A Guide to Spring Cleaning

Finally, it’s March, and the weather’s getting much warmer! You know what that means: spring is starting! It’s the season of new beginnings when you can finally come out of your winter shell. So, spring is the perfect time to clean and freshen up your life. This includes your space, your mind, and your schedule. Of course, this project can be daunting, and if you’re like me, you need a list to get you started. And while it can be shortened, this list will always take time, energy, and commitment, but it’s so worth it.

Ever heard of the expression “clear space, clear mind”? Well, it’s a cliché for a reason. Research has shown that a messy space impacts productivity, mood, and stress levels. Cleaning your space is a big project, so to make the process more fun, listen to music, put on a show in the background, or work on it with a friend! Now: how exactly do you clear your space anyway?

1. Declutter

If your space is overwhelming, chances are, you have too much stuff. You don’t have to go entirely minimalistic or get rid of anything you use, but getting rid of unnecessary clutter is essential to de-stress your space. Before you even start, pick a spot (somewhere out of the way) for three piles: throw away, give away, and not sure. Work section by section and go through what you have, asking yourself whether you use or appreciate them, and if not, put them in one of your three piles. Along the way, you might even find things you didn’t know you had. At the end of this process, you’ll be left with distinct piles. Go through the “maybe” bank. If you’re still unsure, ask yourself again in a week or two whether you’re keeping them. Throw out everything in the trash pile and give away everything in the donate pile.

2. Clean

Now that you can see your space, you can start cleaning it. Trust me; your room is dirtier than it looks. First, put everything that’s out back in its place, and if it doesn’t have a place, put it out of the way for later. Next, clear any dirty dishes and throw out any trash you can find around the room. Throw any dirty clothes and your sheets in the laundry. Now, sweep, mop, and vacuum the floor. If you have a rug, make sure to clean it well. Also, vacuum any cushions and even your bed. Next, wipe down every surface. This includes your desk, your baseboards (which usually go unnoticed), your shelves, and more. Don’t forget your fan blades if you have one, as they can get gross and spread dust all over the room. Windex or another glass cleaning agent is best for your mirrors and windows, but soap and water (in a spray bottle) will do. Finally, remake your bed, dust everything down, and now you’re done!

3. Organize

Now that your room looks clean, you have to organize. This step is the most important because it will keep your space clear in the long run. You don’t have to be naturally organized to have this. It just takes some careful planning and commitment. First, look around your room. Does everything that’s out of the way have a place? Or is it just shoved to the side or on a random shelf? If your room looks more like the latter, then first, designate each part of your room with a specific category. For example, a shelf for school supplies, a drawer for long-sleeve shirts, or a cabinet for books you’ve already read. Keep in mind what parts of your room can be easily seen and what parts can’t. So, put something that looks cleaner, or that you want to be seen, on the shelf, and put something a little messier (like your school supplies) in the cabinet. You also want to consider accessibility, so make sure things you use often are easily accessible and aren’t hidden away. If you don’t, you’ll naturally keep what you often use close to you anyway, and your room will get messy again. Now, move everything into these designated areas, including the stuff pile you made earlier while cleaning. Everything should have a place to go. You might even want to go so far as to label these places so you don’t forget, which also makes it easier to keep track of everything. While organizing, things you forgot you had might resurface (like when decluttering)! Feel free to use storage containers, baskets, or other containers to organize your belongings. This will help you keep your room clutter-free.

4. Keep It Clean

Last but not least, keep it clean. You don’t want to go through this long process all the time. Instead, ensure you do these little things to keep your room clean daily, so you never have to worry about this again (hopefully). For one, always put things back in their place. When you’re done using something, don’t just put it on your chair, bed, or floor; put it where it goes. You designated that spot for a reason. This includes dishes, too. As soon as you’re done with a glass or a plate, for instance (and it doesn’t have to be right away, of course), put it in the dishwasher (if you have one). Don’t even put it in the sink. If you can reach the sink, you can open the dishwasher and save yourself the trouble later. Also, make sure to vacuum and wipe down surfaces once a month. And designate a hamper or laundry bag for dirty clothes; don’t just throw them in the corner of your room or on your bed. It also helps to set aside just 15 minutes everyday to clean up. Everyone has 15 minutes to spare (if you say you don’t, you’re lying), and this way, even if you hate cleaning, you have a short, set time to maintain your space.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be something you only do in the spring. Use this list of tasks whenever your room gets messy or overwhelming. I hope this helps, and if you follow this list, you’ll soon find that a clear room really does lead to a clear mind.