The change of seasons from winter into spring often calls for some changes in most living spaces. Spring cleaning does not have to be a “dirty” word though, especially with a small space like a dorm room, studio, or small apartment, a little bit of cleaning and rearranging can make a huge difference. Here are 10 tips for spring cleaning in your small space:
- Add storage elements. Whether it takes a little redesigning, or an extra storage unit, having some extra space goes a long way to keeping your space neat and clean. Consider adding organized closet kits, space saver bags for storing heavy winter clothing and blankets, or adding storage under the bed or couch.
- Change window treatments and/or lighting to let more light in. Blinds that can open up to let light in, or a new color drapes will allow you to let light in to change the mood and brighten everything. If changing the window treatments is not an option, or even to change the mood at all times, switching out lighting fixtures can made the whole room look different. In many cases, new lighting fixtures are not even necessary, changing out the type of light bulbs can be all the change you need.
- Add scented air fresheners. There are so many new products out on the market now that really can make your dorm, studio, or apartment smell great. The new types of air fresheners smell great and not like fake scents that disappear shortly after opening them. There are some fresheners that time release scents, and others that bring a steady stream of nice scents of your choosing to your room.
- Rearrange the room. Sometimes it is hard to imagine a different layout than the one you have. Using software to redesign your space can be the answer to help you look outside the box. Using the software allows you to look at the room with a blank slate and you might find a way to arrange the room in a more organized way that gives you more space. At the very least, you will have a new outlook for the new season.
- Add new design elements for less. Pillows, pictures, and new fabrics all can be used to add a little something extra with a color or design that can be used in different areas of the space to tie the new look together. Bringing in the colors of spring to give your place a new look that brightens will also make it feel like spring. Add a yard of colored fabric to your headboard, or find a spring inspired wall paper you love and use it in a small space like a closet or pantry, or one wall of your house.
- Add plants. Plants, especially ones with flowers not only represent spring, but also add beauty and bring the outdoors in. Did you know that plants can purify the air in your space and remove toxins from the air?
- Feng Shui your design. Feng Shui is the ancient Asian art of transforming your space to enhance the flow of your chi, or energy. Whether you believe in the ancient mystery or not, there is no denying that setting up your room to match your personality and increase the energy flow will be an easy change that will make a big improvement to your mood.
- Free applications to organize your schedule. Part of cleaning is keeping organized in the first place. Check out some great applications that will help organize your life.
- Give your cleaning supplies a makeover. Go green with your cleaning and switch out to all natural and non-toxic cleaning supplies. They can be better for the environment and your health too.
- Make a new cleaning schedule. Let’s face it, spring cleaning is still about cleaning, but coming up with a new cleaning schedule is a great way to spread out the work load and organize your cleaning routine for great efficiency.
Bio: Amanda Greene is blogger for RHL, leading online supplier of college supplies.
