The colder weather is nearing an end, bringing along a new season of growth and rejuvenation. Spring is a season of change and not just in the weather; it’s a time to reset your mental and physical space. To get a head start on the upcoming season, here are a few decluttering tips.
- Go through your closet
Going through your closet is a great way to start off the season. Look through your winter wardrobe and put away the clothing items that are too warm and bulky for the impending higher temperatures. Take them back home or pack them away to free up space for the clothes you will wear.
Picking through your closet is also a perfect opportunity to let go of clothes you haven’t used this winter. It’s time to get rid of the pieces that no longer fit you or your personal style. You’re not meant to fit your clothes; your clothes are meant to fit you! Let go of the clothing items taking up space in your closet to make room for some brand-new pieces that you’ll feel good in this spring.
After you finish sorting your clothes out, you may ask yourself, “Well, what can I do with the clothes I don’t want anymore?” The answer is to donate them! Not only is it an act of kindness, but donating clothes is much better for the environment than simply throwing them away. Upcycling is another great option if you’re creative and want to turn your old clothes into something new. - Get rid of miscellaneous papers
It’s safe to say that many of us have a habit of letting random papers accumulate, such as mail, school worksheets, or paperwork. Go through your paper stacks and divide it into sections to decide what you should save, throw out, or shred. Keep a box or folder for important paperwork so you can keep better track of them in the future. - Create a comfortable work setting
Your spring cleaning should consist of crafting a perfectly tidy and organized environment. Whether you are studying for your exams, doing homework, or completing any other kind of work, you need a comfortable space for maximum productivity.
Clear off your desk, give it a good wipe down, and then be intentional with what you decide to place back on it. Your desk should be a clean space that motivates you, not a cluttered mess that fosters distractions. Spruce it up with non-distracting products like school supplies, plants, and candles. - Clean…everywhere
Now it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. You’d be amazed how much dust can accumulate over a short period of time, so it’s time to start cleaning everything. From your bathroom and floors to your refrigerator and appliances, grab your cleaning supplies and start wiping everything down.
Dayanara Olmedo, a freshman biology student, advises, “When you’re doing your spring cleaning, turn on a candle and put on some music to ease some of your stress and make your cleaning time more fun.”
Organization is the next step. I find that overcrowded spaces with too many random items is overwhelming. Usually when I do my organizing, I make sure to keep it minimalistic and tidy to ensure there is less mess for the upcoming days. Every time I see something I do not use, I throw it out or pass it on to someone else. - Get a planner or calendar
Utilizing a planner or calendar will be your best friend. As students, we have many responsibilities every day. It can be easy to lose track of the tasks we need to complete and the various deadlines we need to stay on top of. Having a planner to help you get through your day-to-day activities and assignments will help keep you from feeling too overwhelmed. It will also help you construct your routines, whether it be selecting a laundry and cleaning day or allocating study time.
Keep in mind that spring cleaning is all about getting rid of items you no longer use and keeping your surroundings as organized and clutter-free as possible. Starting the spring season with a clean environment will help you thrive this season and achieve maximum productivity.
