How to Clean Your Room Without Getting Overwhelmed

A simple, step-by-step guide to tidying your bedroom by breaking the big task into small, manageable missions. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Set the mood. Put on some music that makes you want to move. Set a timer for 15 minutes so you know exactly how long you'll be working. Knowing there is an end time makes the job feel much smaller.
2. Clear the floor. Start by picking up anything that doesn't belong on the floor. Put dirty clothes in the hamper and put toys or books back on their shelves. If you aren't sure where something goes, put it in your laundry basket to sort later.
3. Trash and treasures. Grab your trash bag and walk around the room once to collect any wrappers, scraps of paper, or broken items. Once the trash is gone, your room will instantly look much cleaner.
4. The quick wipe-down. Take your damp cloth and wipe off your desk or nightstand. You don't need to scrub hard—just a quick swipe to gather the dust is enough.
5. Finish the floors. Now that the floor is clear, it is time to vacuum or sweep. Ask a grown-up to help you get the vacuum or broom out and show you the best way to clear the dust in the corners.