The Niu Normal: 5 Quick Ways to Spruce Up Your HomeThe Niu Normal: 5 Quick Ways to Spruce Up Your Home

The Niu Normal: 5 Quick Ways to Spruce Up Your Home

The Chinese New Year celebrated indoors is different, but until the pandemic flies over, we just have to make do with the current situation.

 

That said, we can still make the best out of our time indoors with the help of a couple of appliances and makeovers!

Purify the air for a more comfortable experience at homePurify the air for a more comfortable experience at home

1. Purify the air for a more comfortable experience at home

It is true that our homes will be less crowded compared to previous CNYs, but waking up to a Chor 1(the 1st day of CNY) surrounded with stuffy air is not the way to start the new year.

 

Plus, you wouldn’t want to do an early morning video call to your distant relative in an uncomfortably humid environment.

 

Although we would suggest air-conditioners to remedy the issue, we understand that many of us would prefer a more feasible option. An easy air-con alternative would be an air purifier.

 

Of course the results might differ compared to air-cons, an air purifier can still do wonders for a smaller spaces like a room or a kitchen.

Do a ‘pre-cleaning’ before CNY startsDo a ‘pre-cleaning’ before CNY starts

2. Do a ‘pre-cleaning’ before CNY starts

Generally, cleaning during CNY is tabooed. So be sure to do all the necessary cleaning before the auspicious season arrives.

 

Start with the simple tasks like vacuuming and moping the floor. After that, de-clutter your home by throwing out unwanted items—fewer items allows for a more minimalistic approach, cleaner and less vexing.

 

Be sure to also wipe off the dust covering your TV frame and fan blades. Having your fan operate with dusty blades is bad for its longevity and can potentially permeate the air with allergens.

Decorate your home with red-themed designDecorate your home with red-themed design

3. Decorate your home with red-themed design

Liven up the mood even when you aren’t expecting visitors. Change your curtains, bed sheets and pillow covers with red fabric as it’s a sign for prosperity.

 

Make sure that these sheets are properly ironed—sleek and clean. You wouldn’t want your furniture and adornments to look unorganized and messy.

Stock up on snacks and drinksStock up on snacks and drinks

4. Stock up on snacks and drinks

Adults and children alike, one of the best enjoyed perks of CNY is its special delicacies. As most local vendors are doing online delivery services, it would be great that we support our local businesses when we are stocking up on these CNY treats.

 

We also recommend organizing your fridge to maximize space for your food and beverages. Having an organized refrigerator—with dedicated compartments—can help you sort the different types of food as some of it might go bad if crumpled together.

Make sure that your internet is stableMake sure that your internet is stable

5. Make sure that your internet is stable

This might sound like an odd one, but trust us, we have our reasons!

 

As we would be meeting our distant relatives virtually this year, connection latency is bound to exist when you’re speaking with your loved ones outside Asia.

 

While it might not completely remove the delay, having a stable Internet router or a good mobile plan is imperative for a smooth video call.

 

Is your house ready to greet this excitingly ‘new’ Chinese New Year? There aren’t many days left ‘till the day arrives, so you might want to do some last minute shopping while you have the chance!