Maintaining a social life, staying on top of schoolwork and nurturing wellness in college can be daunting. There’s a lot to keep track of and it can be stressful to balance all aspects of life in college.
Nevertheless, one of the most important ways to relieve stress in your collegiate life is to keep your living spaces clean. Whether you’re living in a dorm room or somewhere off-campus, keeping your home clean is relatively simple if you have the right supplies.
Disinfectant wipes
Disinfectant wipes are an absolute need in any living space. Wiping down your surfaces frequently can help limit the spread of germs and prevent you from getting sick and missing out on your college experience. Disinfectant wipes are especially necessary when moving into any new space, especially a dorm room.
Vacuum
A vacuum is another tool that is instrumental in maintaining a clean space. Floors can gather crumbs and dirt easily, even if you’re careful, so vacuuming your floor often is an absolute must. A small dust buster can also come in handy when cleaning small crevices or underneath large furniture.
Trash bags
An abundance of small trash bags will also be a lifesaver. I never expected the garbage bin in my freshman dorm to fill up as quickly as it usually did, so having lots of trash bags on hand helped me to stay on top of that. It might not be fun, but regularly taking out the trash is an easy chore that will keep your room clean and free from undesirable odors or garbage overflow.
Paper towels
In any living setting, paper towels will always be convenient to have on hand. This is an easy item to buy in bulk, especially if you are able to split the cost with roommates. Spills and small messes are inevitable, and paper towels will save you a major headache.
Dish soap
Dish soap is always needed, even if you don’t think you’ll use a ton of dishes. Especially if you’re dishwashing by hand, you will always need soap to keep your dishes clean.
Not only will having essential cleaning supplies take the stress out of maintaining your room’s cleanliness, but it will always help to come home to a clean space. With a clean room, you’ll feel more equipped to handle the other stressors in your life.
This article was originally published in the Housing & Living Guide, an IDS special publication.
