12 Places to Declutter and Instantly Feel Happier

If you're feeling unhappy, restless, imbalanced, or dissatisfied in any way, then the first feng shui technique you can use to feel instantly happier is to declutter. In feng shui, clutter blocks chi energy flow and causes it to stagnate. Fortunately, decluttering can create instant changes in your energy, allowing you to feel happier and more balanced. Start with these 10 spaces in your home to feel the energy flow.

Overflowing clothes hampers and laundry baskets of folded clothes are definitely considered clutter. Trust us, we understand how easy it is to let the laundry (especially the folding and putting away) pile up. However, it's a chore that gives you instant satisfaction. And who doesn't love that?

Clean out those file cabinets and drawers that are crammed with papers and other items. Get rid of any papers you don't need or consider long-term storage or digitizing them. Maintain other documents in neatly organized and labeled files. Make this a less daunting task by putting on your favorite tunes, or starting a Netflix binge while you sort.

Electronics have wires, there's no way around that. If someone could come up with a line of 'em that had attractive cords or another way to plug them in (or cordless everything), they'd be on the cover of Forbes in no time. Until then, bundle your cords together using one of the many concealing wire kits on the market.

Maybe you're like us and have families who enjoy a good round of trash can Tetris - but this practice is just plain bad feng shui. Train everyone to take out the garbage when it gets full, and don't forget those outdoor bins either. Hide those in a shed or garage if possible.

Something as simple as an unmade bed contributes to clutter in your bedroom. Test for yourself by walking into your bedroom when the bed is unmade and again, with the bed made. Which version feels better? The made bed creates order that allows chi energy to flow freely without getting entangled in the layers of disarrayed bedding.

Desks are like clutter magnets. They collect papers, coffee cups, pens, books, the mail, snacks (and the resulting crumbs), pet hair, and loads of other random items. Regularly decluttering and tidying your desk not only helps your feng shui energy, it also helps your concentration while you work.

Wash and put away all dishes, glasses, utensils, pots and pans rather than letting them collect in the sink or sit in the dishwasher for days. Even that big, greasy pot that you couldn't face and stuck in the dishwasher so you didn't have to look at it. (Sorry, we might be projecting there.)

Bathroom disorganization creates chaos. You wouldn't think the bathroom would be a prime target for clutter, but then take a look at the counter and wherever you place your stuff in the tub or shower. Yup, clutter. Chuck or donate those products you bought, tried once, and didn't like.

Dust and debris are the biggest culprits of clutter. Sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting regularly can prevent chi from becoming stagnant in your home - not to mention giving you cleaner indoor air.

Get some fresh air and sunshine while tending to your yard and garden. Also check the small home repairs like fixing torn window screens or taking care of chipped paint on the shed. Make sure the entrance to your home is clutter free and inviting. Boom, chi energy unlocked.

Browning and dead leaves on your houseplants are clutter. So grab some clean, sharp plant shears and remove dead leaves and stems to instantly declutter your plants and improve the energy they bring to your home. 

We all have that one catch-all drawer where we put the random bits and bobs we find around the house that don't really have a dedicated space. Even though the contents are tucked out of sight in a drawer, a heaping, tangled junk drawer is still cluttered. So, give it a quick declutter. Toss or donate things you don't actually use (who knows what that key even goes to anymore?) and create a space for the things that may still be useful (we know you'll need that ball of rubber bands at some point). Then, make a point weekly to go through anything new that has been collected there and either toss it or find a spot for it.

No one likes clutter, but it's amazing how fast it accumulates in all areas of our homes. Taking some time each day to focus on one or two areas that you can clear out has a big old snowball effect. Before you know it, your chi energy will be flowing like mad and you'll start to feel happier!