How to Declutter Your Space Before the Break
By Ellice Ellis ‘20
Let’s face it, the semester is basically over. It’s the last week of classes and I bet you all are extremely stressed and exhausted. I get it! On top of studying, finishing up projects and writing essays, some of you have to pack and tidy up for the winter break.
This was very difficult for me my freshman year. It was my first college break and I didn’t know what I needed to bring home and how to prepare for the upcoming holidays. My advice to you all is to make sure your room is tidy and neat BEFORE you leave for the break. In addition to not coming back to a huge mess and clutter, a clean room made my studying more effective and helped me clear my head.
To help jumpstart your pre-winter break tasks, here are the tips and tricks to de-cluttering your room before you leave.
My first tip for you is to not put off the little tasks. If you spent all night studying and your desk is covered with books, papers, snack wrappers and pens - clean them up immediately. Letting you mess pile up will make decluttering a nightmare.
If you know you need to vacuum, fold clothes, or wipe down your counters, do it at your earliest convenience. Any other method will have your scrambling to clean up the day before you leave.
Next, sort through the clothes you don’t wear. As a self-proclaimed shopaholic, I have way too many clothes. Right now in my room, there are two drawers full of clothes that I never wear. I’ve put myself up to the task to take everything I do not wear to either Goodwill or back home so my younger sister can wear them. This will also help with packing and help you free up some closet space. My tip for getting rid of clothes is: If you haven’t worn it this semester, its time to say bye-bye!
Freeing up space in your closet is also a great way to see what staple items you need (and you can even add them to your holiday gift list!)
Next, I suggest getting rid of all unneeded papers and books. Sort through all those handouts and syllabi and recycle them. As for books, see if you can sell them on the USC Textbook Exchange Facebook page, chegg.com, or bookscouter.com. This is also a great way to make extra cash.
Take inventory of what you need. As you clean up before break, make a list of all the cleaning and organizing supplies needed. Whether it be new bins, a hamper, hooks to hang your bags, etc. making a list of things you need while cleaning is effective and avoids further clutter. Ask your relatives over the break to help you out with a few of these items.
Lastly, make sure you create a “lost items” bin. This is for clothes you need to return to friends, books you borrowed or anything that isn’t yours that you need to return. Your lost “items bin” or pile helps you set aside items which do not need to be organized/cleaned up.
Cleaning out your room means you have less stuff to put in storage or take home with you and it is easier to move in and out of new home over the next four years. As finals approach, it is great to have a clear mind and a cleaner room.
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