the front door sends a positive message to those who visit that you are studious, well-read and appreciate intellectual pursuits.

Books are our friends. Treat them respectfully and with care. If they’re taped up in boxes in your basement, it may be time to let them out. Libraries are always looking for used books, so are used book stores. If it’s no longer being read or appreciated, it is time to turn the page on your books and bring them to a happy ending.

 

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Crossing the Threshold of Opportunities: Feng Shui for Your Career

On March 4, 2014   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   2 Comments
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hand on door knobBy Lisa Janusz

When people find out I’m a Feng Shui consultant, I’ll often hear, “I know you are supposed to paint your front door red.” And it’s true. Or not. Depending.

Confused? Don’t be. The origins of this statement come from the belief that your front door is your “calling card” to the world. Red became associated with it because it is said to be an auspicious color. So, if you love that color, then yes, paint your door red! If red’s not your thing, then don’t. Pick a color that you love and that makes you happy.

In Feng Shui we associate front doors with new opportunities. Front doors are the “mouths of chi” where energy enters your home. Because they are about opportunities, the front door is related to careers as well.

If you are looking for a new career opportunity or to ramp up your career, this is the place to start. What is happening at your front door? (Inside and outside!) What is your message to the world?

Make sure:

  • It’s welcoming. Paint your front door a color you love that stands out from the rest of the house. Check your house numbers. Add flowers.
  • It’s clear of clutter to allow new opportunities to come in.
  • Everything around there is alive. Remove any dead plants that were left out over the winter if they won’t re-bloom in the spring. It’s better to have an empty pot (at least there’s potential there).
  • You have a place for your “things.” You may not want all the shoes to pile there, but if they do, have a place for them. Figure out a system so it doesn’t look like chaos.
  • You use your front door at least weekly. (Yes, even if you have an attached garage!) You will see your house in a whole new perspective.

Whether your front door is red, yellow or blue (or any other color for that matter), have it send the message that you invite opportunities. At the very least, if it’s a color you love, it will put a smile on your face. And that is good energy.

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