It is the time of year to put some junk in your trunk. No, not a bottom uplift but some good old-fashioned spring-cleaning.

Throwing out the old and bringing in the new to encourage good fortune is part of Chinese New Year tradition.

With the Year of the Tiger just two weeks away, Urban brings you a cut-and-keep guide on where to ditch those dead duds, turn trash into treasure, give books a new chapter and help the needy by donating unwanted household items, clothes and accessories.

One well-known destination for surplus household goods is The Salvation Army, which operates five thrift stores here stocked with assorted discarded goods that are still usable.

Last year, donations of old or unwanted goods to the Salvation Army were down as the recession hit home.

However, a spokesman says it has received 20 per cent more donation calls for big household items like furniture and electronic goods this Chinese New Year than the last, attributing the trend to the recovering economy.

Such was the increase that The Salvation Army had to turn down some collection requests.

You do not always have to junk your stuff to make a new start though.

Singaporeans are wising up to updating what they have, rather than lusting after the latest.

Call it sustainable style.

Furniture designer Paul Poh, 50, knows all about this trend. He has received about 20 per cent more requests this year from Singaporeans seeking a new look for their homes, using existing furniture and furnishings.

A virtuoso at restoring and updating household items such as sofas, light fixtures and even entire dining sets, he explains: “I don’t just re-upholster or re-paint the things given to me. I give them character, making them look entirely different from how they looked the first time round.”

MAKE A CLEAN BREAK

Two weeks before Chinese New Year and too busy to tidy up? Here are five spring cleaning services to call:

A-Team Amahs Cleaners
Tel: 6846-9245/6846-9247/6846-0428, www.a-team.com.sg

What: Its spring-cleaning service covers the bedrooms, bathrooms, windows, floors, kitchen, kitchen cabinets and refrigerators by a team of two women.

How much: Prices depend on the size of your home but usually range from $308 for eight man hours to $428 for 12 man hours.

Book at least one week in advance.

The service is available daily from 7.30am to 8pm except Feb 13 to 17.

DomesticOne
Tel: 6100-2388, www.domestic1.com.sg

What: The spring-cleaning service covers the cleaning of bedrooms, living rooms, balconies, kitchens, bathrooms and all windows by a team of three.

Pay extra for air-con servicing and upholstery cleaning.

How much: Prices depend on the size of your home and the type of services you wish to include.

For an 800 sq ft home, for instance, prices start from $260. There is a 10 per cent surcharge from now till Feb 19.

Book at least a week in advance.

The service is available daily from 8am to 6pm except Feb 13 and 14.

HomeXpress
Tel: 8333-7369, www.homexpress-cleaning.com

What: HomeXpress uses eco-friendly cleaning equipment and bio-degradable chemicals.

Its spring cleaning service by a team of two includes the washing of floors and sink, cleaning of kitchen cabinet surfaces, stove, oven and refrigerator. They also dust and clean all windows, ceiling fans, bathroom walls, toilets and vacuum carpets and rugs. You can also get your bathroom, mattress, and sofas disinfected but these will cost extra.

How much: Prices depend on the size of the property but starts from $260 for an 800 sq ft home.

Book one week in advance. The service is available from 8.30am to 6.30 pm, Mondays to Saturdays. The company will be closed from Feb 14 to 16.

Amahs On Wheels
Tel: 68372708, www.amahsonwheels.com

What: Spring cleaning services tailored for different needs are available. A team of three to four will clean your bathrooms, bedroom, kitchen, walls, floors and appliances. Furniture polishing, toilet disinfecting and the cleaning of cabinet interiors are also included, but items will have to be taken out beforehand. Other services such as carpet shampooing, curtain and upholstery cleaning cost extra.

How much: Spring cleaning rates start from $350, but the actual charge depends on factors such as the size and condition of the home.

From now till Feb 13, a surcharge applies, depending on the size of the house. Surcharges start from $30 for a small two-bedroom apartment.

Bookings usually have to be made two months in advance but late bookings are accepted if a time slot is available.

The service is available from 8am to 5pm from Mondays to Fridays and 8am to noon on Saturdays. The company is closed from Feb 14 to 16.

Genie Cleaning Center Pte Ltd
Tel: 6256-2117, www.geniecleaning.com.sg

What: The spring cleaning service covers bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchen, floors and walls. Kitchen cabinet interiors and utensils will also be washed and de-greased. You can ask for other services such as the cleaning of your garden and getting rid of dust mites at additional cost.

How much: Prices depend on the size and type of the property. Spring cleaning packages usually start from $160 for a two-bedroom apartment. A separate assessment is required for landed properties. A representative will come to your place to give you a quotation for free.

The service is available daily from 8am except Feb 13 to 18.