With a new semester approaching, I have been thinking of ways that I can simplify my life. I get hundreds of emails every day, I can never find my planner, and I have way too much stuff. All of this leads to me being scatter-brained and late to everything.

Hopefully, with the help of these six tips, you can live a much more simple, efficient life as well.

1. Unsubscribe from email lists

We all have those email lists that we have been subscribed to for years, and we always delete the emails without even glancing at them. Declutter your inbox by unsubscribing to the email lists that you don't need anymore. This cuts down on the number of notifications you get each day, and you don't have to waste time deleting all of the emails.

2. Donate clothes you don't wear

I have way too many clothes. I have my favorite things that I wear, and then there is just a whole pile of stuff I rarely touch. If you get rid of the clothes you don't wear, you will have more space in your closet and can find the clothes you love a lot faster.

For the items that you don't wear but have sentimental value, you can try to have them made into a quilt. It repurposes your favorite items into something you can actually use.

3. Go digital

Go digital with your calendar, magazines, books, to-do lists, and even your college notes. You can sync everything to all of your devices, so then you always have the things you need with you.

There is no more scrambling around for your grocery list, or trying to find places for your stacks of magazines. This is a much more eco-friendly (and wallet-friendly) option than buying and throwing away tons of paper each year.

4. Donate unwanted gifts

We all have received gifts that we don't really like, but we feel bad getting rid of. I have learned that it is just simple to donate or sell the item. If you aren't going to use it, it is better to give it to someone who will use it instead of just letting it sit under your bed for five years.

5. Don't over-decorate

Over-decorating can make your life a lot more complex than it needs to be. Filling up your desk, dresser, and tables with pictures, candles, and other decorations can make your room look cluttered. Try to decorate your space with a few meaningful items. By simplifying your space, it takes less time to clean, and you are not overwhelmed with so many knick-knacks.

6. Use up what you have

I have been trying this out and it really helps. Instead of buying another lotion or another pack of sticky notes, use up the ones that you have. This helps to cut down on clutter, and you can find what you are looking for a lot easier.