Q&A Sunday: Decluttering with Feng Shui

Can you explain/describe the Remove/Move 27 items in your home method? I have read different ideas like discard 9 items a day for 27 days, 27 items for 27 days etc. I am cluttered and need to clean! I was hoping for your insight.

Maria S., Yonkers, NY

Hi Maria, thank you so much for your question!

The adjustment to remove or move a particular number of items for a specific number of days comes from the idea that by moving or removing items, you can stir up the qi or energy in your home. If there is no movement, the energy of your space as well as your inner and outer lives may be stagnant and/or stuck. Since you mentioned you have clutter that needs improving, this does sound like a good adjustment for you.

As for the numbers, BTB feng shui philosophy places much luck and auspiciousness to the number 9, and multiples of 9 such as 18 or 27. My intuition tells me that you would benefit from discarding 9 items a day for 27 days. See how that feels, wait 3 days and start again! The numbers are not arbitrary and I usually prescribe the numbers based on the particular client. You can’t go wrong if you discard 27 for 27 days, or discard 9 for 9 days, or even 9 for 81 days. My teachers have taught me that the more challenging the effort, the greater the results while finding balance in what is actually the effort level that you’re ready to exert. 

Finally, remember clutter isn’t always negative. Read my article here.

by Anjie Cho


Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Our a unique training program takes an holistic approach to learning the art of feng shui design. Mindful design is about becoming aware, and attentive, to the energy around you: both inner and outer qi. It is about promoting a better way of living and creating sacred spaces that support, and nourish. Visit us at mindfuldesignschool.com


Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday".  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!

6 Things That Really Don't Belong in Your House, According to Feng Shui

featured on MindBodyGreen by Emma Loewe

The year 2019 began in a decluttering frenzy. Marie Kondo's Netflix show reminded us what feng shui has been preaching for years: When our homes are tidy, life just feels easier.

The ancient Chinese way of creating spaces that promote peace and harmony, feng shui feels more relevant now than ever before. "At the core of all feng shui and Eastern traditions of healing, energy is everything," feng shui expert and mbg class instructor Dana Claudat writes. "Stagnant, stuck energy contributes to blockage and illness, while open, flowing energy is the basis of great moods and every kind of abundance."

Clutter tends to be a major energetic block, but it's not the only one. Here, we compiled a list of other things you probably have at home that could be keeping you feeling stuck.

Every room: Low-hanging artwork and broken objects

In addition to clearing clutter throughout your home, you should also make sure that the artwork in every room is joy-inducing. That means only displaying pieces that evoke positive emotions and memories and making sure that they're hung correctly.

"If someone has issues with depression and low energy, I often notice that their artwork, photographs, and mirrors are hung low on the walls," architect and feng shui expert Anjie Cho writes. "The low artwork can bring down your chi. (Note: Even a bed that's very low to the ground can bring down your mood). It's also good to fasten frames in two places so the art isn't crooked."

…read full article


If you’d like to learn more about feng shui check out the Mindful Design Feng Shui certification program. Laura Morris and I launched our program in September 2018. To get on the list about it, sign up at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com.

Dive deeper into feng shui to transform your life!

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Create sacred spaces that support, and nourish.

Visit us at mindfuldesignschool.com


Clear Out the Clutter

featured in Natural Health

I’m thrilled to be featured in the recent October issue of Natural Health Magazine. Pick up a copy to read the full “Clear Out the Clutter” post, and check out some of our blog posts on clearing clutter as well!

by Anjie Cho


If you’d like to learn more about feng shui check out the Mindful Design Feng Shui certification program. Laura Morris and I launched our program in September 2018. To get on the list about it, sign up at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com.

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Our unique training program takes an holistic approach to learning the art of feng shui design. Mindful design is about becoming aware, and attentive, to the energy around you: both inner and outer qi. It is about promoting a better way of living and creating sacred spaces that support, and nourish.