The Sentimental Girl's Guide to Cleaning Your Room

Yup, it is possible to hold on to your childhood memories...and give your space a much-needed glow-up.

- By Eva Mandelbaum & Katherine Hammer

"My life was a mess...but I could clean my room."

That iconic quote from Lara Jean Covey (To All The Boys) spoke to me, a fellow romantic, as I entered the summer before freshman year of high school.

Nearly overnight, it seemed like all of my friends were Face Timing me to give tours of their brand-new bedrooms.

Then there was me. I'd lived in my bedroom since I was a baby...and it showed.

I felt attached to the memories of everything I'd packed into that space for over a decade.

But, tbh, I also felt kind of suffocated by the chaos...and envious of my friends who could casually declutter.

Nostalgic girlies, have no fear: With trial and error, I discovered how to stay sentimental *and* elevate my bedroom into something fit for a high schooler.

STEP 1

TAKE OUT THE TRASH

Block off a weekend afternoon because you're going to do your entire room at once. First, dump everything out onto your (made) bed. Yep, even your old ballet tote you never unpacked from last year's dance recital.