A new year, a new semester and a new attempt at being a more productive individual. It’s hard to be organized and put together right off the bat; you need to ease into your new orderly life. Here are five baby steps to start the year off right.

1. Put on some tunes and start making some piles.

A high energy song can put anyone lacking motivation into the mood to tidy up. Set aside an hour or two each day to jam out and make a dent in the pile of clothes sitting on “the chair” or go through those handouts from last semester. Don’t have a playlist for the January clean? Nine seasons of “The Office” are on Netflix waiting to be played in the background.

2. Has this been worn in the last year?

Is there such a thing as too many club function shirts? Too many pairs of black leggings? Yes, there is. A good rule of thumb for any closet cleanout is if it hasn’t been worn in the past year, it is time to get rid of it. The Harding Online Garage Sale Facebook page, Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity are great ways to sell or donate old clothing, jewelry and accessories. Still super attached to that Club Week shirt from freshman year? Make a blanket out of any article of clothing you are still attached to. It can be a memory that doesn’t take up extra space in a small dorm closet. 

3. Make your planner your best bud.

Making a point to carry a planner or an agenda throughout the day can save you from stress and headaches down the road. Find one that fits your style and habit and make it yours — color coordinate your assignments, utilize Post-It notes or use the bullet journal method. The Harding Bookstore has a handful of options for agendas that can be purchased on your student account. 

4. Clean your inbox.

Set aside a few minutes every day to scroll through your inbox and delete any unnecessary emails. Still not sure if you should delete that promotional email from Bath and Body Works? Most email platforms offer the ability to create a new folder to move clutter out of your immediate inbox.

5. Become a creature of habit.

Your body likes consistency and rhythm. Going to bed and waking up around the same time each morning and night will make it easier to fall asleep and wake up each day. Having a similar pattern to your daily routine can help you remember tasks. 

Written by Samantha Shepherd