Does Feng Shui really require you to keep the area under your bed completely clear?
This is one of the most common questions I’m asked about Feng Shui. In fact this myth is so firmly entrenched that it actually generates controversy from time to time!
Feng Shui only asks that Chi energy circulate freely in your space. This means no clutter, doors and windows that open and close completely, and fresh air that refreshes and nourishes you.
If you need the space under your bed for storage, as many of us city-dwellers do, by all means use it.
Here are a few Feng Shui Do’s and Don’ts for under-bed storage:
Don’t store:
- souvenirs or memorabilia, like photos or old clothes
- shoes, whether worn or unworn
- off-season clothing
- electronics, old artwork, books….
- “clutter,” meaning anything you’re just not ready to deal with right now.
Do store (neatly!):
- bed linens
- blankets & pillows
- things you use for sleeping
- other items that have no energetic or toxic residue.
Keep the area under your bed clean and tidy, whether you’re storing things there or not.
Only be careful to store things with Intention, making sure they’re energetically clear.
You’ll sleep more peacefully, guaranteed.
Thanks for the clarification, Anne. In earthquake country, they recommend a pair of shoes under the bed, since broken glass can be a hazard. I’ve got mine in a heavy plastic bag in the bedside chest, still reachable from bed.
That’s a great idea, Margaret — thanks for sharing!
This is excellent and much needed clarification on the “nothing under bed” controversy!
Glad it resonates, Cheryl 🙂
Hi , My kids bed had three drawers under bed, first drawer store bed sheet and blanket, second drawer stored pajamas and underwears and socks , third drawer stored clothes. These three drawers used frequently, open and close every day, it’s for daily use. Its bad for my girl? She seems doesn’t have a quality of sleep! Please help,
Hello Kiwi,
I definitely suggest finding another place to store your child’s clothing. The constant movement of the drawers and clothing underneath her naturally disturbs her sleep.
great post. thanks a lot. I have few kitchenware under my bed (plate sets, tea set and candles) is that ok?
Hello Inas,
If you can possibly move the kitchen items to another location, you would improve your Feng Shui. These are sharp, hard objects, not meant to be slept on or over….
Can we store excess utensils (used occasionally) in that space? You said NO to Kiwi’s question because she opens and closes to get and place clothes, then why you mentioned NOT to keep off-season clothes inside it? Off season clothes are NOT at all required to open and close the top horizontal door of the bed. Please explain the logic behind this.
Hello Ravi,
The principal is, the less intrinsic energy an object has, the better to store under your bed. Ideally of course we would store nothing at all under the bed, so use that as your starting point. This is why I recommend seldom-used bed linens and similar items; they are large, bulky, soft, and have very little energy of their own, unlike off-season clothes, kitchen utensils etc.
Would storing toys that are used daily under kids beds disrupt their sleep?
Hello Mayte,
This is not an ideal arrangement as the toys contain so much energy. It is better to store them in a toy chest, closet or on shelves, and store things with calmer energy (like blankets & pillows) under the bed.
Thanks for the advice, Anne. I do have one question — Is it okay to store old & used clothing under my bed?
Hello Ann,
Is it okay to store old clothing under a hardly used bed? It’s right next to the one I sleep in, and it more or less serves as a guest bed for the few that rarely visit. Getting rid of it isn’t an option in my case.
Yes, this should be fine, Dana.
Hello Melissa,
It is not ideal to store old/used clothing under the bed you sleep in each night because of all the energy it holds.
Is it fine to have a pullover bed so that my child can sleep with us in our room due to lack of space
Hello Chanch,
I would need to know more about your family and your situation in order to give a good answer to this question. If you wish you may contact me via my Ask Ann page. Thank you.
Excellent! thank you for sharing
I don’t change my handbags very often. Can I store my handbag collection in the bedbox?
Also, I keep my purse in my bedbox as it’s easy to reach as it’s a pull out drawer.
I change my bedsheets every week. Do you recommmend I store by bedsheets, bedcovers, etc in the bed box?
Hello Himani,
I counsel against storing your handbags under your bed as they contain so much energy past & present, but your sheets and bedcovers are perfect to store there, as their energy is very calm and neutral.
Thank you so much for this. I’m moving into a much smaller apartment with quite limited storage space, and now feel better about utilizing that space. One less thing to stress about!