Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and it can also come with a certain amount of stress. There are so many details and items to keep track of, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Systematic guidance to promote positive energy and harmony can be beyond helpful.
Luckily, the ancient Chinese designed a complete system for planning, designing, building and arranging homes, landscapes and outdoor living areas. This article covers important Feng Shui principles for tackling your moving day.
Feng Shui is a practice that originated in ancient China. In simple terms, the practice aims to harmonise individuals with their environment using energy forces. The ultimate focus of Feng Shui is allowing the unobstructed flow of Qi (energy) through landscapes and structures. Feng shui combines astronomy, astrology, architecture, cosmology, geography, and topography, resulting in an environmental guidance system based on natural elements, awareness of energy and mindfulness.
Energy flow (or Qi) deserves attention in any living space, as it influences the overall harmony, health and wellbeing of inhabitants. According to Feng Shui, the unobstructed flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) is linked to prosperity and abundance, and in its presence, interactions and relations remain positive.
Canadian cities and towns are fortunate to have diverse backdrops of varying geographical terrains and environments. The abundance of space and natural areas in Canada add to the country's long list of benefits. In essence, Canada already has a head start when applying the principles of Feng Shui, as nature and beauty are in no short supply.
Feng Shui is rooted in ancestor worship and was especially popular in farming communities. Certain practices were performed to please ancestral spirits, thereby bringing material success. The practice of Feng Shui is significant as it reflects ancient, deep-rooted beliefs and practices in Chinese tradition.
Qi - Often translated as “vital energy” or “Vital force”, the word Qi means 'vapour', 'air', or 'breath'. It is a key concept in traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts and Feng Shui. Some Chinese gods and immortals are believed to possess qi, reflecting a microcosm of qi within humans.
Yin and Yang - A concept that describes an opposite yet interconnected, self-perpetuating cycle. Yin and yang can be thought of as complementary and at the same time opposing forces that interact to form a dynamic system in which the whole is greater than the assembled parts and the parts are important for the cohesion of the whole.
Yin represents the female/passive/negative principle in nature.
Yang represents the male/active/positive principle in nature.
The Five Elements - The Five Elements of Chinese theory are fire, earth, wood, water, metal, and they are thought to contain different types of Qi.
Fire represents expansive, spreading movement, transformation, changeability, warmth and kindness, heat and passion, triangular shapes, and the colours red and orange.
Earth represents stability, grounding, stillness, centering, nurturing, squares and rectangles, and the colours brown, tans, ochre and yellows.
Wood represents growth and upward movement, vitality and action, flexibility, columnal shapes, and the colours green, mid-blues and teals.
Water represents depth, wisdom, flowing, circulating and connecting, coolness, darkness, clarity, wisdom, formlessness, undulation, and the colours black, dark grey and dark blue.
Metal represents contraction and rigidity, righteousness, correctness, circles and spheres, and the colours white, pale greys, blues and metallic hues.
Commanding Position - This is a power spot in a room. It generally means you have a clear view of the door and an overview of the room. This spot puts you in control of the space and also of your own energy.
According to Feng Shui, it's important to determine which days are most auspicious for you and your family to move and unpack.
You can determine lucky dates with Top Move’s Luck Dates to Move Into a New House in 2024.
Before unpacking, cleanse the energy of your space by opening doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate, purify the house with sage or incense, and play calming, meditative music.
First and foremost, set up your entryway and the area around your front door. This is the crossing point for all energy to enter and must be set up mindfully to encourage positivity. Once you are done unpacking and arranging your entryway, clear all boxes and clutter from the area. Use mirrors and plants in these spaces to create more light, freshness and clarity. Be sure that any mirrors placed in the entryway should not be facing a door.
Prioritise the most essential rooms in the house. These are the bedrooms, bathrooms, the living room and kitchen. Start by unpacking items that represent stability and grounding, such as clay or earthenware vases and pots, crystals and earth-tone colours.
Make sure furniture isn't crowded or facing walls or doors. Seats and couches should be easy to access and there should be natural pathways between furniture. Each room should have an open space, even if it's small.
Depending on what type of energy you want in a room, decorate with the Five Elements in mind. Use symbolic, sentimental or precious items strategically to enhance positivity.
The kitchen is where the family gathers, where food is prepared to nourish and fuel everyone. Therefore the qualities of health and abundance should be encouraged. Unpack your most useful kitchen utensils and dishes first, so that you have a foundation set up to prepare food. This ensures that everyone stays nourished for the big job of unpacking furniture and belongings.
Keep the stove away from the sink or refrigerator to avoid having these cold, wet elements extinguish the fire of the stove.
The Northwest area is known as “Heaven’s Gate”. Avoid placing your stove there as you don’t want to set a fire in an energy associated with good luck.
Use mirrors in the kitchen to attract auspicious energy.
Plants and copper pots placed in the kitchen bring prosperity.
READ: How to Prepare Your Fridge or Freezer For Your Move
The bedroom is the sanctuary to rest and restore. Rest is exceptionally important during periods of extra exertion, such as during a move.
Place your bed in a commanding position–make sure you can see the door. When you are lying down, your feet shouldn’t point at any doors or windows, or else you risk your personal energy flowing out your feet and out the door or window.
Declutter your space so that you can go to sleep with a clear mind and calm energy. Avoid storing anything under the bed that has negative or emotionally charged associations.
Use blackout curtains on your windows to prevent light pollution at night.
The classic bedroom layout of having the headboard of your bed against a wall with bedside tables on each side allows for symmetry, representing a stable, harmonious relationship–either an existing or a future relationship.
The living room is a social place and should be arranged to promote conversation and connection. The colours and decor should feel light and energising.
Place couches and seats in a u-shape facing a fireplace, or directly across from each other with a coffee table in between. Make sure no seat places anyone so that their back is turned to one another.
Keep the space decluttered to promote more energy flow for conversation.
Make sure it is easy to get from doors to seats. This means making sure the table isn't too close to the tables and chairs, and that there is nothing on the floor to obstruct the path.
Use mirrors and lamps to amplify natural light, promoting a warm atmosphere.
READ: Guide on How to Move a Sofa: Expert Tips
Bathrooms symbolise both cleansing, and elimination. They sometimes have negative associations within Feng Shui, as they have many drains and can be considered a drain on energy.
Combat this association by keeping the bathrooms clean, bright and having good airflow. Don’t let the water pool anywhere, and use the bathroom fan to keep things dry and light.
Try to keep objects and furniture away from the toilet. If you have the space, use a bamboo divider. Keep the toilet lid closed when not in use.
Hang your mirror to get the most complete, undistorted reflection.
Rounded furniture items help to calm the space in preparation for bath time.
Scented candles and candle-lit aromatherapy diffusers help to keep your bathroom smelling pleasant.
Maintaining Feng Shui principles involves regular cleaning, decluttering, and periodic energy cleansing. As seasons change, so will your home. Make necessary adjustments to adapt to seasonal changes. This includes hang shade sails in the summer, setting up air conditioners, rolling up wool rugs and packing away winter outerwear. In the winter, hang heavier curtains, place candles around the house, and clear objects away from heaters and vents.
Personalise your space by placing items that bring feelings of joy and comfort into your home. Along with using Feng Shui principles to balance energies, your home should be designed and decorated to reflect your distinct tastes and lifestyle.
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