Make room for rain: smart decluttering tips before monsoon hits!
As the sky turns grey and the earthy smell of the first rain fills the air, there’s another scent being brought in—musty, damp corners in our homes. The Indian monsoon, though magical, brings its fair share of mess. And the best way to prepare? Decluttering smartly before the monsoon arrives. This seasonal home cleanse is beyond simple cleaning—it indicates fresh start. If you’re tired of battling mildew, overflowing cupboards, and unwanted sticky damp feeling, here’s a comprehensive guide for you.
Dampness not only makes your home uncomfortable—it brings harmful mold, fungi, and pests. Items stored in tight or poorly ventilated spaces become breeding grounds for mustiness. Decluttering not only improves the air flow but also identifies hidden damp spots before they cause a problem.
Target: Kitchen, Bathroom and Storage Rooms
These are hot spots for dampness. Remove the backs of cupboards, clean shelves with a vinegar solution (a natural mold killer), and ensure containers are airtight. Throw away expired items from your kitchen.
Pro Tip: Add small pouches of silica gel or neem leaves in corners and cupboards—they’re natural moisture absorbers.
Clothes get neglected in the seasonal switch. Pull everything out and sort by necessity. Store winter wear in vacuum bags. Don't forget to dry-clean woollen clothes before sealing them. Keep only breathable and cotton fabrics out for the monsoon season ahead.
Pro Tip: Drop a few cloves or camphor tablets in your wardrobe—they keep harmful insects and moisture at bay.
Old bills, magazines, school notebooks, and yellowing files attract mold. Recycle or throw away what you don’t need anymore and digitally back up essential documents.
Before the monsoon sets in, move heavy furniture a few inches away from the walls for better air circulation. Check the underneath for mold growth. Wooden furniture suffers in high humidity. Use a dry cloth with a few drops of tea tree oil for cleaning.
Pro Tip: Keep a bowl of baking soda inside closed cabinets or wooden chests—it prevents moisture and odours effectively.
Decluttering isn’t dumping—it’s releasing. Instead of trashing everything, create three boxes: Donate, Recycle, Keep. Remember, your used clothes, shoes, toys, and books can brighten someone else’s gloomy day. Local NGOs and community drives are always looking for donations, especially before the monsoon.
Use transparent bins, label them, and keep them off the floor. The goal is to make everything visible, easily accessible, and safe from water seepage.
Even after you’ve decluttered properly, a habit of opening windows during dry spells, using ceiling fans to circulate air, and sun-drying linens keeps damp at bay.
Don’t let damp walls and moldy drawers ruin the enchanting season of masala chai and pakoras. With a little pre-monsoon prep, your home can be a fresh, airy sanctuary.
