Clutter Clearing Questions

Hi there,

I recently bought and read the book Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. I have not read Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui.

My question is: Is there a specific order between the two? I have started the clutter clearing, and am feeling very motivated. Should I be clearing the clutter first or should I read about creating sacred space? I'm not sure what the difference is between the two.

I do intend to get the other book but thought I would just concentrate on clutter first. Does it matter which one comes first?

Thank you very much, Gloria Florence, California, USA

Karen's reply:

It isn't necessary to read both books but they are designed to complement each other and you certainly will get better clutter clearing results if you also do Space Clearing, and better Space Clearing results if you also do clutter clearing!

The ideal order is clutter clearing first and then Space Clearing, but if you have so much clutter that this is impractical then do Space Clearing first, then clutter clearing. Space Clearing removes the stagnant energy that collects around clutter, so makes it very much easier to clear.

If you do it this way round, I recommend that you do Space Clearing again after clutter clearing, with the focus on what you aspire to in your life now that you are no longer burdened by your junk. It's a bit more work doing it this way but if you have a lot of clutter it's better than being immobilized by it and never doing anything at all!

Dear Karen,

I read that one should not do clutter clearing during pregnancy and I am pregnant at the moment. I didn't understand the reason and I would like you to explain to me, please.

- Lara, Portugal

Karen's reply:

You absolutely CAN do clutter clearing while pregnant. I think this confusion may have come about because my publishers asked me to include a brief description of my Space Clearing ceremony in my Clear Your Clutter book, and some people have unfortunately tried to do Space Clearing just from reading that. It is absolutely vital to read the detailed information in Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui first, and one of the things explained in the book is why it is not advisable to do the ceremony while pregnant.

Clutter clearing is a preparation for the Space Clearing ceremony rather than an actual part of it, so it's fine to do this when pregnant. In fact I heartily recommend that you do!

Hi Karen,

I am stuck. I am fascinated by your book about clearing clutter. I have so much of it!!! I have tried to clear and then half way I give up or get diverted because I feel there is quite a bit of pain I have to go through. I want to move on but it seems I just shift the stuff around but not clearing it. I have suffered from bereavement and depression over the past years. I desperately want to let the past go in the last few days of this century. Any advice on how I can make the shift?

- B.C., Ireland

Karen's reply:

I'm glad to hear my book has helped you make a start. My best advice to you is to keep reading and re-reading it so that you stay motivated to continue. If possible, ask a friend (the kind who doesn't have much clutter) to help and support you as you do it. Just do one small area at a time. Focus on the progress you are making rather than how much there is still to do. Keep in mind, as you do the clutter clearing, that you are letting go of the old to create space for a new and better life.

And when it all seems too much, put the problem in perspective by realizing how many millions of people in the world have nothing at all, and be sincerely grateful that your lot in life has been to have too much rather than too little. Then go clear some more! The trick is to get the right balance - not too much and not too little for your life.

Dear Karen,

I've got your Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui which I find to be inspiring but leaves me feeling somewhat inadequate as it insists on tackling everywhere and some areas I just cannot face. However, I do have to sit a driving test next month and wonder if there's any area I must attend to to ensure my best chances of passing. Thanks for any help in advance.

- Monique, Scotland

Karen's reply:

I'm sorry to say there is no amazing quick fix to ensure you pass your driving test by clutter clearing. However you can make good use of an event such as this by using it as a target date to work towards in your clutter clearing progress, since the clearer you are the better your life will work on all levels.

As it says in my book, begin by listing all the areas that need attention, then clutter clear the smallest ones that irritate you the most. In this way you'll find you can work your way around your home, using the released energy from each small success to help you tackle the next one. The important thing is to begin SOMEWHERE!

Good luck with the clutter clearing and with the driving test.

Dear Karen,

I've always been a clutter-clearing person but recently I don't have enough time to do the clearing I'd like to. When I've done the daily work concerning my baby boys (aged two years and 9 months) the house and the garden there's not much time left.

May I wait for some months to do the next sincere clutter-clearing? As we moved to our new house some months ago it's only the clearing of small cupboards and drawers which has to be done but it really makes me grumpy to see the things waiting to be cleared and not being able to do it.

- Steffanie, Germany

Karen's reply:

It would be best to clear a small area whenever you can rather than let the problem build. You say you may have to wait for some months but it is very easy for months to turn into years when caring for young children.

And if you have put on some extra weight since having the children it is even more important that you do what you can whenever you can. Weight gain and clutter build up often go hand in hand and the longer you leave it the more difficult it is to shed both.

Hi Karen,

Your books have changed my life in many wonderful ways but I still hate ironing. If you would just PLEASE let me know the make of the iron you bought I would be eternally gratefully!

- Jennifer Bright, USA

Karen's reply:

It's amazing how many requests I've had for this information! I bought it in the UK and it's a Tefal Ultraglide Pro.

I've also heard that JC Penney's sells this same iron in the USA, and some branches of Target also sell some models of Tefal irons.