I know I’m not the first to say that maintaining a clean and organized space is incredibly difficult when you’re a student. You have so many things to balance, it’s easy to put yourself last on your list of priorities.
Growing up, my mother always cleaned my room, and now I thank her for it because it helped to set a standard for the type of space I deserve to live in. As I got older and started cleaning for myself, I found it difficult to find the time and motivation between work and school. The energy was nowhere to be found.
Eventually, I got fed up with myself, saying I had to clean my room and then never doing it. One day I mustered up the energy to do it because I couldn’t live in it anymore.
I wanted to make sure this didn’t happen again, so I accumulated a set of hacks to help students tackle the burden of cleaning.
1. Open your window!
This one might seem strange, but I often find myself in my room with my blinds closed, even though I don’t like overhead lighting. Opening your blinds and windows lets some natural light into the room and helps to air out your space. I know my room tends to feel stuffy after a while, and this step is an easy way to begin freshening up my space.
2. Make your bed!
Yes, this is an obvious one. Making your bed and washing your sheets will feel so good. You deserve to sleep on clean sheets. I only have one big blanket I use to make my bed, along with a couple of decorative pillows.
If you’re also someone that finds it difficult to make your bed in the morning, try simplifying it! I know I’m way more likely to make my bed knowing it’s an easy two-step process. Having a ton of pillows and sheets isn’t necessary if you don’t need them! It makes all the difference coming home to a made bed after a long day and instantly makes your room look put together.
3. Pick up your garbage!
This task can be a short, mindless activity. Maybe you’re on a phone call with a friend or listening to music or a podcast. Picking up garbage can be overwhelming, but I find adding another distraction helps. Grab any type of plastic bag, pick up anything you need to throw away off the floor and change your garbage while you’re at it too! I find this is an easy way to start cleaning. Get the smaller items out of the way so you can focus on your belongings.
4. Work in sections. You’re only human!
For some people, cleaning can take an hour. For others, it might take a couple of days, maybe a week. Regardless, working in small sections helps make it less daunting. It’s stressful pressuring yourself to get everything done all at once!
Maybe one day you focus solely on your nightstand and getting that organized. Another day, you decide to tackle your desk, and then your closet. We’re all busy and often can’t spend an entire day just cleaning. Breaking it up is a great way to focus on each part without it being overwhelming.
5. Ask for help!
Go easy on yourself. Asking for help from a roommate or a family member is always a great idea. There is no shame in needing support. Cleaning your room or home doesn’t have to be a short and quick process. Everyone’s idea of clean is different, so finding a routine that works for you is so important!
Sometimes what seems like a simple task is the most energy-consuming and not everyone is in the same boat. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from loved ones around you. You’re not super-human, and being compassionate toward yourself will only benefit you. Everyone deserves to live in an organized space. There is no shame in struggling. You’re never alone.
[Photo via Jeshoots/Unsplash]
