So the chaos has began. You're smack dab in the middle of the first weekend of back to school. Aside from studying, going to work out and being to class on time you need to find time to do laundry, sleep and keep somewhat a neat living area.
Here's a short list styled post for someone to refer to if ever they totally forget how to reclaim their personal spaces after a busy school week.
Do you have the some of the needed supplies on hand for a field day in your room? Very funny. I caught you making references to the OITNB
Clorox wipes, Electronics screen cleaner, floor care, swifter dusting pads, laundry detergent, dish soap, disinfectant spray, baking soda. Be sure to check the welcome package and resident guidelines before stocking up on any cleaning supplies. Be sure to do some sort of check of the furniture conditions and stuff that you didn't bring before unpacking. Normal wear and tear of outlets or foot traffic on the floors is expected so don't go nuts trying to entirely resurface the floors. Rugs get nasty so don't hesitate replacing it or even better find a machine washable space rug and launder it every few months.
How have you staged your room? The easier you make the space to enter and exit, the easier you'll be able to keep a breathable living area. Do you have people coming and going frequently? Don't make it easy for someone to claim your space or belongings as their own. This isn't a lesson easily taught but quickly learned.
Do you have a kitchenette in your space? Lucky you. In theory a kitchenette is an area likely to have a sink to wash dishes, an easily cleanable floor, counter space, cabinetry, and somewhere to plug in toasters, hot plates, microwaves, etc. May or may not include refrigeration. Include a specific cleaning caddy for this area in your shopping plan. Dishwashing gloves, an apron, floor mat and reusable disposable cleaning cloths are good items to keep in stock.
Were you able to bring your clunker from home? #MyWorstCar Stories were fun. Keep your wheels clean. Even if you're only bringing a bicycle to commute with. Follow this guide for easy bike cleaning and this for cleaning your car on the cheap. Keep it simple. Be reasonable with the car wash bicycle share program wash fundrasiser you've got in mind for rushing freshman...or not. Have a cleaning caddy designated for keeping the your car and bike free of dirt buildup from the road and a nice place to sleep between work and class schedule.
So far we've discussed how to arrange your room for function, talk to roommate about best time to keep a cleaning schedule, supplies for a kitchenette cleaning caddy, a study/sleeping area cleaning caddy, and a caddy for your wheels. Educators could also use this to plan their supply closets, teaching spaces and lounge areas. Finding ways to keep your students accountable in this process is a valuable lesson.
