Chinese New Year is a time for renewal, fresh beginnings, and welcoming good fortune. Decluttering your home before CNY is not just a tradition—it also helps create a clean, organised space for family gatherings and festive celebrations. This guide shows you how to declutter your house efficiently before Chinese New Year, without stress.
Why Decluttering Before CNY Is Important
In Chinese tradition, decluttering before CNY symbolises:
- Letting go of bad luck from the previous year
- Making space for positive energy and prosperity
- Starting the new year with clarity and order
From a practical point of view, a decluttered home also makes spring cleaning easier and prepares your space for visiting relatives and guests.
Step 1: Start Early (Don’t Wait Until the Last Week)
The biggest mistake is leaving decluttering until the final days before CNY.
Recommended timeline:
- 2–3 weeks before CNY: Sort and declutter
- 1 week before CNY: Deep cleaning and decorating
Starting early helps you avoid rushing and allows time to arrange proper disposal.
Step 2: Declutter Room by Room
Instead of tackling the entire house at once, work one area at a time.
Living Room
- Old furniture you no longer use
- Broken décor items
- Excess magazines, boxes, or unused electronics
Bedrooms
- Worn clothes that haven’t been used in a year
- Broken wardrobes or storage units
- Old mattresses or bed frames
Kitchen & Storage Areas
- Expired or unused appliances
- Broken shelves or cabinets
- Boxes of unused items kept “just in case”
Step 3: Sort Items into 4 Clear Categories
Use this simple system to stay organised:
- Keep – Items you use regularly
- Donate – Items still in good condition
- Recycle – Paper, cardboard, metal where possible
- Dispose – Broken, bulky, or unusable items
Bulky items such as sofas, cabinets, mattresses, and appliances should not be left at common areas or void decks.
Step 4: Know What Cannot Be Thrown Away Easily
In Singapore, certain items require proper disposal:
- Furniture and bulky household items
- Mattresses and bed frames
- Large electrical appliances
- Renovation or move-out debris
Improper disposal can lead to fines or complaints. This is where professional disposal services are helpful.
Step 5: Arrange Bulky Item Disposal Early
As CNY approaches, disposal services become busier. Booking early ensures:
- Timely removal before festive cleaning
- No last-minute stress
- A clutter-free home before reunion dinners
Professional disposal services handle heavy lifting and ensure items are disposed of at approved facilities.
Step 6: Finish with Spring Cleaning & Decorations
Once clutter is cleared:
- Deep clean floors and surfaces
- Rearrange furniture for better flow
- Decorate with CNY ornaments, flowers, and couplets
A decluttered space makes your home feel brighter, more spacious, and more welcoming for the new year.
For Disposal Services, contact us here