As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re encouraged to reflect on gratitude—not just for family, friends, and the good in our lives, but also for the space we live in. 

Ideally, our home provides peace, comfort, and a feeling of stability. But if clutter is making it feel more chaos than calm, it’s time to remove some stuff.  Having rooms filled with items we don’t need or love can really mess with our sense of comfort and even disrupt the natural energy in our living spaces. 

But, do you find it hard to get rid of things? And what about the items that were given as gifts? Sometimes guilt and obligation make us hold onto things.

How about some feng shui? Here are 6 ideas, inspired by feng shui principles, for decluttering with NO guilt. If you have some time, this is a great thing to do before the holidays so your home feels peaceful and balanced.

1. Release “Obligated” Items with Kindness

Many of us have items we keep out of obligation—whether they’re family heirlooms or gifts from friends that just don’t fit with our current life or style. 

According to feng shui, each object carries its own energy, and items that don’t feel aligned with who you are now can create emotional clutter. 

Instead of holding onto something out of guilt, try releasing it with gratitude. Thank it for its role in your life, then allow it to find a new home where it will be cherished and loved.

2. Let Go of Gifts That Don’t Reflect Who You Are

Gifts come from a place of love, but not every gift aligns with our personal energy or style. 

If you have gifts that feel like they belong in someone else’s home, it’s okay to let them go. Feng shui encourages letting go of things that don’t bring joy or match your energy. 

By parting with these items, you honor the intention behind the gift, keeping only those things that lift your spirit.

3. Release Items Tied to Past Relationships 

Objects can carry the energy of past relationships—whether it’s an old photograph, a forgotten memento, or something with sentimental weight. 

According to feng shui, holding onto items linked to past relationships can weigh down your heart and even affect the energy in your home. 

As you declutter, give yourself permission to let go of these items with compassion. This clears space for new relationships and experiences that align with who you are today.

4. Reconsider “Just-in-Case” Items

There’s always that closet, drawer, or box filled with “just-in-case” items—things you might need someday but haven’t touched in ages. 

Feng shui teaches that clutter, even hidden clutter, can stifle energy in a home. Holding on to items out of a “just-in-case” mindset creates a lack mentality, suggesting that you might need it because you won’t be able to find it later. 

Decluttering these items can bring a sense of abundance and trust that you’ll always have what you need. Embrace gratitude for what you have now and feel free to let go of what you don’t actively use.

5. Remove Items That No Longer Spark Joy

Marie Kondo popularized the “spark joy” approach, which is closely aligned with feng shui’s principle of surrounding yourself with uplifting energy. 

If something doesn’t bring you happiness, it probably isn’t contributing to the flow of positive energy in your home. 

As you declutter, give yourself permission to let go of anything that no longer makes you smile, even if it once did. This simple act can create a home filled with joy and gratitude for every item you choose to keep.

6. Make Space for New Beginnings

A great principle in feng shui is that empty space invites new energy, opportunity, and clarity. 

You don’t need to fill every corner; instead, create areas where energy can flow freely. 

As you declutter, focus on how much lighter and more open each room feels. This shift allows your home to be a place of peace and rest, filled only with items that support your goals and dreams.

In this month of gratitude and Thanksgiving, try approaching decluttering as a practice of gratitude and intention. You can release what no longer serves you without guilt, creating a home that truly feels like a reflection of you.

A few years back, I was at a birthday party for a friend of my then 3-year old daughter. The house was immaculate, and I mentioned it to the friend’s dad. I’ll never forget his response. He said, “it’s always like this. My wife trained me how to keep a tidy house a few years ago and it’s changed my life for the better ever since! I’ll never go back to being the messy guy I was before.” 

Unfortunately, I can’t say that I learned how to maintain a tidy house after that. But the concept that it’s possible, even with kids, has stuck with me. Because let’s be honest: managing clutter can be a mega challenge, and with kids added to the mix, it often feels pretty much impossible. 

So, in an effort to step on less Lego pieces in the future, I found these 10 ideas online that might be worth trying for keeping your home tidy when you have kids:

1. Keep the Toys Circulating: Rotate & Donate

Instead of keeping every toy out and accessible, try rotating your child’s toys every month or so. This keeps them entertained by making “old” toys feel new again and reduces clutter. Simply pack away half the toys and rotate them every few weeks.

And, before rotating them back in, ask yourself if it’s time to donate? This keeps toys circulating inside and outside of your home. It’s a win-win.

2. Assign a ‘Home’ for Every Item

Create designated spots for everything, from backpacks to books to building blocks. When each item has a “home,” it’s easier for everyone to know where things go. This is key for getting kids to help clean up – it’s so much easier for them when they know what to do.  

3. Use Clear Bins and Labels

Transparent bins are a game-changer for family organization. You can see what’s inside without opening every container, saving time and preventing spills. Label each bin (pictures work well for younger kids) to help everyone put things back where they belong.

4. Invest in Multi-functional Furniture

In small spaces, furniture that doubles as storage is essential. Ottomans that open up to store toys, beds with drawers underneath, and benches with cubbies are all perfect for keeping kids’ items organized and out of sight.

5. Establish a Daily Reset Routine

A 10-minute reset before bed can make a huge difference. Set a timer, turn on some music, and encourage everyone to pitch in. It’s amazing how much can get tidied up in a short time, and it helps start the next day with a clean slate.

6. Get Kids Involved in Decluttering

Kids are more likely to respect and maintain the organization if they’re part of the process. Make it a game, or let them be in charge of sorting toys into different bins. Teaching them about tidiness early on sets them up for future success.

7. Use Vertical Storage to Maximize Space

When floor space is limited, think vertical. Install shelves, hooks, and pegboards on the walls for everything from toys to art supplies. It keeps things accessible but out of the way, making your small space feel bigger and less cluttered.

8. Create a ‘Lost and Found’ Bin

Designate a basket as your family’s “lost and found.” If you find something misplaced, drop it in the bin. At the end of the week, everyone can retrieve their belongings from it. This cuts down on the scramble to find misplaced items daily.

9. Practice “One In, One Out” for New Items

For every new toy or item that comes into the house, try to donate or give away one thing that’s no longer used. This keeps things from piling up and encourages kids to value what they have, rather than accumulating items they’ll quickly forget.

10. Create Personal Spaces for Each Child

Even in small spaces, giving each kid a specific area for their belongings helps with organization. It might be a drawer, shelf, or cubby. When they have a spot for their treasures, they’re more likely to keep them tidy and less likely to add to the family clutter.

Will you give any of these a try? Putting some of these ideas into practice, especially before the holidays, could really help reduce stress and overwhelm. Here’s to less Lego injuries in 2025!