Happy April, collegiettes! Spring is in full effect, so this means that we’re all in crunch mode. With only six weeks remaining of the spring semester, we all have so much studying to do and so many workouts to do. Why not add in a little spring cleaning to your to-do list? April is the perfect time of the year to be out with the old and in with the new, and nothing is better than coming home to a clean room and organized closet. By dedicating a weekend this month to the revamping of your personal space, you’ll start summer with a clear mindset. With these helpful tips, HC Montclair guarantees that you’ll be satisfied with your spring cleaning experience!
1. Clear the Clutter. This is the most obvious, the most time-consuming, but most important tip of all. Do not get emotionally attached to items or feel bad that you’re getting rid of things. They’re just that – things! Before clearing the clutter from your room, consider these two ways that you can go about it:
A. For a faster approach to your spring cleaning, take a look at the items in your room and in your closet, and simply give/throw away any items that you haven’t worn or used in the past year. Get a garbage bag to throw out any random items from your room, and if they’re in good shape, try selling them on eBay. You should also consider donating the clothes you don’t want anymore to the less fortunate. You’ll be amazed by how many things you forgot you had, and how many things you don’t want anymore. This approach will help you remove the items you do not need anymore, but will keep your room or closet in the same condition.
B. If you’d like to go the extra mile, separate your clothes and personal items into three individual piles: to keep, to store, and to throw away. You’ll realize that there are many things that you’re willing to throw away, but there could also be things that you need. What happens if they’re causing clutter because you don’t have enough space to store them? An option could be to get bed risers and store it under your bed, or you can make a space for yourself in your attic or basement to store extra belongings. When you separate the things that you need, this will give you the opportunity color-coordinate or alphabetize to be extra organized.
2. Actually Clean. It’s also important to actually clean out your space and closet. You can do this step before or after you settle your issues with your belongings. Be sure to mop, vacuum, clean mirrors and windows, and most importantly, remove dust off of the surfaces. Try to get dust in hard-to-reach areas that has been accumulating for the past year. Also consider laying dryer sheets in your drawers to have your clothes consistently smell fresh and to flip over your mattress. Clean your shades, wash your curtains, and wash your bedspread as well. Having a completely clean space will make you feel relaxed, happy, and more productive!
3. Rearrange and Redecorate. Since you’re revamping your space in more ways than one, why not rearrange it and redecorate it to give off a different vibe? Move around your furniture and invest in a cute table lamp, a duvet cover, and decorative pillows to add some flare to your room. Consider going to Marshalls (link:http://www.marshallsonline.com/), IKEA (link: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/), or Pier 1 Imports (link:http://www.pier1.com/) for your finds. Try rearranging your closet by purchasing closet organizers to have your space even more organized and neat. Great stores to find organizers would be Five Below (link:http://www.fivebelow.com/room/organization-and-storage.html), and ClosetMaid (link: http://www.closetmaid.com/en-US/Pages/default.aspx).
Be sure to dedicate some time out of your busy schedule this month to revamp your personal space. How clean and organized your room or closet are can affect your mood, so make sure you come home feeling calm and collected! Want more spring cleaning ideas? Check out our Pinterest board here (link: http://pinterest.com/hcmontclair/helpful-spring-cleaning-tips/).