Keep it clean

Ushering in the New Year Chinese- style comes with a number of auspicious beliefs. Chinese families believe that their homes must be completely clean – from top to bottom, inside out – before the Year of the Ox kicks off. It is believed that practice removes the bad luck from the preceding year, and a clean home allows for good luck to come in. But remember, cleaning is forbidden on the first day of the New Year, or good luck will be swept away.

There are several organisations around the island that will help you get rid of the clutter. As part of the Yellow Ribbon Project (www.yellowribbon.org.sg), the following halfway houses participate in counselling, work therapy, and moral and religious education. Through this organisation, you can employ ex-offenders, as part of their reintegration into society, and to rid your home of clutter.

The brothers at Breakthrough Missions (6479 7756) can help you with varnishing and repairing wooden furniture, gardening, landscaping, and lawn mowing.

Christian Care Services (6440 8379, www.care-centre.org) can assist in all kinds of painting and gardening.

The Hiding Place (www.hidingplace.com.sg) can provide framing, air-con, plumbing and packing services.