Spring is here! It is crazy out there--sun, then rain, then blue skies again. So instead of recommending an outdoor activity (which may get rained out), we recommend cleaning up your pad. Since you've been hibernating all winter, that may sound daunting but with the right frame of mind it could be a good start to a beautiful time of year.

First off, you don't have to go it alone. If you've ever watched Hoarders, you'll notice how tons of people come out to support the clean-up. Yes, it's an extreme situation, but you could ask just one organized friend over to help. We recommend bribery in the form of snacks. Pop some brownies in the oven (under $5 with on-sale mixes), bust open that bag of chips (also under $5), and cheers those water glasses (free from your tap) to a good clean-up.

Note: Identifying the right friend is important. Asking the friend who is messier than you is a bad move. So is asking the organizer with whom you constantly quibble. You need someone to help you stay on task.

Divide and Conquer

Taking a tip from some professionals, we recommend dividing stuff into groups: one is stuff to throw away/recycle (straight into a trash bag please), the second is to donate (a different trash bag), and the third is to keep (put this stuff in its place right away). You can make this a more manageable project by doing one room at a time. Take breaks between rooms to celebrate your accomplishments.

Note: Make sure you don't get started and leave a huge mess. Cleaning up is sometimes a messy process, so be prepared for your place to look temporarily and much, much better at the end.

Have Some Fun

No one said this had to suck. Sure it will be some work, but it can also be a good time. Crank up those tunes and laugh at the funny things you find in the back of the closet. Plan on a yummy celebratory dinner (cheap, of course) and enjoy being free of the mess.

Note: Dress comfortably for increased enjoyment. We recommend your oldest and silliest sweats.