Feng Shui, The Storage Edition: How to Work With “Negative” Space
Feng shui organization (photo: pexels.com)
In Feng Shui, leaving negative (or "empty") space in storage is actually an important aspect to designing a space. This concept might seem counterintuitive when you are storing things, but it’s essential for maintaining flow and balance in your space. Instead of worrying how you can fit everything, be discerning about what should fit! Space unfilled doesn’t have to signify lack.
Here are the benefits to open space :
Promotes Positive Energy Flow (Chi)
If storage spaces are packed to the brim with items, it can create stagnant energy, preventing positive Chi from circulating. By intentionally leaving some empty space in storage, you allow room for fresh, vibrant energy to flow into your home.Represents Room for New Opportunities
Feng Shui emphasizes that leaving some negative space in storage signals that you’re open to new possibilities. The idea is that when we leave space, we create an energetic invitation for the new and the positive to enter our lives.Reduces Clutter and Creates Mental Clarity
Negative space in storage areas provides a visual break. It allows your mind to rest and focus, as it doesn’t have to deal with the burden of excess.Encourages Balance and Harmony
The practice of leaving some space open within storage aligns with the principle of yin and yang in Feng Shui—opposites that create harmony when in balance. The filled areas (yang) and empty areas (yin) support each other, creating an overall equilibrium in the space.
For good feng shui, it's important to leave some of your storage space unused, for doors to open all the way, and to aim for visual simplicity.
How to Incorporate Negative Space in Your Storage
Leave Some Breathing Room in Drawers and Cabinets For example, if you're organizing a kitchen drawer, leave space between utensils or kitchen tools. This prevents a feeling of overcrowding and makes it easier to find what you need without rummaging, which reduces frustration and mental fatigue (as minor as it may seem).
Don’t Overfill Shelves or Closets In closets, bookshelves, or even storage bins, leave some empty space in between items. Ensure that there is a balance between stored items and open areas. This space prevents the feeling of being weighed down by material possessions.
Incorporate Open Shelving or Baskets If you prefer open shelving, try to limit how much you store on it. Similarly, using open baskets or bins for storage can help create a sense of openness while keeping things organized.
Store Items with Purpose, Not Just for the Sake of Storing When deciding what to store, be selective. Avoid keeping things just for the sake of filling empty space. Only store things that add value, utility, or joy.
Use Minimalistic Storage Solutions Storage solutions with sleek, simple design can help you organize effectively while leaving room for negative space. Rather than large or bulky storage units, choose smaller, streamlined storage options that leave air and light flowing freely around your items.
Keep Items You Use Often Easy to Reach This avoids frustration and the buildup of negative energy from searching for things you need. You want to reduce the friction that can come between you and enjoying your space or completing a task.
That being said, aesthetics are as important as functionality in feng shui. If you don’t want to leave items in view, choose storage containers that are appealing to the eye. It's okay to be budget-conscious, but appearance counts, too.
Avoid overhead storage or under-bed storage if you can. If you must use this space, use it for extra bedding or for soft, seasonal clothing such as sweaters. Never store any kind of sharp objects, information (books, videos or DVDs, paperwork).
Wherever possible, keep 20-25% of your storage areas clear and available for new ideas, relationships, and opportunities to flow your way.
Invest in closed storage and have only a few decor items on display at a time. If you have more that you want to display, rotate the selection every season, and with each rotation you'll rediscover old favorites or notice what can go.
Even after you’ve set up your storage spaces, it’s important to keep them maintained. Things will shift, accumulate, or become disorganized. Get everyone on board with prevent the systems you’ve worked to create from falling apart!
