Tidy Up Your Room!

How many of you, the teenagers, were still looking for your book or favourite sweatshirt when your school bus arrived this morning? For many teenagers being ready and finding everything they are looking for is a huge problem. Why? Because most teenagers nowadays are not organized at all. When you’re trying to get out the door on time in the morning, a messy bedroom can be a huge roadblock for you. Getting your room organized can be the first step toward more relaxed mornings and more peaceful evenings. Here are some expert tips that will make your lives much easier. Getting rid of clutter isn’t always simple. Probably, you don’t want to get rid of anything in your room. You may need it one day! To have an easier life you have to get rid of some clutter. Donna Smallin, who is the creator of unclutter.com, has a suggestion. Move everything from your room into the hallway . When the room is empty, bring back only your favourite or most necessary things. When all the necessary items are in your room, think about what you can give away, sell, or box up for storing elsewhere. If you have a desk in your room, experts say, keep it as uncluttered as possible. Dr. Martin L. Kutscher is a co-author of Organizing the Disorganized Child . He suggests getting a bin to file folders, to store homework and other school papers. Another small bin can be used to hold pens and pencils. Experts say that organizing can be fun. You can even turn it into a game. Buy two large trash cans. Use one for sports equipment and toys and the other for dirty clothes and label the outside. You can even add a plastic basketball hoop to the top of each trash can so that you can have fun tossing things inside. “Who doesn’t love to throw stuff?” says Smallin. Experts also suggest having a special bin or basket where tomorrow’s clothes and materials will go. Each night put everything that you’ll need the next day in it. It’s better to decide what you’ll wear in the evening than when the school bus is on its way. “Try to make it fun,” says Kathryn Bechen, who is an organizing expert. She is also the author of Small Space Organizing: A Room-by-Room Guide to Maximizing Your Space . Add a row of colorful hooks to your wall. You can use them for storing hoodies, jackets, even pants. Also you can hang a shoe bag on the back of your door. But you don’t have to use it for shoes! Smallin suggests using it to put things you need in. Experts also suggest hanging a large wall calendar or a dry-erase board in your room. You can use it to keep a checklist of things you want to do before bedtime and in the morning. “For the first few weeks,” Bechen says, “get into the habit of putting your things where they should be as soon as you get home. Repeat the steps each day. In time,” she says, “you’ll keep your room organized without even thinking about it!”