Your home should be a place where you can relax, but some belongings can make it feel cluttered, uncomfortable, or tied to memories you’d rather not revisit. In Feng Shui, a traditional Chinese practice of arranging spaces, neglected objects, sharp items, and reminders of unhappy experiences are sometimes associated with blocked or unsettled energy.
Whether or not you follow Feng Shui, taking a closer look at what you keep around can help your home feel more comfortable. Here are seven things worth reconsidering if you’re hoping to create a calmer place to live.
Gifts and Belongings Tied to Unhappy Memories
A gift from someone you no longer speak to, or an object linked to a difficult time, can bring back feelings you’d rather leave behind. You don’t have to keep something out of guilt or obligation, so consider donating it, passing it along, or putting it away if seeing it makes you uncomfortable.
Related: 16 Things You Should Seriously Consider Buying With Cash
Dead or Dying Houseplants
In Feng Shui, healthy plants are often linked with growth and vitality, while dead plants are associated with stagnant energy. A dried-out plant can also make a room look neglected, so remove anything beyond saving and give your healthy plants the care they need.
Related: 13 Houseplants That Thrive on Neglect
Broken Mirrors
Some Feng Shui beliefs associate cracked mirrors with disrupted energy or bad luck. Regardless of the symbolism, broken glass can cause injuries, so replace or safely dispose of a damaged mirror rather than leaving it on display.
Related: 10 Things You Should Double-Check Before Leaving Your Hotel
Burned-Out Candles
Candles are often associated with warmth and renewal, but empty jars and old candle stubs can become little more than clutter. Clear out containers you won’t reuse and discard candles that no longer burn safely or that you never enjoyed using.
Related: 12 Things Your Blender Can Make Besides Smoothies and Shakes
Knives Left Out on the Kitchen Counter
Some Feng Shui traditions suggest keeping sharp objects out of sight because they’re associated with harsh or unsettled energy. Knives scattered across the counter can also make food preparation less safe and leave the kitchen looking untidy, so store them securely in a knife block or drawer.
Related: 12 Things You’re Better Off Buying New Instead of Secondhand
Old Electronics You No Longer Use
A drawer full of broken chargers, outdated phones, and gadgets you haven’t touched in years takes up room and makes it harder to find the things that still work. Feng Shui associates unused or malfunctioning belongings with stagnant energy, while clearing them out gives you more room and makes it easier to keep track of useful devices.
Heavy Framed Artwork Hanging Above Your Bed
Some Feng Shui practitioners recommend avoiding heavy artwork directly above the bed because it may make a resting area feel less relaxing. There is also a practical risk if a large frame isn’t mounted securely, so consider moving it elsewhere or checking that the mounting hardware can safely support its weight.
