Spring has sprung, Hillers! The sun is shining and parents all over the nation are taking out the dreaded cleaning supplies. It’s no secret that with this season change comes spring cleaning. However, this is a perfect opportunity to reset yourself for new things to come, and to end the school year with a fresh and clean feeling. Here is the ultimate guide to tidying up different aspects of life!
Speaking from experience, the three biggest areas that always end up messy and disorganized for me are my room, my car and my backpack. When life gets in the way, these things tend to be put on the back burner and they can go downhill fast.
Starting with the school backpack…where papers are shoved in, notebooks and binders are falling apart, and numerous empty mechanical pencils are scattered along the bottom of the bag. The first step is to take everything out. Be sure to shake every crumb and shred of paper out! Next, get organized! Sort through binders and notebooks and determine what needs to be kept and what needs to be thrown away. Any notes that will need to be used for finals stay; the homework from last semester can go. Once everything is all sorted through, put everything back neatly.
My car is basically full of everything I will need for the day, which usually includes my backpack, practice bag, work clothes and whatever else makes its way in there. By the end of the week, it often becomes cluttered. In the same way as cleaning out a backpack, start by taking everything out of the center console, glove compartment and trunk. Take a look at everything and decide what needs to stay and what needs to be thrown away or taken inside. Keep items in your car such as a backup coat, umbrella and a change of clothes for unexpected weather. Keep important documents such as car registration in the glovebox, and keep daily necessities like a hairbrush, extra hair ties, emergency cash and backup chargers in the center console. This provides an organized yet functional setup for any car!
Last, and certainly not least, is the bedroom. This arguably becomes the messiest due to the fact that there are usually clothes, desk supplies and other miscellaneous items scattered about.
I recommend first tackling clothing articles. Try every piece of clothing on, and if it doesn’t fit or you wouldn’t wear it, either throw it out, donate it to someone else or sell it on apps like Depop. Rotate the spring clothing to be at the front of the dresser or closet to allow easy access to it, but be sure to keep a few winter coats handy! Take any laundry down to be washed. Next, clean up any counter tops or desk tops in the room. Whether it be a nightstand or a vanity, make sure every surface is wiped and cleared off. Dust off any other surfaces like TVs or lamps. Finish by washing down the walls, vacuuming the floor, and making the bed.
With simply breaking down a to-do list, it takes the stress and pressure off of cleaning and leaves you with an organized backpack, room and car. Enjoy your freshly cleaned spaces, Hillers!
