Whether you are moving a family of five, are a downsizing senior, moving into your first apartment or are moving your business, the process of moving can be stressful. However with a few Feng Shui strategies, you can ease the hassle and contain the stress — turning a nightmare into a dream.
Your first move may be the one most fraught with emotions of fear or excitement but subsequent moves years later are laden with too many belongings and “stuff” that needs to be tossed, given away or moved.
Your Three Step Feng Shui Moving Action Plan
The Feng Shui principles of balance and harmony are a huge help when moving. Sometimes you have to react quickly and don’t have the luxury of planning ahead but most people have enough advance notice to create a plan so they can reduce stress and stay in control. The most important task is to begin planning your move before you decide on the final where and when. Now is the time to create a plan — not after all the decisions are in place. As soon as you know where you are moving and when, you put your plan into action. Your action plan should contain these three steps to help you have a smooth transition and enjoy the process instead of being anxious and exhausted:
1. Eliminate all clutter and “stuff” before moving.Be merciless. This is the time to toss it, give it away or get rid of it and take only what you really love. MOVE ONLY THINGS THAT ARE FUNCTIONAL, NEEDED OR LOVED. Apply the rules:
if you haven’t used it, if it is chipped/cracked or if you haven’t needed it in the last three years you probably shouldn’t move it – unless it is a treasure you wish to hold onto for years (and then it fits into the “love it” category) which provides great Feng Shui energy
if you haven’t worn it, it doesn’t fit or you don’t feel like a million dollars wearing it, don’t move it – only things that make you feel good and look good give you great energy to face the day and be successful
Eliminating possessions can be difficult because emotions often get tangled up in the process but do not let that stand in your way. Create a plan and allow enough time to process the emotions. Then move only what is important to you and gives you great energy.
2. Make lists. This is the key to staying in control. One of the biggest problems for most people who are moving is letting the circumstances control you instead of you controlling the circumstances. Make at least three lists.
One list should include everything you need to do to move into your new location – include what to move, information on hiring a moving service if needed, putting utilities into your name so you have lights and water when you move in, changing addresses on all accounts, forwarding your mail and what items you will need to purchase when you arrive.
Another list should include everything you need to do to the place you are leaving. This is a critical step if you are trying to get back your rental deposit or selling your home. For those of you moving for the first time from your parents’ home to an apartment, clean up after yourself so your parents can enjoy their new-found freedom instead of picking up after you. If you are leaving behind an apartment or house you are selling, be sure to end your contracts with your utilities, landscaping, newspapers, magazines and any other weekly or monthly services and provide them a forwarding address to send you your deposits or final statements.
3. Take time to breathe. Moving is stressful no matter how far ahead you plan and how excited you are about the move. It is physically exhausting and emotionally draining. When you start to get overly tired or overwhelmed, remember to relax, read, meditate or listen to music. Your body and mind need the break and the well-earned rest. You will find you have much more energy to tackle yet another project on the next day (or maybe the next hour). Reward yourself by checking off all of your accomplishments on your list. By following these three steps you will maintain balance and harmony in your life and accomplish your move with far less stress and have more energy to enjoy your new home.
© Pat Heydlauff, All Rights Reserved
Pat Heydlauff, president of Energy Design, uses Feng Shui design principles to eliminate chaos and stress at home and within oneself. More than a Feng Shui expert, Pat is a consultant and speaker who helps remove clutter and negativity while encouraging personal growth, improved relationships and prosperity. Her new book, “Feng Shui: So Easy a Child Can Do It,” shows how to achieve a better tomorrow. For information on her consulting, speaking and artwork, call: 561-744-2666.