If you're anything like me, you leave things to the last minute. Whether it's writing papers the morning they're due, figuring out details to how to get downtown to the Justin Bieber concert the day of, writing these articles at the last minute, or waiting all summer to unpack from college, there's a reason procrastination is my middle name. This year, I decided to be proactive, and actually unpacked and cleaned my room the day after I got home. Spring cleaning seems like such an ancient term, but it's actually a very necessary thing. Here's my how-to:
STOP. Before you do anything, open your windows. Get the stale winter air out, and let the beautiful fresh air in!!!!!
1. Go through your clothes.
This sounds tedious, but it's necessary. While unpacking all your clothes, make three piles: 'keeping,' 'reconsider,' and 'give away'. Put what you could never live without in the 'keeping' pile, and what you haven't worn all semester in the 'give away' pile. All middle ground should go in the 'reconsider' pile, to be gone through again later. Be strict with yourself. If the article of clothing has some sentimental value, is having it hanging in the back of your closet really making a difference in your life? Probably not, so find a new home for it.
2. Rearrange your room.
Give yourself a new view. Push your bed up against the window, or switch your dresser and bookstand. Make a new layout to generate new energy, a newfound concentration, and a new start.
3. Get rid of clutter.
Find a home for receipts, old textbooks, extra bedding and towels from college, and make sure every place has a home. You'll feel better knowing there aren't piles of things to put away. Being a packrat doesn't accomplish anything. It only creates less room for a peaceful mind.
4. Kickstart summer.
With the space you call yours cleaned up and reorganized, you'll find your mental health isn't as messy. You've made your room a place of comfort, and there is no longer the stress of unpacking everything from college! It's rejuvenating to get rid of piles of unnecessary junk that just takes up room. Breathing is easier, your room is brighter, and your motivation is back. Cleaning the dust in your room doubles as cleaning the dust in the corners of your brain. Take comfort in the fact that the stress of finals is over, and the whole summer is ahead of you.
