Do you feel like your home is taking you over? Like you have no space, you can’t get ahead of your to-do list, and need Marie Kondo on speed dial? If so, it’s time to reclaim your power and become the master of your domain. 

Overwhelm is the predominant emotion in our collective and it’s no surprise that our homes are reflecting this back to us. The phrase “it hits close to home” is a literal metaphor. If your home is overwhelming you, then life is overwhelming you. And that means you’re not in your power .

The good news is that once you start to take control over your space, you will make strides in feeling back in power in your life too. And it’s not as difficult as you might think. Here are five steps to become master of your domain.

 1. Discard Trash

(What in your life needs to go, now?)

You probably wanted a magic feng shui cure that involves a planet or a crystal. Nope. The magic pill is about what needs to leave the house, not what needs to be brought into the house. Anything sitting around that obviously needs to be thrown away, throw it away. While you’re at it, go ahead and take the garbage out too. Yes, garbage - the crap in your life that’s taking up mental and emotional space. 

2. Put Things in Their Place

(What needs to be prioritized and who needs to know their place in your life?)

Are your things taking over your dresser, kitchen table, or office desk. Take some time to put things in their rightful place, i.e. clothes in hamper, papers in files, books on shelf, kids toys in kids toy bin, dog toys in dog toy bin. (Don’t be surprised if this carries over into people too.) For things without a place, that’s for another day. For now, you are taking control of things that are immediately within your control and simply overlooked. 

By the way, you know those super neat freaks whose homes are always perfect - it’s their subconscious attempt to control their life through their home. That’s awesome, but too much of a good thing is never good either. Before you know it, the need for order overtakes and you end up in the same pool of overwhelm. Not that I know that from experience or anything;)

If you want to share this with your neat freak friend, you might also share this one too: Neat Freaks Have Clutter Too. 

3. Clean

(Time to start fresh)

This may not be what you wanted to hear, but cleaning is the quickest way to feel in control of your life. If the idea of cleaning your home feels overhwhelming in and of itself, no worries. That’s a good sign that it’s a good place to start. The thought or story you’ve created (that most likely includes blame, guilt, or resentment) is what’s actually overwhelming you.

All you need is some action steps. Get some headphones and listen to your favorite audio book (i.e. Clutter Intervention) or music and grab some cleaning supplies. It’s that simple. Action is the best way to break through anything. It’s also good exercise so you can skip the gym too!

4. Put You First

(It’s about time, right!?)

Now comes the fun part. Your home wants your energy. If you don’t fill it up, something or someone else will. How can you put your special touch on it. A quick, simple way is to turn up your favorite music, light some incense, or use aromatherapy. Over a longer period of time, how can you bring in more decor items that reflect you? That might include discarding some items that no longer feel like you. Your home should feel like your favorite outfit. Of course, for those with cohabitants, some compromise may be in order, but at least try this in areas that you have complete control, which leads me to Step 5.

5. Carve Out Your Space

(If not in your home, then where?)

It’s important for us to feel like we have some space in our home that’s completely ours. If you live alone, then that would be your entire home. If you live alone and want to attract a relationship, then your work may be the opposite message and that is to allow space for someone else. For those who share space, don’t let yourself become swallowed up by everyone else’s needs. This is of course a literal metaphor. Depending on your space limitations, claim an office space, a book shelf, the bathtub, a closet, a nightstand, a wing, or any designated space that you can completely claim and make it yours. 

Before you know it, your life will start to feel more manageable. You will become master of your domain again. Next step, world domination.