We love our homes, and try to keep them as safe, clean, and comfortable as possible. Yet, over time, little things manage to accumulate in nooks and corners, in the form of unwanted belongings as well as dust! We often mean to get down to it and take care of the mess, but something always comes up.

Well, now that Diwali’s almost here, you can’t put it off any longer! If the task seems far too overwhelming at this point, don’t worry. We have mapped out a simple but effective 7-step guide to help you prepare your home for Diwali.

Diwali is a festival that honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. It is believed that homes are lit up to show the way for the goddess so that she may enter them and bless the residents of each home with wealth and prosperity. Surely, you want a clean and tidy home to welcome Goddess Lakshmi!

Besides, universal laws of attraction are based on the theory that in order to receive something, you first need to have the space for it. Something that’s not possible when every available nook and cranny in your home is stuffed with broken toasters, out-of-size clothes, and un-stuffed teddies!

So this Diwali, let’s clear your home of clutter, dust it up, and make it shine. Let’s make it ready to receive abundance, prosperity, and lots of divine blessings!

Follow our 7-step guide to prepare your home for Diwali and create an inviting atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the festival. Embrace abundance and prosperity by decluttering your space, giving it a thorough cleaning, and creating a welcoming ambiance. Get ready to welcome the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and make this Diwali truly special. Let’s embark on this journey to prepare your home for Diwali and create a harmonious environment that radiates positivity and joy throughout the festive season.

A 7 Step Guide to Prepare your Home for Diwali

1. Declutter

The first step to prepare your home for Diwali is to make it trash-free. Yes, all those unused objects are considered trash! This step may be physically and emotionally taxing, so allocate some time each day. Start from one end of the house, going through every drawer, shelf, and under every bed. Be ruthless in getting rid of anything unused for years and unlikely to be used in the future.

Once you’ve gathered the unwanted items, sort them. Give away things in usable condition and dispose of the rest. Call your local recycling unit or use online platforms like The Kabadiwala, Junkart, Scrapos, or Scruffree to sell scrap if available in your area.

2. Deep Clean

Once you’ve successfully decluttered your home, you’re probably feeling a weight lifted off your shoulders! Now that you can actually see some parts of your home, you might also notice how much dirt and dust have accumulated. It’s time to get your house help ready to work solely on this task for the whole day, so the two of you can clean all those difficult-to-reach spaces together.

As you prepare your home for Diwali, don’t forget to pay attention to those hidden corners and neglected areas. Tops of cupboards, under furniture, behind cupboards, over light bulbs, as well as clocks, paintings, and switchboards deserve your cleaning efforts. Dusting vigorously may only send the dust flying into the air, so opt for a vacuum cleaner instead to effectively remove dust. For surfaces, consider using wet wipes to ensure a thorough clean.

You’ll be surprised to know that you don’t need an array of chemical cleaners for this task. In fact, vinegar can be a versatile and effective cleaning solution. With its natural properties, vinegar can accomplish a lot when it comes to cleaning. From wiping down countertops to tackling stubborn stains, vinegar can be your go-to option.

3. Do a Maintenance Check

So you’ve tossed all the broken toasters, but what about the appliances that are currently in use? It’s important to ensure their proper functioning and efficiency. Begin by going through all your warranty papers and consider scheduling a maintenance check for each appliance. Very old appliances may be consuming excessive electricity, which is neither good for the environment nor your pocket! If you notice any malfunctioning appliance, prioritize getting it repaired promptly.

Additionally, pay attention to the lighting in your home. Make sure all the lights are of the energy-saving variety, as this not only helps conserve energy but also reduces your electricity bills. Similarly, turn your focus to your furniture. Take the time to polish scuffed surfaces, fix wobbly legs, and repair any broken hinges. Check all doors, windows, and locks to ensure they are in proper working condition.

On the way to prepare your home for Diwali, it’s a good idea to assess the condition of your furniture and other household items. If anything seems too old or beyond repair, make a note of it for future replacement. For expert advice, consider consulting professionals for pest control or plumbing issues. After all, a well-maintained home creates a more harmonious and pleasant environment.

Oh, and let’s not forget about your car! Diwali celebrations often involve visiting friends and family, so it’s essential to ensure your car is in perfect shape too. Consider taking it for a maintenance check, ensuring that all necessary repairs or services are addressed.

4. Decide on a Theme

Okay, everything is in ship-shape and working great! With Diwali just a few days away, it’s time to shift into festive mode and think about how you want to decorate your home. Choose a theme that suits your style and family, whether it’s a grand and opulent look with brocades and brass lamps, or a more earthy vibe with clay pots and leaf torans.

Explore the items you already have at home and get creative. Repurpose unused rich sarees by draping them over curtains for a touch of elegance. Flowy dupattas can create a relaxed and breezy feel. Don’t hesitate to borrow decor items from your Mom, adding a touch of tradition and nostalgia.

Let your imagination run wild as you incorporate vibrant fabrics, colorful cushions, and decorative pieces to set the festive ambiance. Experiment with lighting, using diyas or string lights to create a warm and inviting glow.

Remember, Diwali is the festival of lights, so candles, lanterns, and soft lighting add a magical touch. Don’t forget to design a beautiful rangoli at the entrance, welcoming guests with vibrant colors and intricate patterns.

As you prepare your home for Diwali, infuse it with your unique style and traditions. Let your creativity shine, creating a joyful and mesmerizing atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the festival.

5. Make a List

Remember the list we talked about in Step 3? It contained the appliances and furniture in your home that were worn out or no longer meeting your family’s needs. Take a moment to reassess those items. Are there appliances like a small washing machine or fridge that need an upgrade? Add them to your list. Now that your Diwali theme is set, consider any additional pieces you may need to enhance your preparations, such as specific decor items, sweets, flowers, or puja supplies.

As you prepare your home for Diwali, pay attention to the details that create a welcoming atmosphere. Don’t forget to get incense sticks that match your chosen theme, as they can add a fragrant touch and help set a warm ambiance in your home. When selecting items, prioritize versatility and functionality, ensuring they can be used beyond Diwali.

6. Go Shopping

Here comes the best part – shopping! Make the most of sales and Diwali deals that run both online and in physical stores. Wholesale stores are a good place to get inexpensive items like flowers, lamps and other random decorations. If you’re getting fresh flowers, arrange for someone to bring them home on the day. When buying home decor pieces, always think about how they’ll fit in your space, and if it’s a relatively large piece, take measurements to be sure. Keep the colors of your home in mind, so that everything comes together to create a harmonious look. If shopping with credit cards, use the ones that offer maximum benefits or points.

7. Get Decorating!

After all that prep, Diwali is nearly here! Your home is clean and clutter-free and everything is working to your satisfaction. Now it’s time to put the final touches to make your home truly worthy of a goddess’ visit. Place lights everywhere – diyas along the window sill, tea lights in jars or on a platter, fairy lights along the window. Place a traditional lamp or an uruli (traditional bowl) at the entrance, filled with flowers or flower petals. One tip – make at least one piece of DIY decor and put it in a visible spot to add that personal touch – it’s your home after all!

Your home is beautiful and ready! In every step, be sure that you work in a way that is friendly to the environment. Use eco-friendly colors for rangoli, get star-rated energy saving appliances and buy quality products. Avoid getting too much stuff that’ll just contribute to clutter and take you back to square one! Keep away from plastic and use natural materials as far as possible. This also makes your post-Diwali clean up a lot easier. You don’t need to break the bank to make your home beautiful, just some planning and creativity. Now sit back and enjoy your beautiful, happy new home!