How to Spring Clean the Right Way

Spring is finally in the air, and with the warmer weather comes a change of both wardrobe and attitude. Spring is the time to clean, purge and start fresh. While it can feel daunting at first, Her Campus has some tips to help you get through your annual spring cleaning.

1. Start small

Most people try to get all of the cleaning over with in one fell swoop, but lumping everything together will cause you to feel overwhelmed. Instead, start with a small task such as organizing your papers or cleaning out your email inbox. Then, build up to bigger tasks like tackling your closet.

2. Clean with a buddy

Cleaning sucks, but it sucks a little less with someone to keep you company. Instead of going it alone, enlist a roommate or friend to help you. Crank up the music, have a dance party and vacuum away.

3. Do some self-reflection

Take everything out of your closet/cupboard/pantry and put it all in a pile on the floor. When going through your things, ask yourself these questions:

1. Does this fit me?

2. When was the last time I wore/used this? (If it’s been more than six months, it’s probably time to get rid of it.)

3. Will I wear/use this again?

4. Does this add value to my life?

It is easy to hang on to things you don’t actually need. By forcing yourself to really think hard about each item, it makes the process more effective.

4. Donate what you don’t want

Rather than throwing your unwanted items in the trash, try to donate what you can. Some stores, like H&M, even reward you with a discount for recycling clothes.

Now that you’ve read the tips, you’re probably itching to start cleaning (okay, maybe that’s just me and my OCD tendencies.) If you’re not sure where to begin, we put together a 4-day plan.

Day 1:

• Go through your photos and delete the ones you don’t want

• De-clutter your email inbox and desktop folders

• Delete phone apps you don’t use often

• Unfollow people on social media who aren’t affecting your life in a positive way

Day 2:

• Clean out your pantry, fridge and freezer

​Day 3:

• Clean out and organize your makeup and toiletries

• Get rid of shoes you don’t wear

• Organize your jewelry and accessories

Day 4:

• Clean out your wardrobe (and remember to donate what you don’t want!)

Though spring cleaning isn’t the most fun or glamorous task, it’s a great way to declutter not only your home but also your mind. An organized space will leave you feeling more focused and less stressed. Happy cleaning!

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