Tidy up Tips

I live with three girls right now, all full time students with their own interests and Hobbies. I, myself, am in a similar boat and often am consumed with internship work or social aspects of my life. Unfortunately, this many people in such a small space causes disastrous messes. Most young women are organized enough to figure this out, but for those of us who aren't (because trust me it took a while) I have fabricated some handy tips to keep your house clean, your items in respectable places, and your relationship solid with your roommates, even if you do have different view points when it comes to cleanliness.

1. Keep Lysol wipes around. It is the equivalent of a paper towel and they work on all surfaces; tile, wood, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom. You name it, the Lysol wipes can clean it. Also, they last much longer than paper towels and because they are moisturized, can do a lot more work.

2. Make a chart. Yes, charts seem ridiculous and anal, but when there are a lot of people with too many activities to keep up with, it is essential that everyone does their fair share to maintain the space.

Our chart has a space for buying garbage bags, taking out the garbage, buying Lysol wipes, emptying the dish washer, sweeping mopping and vacuuming, and wiping off the counters. I hate it sometimes! but it makes maintaining a space that much easier while you are in college.

3. Keep your bathroom products to a minimum. I know it is hard not to buy every item the television says will make you look that much better, but it causes clutter in the bathroom and that is unnecessary. I like to keep a basket with my essentials and place it under the sink, that way only my tooth brush and hand soap are out. A clear space creates a clear mind. Often times, I forget to recycle old shampoo bottles, or I keep products around I do not like "Just in case", but the bathroom should be somewhere fresh and clean, not cluttered and dirty.

4. Keep a designated place by the door where you can place shoes when walking in. We are a bunch of college kids on a campus where you have to walk to most destinations. Friends come in and out often. The best way to keep our carpets clean and not throw our shoes around is to place them by the door. Shoe racks are cheap. If you are willing to invest, get one for your guests or use a closet near the door. That way, you can avoid dealing with the long term effects of a messy carpet.