Chinese New Year Cleaning Guide: How to Declutter Your Home for Good Luck

Chinese New Year is traditionally a time of renewal, fresh starts and clearing out the old to make way for the new. Cleaning and decluttering your home before the new year begins is believed to help remove stagnant energy and create space for good luck and positive change.

Whether you follow the tradition closely or simply enjoy the idea of a seasonal reset, decluttering at this time of year is an opportunity to refresh your home and start the year feeling lighter and more organised.

Start Before the New Year

Traditionally, cleaning and decluttering is done before Chinese New Year begins, as cleaning during the celebrations is believed to sweep away good luck. Preparing in advance allows you to approach the new year with a sense of order and calm.

Focus on steady progress rather than rushing to complete everything at once.

Clear Out What You No Longer Need

Begin by removing items that no longer serve a purpose. Old paperwork, broken items, unworn clothing and unused household goods all contribute to unnecessary clutter.

Letting go of what’s no longer useful helps refresh your space and creates room for new opportunities.

Declutter High-Traffic Areas

Pay particular attention to spaces that are used daily, such as the entrance, living areas and kitchen. These areas influence how your home feels as a whole.

Clearing clutter from high-traffic areas creates better flow, both physically and visually, and sets the tone for the rest of your home.

Organise Storage Spaces

Cupboards, drawers and storage areas are often overlooked during cleaning, yet they have a big impact on how organised a home feels. Take time to sort through these spaces, removing duplicates and items that have been forgotten.

Well-organised storage makes it easier to maintain order long after Chinese New Year has passed.

Refresh Surfaces and Décor

Once clutter is cleared, clean surfaces thoroughly and consider simplifying décor. Keeping surfaces clear allows traditional decorations to stand out without feeling overwhelming.

A refreshed space feels lighter and more intentional as you welcome the new year.

Focus on Flow and Function

Decluttering for Chinese New Year isn’t about minimalism, it’s about creating flow. Arrange furniture and belongings so movement through your home feels easy and unobstructed.

A functional layout supports a calmer, more balanced living environment.

Maintain the Reset

After Chinese New Year, focus on maintaining the clarity you’ve created. Short, regular resets help prevent clutter from building back up and allow your home to continue feeling organised throughout the year.

Decluttering your home before Chinese New Year is a meaningful way to honour tradition while also creating a space that feels fresh and functional. Clearing out the old allows you to welcome the year ahead with a sense of calm, intention and readiness for what’s to come.