Back to School Organization Plan

We applaud Sparkler Adri Prince for daring to go to the depths of your messy room. Now, does anyone know what that awful smell is?? —SparkNotes Editors

So you spent pretty much all summer lying around with the windows wide open, watching reruns of your favorite TV shows, and reading books. Yep, a lot of movement, organizing, and planning has occurred (yah...right).

Needless to say, anything that has been put in your room by yourself, your parents, and/or your siblings has stayed in that exact spot since it was placed there. And now, I suspect that you have piles of random books, photographs, clothing, binders, and other items sprawled across your living space (with the exception of a small path leading from the door to the bed, of course).

With school now underway, I think it's high time that a drastic cleanup takes place. You know what they say (who is infamous "they," anyway?): "organization is the key to success." So grab those biodegradable garbage bags, recycling bins, and goggles, and get ready to attack the creatures who've decided to establish residence in your room. You have some serious organizing to do.

Step One: Start at the epicenter of the mess.

Identify those items that shouldn’t be in your room at all and dispose of them in the proper wastebasket. Remember, paper is recyclable! In the event that it's not paper, but clothing, knick-knacks, CDs, or other donatable items, pass them on to a sibling who might need them, or to a local charity. Most important part: Get rid of what you don’t need.

Step Two: Gather the remaining items and place them in their proper homes.

Yes, I know, movement like this is going to be difficult after months of well-deserved rest, but I promise that you will be appreciate it in the end. If you find that you have more possessions than shelves and drawers to place them in, invest in some large containers that allow you to store some of your belongings under your bed.

Step Three: Organize a spot in your abode that will allow you to get some work done during the school year.

Try to keep this spot away from any distractions that may cause you to forget about that assignment from three weeks ago that's due, uh, tomorrow. (Yikes!) I know homework is a pain, but in the long run it will help you get that amazing grade you were looking forward to. Make sure the spot you have picked out has everything you will need to get work done. You don’t want to be interrupted by a nasty pencil break and no pencil sharpener to come to your rescue.

So get to work on that room already! Stop staring incessantly at this article hoping that I will jump out and clean it for you. Because as much as you wish it is going to happen, I am deeply sorry that I don't have the powers to do that. Have fun and good luck!

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