I admit I’m a neat freak. I’m that obnoxious roommate who can’t go to sleep until all my clutter is neatly put away. As much as girls tend to be ashamed of their little quirks, I think this is a quality I am proud of. Keeping my bedroom tidy gives me that fresh feeling similar to walking into a spick-and-span hotel room.
However, after having several roommates in college, I’ve learned that not everyone shares my fetish for cleanliness. Although it may not be feasible to constantly be straightening up your space, it is important to occasionally haul out the clutter and re-organize. It’s the time of year when the pollen starts to fall, our New Year’s resolutions start to wane, and our drawers are stuffed with chaos, it looks like it’s spring-cleaning time!
I inherited my “neat-freakiness” from my mom. Among the many life lessons she has taught me, one thing I’ve learned is how important it is to throw things away! The ability to differentiate between possessions that are memorable or just plain trash is essential to maintaining an organized lifestyle. Keep in mind, less is more. If you haven’t worn a top in the last year, trash it. Chances are, you’re not likely to start wearing it again anyway. Sometimes, I admit, I stumble upon a cute article of clothing I forgot I even had. In this regard, a little spring-cleaning will remind you about clothes that have been wedged in the back of your closet. Who knows? Spring-cleaning could even be a money-saving alternative to hitting the mall.
Practice a little feng shui. Freshening up your space with some revived style allows you to appreciate your bedroom in a new way. After taking the time to give your floors and free surfaces a good scrub, ask a friend to help you move around your furniture in a playful way. This is also one of the reasons I am a fan of reversible comforters and duvet covers. If you can find a beautiful bedspread that has two different unique styles in the same family of colors, it can be an economical way of giving your bedroom the facelift it needs. Adding some new throw pillows or artwork from Marshalls or Ross can also help spice up your living space.
Finally, keep the theme of rejuvenation going by applying it to your academics. We all need a boost of motivation this time of year when it comes to school. One way I attempt to stay enthused is by buying new school supplies. I’m not talking about adding to your collection of unused notebooks. Evaluate what part of your study habits are lacking, and go on a shopping spree to help yourself out. I recently just bought a new planner in the hopes of staying on top of my upcoming deadlines. Also, lately my papers have been building up on my desk, so I bought an expandable file folder that helps me label and separate all my handouts.
I told you guys, I was a neat freak! But now it is your turn to start getting organized. Happy Spring-Cleaning!