
9 Simple Steps to Get Your Home Ready for Lunar New Year
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Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 with a Clean and Inviting Home
Lunar New Year is not just an ordinary holiday; it is a vibrant celebration of family, tradition, and new beginnings. But have you ever wondered why so much preparation goes into this Chinese tradition that is celebrated globally, including in Australia? It’s all about starting fresh and attracting prosperity in all areas of your life.
Whether you’re hosting family or friends as guests or simply celebrating the Lunar New Year—2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake—with your loved ones, your home sets the tone for the twelve months ahead. You don’t want to bring old clutter into the new year.
This year, Lunar New Year will take place on Wednesday, 29 January 2025. So, how can you prepare your home to ensure the Year of the Wood Snake brings you prosperity?
Get Rid of Things That Don’t Bring Value
Just like the famous Japanese professional organizer Marie Kondo famously said in her Netflix show, “Does it spark joy?” This principle applies to all parts of the house, including your closet.
You might find clothes that no longer serve you and wonder when you last wore that sweater—or why you even bought it in the first place. Letting go of things that no longer serve you opens up space for new things to come. Declutter and welcome luck into your home.
Clean Your Windows
Windows are considered the “eyes” of the house and serve as the gateway between your private life and the external world. Windows are also believed to free bad energy and bring in good energy, which can directly influence your mood and behavior.
Dirty windows can lead to blurry perceptions of the world. If you want to welcome new opportunities this Lunar New Year, ensure your windows are clean and allow you to see with clarity.
Clean Your Front Door
If windows are the “eyes” of the house, the front door or entryway is considered the “mouth of Chi,” which is life force energy. The front door is the first point where life force and energy enter your home. Simply shaking out the welcome mat, fixing house or unit numbers, and repairing any door locks can significantly improve the natural flow of good energy. The front door is often overlooked, so spending a day cleaning and refreshing it is worthwhile.
Position a table near your front door or entryway with a bowl of mandarins, symbolizing wealth, to create an inviting environment that welcomes guests and luck cheerfully.
Sweep and Mop Your Floors
Sweeping away the old and making room for the new is a traditional Lunar New Year practice.
There’s a specific way to sweep and mop floors for the occasion. Thoroughly clean your floors, ensuring you sweep from the inside of your house outward to remove bad luck and enjoy a smooth start to the year ahead.
Living Room Arrangement for Good Fortune
A well-arranged living room enhances the energy flow in your home, creating a warm and welcoming space for guests. Inspired by Feng Shui principles, a circular or semi-circular seating layout encourages connection, inclusivity, and meaningful conversations.
Ensure no one has their back to the entrance, as this creates an open, inviting atmosphere. This setup promotes unity—an essential value during Lunar New Year.
Make Your Dining Table Your Centerpiece
A round dining table is ideal as it promotes equality and balance. Everyone has equal access to food and an equal chance to participate in dinner conversations.
Since Lunar New Year is a time for family, friends, and relatives to gather and eat, your dining table will be fully displayed and utilized. Decorate it with table runners, flowers, and vases, but always stick to the traditional colors of luck—red and gold.
Kitchen Revamp
The kitchen, being the heart of Lunar New Year festivities, requires special attention.
Start by cleaning all the appliances, especially the refrigerator, oven, and stove, which will be heavily used during the preparations. Reorganize your pantry and cabinets, discarding expired or spoiled food supplies.
Not only are you creating space for the new, but you are also avoiding potential food poisoning from expired ingredients or condiments.
Bedroom Refresh
Clutter, whether seen or unseen, can impact sleep quality and increase stress. In Feng Shui, clutter represents stagnant energy that can block the flow of positive Chi throughout your home. Clearing clutter allows Chi to move freely, promoting a sense of calm and balance.
Refresh your sleeping space by changing the linens, deep cleaning the mattress, and letting in fresh air to circulate naturally.
Putting Up Decorations
After cleaning your home, the most exciting part is decorating.
Dominate your decorations with red, a color associated with happiness, good fortune, and celebration. Simple paper lanterns and paper cutouts bearing expressions of hope for a happy and prosperous life are traditional ways to welcome the Lunar New Year.
Place lucky plants like money trees, orchids, or lucky bamboo, as they are believed to bring wealth, prosperity, and happiness to your family in the coming year.
Ushering in Prosperity and Joy
Preparing for the Lunar New Year is both practical and symbolic. It honors tradition by welcoming new beginnings with a clean and organized home while promoting a harmonious household where coming home feels joyful after a long day of work.
By following these steps, you’ll be ready to welcome the new year with a beautifully prepared home. Here’s to a prosperous Year of the Wood Snake, and Gung Hei Fat Choi!