This Post: Hey, Teens: The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Messy Room (So You Can See Your Floor Again!)
Ahh, a teenager’s bedroom: a mystical place where forks and cups disappear, candy wrappers and empty water bottles multiply, and the floor becomes a minefield of (dirty and clean) clothes, piles of shoes, and random stuff.
I get it, teenagers! I have three not-so-neat kids myself…
Cleaning your messy (okay, let’s call it what it is… disastrous) bedroom might seem like a daunting task, but fear not, young warriors! Here’s your step-by-step guide to transforming your chaos into a clean and cozy haven. (Plus, just knowing your mom will stop nagging you about it must offer some incentive to finally clean it, right??)
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Hey, Teens: The Ultimate 10-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Messy Room (So You Can See Your Floor Again)
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Step 1: Prepare for Battle
First things first, crank up your favorite tunes! After all, who the heck cleans in silence? Create a playlist that will keep you pumped and motivated. Think epic movie soundtracks, high-energy pop, or whatever gets you in the zone.
Pro Tip: Avoid slow ballads or you might end up reminiscing about that time you couldn’t find your favorite hoodie, leading to an emotional breakdown. Definitely not productive.
Step 2: Survey the Damage
Take a good, long look at your room. This is your battlefield. Identify the major problem areas: the bed (which is actually just a laundry pile in disguise), the desk (where school supplies go to die), and the floor (is that… a pizza box?).
Pro Tip: If the task seems too overwhelming, break it down. Focus on one area at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed and end up binge-watching Netflix or scrolling through TikTok videos instead.
Step 3: Gather Your Weapons
You’ll need some supplies:
- Trash bags (for, well, trash)
- A laundry basket (for the clothes you swear you’ll fold later)
- Cleaning wipes (for the mysterious and unidentifiable sticky substances)
- A vacuum (for the crumbs and dust bunnies)
- An all-purpose cleaner (for surfaces that haven’t seen daylight in months)
Step 4: The Great Purge
Start with the easy stuff: trash. Arm yourself with a trash bag and go on a scavenger hunt. Target candy wrappers, old homework, soda cans, empty water bottles, and anything else that’s clearly garbage. Also, be sure to gather up all the forks, spoons, cups, plates, and bowls you’ve secretly stolen from the kitchen and bring them to the sink. (Better yet, put them in the dishwasher. Whatever you do, don’t throw them away!)
Pro Tip: If you find something questionable and you can’t identify it, it’s probably trash. Trust your instincts.
Step 5: The Laundry Situation
Time to tackle the clothes. All of them. The ones on the bed, on the chair, and possibly under the bed. Sort them into three piles:
- Dirty: These desperately need to be washed.
- Clean: These can be folded and put away.
- What Even Is This?: For the items you’re unsure about (you know the ones).
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure whether something is clean or dirty, give it the sniff test. It’s gross but effective.
Step 6: Clearing the Desk & Dresser
Your desk should be a place of productivity, not a graveyard for papers and half-eaten snacks. Start by removing everything. Thoroughly clean or dust your desk and leave only items that are necessary for doing homework and studying including your computer, desk lamp, pens, pencils, calendar, etc.
Pro Tip: When it comes to your desk, minimalism is your friend. Plus, it leaves more room for snacks and a drink during study sessions.
Do the same for your dresser(s). If it’s piled with stuff you don’t need, purge it. If you have mounds of makeup, zit creams, Axe Body Spray, or jewelry crowding your dresser, invest in an organizer like this one OR like this one to keep the space tidy. (It’s worth the investment!)
Pro Tip: I promise, it will be SO much easier to get out the door in the morning for school if you know where everything is.
Step 7: Attack the Floor
Take a look… what other trip hazards are lingering on your bedroom floor? Shoes? Stack them neatly in your closet or the corner of your room. Your backpack? Put it next to your desk or bed. Stuffed animals? (Yeah… I know you still have your favorite woofy from your childhood). Pile them in the corner of the room for now.
Now that most of the stuff is off the floor, it’s time to vacuum. This will not only pick up the crumbs but also scare away any spiders that have set up camp.
Pro Tip: If you find any missing socks, congratulations! You beat the odds!
Step 8: Surface Cleaning
Wipe down all surfaces with cleaning wipes or an all-purpose cleaner. This includes your desk, dresser(s), shelves, and any other flat surfaces. Don’t forget to dust those knick-knacks and trophies you’ve accumulated through the years.
Pro Tip: This is also a good time to rearrange your stuff. A little change can make your room feel brand new. Also, if there are things in your room you just don’t want or need anymore, try selling them or make a trip to Goodwill… just get RID of them.
Step 9: Wash Your Sheets & Make Your Bed
When was the last time you washed your sheets? Forget it… I don’t want to know.
For starters, pull your sheets and pillowcase(s) off your bed and toss them in the washing machine on hot to get rid of germs and, well… the smelliness. Make sure you include a little scented fabric softener so they smell nice and fresh.
Now is also a good time to wash any throw blankets you may have on your bed. (Chances are your comforter will have to be professionally cleaned if it doesn’t fit in your washing machine – check with your mom on that!)
After your sheets and blankets have been washed and dried thoroughly, it’s time to make your bed. A made bed instantly makes your room look tidier. Plus, there’s nothing better than crawling into a neat bed at the end of a long day. Fluff those pillows and straighten those sheets!
Pro Tip: If you really want to spruce up your room, go on a mini “bedroom makeover” shopping spree. Even a few new (inexpensive) throw pillows or a new cozy throw blanket can make your room feel new and fresh!
Step 10: The Glorious Final Touches
Open your blinds or curtains and let the sun shine in!! (If you have blinds, give them a dusting, too!)
Now… take a step back and admire your handiwork! Light a candle (if your mom says it’s okay) or spray some air freshener to add a pleasant aroma. Add personal touches, like a few of your favorite posters, wall decor, or pictures of you and your besties, to make the space truly yours.
Pro Tip: Snap a before-and-after photo to remind yourself of your achievement (and to show your parents).
Cleaning your messy room might not be the most exciting task in the world (seriously, I know you dread it), but with the right attitude, the right music, and a bit of humor, it doesn’t have to be a chore.
Remember, a clean room can boost your mood, help you focus, and even make your parents stop nagging you (at least for a little while). So gear up, get started, and transform your room into the ultimate chill zone. You’ve got this!
If you enjoyed reading, “Hey, Teens: The Ultimate 10-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Messy Room (So You Can See Your Floor Again),” here are a few other posts you might like!
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