When to start spring cleaning for CNY 2026 and the best decluttering tips to know

As we head into a new year, many of us are already looking ahead to the next festive season, and yes, we’re talking about Chinese New Year, which falls on 17 and 18 February 2026.

Before the celebrations begin, it’s customary to do a proper spring clean. Beyond simply decluttering our homes, this ritual is also believed to help clear away bad energy and reset our lives in all aspects, from refreshing our wardrobes and switching up your hairstyles to giving our homes a much-needed deep clean.

But before you dive headfirst into organising every corner of your space, there are certain dates you’ll want to take note of.

When to start spring cleaning for CNY 2026

You can start your spring cleaning a few weeks before the Lunar New Year, but it’s important to be mindful of the dates that may clash with your zodiac sign. In traditional Chinese belief, cleaning on certain inauspicious dates could unintentionally sweep away your good fortune.

For example, those born in the Year of the Dog should avoid 25 December 2025, as it clashes with their zodiac sign.

Dates to avoid spring cleaning based on your zodiac sign

To find out which dates you should avoid, refer to the auspicious and inauspicious dates provided by Way Fengshui for the Year of the Fire Horse (2026).

It’s also worth noting that you should avoid spring cleaning on the first day of Chinese New Year itself, as that is believed to sweep away your luck for the year. If you really must tidy up, leave it for the second day or later.

Spring cleaning tips

The idea of cleaning your entire home can feel daunting, especially when you already have a packed schedule. The key is to set realistic goals and take it one step at a time.

Here are some easy, stress-free tips to help you get started:

Start small so you don’t overwhelm yourself

Don’t try to tackle your entire home in one go. Pick one drawer, one shelf, or one category and begin there. Progress is still progress.

Set a 20-minute timer and make it count

Short, focused bursts of decluttering keep things manageable and prevent burnout.

Ask yourself: “Would I buy this again?”

If the answer is no, that’s your sign. Let it go.

Use the hanger trick on your wardrobe

Turn all your hangers backwards. After three months, anything still facing the wrong way hasn’t been worn and can probably be donated.

Create a “maybe” box for the indecisive days

Not sure if you’re ready to part with something? Place it in a box, seal it, and date it for three months. If you don’t open it by then, donate it without looking.

Do an expiry check

Go through your makeup, skincare, pantry and medicine. If it’s expired, it’s automatically out.

Declutter by category, not by room

Handle all your clothes together, all your books together, all your paperwork together. You’ll spot duplicates and unnecessary items much faster.

Stop keeping things “just in case”

Ask yourself if you could replace it in under 20 minutes for under $20. If yes, you probably don’t need to keep it.

Make it easy for things to leave your home

Have three bags ready: donate, recycle and trash. The quicker items leave your space, the less likely clutter comes back.

Reset your space after you declutter

Wipe down surfaces, organise what’s left simply, and leave some breathing room. The goal isn’t just less stuff — it’s a calmer, lighter home.

Where to donate your pre-loved items

Once you’ve sorted through your belongings, the next step is figuring out where to send your pre-loved items so they can find new homes.

Here are some of our top donation picks in Singapore:

UNIQLO

Donate any used UNIQLO clothing at any UNIQLO store during operating hours by approaching staff at the cashier counter.

H&M

H&M runs a global Garment Collecting Programme. Drop off clean, used clothes or textiles of any brand and in any condition at their stores’ collection boxes (usually near the cash desks) and receive a discount voucher in return.

Cloop

With multiple locations islandwide, Cloop accepts clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, hats, toys, plushies, pillows and even sports equipment. Donated items are sent to their ISO-accredited recycling partner in Malaysia for resale, reuse and recycling.