It's that time of the year again: "Spring Cleaning". I honestly never partook in this lesser known tradition but I do know some people treat it as if it's a holiday. Honestly, the thought of going through every single thing and cleaning it out sounded nice but my motivation was sub par. So I thought to myself, what are some things that I would actually get up and do in order to make my space a little more livable? After some trial and error, I will now share with you some of my favorite tips that I've actually done and enjoyed!
1. Declutter Main Spaces.
Try and get all the junk off your bed, the floor, or your desk. It doesn't have to be pristine and shining, but don't have it look like a clothes bomb went off.
2. Vacuum/Sweep.
It's such an important thing but I forget to do it all the time. I always think that just getting all of my stuff off the floor makes my room look clean enough. Trust me, vacuuming/sweeping will make a world of a difference.
3. What's Under the Bed?
Ah, yes. The dark, hidden, forgotten land called "Under the Bed" is always a place that alludes the cleaning process. It's usually the home for all my random junk that does not have a place or something that I've shoved under there three months ago and forgot about. Well, it's time to get on your hands and knees and bring out your things to the light.
4. Wash All Bedding.
I'm serious. Wash everything: sheets, blanket, blanket cover, pillow cases, pillows (if possible) and anything else you sleep with. Those things collect so much dust and dead skin and who knows what else. A huge bonus is that it feels like you're sleeping in heaven once you wash everything and sleep in it for the first time.
5. Donate Clothes.
I have a tendency to keep way more clothes than necessary in the hopes I'll magically look good in them again. But it's time to face reality and give the shirt you loved in high school away to someone who will actually wear it. Tip: Plato's Closet will even give you some extra spending cash. Check it out here: http://www.platoscloset.com/how-it-works
6. Buy a Filer.
This is such an underrated little device but it is so helpful. My desk was usually filled with papers that I may or may not need and after getting an accordion file, it really changed everything. It kept all my papers organized and easily accessible. I highly recommend getting one, especially if you're a college student. It not only keeps all your class papers together but also any other important documents like financial aid papers.
7. Candles/Air Fresheners.
Not only do candles make your room smell amazing but their soft light and aura make it relaxing as well. They are such a great way to personalize your space and some of them are as cheap as $1 at Walmart! Most dorms/on campus apartments don't allow candles so air fresheners will work just as well. 
8. Curtains.
Curtains can add such a sense of class and style to any space. They give an instant feeling of coziness and comfort. Most of them are pretty affordable and can make an unfamiliar space feel more like home.
9. DIY Art.
This is a fun and inexpensive way to put more life into your room. Not only do you get to do some crafts for the day, but after you're done, they'll get to be put up on display to showcase how creative you are. Need some inspiration? Here are some Pinterest ideas that might help get you started: https://www.pinterest.com/explore/diy-home-decor/
10. Plants.
Plants are so versatile and so beautiful. You can get anything from flowers to succulents and they tie a room together to make it a truly "living" space. I got succulents for my room this year and (even though my cat knocks them down constantly) they've enhanced the entire look and feel. You can either grow your own, if you are patient enough, or you can buy them from places like Home Depot or Lowes. I bought some potted Grow-Your-Own plants at Target for only a dollar each!
Hopefully, this article showed you some things that you would actually want to try to do this spring season to freshen up your living space. Even if it's just one thing. We all know that our lives and schedules are packed and crazy and cleaning is the last thing we want to do but if little chores are spread out evenly, it might help alleviate some of the pressure.
Happy Spring Cleaning!
