Spring cleaning is a traditional custom before Chinese New Year. Elders tidy up and declutter to prepare for a fresh start. In Hong Kong, people discard old items and replace with new ones over New Years as a superstitious way to get rid of bad luck. But in 2019, this may add to environmental problems. Consider a more sustainable approach that upgrades home essentials and gives back to the community.
Looking for decluttering tips and donation ideas? Watch the popular Netflix show ‘Tidying Up’ with Marie Kondo. Or check out our top tips for a complete home detox.
Welcome to your guide for a complete home detox in preparation for Chinese New Year (CNY). This approach not only helps you declutter but also creates a space that truly matters in your life.
Start by decluttering your home. The first and most essential step is to pick items by category, not room. This method ensures a thorough and organized decluttering process.
When considering any item, ask yourself two crucial questions: ‘Do I need this?’ and ‘Does it spark joy in my life?’ If the answer to either question is ‘no,’ consider recycling or donating the item to those in need.
This decision may be tough, as we often hold onto items that are neither essential nor joy-inducing. However, by following this rule strictly, you are practicing ‘Danshari,’ a Japanese concept that encourages a lifestyle free from materialistic focus and clears the mind to focus on higher life purposes.
Top 6 Spring Cleaning Tips to Declutter Your Home for Chinese New Year (CNY): Your Guide to a Complete Home Detox
Donate Your Old Household Items
While embracing a minimalist living style, consider donating your old household items instead of discarding them. This not only declutters your home but also gives your items a second life. By participating in our Home Detox Charity Campaign, you can donate during your spring cleaning, bringing joy to those in need.
Dust Off Your Furniture
After decluttering, it’s time to clean. Start with dusting, which is an essential first step. Dust your furniture from top to bottom to prevent scattering dust onto already cleaned surfaces. Begin at the ceiling with a long-handled duster and work your way down to the walls and other furniture.
Sweeping is always the follow-up ritual after dusting. It’s crucial in the clean-up as it’s believed to sweep away bad luck (dirt and dust) accumulated over the past year. In 2019, if you want to continue this tradition or just clean up, grab a vacuum cleaner. It’s ten times easier than using just a broomstick to tackle the dirt.
You heard it right. A newspaper can help clean your window. But ensure your personal safety first before reaching outside. After positioning in a safe zone, soak a cloth in soapy water and gently clean the window from the inside and what you can safely reach outside. The newspaper is the last step. Use it to dry the window glass as the paper absorbs the watermark and the printed ink removes the greasy handprint.The best part? Newspapers never scratch the glass.
Last but not least, launder all of your beddings and linens (or replace them). Tablecloths and carpets need cleaning during this time of year, but don’t forget about your bedding and linens. They require constant attention and regular laundering. Do you know that we spend almost ⅓ of our lifetime sleeping in bed? And your duvets can harbor dust mites, skin scales, and fungus, which could lead to allergies. Expert suggests washing bedsheets once a week and completely replacing them once a year. Check out how often should you change your bedding to find out more. Like our tips? We hope to help you achieve a perfect decluttered home and a fresh start for the new year. For better fortune in the coming year or a better relationship with people you love, start from your home, focus on the essentials, and spread goodwill to those close to you. Happy CNY, everyone! Home Detox Charity Campaign. Hush Home is working with Crossroads Foundation to give your donatable items to local families in need.From January 4th to February 4th, all customers who order a Hush Mattress can enter the promo code HOMEDETOX to enjoy benefits such as $1,680 DISCOUNT, FREE white glove delivery, and complimentary removal and donation service. Your old mattresses and other donatable items will be sent to Crossroad Foundation and put up for donation.