Transforming Cluttered Bedrooms: Tips For A Calm, Tidy Space

A cluttered bedroom can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that you don't have to tackle it all at once. Start by setting a good example for your family and talking to your kids about minimalism. Dedicate some time each week to decluttering and create a giveaway box for items you no longer need. It's also crucial to find a specific place for everything and be intentional about what you keep in your bedroom. Bulky furniture can contribute to a cluttered feeling, so consider swapping them for vertical storage solutions. By following these steps and making it a habit to maintain your bedroom, you'll be well on your way to creating a calm and relaxing space.

Keep items off the floor

Keeping items off the floor is essential for a tidy bedroom. Here are some tips to achieve that:

Utilise Wall Space

Use walls to your advantage by installing hooks, floating shelves, or mounting lamps and TVs to free up floor space. This approach also adds vertical storage options, making it ideal for small bedrooms. You can hang a series of hooks for hats, purses, and bags, which doubles as decor.

Be Mindful of Furniture Placement

Bulky furniture can contribute to a sense of clutter. Consider swapping large pieces for more compact, vertical storage solutions. Instead of a bedside table, opt for floating shelves. If possible, place a small dresser inside your closet to free up floor space in the bedroom.

Make Use of Under-Bed Storage

The space under your bed can be utilised for storage, especially for items like off-season clothing, luggage, gift wrap, toys, linens, and books. Use wide, flat storage boxes with lids to keep items dust-free and organised.

Create a Designated Work Area

If you use your bedroom for work or hobbies, designate a specific area, such as a corner desk or a closet converted into a mini home office. This helps contain the clutter and keeps work-related items from taking over your bedroom.

Stay Organised

Regularly declutter your bedroom to maintain a tidy space. Set aside time each week to put away clothes, clear surfaces, and remove any accumulated clutter. Keep your nightstand clear by limiting the number of items on top and making use of drawers or storage solutions.

Make your bed

Making your bed every morning is an effective way to keep your bedroom looking neat and feeling calm and orderly. It only takes a few minutes, but it can make your bedroom look put together and inviting. It also encourages you to keep the space tidy and can improve your sleep hygiene.

To make your bed, start by placing your pillows against the headboard or wall, if you don't have a headboard. Smooth out any creases in the sheets and tuck them in at the sides and bottom of the bed. Next, lay your duvet or comforter over the bed, ensuring it is centred and hanging evenly on both sides. If you like, you can add a throw or blanket at the foot of the bed for extra warmth and texture. Finally, arrange your pillows and any additional cushions or pillows you may have.

If you have a bed skirt, ensure it is properly positioned and lying flat. You can also tuck the sheets and blankets under the mattress for a neater look. For a more inviting bed, layer your bedding with different textures and patterns. Mix and match crisp cotton patterned sheets with a lightweight textured coverlet and a duvet. Add a fur throw at the foot of the bed for a luxurious touch.

Making your bed every day can be a great habit to develop, and it can help you feel more organised and productive. It is a simple task that can have a positive impact on your overall bedroom decor and your sense of well-being.

Declutter your dresser drawers

A cluttered bedroom can be overwhelming, especially when you don't know where to start. One of the best ways to begin is by decluttering your dresser drawers. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive tips to help you tackle this task effectively:

Empty and Assess: Start by removing everything from your dresser drawers. This will give you a clear view of the items you have and provide an opportunity to wipe down the drawers, making the space feel fresh and clean. Take this opportunity to decide what items you want to keep, toss, or donate. Be honest with yourself and only keep the items that you truly need, use, or love.

Categorize and Organize: Sort the items you want to keep into categories such as socks, underwear, pajamas, etc. You can further organize these categories by creating subcategories. For example, you can have one drawer for socks and divide it into sections for everyday socks, athletic socks, and dress socks. This will make it easier to find what you need and keep your drawers organized.

Utilize Dividers and Containers: Invest in drawer dividers, small baskets, or containers to separate and organize your items within the drawers. This will prevent them from becoming cluttered and disorganized over time. You can find affordable and functional organizers at most home goods stores or online.

Fold and Roll: Consider folding or rolling your clothes to maximize space and create a neat appearance. For example, you can roll your t-shirts and place them side by side in the drawer, allowing you to see each one without rummaging. This method also helps to prevent wrinkles and keeps your clothes looking neat.

Maintain and Edit: Maintaining a clutter-free space is an ongoing process. Regularly edit the items in your drawers by removing anything you no longer need or want. This will ensure that your space remains organized and calm. Set aside time every few months to go through your drawers and make any necessary adjustments.

Remember, the goal is to create a relaxing and functional bedroom where you can retreat and recharge. By following these steps, you will be well on your way to achieving a decluttered and organized dresser, contributing to a peaceful bedroom environment.

Clear the surface clutter

Flat surfaces such as shelves, dressers, nightstands, chests of drawers, and even the floor tend to become clutter magnets, with items piling up quickly and easily. Start by clearing off one flat surface, then move on to the next. Get rid of anything you don't use or love. Put things you want to keep away where they belong.

Clutter often arises from items that don't have a designated home. Find or create a home for anything you want to keep to prevent it from ending up on flat surfaces again. As you continue decluttering your bedroom, it will become easier to find spots for the things you're keeping.

After clearing the surfaces, be selective about what you put back. Aim to only keep your most essential items out, along with a couple of carefully selected items you love. Removing clutter from surfaces will have a significant visual impact, making the space more serene and restful.

Create a clothing hamper solution

Creating a clothing hamper solution is an important step in keeping your bedroom clutter-free. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Choose a hamper that aligns with your bedroom decor: Opt for a hamper that complements your bedroom's style and colour scheme. This could be a beautiful basket or a sleek bin that motivates you to use it consistently.
• Place your hamper in a convenient location: If your hamper is easily accessible, you'll be more likely to use it. Consider placing it near your closet or in a corner of your room.
• Make it a habit to put clothes in the hamper: Take a few extra seconds to put your clothes in the hamper when you take them off. This simple habit will help keep your bedroom floor clear and make the space look neater.
• Be consistent with laundry: Stay on top of your laundry routine. Wash, dry, and put away clean clothes promptly to avoid piles of laundry building up in your hamper or on your floor.
• Have a system for clothes you plan to re-wear: Designate a specific spot for clothes you intend to wear again before washing. This could be a shelf in your closet, a hook on the back of your bedroom door, or a chair in your room.
• Involve your family: If you share a bedroom or live with family, encourage everyone to use the hamper. This will help maintain a tidy space and foster a sense of teamwork in keeping the bedroom clutter-free.
• Consider customisation: If you're crafty, you might want to personalise your hamper by painting it, adding decals, or attaching a fun label. This can make it more inviting to use and give it a unique touch that matches your personality.
• Opt for a lidded hamper for odour control: If your dirty clothes tend to get smelly, choose a hamper with a lid to contain the odours. You can also use laundry fragrance products or natural odour absorbers like baking soda to keep things fresh.
• Create a routine for emptying the hamper: Make it a habit to empty the hamper regularly. For example, you could designate a specific day each week for laundry and ensure the hamper is emptied and ready for the next week.
• Use dividers or compartments: If your hamper has a large capacity, consider using dividers or compartments to separate different types of clothing. This can make it easier to sort laundry when it's time to wash and help you stay organised.

Frequently asked questions