Every year when January rolls around I have the urge to simplify â to start the new year fresh and clean and uncluttered. This doesnât mean getting rid of everything (Iâm faaaar from being a minimalist), just getting rid of the things that weigh you down. So, hereâs the unofficial guide to simplifying without going full-on Marie Kondo.Â
Whatâs the area in your room that stresses you out when you see it? Start there. A few quick tips on how to clean specific areas:
Take allll your clothes out of your closet, wardrobe, or dresser
Put the things you know youâre keeping back in right away â your favorite jeans, that black dress you wear all the time, etc
Once youâre left with just the âmaybesâ, try every item on.
If you wouldnât buy it all over again, it should probably go.
Donât just toss what you donât want, though! Donate it to a local thrift store, charity, or church with a community closet.
Again, start by completely clearing off your desk and study area.
Go through your binders and make sure everything is in itâs correct place
Migrate materials from old classes into files out of the way if theyâre important, or toss them if you wonât use them again.
 Make sure everything has a home â pencils should be in a bag or mug, papers in files or trays, and notebooks neatly stacked.
Make a point to clean your desk regularly!
If you have supplies you donât need, donate them! Letâs be real â you have way more pens than you could ever use.
Books are also a wonderful thing to donate! Your local library or thrift shop would be my top pick.Â
If you still have old textbooks laying around, list them on your schoolâs bulletin board to sell, since most thrift shops wonât accept them.Â
Letâs be real: most all of this can go. Grab a trash bag and toss anything thatâs not important.
You can get one of those rolling tupperware under-the-bed organizers, or just stick what has to stay under there in a thin  cardboard box.
Be sure not to leave things loose under there, or you may end up with some unwanted pals living under there ~
I donât know about you, but I feel like I have a lot of digital clutter. Itâs so easy to build it up and forget about all that you have stored on your computer!
Go through your phone and delete photos you donât need, apps you donât use, and old messages.Â
Do a major computer overhaul! Delete old files and programs so that you have more space.
Put all your files into folders so that theyâre easier to find later on.
Take a look through your friends and following lists, and delete all those people that post negative things.
This is the big one. Mental clutter comes from all of the above, plus just living your life. Some tips for decluttering your mind:
Do a nightly brain dump. Before you get into bed each night, open up your journal and write down everything thatâs on your mind. Once itâs on paper, you can let it go until the morning.Â
Find relaxing habits to practice everyday: yoga, taking a warm bath, going for a run, etc
Practice mindfulness or meditation
Practice not letting yourself harbor bad thoughts
Stay away from negative people if you can. You donât need negative attitudes to be adding your already stressful life!
Learn to say ânoâ more â if you donât want to go to your friendâs-cousinâs-nieceâs dance recital, donât.
Streamline your daily routine;
Get ready faster by nixing the makeup you donât love to put on and finding quick and easy hairstyles
Make an outfit idea board on Pinterest and fill it with outfits that you can make from pieces you already have in your closet so you spend less time finding an outfitÂ
Cook meals in advance when possible, or stick an easy meal in the crockpot before you leave for the day
Tidy every room just a bit before you leave it, so that you donât have to devote an hour to cleaning it later on
Make time for you each week
See if there are any chores that you can outsource (eg, some grocery stores will shop for you for free, all you have to do is order online and go pick it up)
Donât feel like you have to participate in something you donât enjoy. If you donât love the sport, donât play it
I hope you all have a very simple and relaxing year, good luck to you all!
ellievsbear
snowghoul
turnnoffyourmind
gummygunk
vaporwave
titsay
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