The storeroom, often relegated to a peripheral role in home planning, holds significant influence over the energetic balance of a household according to Vastu Shastra. While primarily intended for the accumulation of extra commodities and household articles likely to be used in the future, a poorly positioned or cluttered storeroom can act as a repository for stagnation, potentially impacting the prosperity and mental clarity of the residents. The provided source material emphasizes that a storeroom should not simply be a dumping ground; rather, it requires careful placement and organization to prevent the increase of "junk things" and to avoid blocking opportunities. Specifically regarding a junk storeroom—a space dedicated to items that are not currently needed but may be used later—adherence to Vastu guidelines is essential to ensure that this storage does not attract negative energy or cause trouble for house members.
Understanding the distinction between a food store room and a junk store room is the first step in applying Vastu principles. A food store room is designed to keep essential items stocked for times of need, requiring organization to maintain freshness and positive energy. Conversely, a junk store room houses items that are not immediately required. The source material warns that if a store room is cluttered or designed without Vastu consideration, it can attract confusion and chaos, having an adverse effect on the family's harmony. Therefore, the placement and maintenance of a junk storeroom are not merely logistical concerns but are deeply tied to the vibrational health of the home.
Ideal Locations and Directional Attributes for Junk Storerooms
The location of a storeroom is the most critical factor in Vastu Shastra. The sources provide specific directional guidelines that vary slightly depending on the type of storage intended. For a junk storeroom, where the goal is to contain items that are no longer in active use, the recommendations focus on zones that can handle heaviness or separation without disrupting the flow of positive energy in the living areas.
According to the guidelines, the junk store room can be made in the East-Southeast (ESE), South-Southwest (SSW), and West-Northwest (WNW) zones. These directions are considered suitable for housing items that are not essential to daily sustenance or financial growth. The South-Southwest zone, in particular, is associated with heaviness and stability. Storing heavy or unused items in this area may be acceptable, provided the room is well-organized. However, the source material cautions that while the Southwest zone is sometimes mentioned as suitable for general storage, many Vastu experts advise against placing a store room here if it is the zone of rest and support for the head of the household. If a junk storeroom must be placed in the Southwest, it must be exceptionally well-organized and covered properly to mitigate potential negative impacts.
The East-Southeast and West-Northwest zones are also identified as viable options for junk storage. These directions relate to specific elemental balances that can accommodate the nature of unused items. It is vital to avoid placing the junk storeroom in the Northeast direction. The Northeast is the zone of clarity, spiritual energy, and water element; blocking this area with a storeroom, especially one containing junk, is believed to block the flow of positive energy and auspiciousness. Similarly, the center of the house (Brahmasthan) must remain open and clutter-free; placing a storeroom here is strictly prohibited as it disrupts the core energy vortex of the home.
Design, Structure, and Door Placement
Once the location is determined, the design and structure of the junk storeroom must follow specific Vastu protocols to ensure safety and energetic containment. The room should ideally be rectangular or square in shape to maintain geometric harmony. The floor area should be kept minimal; a storeroom should not dominate the house layout, as this can symbolize the past or unused aspects of life taking precedence over the present.
A unique structural guideline is that the height of the store room should be slightly greater than other rooms. This ensures that children cannot easily access the room, preventing accidents and maintaining the sanctity of the stored items. Furthermore, the increased height helps in keeping the vibrations of the room distinct from the living spaces.
Door Placement Guidelines: - Allowed Directions: The door of the junk storeroom can be constructed in the North, East, or Southeast directions. These directions facilitate the movement of items in and out without disturbing the major energy flows. - Prohibited Directions: The door should never be placed in the South-West direction. This zone is associated with the Earth element and stability; placing an entry here for a storage room can lead to instability in the household. - Design: The door should ideally have two shutters. This makes it easier to store and remove large or bulky items, which is particularly relevant for a junk room that may contain furniture or heavy boxes.
Windows, Ventilation, and Color Schemes
Proper ventilation is essential even in a junk storeroom to prevent the accumulation of stagnant air and dust, which contribute to negative energy. The sources specify that windows should be placed on the Eastern or Western sides of the room. Morning sunlight from the east is particularly beneficial as it helps keep the room bacteria and fungus-free, maintaining the freshness of the space even if the items stored are not perishable.
The choice of color in a junk storeroom is also significant. The selected colors should promote a sense of space and positivity. The recommended colors are tints of white, yellow, or blue. White represents purity and clarity, yellow represents warmth and energy, and blue represents calmness. Using these shades helps in keeping the room feeling spacious and positive, counteracting the potential heaviness associated with storing unused items.
Storage Organization and Specific Remedial Measures
How items are stored within the junk storeroom is as important as the room's location. The source material provides specific instructions for organizing different types of items to maintain energetic balance.
Placement of Items: - Heavy Items: Heavy objects should generally be placed in the South or West direction of the room. These directions are linked with stability and support. - Fire Elements: Objects representing the fire element (such as old electrical appliances, candles, or flammable materials) should be stored carefully. While the source cuts off regarding the specific zone for fire elements, general Vastu principles suggest the Southeast zone is appropriate for fire; however, for a junk room, ensuring these items are segregated and safe is the priority. - Empty Containers: It is strictly advised to avoid keeping any kind of empty container in the storage room. Empty containers are believed to symbolize emptiness and can attract financial scarcity or negative voids in the home's energy.
Maintenance and Usage: - Avoid Sleeping: One should never sleep in a storage room. The vibrations in a storage area, particularly one holding unused or heavy items, tend to obstruct peaceful sleep and can lead to health issues. - Water Provisions: If there is a provision for water (such as a sink or water vessel) in the store room, it must be kept in pitchers or vessels rather than open flowing taps, to maintain containment. - Clutter Management: A cluttered store room disrupts the energy of the house. Regular maintenance is required to ensure the junk room does not become a "dumping ground." The sources imply that a well-organized room prevents the attraction of negative energy.
Common Mistakes and Vastu Defects to Avoid
Several common mistakes can turn a junk storeroom into a source of Vastu defects. One major error is using the area under the staircase as a primary storage room. While it may be used temporarily for urgent items, it is not ideal for long-term storage of junk as it creates energetic blockages in the vertical flow of energy.
Another mistake is placing the storeroom in the East direction. The sources explicitly state that it is not recommended to build a storage room in the East direction as it blocks the flow of positive energy associated with the rising Sun. If a room in the East is unavoidable, it must be kept very organized and light.
Additionally, placing junk in the North-West zone should be avoided if possible. While the North-West is good for daily use grains and movement, it is less suitable for stagnant junk, which can cause instability or delays in life events.
Conclusion
In summary, the junk storeroom is a vital component of the home's energetic ecosystem. By locating it in appropriate zones such as the East-Southeast, South-Southwest, or West-Northwest, and ensuring the door is placed in the North, East, or Southeast, residents can contain unused items without disrupting the flow of prosperity. The structure should be slightly taller than other rooms, and the space must be well-ventilated with windows on the East or West walls. Using colors like white, yellow, or blue, and avoiding empty containers, are simple yet effective measures to maintain positive vibrations. Ultimately, the goal is to prevent the junk storeroom from becoming a magnet for chaos and stagnation. Through careful adherence to these Vastu principles, the junk storeroom can serve its purpose of storage while supporting the overall harmony and stability of the household.