Couldn't resist picking up a book in the library about uncluttering; my house, my mind, my emotions are really a mess. This was a feng shui thing and I have never really looked into it. Being open minded I'm willing to keep reading.

Honestly the clutter is overwhelming. Just when I get things nice it gets messy again. I can never have too many bookcases because I'm usually in the middle of 4 or 5 books. The paperwork is atrocious! Has anyone tried this and what did/do you think? Do you use practical organizational techniques or thrive in the chaos? Have you found that there's something to the "energy" thing?

I've read quite a bit on feng shui, and while I agree that the energy part, etc, was a little not my kinda thing (seeing as I am a Christian and all), there are some very good ideas to use in regards to helping conquer clutter, and make for a more "user-friendly" environment.

I personally have used the flylady system to help with declutter, and I have always been an organization freak...I have books and websites marked all over da place! LOL Helps me too because I'll be studying interior design.

I do see your concern and appreciate your attempt at organization and environment control. I'm OCD and live with three ADDers, all of whom have their own idea of organization (where I throw it is where it belongs). Truly there is a benefit to creating a room that "flows". My environment is paramount in how I deal emotionally and mentally. Cluttered room= cluttered mind= unhappiness. I've strived to make each room an oasis with color and room coordination (everything has its place and somehow blends together). There is some merit to the idea of Feng Shui but I'm not sold on everything. To me, the basic idea of creating an atmosphere that is conducive to happiness and clear thinking then everything else will fall into place. If I know where my paperwork is and if it is organized then it stands to reason that I will be more apt to paying my bills on time and feel more secure financially. That’s far reaching but I know when things are going right and I can keep my life neat and orderly things just seem to happen that are beneficial. Keep reading, if anything you will learn a new way to decorate.

I also find merit in alot of the feng shui concepts, but not all, so I take what I need and leave the rest. The whole idea of simplifying and eliminating clutter is what I have tuned into. Especially the parts about keeping your entry room a positive transitional space. I know I should start in the basement according to one book, but I need to tackle the foyer because that effects my mood instantly the moment I walk thru the door. It has to stop being a dumping ground for shoes, coats, books, recycling, etc.

On another note, it fits into the spiritual journey I've been on for the past 4 years. The turning from unnecessary material things and focusing more inwardly. Either by recycling to honor Mother Nature or by donating used items to some one that could really use them and honoring my fellow man. Anyway, so far, a long row to hoe, but I'll keep trying. Maybe someday....

I like the feng shui idea but I didn't know clutter was supposed to be bad. I like clutter! Clutter means homey & comfy & I've got all the stuff I need at my fingertips. I'd go nuts in an empty house. My wife dreams of living in a totally stark, pure architectural home & yeah that's nice to visit but I don't think I could live that way. I mean think about nature... sure some places like a beach are uncluttered but most any woods or meadow is incredibly cluttered and busy!

One man's clutter, another man's treasures. I, too, need a certain amount of "stuff" in my home...Ok alot, but I only want the things that give me pleasure, things that appeal to me visually, perhaps conjure up a pleasant memory, those kinds of things. Stark places leave me cold. What I need to let go of or deal with are those things that are just gathering dust or need tending to....(pile of mending, come on, it ain't gonna happen in this lifetime).. then eliminating so I don't have those To Do piles laying around. Am in the process of feng shui-ing my foyer, even got the hubby chipping in. You wouldn't believe the number of shoes we had there and coats. Good grief, we could cloak and shoe a small army! So now my car is full of stuff for the second hand store. Any bets on how long it will take for me to get it there? Come on...I could use a challenge. I'm on a roll here.

I like the feng shui idea but I didn't know clutter was supposed to be bad. I like clutter! Clutter means homey & comfy & I've got all the stuff I need at my fingertips. I'd go nuts in an empty house. My wife dreams of living in a totally stark, pure architectural home & yeah that's nice to visit but I don't think I could live that way. I mean think about nature... sure some places like a beach are uncluttered but most any woods or meadow is incredibly cluttered and busy!
Uncluttered doesn't have to mean stark. LOL You can still have everything you need at your fingertips...it's just you've gotten rid of all the junk you DON'T need, and what's left is nice and organized.....so that like me, you aren't digging through everything to find it!

Like my computer room which I just decluttered/organized...there's still a LOT of stuff in here, but it's all organized, displayed well, but all the craporamacus we didn't need is no longer residing in here. :D

OH, and you'd be amazed at how much better it feels to be in here. ackorama... before I dreaded walking in here (but I used this room about 75% of my waken part of the day!) Once I made it livable...phew! I love it!

I have to say I LOVE your title for the thread. Inventive, descriptive, and hilarious! I wanted to read the thread just for the title. I just can't stop laughing. I think I have to use that in a quote sometime!

"My Feng Shui is Flung Dung" Ha! That's priceless!

MM

Thank you, but alas, I cannot take credit for the genius. That is my Mom's wimsy.

I dream of living in a hobbit hole. Books piled everywhere, cozy, homey, (but I can still find stuff....except "the Precious")