I picked up one of my favorite yearly rituals during my decade and a half living in Taiwan - the traditional Chinese New Year deep clean. It's a methodical process that begins about two weeks before Lunar New Year, with most families starting the serious work about seven days before the holiday.

The tradition, known as "sweeping away the old," follows a specific order. You work from top to bottom, inside to outside, giving attention to every part of the home. Windows are washed, curtains are cleaned, and floors are thoroughly mopped. All broken items are discarded, and spaces are decluttered and organized.

There's one strict rule: all cleaning must stop before New Year's Day. No sweeping or cleaning is allowed on the first day of the lunar year, as it's believed to sweep away good fortune. This means everything needs to be finished by New Year's Eve, from the initial sorting to the final mop.

The ritual creates a natural pause between years, preparing both home and mind for a fresh start. After years of practicing this tradition, it's become an essential part of my own New Year preparations, and one I have already gotten an early start on this year.

#IKITAO #IntentionalLiving #Wellbeing #MindfulHome #Habits #SeasonalRituals