I’m a decluttering pro: the 8 things I would NEVER leave in my bedroom
It’s all too easy for our bedrooms to become cluttered when we want to throw everything aside and hit the bed after a long day.
I mean, who hasn’t been so tired that they’ve thrown their outfit over a chair or left a pile of papers on the nightstand?
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Experts have said that our bedrooms should be the one place where we can completely relax and be stress-free.
But for that to really happen, it must be a tidy environment that radiates peace.
And not having stuff on the floor can make a world of difference to our level of relaxation.
According to Miles Davis, decluttering expert at self-storage software company Storganie, there are certain things you should never have in your bedroom.
He has revealed that there are eight things you should never let through the door.
And getting rid of them can help you sleep much better at night.
1. Clutter on the bedside table
This is such a useful space that it often turns into a mini storage area for chargers, books, water bottles and other items we like to have close at hand.
However, the experts suggest that a minimalist approach to your bedside table can help you make the most of the space.
Miles says, “A tidy nightstand promotes a restful sleep environment. Limit items to the essentials: a small lamp, an alarm clock, and maybe a glass of water.
“If you keep multiple items in here, a small drawer organizer can keep everything tidy.”
2. Unused cosmetics and beauty products
It’s also common for our dressing table to quickly become full of makeup and hair products that are new or barely used.
But getting rid of them will keep things from getting messy and can also give you a sense of relief.
Miles explains that there is a simple six-month rule we can follow to help us know when it’s time to move things around.
He said, “Anything you haven’t used in six months probably doesn’t need to be there.
“Try to limit just your daily essentials and store extra items in a bathroom cabinet or closet.
“This not only frees up space, but also makes getting ready in the morning much more efficient.”
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3. Clutter under the bed
If you’re short on storage space, under-bed storage can be a tempting solution, but it’s not without its drawbacks.
Miles suggests, “I sleep better when I know the space under my bed is clear.
“If you must store items there, keep it limited to a single, well-organized category, such as off-season clothing or holiday clothing.
“Clutter under the bed can make a room feel heavy.
“If you’re someone who is sensitive to visual chaos, keeping it clear might help you sleep better.”
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4. Piles of clothes
As previously mentioned, who hasn’t walked in and thrown their clothes on a chair at the end of a long day?
But this can quickly build up and make the room feel chaotic.
The experts advise creating a routine to keep things under control and prevent it from becoming too much.
Miles suggests, “Once clothes are clean, hang or fold them back in the wardrobe.
“If they’re dirty, throw them in the laundry basket.”
5. Bills and paperwork
In a space meant for relaxing, the last thing you need are bills and paperwork to remind you of the daily grind.
If you keep these in your room, you are much more likely to bring your stress into your sanctuary, which can affect your sleep.
Miles explains, “I never take paperwork or my computer into my bedroom.
“It’s my space to relax, and seeing work items immediately disrupts that peace.”
“Try setting up a dedicated area for bills or administration in another part of the house, and see if you sleep better without them looming nearby.”
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6. Technology
We’ve all heard sleep experts say that we shouldn’t use technology before bed if we want to sleep well.
This is because screens emit blue light, which can disrupt melatonin production and electromagnetic fields that some people find disturbing.
That’s why Miles says it shouldn’t be in the bedroom, especially when you’re actually trying to sleep.
He adds: “Bedrooms should be technology-free zones, except perhaps a stereo to play relaxing music.
“If you must take your phone with you, at least put it on night mode and turn it off an hour before bed.”
Here’s how to clear out clutter and get your home ready for 2025
A PROFESSIONAL organizer has urged people to save money and improve their mood by tidying up their lives in the New Year.
Elaine McKinlay, 61, has been sorting through clients’ homes for more than 18 years and knows the impact a simple tidy-up can have.
The lifestyle management consultant, who runs her own business Clear Mountain, thinks January is the ideal time to make easy yet impactful changes.
She suggests:
- Paper piles up – it’s easy to drown in a sea of paper and books – so start your year by organizing these things. Instead of getting piles of unnecessary letters through the door, clear out all the paperwork you no longer need and go paperless this year.
- Wardrobe malfunction – we are all guilty of holding on to clothes that no longer fit – or that we no longer love. Limit the size of your wardrobe for the coming year. Use the ‘one in one out system’, which means that when you buy something new, you have to get rid of anything you don’t use.
- Sink – Most of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen, whether cooking or socializing with family and friends, so it’s a good place to get organized. Clear away all unused dishes and equipment. Determine how much you actually need and use every day.
- Digi detox – take care of a digital clean-up, just as you would do at your home. Delete all unused apps and archive the apps you want into categories. Keep these apps in their categories so that you only access the important apps.
- Shape your life – Not only your house can be tidied, but also your life. Look at how you live your life, prioritize the things you love and throw away the things that cause stress.
7. Books
Many of us like to unwind after a long day by reading a few chapters of a book before going to sleep.
But keeping them in your bedroom can make the space look cluttered as they can pile up quickly.
The experts say: “Try to limit yourself to one book at a time, and put it back on a shelf when you’re done reading.
“Leaving piles of unread books is like leaving unfinished business: it weighs on you mentally.”
8. Fitness equipment
Many of us keep our fitness equipment – such as weights or yoga mats – in our bedroom out of convenience.
But the experts say seeing workout gear can remind you of unfinished workouts or health goals — which is definitely not ideal for relaxation.
To prevent this, Miles says, they should be kept far away from the bedroom and left somewhere else.
He says, “Save your bedroom space for relaxing, not for exercise.
“This keeps your mind focused on rest rather than activity.”
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