Tradition has it that spring cleaning before the Chinese New Year festivities brings us great fortune and symbolises a fresh start for the year ahead! Here’s how to usher in the new year on a positive note with this checklist to ensure your home is spick and span!
1. Make a To-Clean List
Before you start cleaning, break down all your cleaning duties and make a thorough checklist. Set an hour or two a day to help you manage your cleaning time and start with the most important spaces in your home. Don’t try to clean everything at once or it may be too overwhelming! Start with cleaning up your kitchen and make your way through the rest of the home. With spring cleaning, prioritising tasks keeps things in check and prevents recurring clutter. For a clean and spotless home, be sure to use the right tool!
2. Declutter and Donate
Make space for a fresh start and discard the unnecessary clutter from your home! Outdated calendars, non-functional electronic items, unworn clothes, expired kitchen items are some items that you can begin with! The more you discard, the easier it will be to clean up. Be practical with what you have right now and consider whether the item is worthwhile in the long run. If the answer is no, toss it out, or consider donating items which are still in good condition to charity.
3. Store and Stow
Decluttering your space also means taking the opportunity to bring a breath of fresh air to your homes! Functional storage solutions such as containers, storage cases, and boxes are a practical way to sort out miscellaneous items! Having a designated space for your shoes, clothing, jewellery, documents, photographs, toys and other odd items will keep your home neat! Pro tip: Add labels to boxes for easy access!
4. Infuse Some Greens
Placing some live plants around your home both indoors and outdoors will surely set you in a calm and tranquil state. Even outside plants can make your indoor space feel more special, lush, and lively. Bring home some character, big or small, with some live plants!
5. Brighten Up Your Space
Your Chinese New Year preparations would be incomplete without festive decorations. Think bright accents such as red and gold which represent good fortune and happiness! Display spring festival couplets, such as a vibrant pendant lampshade, serving container and large diamonds of the inverted “Fu” character, which represents a sense of auspiciousness around spaces at home to usher in lucky new beginnings this Year of the Tiger. Sprucing up spaces at home with a splash of bright colours by adding accessories such as new couch covers, floor mats and plants make a difference too!
This article is edited by the CHX team. Original text and images courtesy of IKEA Malaysia.
