A Fresh Start for Spring

Out With Old // Cleaning for the spring season is a great way to refresh your home after a long winter. Organizing and getting rid of things you don’t need can help you feel more focused and ready for a new season. (Photo by McKenzie Smoot)

As the weather gets warmer and the days spring forward, many students take the opportunity to refresh their rooms and routines. However, true spring cleaning is more than just wiping down desks or folding clothes; it’s about creating a space that feels calm and productive. After months of busy schedules and indoor time, clutter can build up quickly without us even noticing, making cleaning seem like a daunting task.

“I usually start with my closet because that’s where the most mess builds up,” sophomore Grace Sexton said. “Once I get that over with, the rest of the cleaning gets easier.”

One of the easiest ways to begin spring cleaning is by making a simple plan. Instead of trying to clean everything in one day, break the job into smaller tasks. For example, focus on your desk one afternoon and your closet the next. Many people use the “keep, donate, toss” method, which is a strategy involving sorting items into three distinct piles to organize your home or room. Practically speaking, if you haven’t used something in a year, it may be time to donate it, and anything broken can be thrown away.

“After cleaning my room, I feel accomplished, and my space feels clean and tidy,” sophomore Neyli Abeyakoon said. “It overall just makes me more organized and gets me ready for the season.”

Deep cleaning is another important step that often gets skipped. Most people tend to clean the surface-level parts that everyone sees, but if things are not cleaned from the inside out, at least once a year, they never will. This includes dusting shelves, vacuuming carpets, wiping down mirrors, and cleaning under the bed. Opening windows while you clean can let in fresh air and make the process feel more refreshing while airing out any cleaning products you are using to get the tasks done. Organizing with bins, baskets, or drawer dividers, can ensure everything is kept in place long after cleaning day is over.

“When I do my spring break cleaning, I sometimes even clean out my phone and delete apps that I don’t use anymore, because it makes me feel more neat," sophomore Jasmin Kapur said.

Not to mention, spring cleaning doesn’t have to stay within the borders of your home. In fact, it can also include organizing digital spaces like email inboxes, photo galleries, and school files. This type of cleaning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or boring either. Playing music, setting a timer, or asking a friend to help can make the process go faster. In the end, spring cleaning gives students a fresh start and a clean space to match the new season.

“Starting small and getting bigger helps me focus and feel less flustered while cleaning,” sophomore Raelene Hendron said. “It’s a lot of work at first, but it’s worth it in the end.”

At the end of the day, spring cleaning isn’t meant to just be another thing on your to-do list; it is meant to give you the opportunity for starting off your spring season in a new way. Spring cleaning, if done in the right way, can become a refreshing process as it allows students to come out of the hibernation of cleaning that could have gone on during the winter due to the weather and final exams. Overall, spring cleaning gives students another opportunity to get their lives and living spaces in order for a fresh start as they enter a new part of their year. By taking time to clean, organize, and reset, students can create a space that helps them stay focused and motivated. Using some of these helpful tips can assist you in completing your seasonal cleaning and can be a great way to get you started. A clean room can lead to a clearer mind, making spring the perfect time to make a positive change.