With the start of the real new year for those of us who celebrate Chinese New Year—and my big move back to the U.S. — I’ve been on a serious decluttering spree. From purging closets to taming my chaotic inbox, I’ve dedicated a good chunk of time to both physical and digital clean-ups, ensuring a fresh start.
This timing couldn’t be more perfect, as it aligns beautifully with a tradition deeply rooted in Chinese culture: 大扫除 (dà sǎo chú), or "Big Decluttering." Think of it as a spiritual and physical reboot—sweeping away the old to welcome the new.
The Tradition of Big Decluttering
In China, 大扫除 isn’t just about scrubbing floors and tossing out expired snacks (though that’s part of it). This tradition has ancient roots, originally a ritual to ward off disease and misfortune. Over time, it evolved into an essential year-end practice where every nook and cranny of the home is meticulously cleaned to make space for fresh energy and good luck.
According to tradition, the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month is the prime time for this deep clean. On this day, families don’t just declutter their homes—they also symbolically clear their minds and lives, preparing for the year ahead with renewed clarity. There’s even a saying in Chinese culture: 旧的不去，新的不来 — "If the old doesn’t go, the new won’t come."
That philosophy resonates deeply with me. Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up — it’s about creating space for better things, whether that’s opportunities, mental clarity, or just the ability to find your charger without rummaging through a drawer full of random receipts.
Here’s where I’ve been putting that mindset into action:
1. Wardrobe: Breaking Up with Clothes That No Longer Spark Joy
My wardrobe was long overdue for a reset. I approached it ruthlessly — if I hadn’t worn something in the past year and does not spark joy anymore, it was time to say goodbye. Instead of letting old clothes collect dust, I packed them up for donation or resale. Local consignment chains like Buffalo Exchange and Covet have been great for giving my gently worn items a second life.
Decluttering my wardrobe didn’t just free up space—it made my mornings smoother. No more sifting through things I don’t love or wear. Every piece left in my closet now earns its keep.
2. Drawers: No More Junk Drawers
Drawers are magnetically attracted to clutter. If I had a dollar for every time I found a random charging cable, expired gift card, or half-used notebook while cleaning, I’d probably have enough money to hire a professional organizer.
To fix this, I emptied every drawer completely and reorganized them with clear categories:
Top drawer: Daily essentials (journal, stickers, pens).
Second drawer: Electronics and frequently used cables.
Third drawer: Important personal documents (finally, no more frantic searches for my passport!).
Having designated spots for everything has made my space feel less chaotic. And, fun bonus: I rediscovered some lost treasures - an unused gift card!
3. Kitchen Pantry: Goodbye, Expired Mystery Condiments
My pantry had become a graveyard of half-used sauces and long-forgotten snacks. Some of them had expiration dates that made me question my entire approach to kitchen maintenance.
I did a full sweep, tossing anything expired and reorganizing what was left. Now, I actually know what’s in my pantry, which means I waste less food and don’t buy duplicates (looking at you, three bottles of soy sauce).
Plus, opening my pantry and seeing it not crammed with chaos? Very satisfying.
4. Emails: Decluttering My Digital Life One Unsubscribe at a Time
Digital clutter is just as stressful as physical clutter. My inbox was an absolute disaster—hundreds (okay, thousands) of unread promotional emails, ancient newsletters I’d forgotten about, and countless notifications I didn’t need.
The solution? Unsubscribe. Ruthlessly.
I took a hard look at my email subscriptions and cut out anything I didn’t actively read. This had an unexpected bonus: it also reduced my impulse shopping (turns out, when brands stop spamming you with sales, you spend less).
Now, my inbox is significantly cleaner, and checking emails feels way less overwhelming.
5. Phone Apps: Clearing Out the Digital Clutter
At some point, my phone turned into a digital storage unit—packed with forgotten apps collecting virtual dust. Do I really need four different meditation apps? Or that car-share ride app I used when I was in Singapore?
A quick app audit made a world of difference. I deleted anything I didn’t need, disabled unnecessary notifications, and reorganized my home screen to make my phone more functional instead of overwhelming. Now, everything is streamlined, and I can actually find what I need without endless scrolling.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering has been more than just a task—it’s been a mindset shift. The more I let go of things I don’t need, the lighter and more focused I feel. Whether it’s a tidier home, a clearer inbox, or a more intentional digital life, making space for what truly matters has been one of the best ways to step into 2025.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter, take it one step at a time. You might be surprised at how much clarity and peace come with a good purge.
And hey, who doesn’t love a fresh start?
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