Clean Your Home and Clean Up Your Life explores the deep connection between physical space and emotional well-being. Through reflections on clutter, energy, and detachment, Mileni D’Alberti shows how organizing our environment can unlock clarity, balance, and new opportunities. The article bridges science, everyday experience, and ancient wisdom to reveal why letting go of material excess can help us move forward in life.
By Mileni D’Alberti
Life just gave you a blank book where you are the author and the lead actor
Life has just given you a blank book, where you are both the lead actor and the author. Good luck.
We are all at the beginning of another new year, full of enthusiasm and good intentions. We make new plans, write down goals, promise to quit smoking, and even swear we will exercise twice a month. This renewed spirit is familiar to all of us.
But what about your house—the place where you spend most of your life?
Clearing Space: Inside and Out
Have you thought about “cleaning the area”—getting rid of junk, broken items, or things that no longer serve you? More importantly, have you questioned how much this accumulation is affecting your life?
Followers of Feng Shui, for example, state that clutter is the number one enemy of prosperity. According to this ancient Chinese tradition, keeping items we don’t use blocks the flow of energy and makes environments heavy—potentially leading to illness, emotional imbalance, and financial losses.
This includes old newspapers, obsolete books, rarely used clothes, unnecessary utensils, and—most importantly—broken electronic equipment.
Skepticism, Science, and Energy
On a personal level, I’m not sure I fully embrace Feng Shui. As a scientist by profession, I am skeptical of occult beliefs and ideas not scientifically proven.
Yet, also as a scientist, I know that human beings are made of energy—and that energy from people and objects affects us.
Energy is like electricity: invisible, odorless, but undeniably real. Try putting your finger into an electrical outlet—it can definitely be felt. The effects of energy are subtler, but just as powerful.
Clutter ties our space, time, and attention
Why Clutter Blocks What’s New
Many times, we find ourselves in spaces filled with negative energy—where nothing flows, and we can’t quite explain why. It’s no coincidence that we work better in a clean office.
When I clear the pile of papers from my desk, I instantly think better. There is a wonderful sensation that comes from letting go of useless things. The difference is literally in the air.
Clutter makes the arrival of new things difficult because it ties up our space, time, and attention. A Chinese saying summarizes it perfectly:
“To have much is to be confused.”
Your Space Mirrors Your Inner World
Take a moment to notice how your office or bedroom often “strangely” reflects how you feel inside.
In a broader sense, it reflects your life. I think of my friend Hannah, whose bedroom looks as if it were hit by Hurricane Hugo. That chaos mirrors her mental state—it’s her “normal.”
The good news? By organizing our environment, we gain more control over our well-being. From that point on, things begin to flow with less resistance.
Objects, Memories, and Letting Go
The objects we keep symbolize memories. Holding onto our history is healthy—but only to a point. When we live trapped in stored memories, we leave no room for the new.
Every object has value at a certain time, but we must learn to leave behind what has passed. Just as we struggle to discard old objects, we often struggle to let go of old feelings, fears, and outdated ideas.
If we can say goodbye to what’s inside our drawers, it becomes easier to say goodbye to what no longer serves us emotionally.
Practicing Detachment
These reflections reveal how deeply we are connected to material things—and how easily they can control our lives.
Don’t wait too long to practice detachment. Put all your junk into a big box and take it to the nearest trash dump with a smile on your face. Or have a garage sale next weekend. Whatever is left, donate it to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or similar organizations.
Then feel the energy shift.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does clutter affect our well-being?
Clutter ties up space, time, and attention, making it harder for new ideas and opportunities to emerge.
2. Is Feng Shui scientifically proven?
While not scientifically proven, many of its principles align with psychological and environmental effects of organization.
3. Why do we feel better in clean environments?
Clean spaces reduce visual stress, improve focus, and create a sense of control and clarity.
4. What do objects symbolize emotionally?
They often represent memories, attachments, and past experiences that may prevent personal growth.
5. What’s the first step toward decluttering?
Start small—one drawer, one box—and consciously decide what still serves your present life.
