If you live in the Midwest like I do, you know that spring is still not here; the random warm days and sunshine tease the weather to come. With the winter blues slowly disappearing, it is time to prepare for the upcoming season by bringing out the forgotten shorts in our closet and stocking up on sunscreen and insect repellent.

It’s time for spring cleaning! I used to despise cleaning, but now I want to keep my space clean and organized. However, whether you hate cleaning or you love it, these 5 tips to declutter and organize can easily be completed by everyone (and might be improved with a friend to help)!

1. Go through your closet and get rid of those items you NEVER wear.

I get it. I am a serial hoarder of old t-shirts, clothes with tags still on them, and pants with holes in them. Whether they’re old, worn, or you just don’t like them — get rid of them! Clear out your closet by donating or selling your clothes that are still wearable because even if you don’t like them anymore, someone out there does. This is definitely an activity that’s improved with a great playlist and a friend or two.

2. Get rid of the knick-knacks on your desk/dresser.

You know what I’m talking about — those small figurines and random items that you’re not even sure where you got them, but they’ve been on your desk for 3 years now. Go through these random items, and get rid of them! Are they benefitting you in any way? Do you even remember where it came from? If you answer no to these questions, chances are it is just taking up space.

3. Clear up your computer files.

Essays from years ago, ten different draft copies, and random pictures are probably clogging up your hard drive. Go through your documents and delete the unnecessary files that are slowing down your computer.

4. Delete your half-finished playlists.

As you mature, your music taste changes. I cannot count the amount of random playlists I have in my music library that I never, ever listen to. Go through your music library and organize your music in a way that’s easy to navigate.

5. Actually clean your room/apartment/house.

I saved the least enjoyable action for the end. Although you might hate cleaning, you should put together a pump-up playlist (after cleaning up your music library) and deep clean wherever you live. It may be hard work, but you’ll feel cleaner and lighter after it’s finished.

These are just a few of the ways you can prepare for the upcoming season. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can clean out the basement or go through your spice rack finally. However, these are simple actions everyone can take to welcome the season and improve their lives. Now, let’s hope I can follow my own advice.