With spring upon us, there is one thing that everyone looks forward to: Spring Break! However, there’s also one thing that some, if not many people, dread, and that is spring cleaning.

Spring cleaning usually makes us go back to our childhoods, when our moms would zip around the house, cleaning everything from the ceiling to the floor. This usually meant that we would get stuck having to spend an entire day cleaning our rooms. Admit it, you just groaned at the thought of it while you read the above sentence.

With spring officially coming up, it’s time to close the laptops and pause the Netflix, and do a little cleaning. Now hear me out, it doesn’t have to be as bad as you think. Spring cleaning as an adult should be more fun and definitely more rewarding. Here are some tips to kick spring cleaning in the butt and get the most out of it.

• 1. Clean your room/apartment. Yes, I know this is annoying but you still should clean your room and/or your apartment. It’s not so fun, but if you put on playlist to jam to, then you’ll be done in no time. You really will feel better with a clean living space and knowing that everything is in its own place.
• 2. Recycle your old clothes. First, you can recycle your old clothes and other belongings into new objects. Cut an old pair of jeans into a new pair of shorts, or a long sleeve shirt/old pullover into an off the shoulder shirt or tank top.
• 3. Recycle your old clothes for a little extra money. This can maximize your closet space and give you a little extra cash for a vacation, night out with friends, or even new clothes! Go through all of the clothes you don’t wear anymore and pick out the ones that are name brand or still in fashion. Take them to a consignment shop like Fifi’s or Plato’s Closet, and see what they take! Both places, as well as other clothing and accessory resellers, will offer to let you shop from their selection as payment, or the opportunity to take the cash instead.
• 4. Recycle accessories. Have any old purses, shoes, wallets, or other types of fashionable accessories? Are any of them name brand? If they’re in good condition, you can take them to a consignment shop, too. You can also try selling them at a garage sale, Craigslist in your hometown, or the Craigslist page for your school.
• 5. Recycle old books, music, movies, and games that you no longer use. Some consignment stores are strictly for clothes, but there are reseller stores for used books, movies, and music that will take your old belongings and you can get a little extra money from it.
• 6. Donate everything that you don’t sell – or can’t pass down – to someone else. Someone else can benefit from your donation and you will feel better knowing that you were able to help those in need.
• 7. Cleanse your mind. Clear your mind of everything that is negative. Try a relaxing activity such as yoga. Take time for yourself to relax and unwind from hectic daily activities. Make sure you get enough rest each night and take time to catch up on the sleep that your body needs. If there are friends, acquaintances, or any other people that are causing stress in your life, cleanse your mind of them.
• 8. Cleanse your body. Take some time to take care of your body. Do a little bit of exercise for 30 minutes a few times a week. You can walk, bike, rock climb, or try any type of physical activity that gets your blood pumping! Try new and exciting meal options. Healthy doesn’t have to boring or bland. If you’re out on vacation, be mindful of portion sizes and feel free to try the healthy options!

Spring cleaning doesn’t always have to be bad. You can have fun with it, get healthier, be charitable, and even make some money along the way! Happy spring, everyone!