DUBAI: With last-minute preparations for Ramadan in full swing across the Muslim world, try these tips to get your home ready for the holy month.
Clean out your cupboards
Check if you need to buy anything new, donate items to the needy and get rid of any expired goods you may have lurking in your kitchen.
Make a list
Make a list of the items you will frequently need during the month — including milk and eggs — and a separate list for items with a long life span, such as dates, nuts and coffee.
Plan your meals
Write up a list of the items that you dish up on a daily basis — spring rolls, kibbeh or pakoras, for example — and prepare a large amount of them in advance. Simply store them in separate bags in the freezer and fry them up as needed.
Freshen up the living area
Check your living room, dining table, side tables and sofas for any scuff marks and general wear and tear that can be fixed in a jiffy.
Get washing
Wash and mend your kaftans, abayas and kanduras to make sure you are ready to attend the onslaught of iftar and suhoor gatherings.
Donate your pre-loved clothes
Clean out your closets and donate any clothes that are in good condition to your local charity center.