As Chinese New Year (农历新年) approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on the past year and set fresh intentions for the year ahead. One of the best ways to embrace new beginnings is by replacing outdated belongings and habits. Here’s a comprehensive list of 10 essential items to replace this Chinese New Year to refresh your space and mindset.
Here is our list of 10 things to replace this Chinese New Year:
1: Old books and magazines
Books are great, but once you've read them a few times there becomes little reason to keep hold of them - unless you're thinking of starting a library. If you're still hanging on to old books that you've read multiple times, or simply don't think you'll read them again, a great new year's resolution is to get rid of them this Chinese New Year. You can either replace them with new books to help you learn and experience new things, or use your new-found space to realise another hobby - why not use the space to take up painting, or even house a music collection.
2: Your vacuum cleaner
Over time vacuum cleaners can become clogged with dirt and even lose suction. Chinese New Year is a great time to take stock and see if your current vacuum is still the right one for you. Maybe you've had new flooring fitted, or maybe you're just not getting the same results as you used to from vacuuming. Maybe this is the year you make getting a new vacuum your new year's resolution.
3: Old clothes
The things you wear can often be a reflection of who you are, so if you really want to make a change this Chinese New Year, why not replace your old clothes. We can often cling on to old items of clothing that are past their best and this can take up room in our closet for things we really want.
4: Expired sauces and dry foods
A clean kitchen (厨房) is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Check your pantry for expired sauces, canned goods, and dry foods. Discard items you’ll never use and stock up on fresh ingredients to inspire healthier cooking this year. Too often we keep half used jars and bottles on the off chance that we use the rest of its contents another time - now is the time to get rid of all those!
5: Socks
How many times have you gone to put on a pair of socks and found that one sock is missing? Or that one of them has a hole in the heel or toe? Take a moment over the Chinese New Year to go through your sock collection and get rid of any that are missing their other half or have become unwearable. If they've been sat in your drawer or in a pile for a few months, the chances are you won't be getting around to repairing their holes any time soon - clear some space and cleanse your wardrobe by simply replacing them with fresh, new pairs instead.
6: Your duvet
Over the course of the year, your duvet will accumulate dust particles and dirt. It may also start to thin and lose its padding. This Chinese New Year, have a look at replacing your duvet to keep you comfortable throughout the nights.
7: Spare electrical cords
It happens to the best of us. Somehow, we end up with electric cables that seem to have no purpose or home. Over the year we'll gradually replace and update our electric gadgets, and while we may remember to sell or recycle the gadgets themselves, the leads and cables often get left behind. Get rid of them now and replace them with other things that you will find useful!
8: Old manuals
Just like cables, instruction manuals often get left behind when we get rid of various objects. The Chinese New Year is a great time to get rid of these unneeded instruction manuals, freeing up some space for more things that you actually want and need.
9: Towels
Because of the regular use we put our towels through, they can start to look a little worse for wear as the Chinese New Year approaches. Make it your new year's resolution to replace you old, stiff and threadbare towels with some new, fluffy towels. Newer towels will not only be kinder and gentler on your skin but are also more likely to do a better job of drying you than your old towels which have become worn over time.
10: Your mattress
As you set your New Year’s resolutions this Chinese New Year (农历新年), consider prioritizing your health by taking better care of your body and mind. One impactful change you can make is replacing your old mattress. Many people don’t realize that their worn-out mattress could be causing significant harm to their health.
Traditional mattresses can accumulate bacteria, dust mites, and allergens over the years, making them unhygienic and increasing your risk of illness. The wear and tear on these mattresses can lead to discomfort, causing springs to dig into your body or fail to provide adequate support. This can result in poor sleep quality and lead to severe back, neck, and shoulder pain.
To find out more about why you should replace your old mattress with a Sonno mattress this Chinese New Year, take a look at sleepsonno.com