With midterms and a pile of stressful projects, the weeks leading up to spring break often feel like a race against the clock, and it’s easy to forget about keeping your living space clean and organized. However, getting ahead of the mess now can actually improve your mood and mental health. Research shows our brains work overtime to process disorganization, so clearing the clutter gives you a much-needed mental reset.
To stay focused while you study for midterms, try prioritizing a to-do list and tackling your spring cleaning in small steps. What goes on your list is up to you, but here’s a simple outline to help you get started!
1. Do Your Laundry
Laundry can be a hassle, especially if you don’t have an in-unit washer and dryer. Whether you live in a dorm or an apartment, it’s better to get your loads in ASAP and beat the rush of other students vying for use of the machines. Make sure to strip your bedsheets and clean any clothes in your hamper or lying around your room so that your laundry basket is empty when you get back. Don’t forget to collect all the dirty kitchen or bathroom towels and give them a good wash, too! When you come back from break, you’ll be so happy to have a clean towel to shower with and freshly washed sheets to sleep in!
2. Reorganize Clothes
With the weather finally improving, it’s a great time to put away your heavy winter layers and pull out your warmer-weather clothes. Sorting through items of clothing can be tedious, but it’ll save you time and space! Donate any pieces you no longer wear; there are several donation sites a short drive from campus, such as Salvation Army and Goodwill. My roommate and I even set up our own clothing sale to make some money and give our unworn clothes new homes!
3. Clean Out the Fridge
Your fridge might not be top of mind when you’re prepping to leave for spring break, but nobody wants to come back to expired food or nauseating odors. Take a few minutes to check expiration dates and toss anything that won’t last while you’re away. Wipe down the shelves and compartments to keep everything feeling fresh. If you have a smaller dorm fridge, this can be done in no time! And if you’ve been meaning to swap out that Brita filter, consider this your reminder.
4. Declutter Your Desk
My “miscellaneous items” drawer has gotten a little out of hand recently. If you have a similar situation, it’s time to address the pile of crumpled papers, school supplies and other random items you’ve shoved in there. Clean off any dust or crumbs, and throw away old documents or anything you’re not using anymore.
5. Digital Cleaning
Speaking of documents, the mess of files, emails and photos taking up your computer or phone storage has got to go. This can be especially daunting, but doing a little bit every day can make it more manageable. Organize your Google Drive so all your classwork is easily accessible. Unsubscribe from junk and promotional senders, through both text message and email. Go through your photos and delete duplicates or pictures you don’t need anymore; that way, you’ll have enough storage for all your spring break memories!
6. Clean Everything!
Depending on if you’re living in a house, apartment or dorm, this may mean different things. Aside from your desk, clean any other spaces in your living area, including the bathroom, floors, kitchen counters, rugs and anything else that could use some all-purpose cleaner, mopping or vacuuming. Make sure to wait to take out the trash until after you’re all done to save yourself an extra trip. Finally, make your bed and you’re all set!
7. Start Small
While this many chores can seem overwhelming, it’s OK to start small. Check off one thing per day. Or, if you’re like me and would rather knock everything out in one day, have a cleaning party with your roommates. I like to put on music or the TV to occupy myself and make something as tedious as cleaning feel a little more fun. Either way, don’t procrastinate because it’ll only stress you out more. You’ll feel so refreshed once you get it done, so get to cleaning!
Written by Kate Jackson ’26, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs