Why You Should Move 27 Things in Your Home Today

Feng shui, which translated means "wind and water," is one of those concepts that has baffled me over the years. It's the go-to process for creating a symmetrical, calming atmosphere, but the techniques are often too complicated for me to understand. I mean, finding my "bagua"? What does that even mean? So I went looking for the truth about feng shui.

I approached feng shui expert Amanda Peters to clear the air and help us get our chi in check. Amanda stumbled upon feng shui out of necessity. "My family and I moved several years ago and the transition was tough," she says. "We were in a new home and new community, and everything felt off. In an effort to curb some of the frustration we were experiencing, I started reading [self-help] books. One of them referenced feng shui, and my curiosity was piqued. I bought one feng shui book and devoured it. One book became ten, ten became fifty, and fifty became a voracious quest to know everything feng shui."

And know everything feng shui, she does. Today, Amanda will walk us through the beauty of feng shui and how we can incorporate this into our own homes. The best part? These steps are sooooo easy!:

1. Clear the clutter. No feng shui adjustment or cure will work effectively if you live with clutter. Period. Everything in your home should have a positive association and make you feel really good, so simplify and organize.

2. Move 27 things in your home. In feng shui, it is common dictum to "move 27 things and change your life."

3. Make sure your front entrance is clean, unobstructed and inviting. The front door is considered the "mouth of chi" -- this is where all opportunity, prosperity and possibility enter your life. Ask yourself: Is my front door welcoming? I suggest wiping down the door and knobs, buying a new front mat and adding some flowers, plants or a wreath. Replace any burned out bulbs overhead and ensure your house/apartment number is visible. Don't forget to use your front door. At least once a day.

4. Fix leaks. In feng shui, moving water represents money. If you have a leaky faucet, your money is likely dripping away. And while some repairs may take a couple weeks to get around to, leaving them indefinitely can create serious financial problems down the road.

5. Attract good fortune by bringing fresh flowers and plants into your home. Most people believe they don't have the extra money to splurge on these things, but they are one of the easiest ways to bring energy and life into your space. Pick something you love and every time you see it, believe that you are worth it. Use intention to think about good fortune coming into your life, and watch it show up!

See? Easy to do and with massive results. Of course, there are many other (read: more complicated!) ways to integrate feng shui into your home, but these are great starting points. Want a few more interesting tips?:

Food is symbolic of wealth and health in feng shui, so Amanda follows a few steadfast rules in the kitchen daily:

The stove represents prosperity, so Amanda keeps hers clean, clean, clean. She also makes an effort to use all four burners at least once a day to keep her prosperity circulating. Amanda keeps her refrigerator and pantry stocked with healthy, nutritious food. It is believed that if you eat well, your body will be strong. If you are strong, you are able to work and make a good living. And if you are living the good life, chances are, you are eating well. Full circle! Wow. I'm amazed and can't wait to try a few of these tips in my own home. Using all four burners? Tough for me, because I hate to cook. But swapping in fresh flowers? I think I can sacrifice that...

Thank you, Amanda!

Want to hear of a few additional ways to make your home a peaceful haven? Read more:
-10 Things You Can Do (Right Now!) To Brighten Your Home
-Chores Made Easy: Declutter in 10 Minutes
-Get the Look for Less: A Calming (but Colorful!) Bedroom