It's that time again! The spring semester is ending, the weather is getting nice, and it's time to clean out your dorm, apartment, or room. It can be an overwhelming task but there are ways to make it much easier and faster.

1. Categorize!

Divide the task into categories such as clothing, books and papers, knick-knacks, food and drink, and decor. Start with one category and complete it before moving on to the next.

2. Prioritize!

Begin with whatever task seems the most daunting. If your closet is overflowing, start there. If you have milk with a February expiration date, the kitchen might be the best place to start. By doing the hardest task first, you will feel accomplished and ready to tackle the next thing.

3. Set limits!

Decide that you are going to set aside a one to two-hour block of time each day until it is done. Even if you don't finish a task in that time frame, you will get a lot done without feeling that you don't have time for anything else.

4. Try things on!

When cleaning out your closet be prepared to try on most of your clothing. It is a long winter and changes in weight, muscles, and even a haircut can change how your clothes look and feel. If you haven't worn something in a year and don't anticipate wearing it soon, donate it! Don't be afraid to be ruthless when going through clothes, if you don't feel good in something, don't keep it.

5. Shred, shred, shred!

Papers take up a lot of space, cause a lot of dust, and look messy. Take the time to go through any notes, essays, letters, and articles you may have. Any that you want to keep can be put in an attractive binder and any that you won't need again should be shredded or tossed. Arranging the binders by date can be especially helpful. You will be able to quickly access any papers you may need in the future with minimal mess.

6. Look around!

Look at any posters, knick knacks, candles, or other decor around your place. If anything is torn, chipped, or cracked beyond repair then throw it out. A broken decoration is no longer decorative, it just looks messy. Once you've fixed or tossed anything that isn't in good shape, run over everything with a dust cloth and it'll look new again.

7. Admire!

Take a minute to sit down, take a breath, and admire your work. Having a clean, organized, attractive living space is important so give yourself a pat on the back for creating one for yourself!