Organizing a bedroom – 9 ways to create a neat space
Organizing a bedroom – 9 ways to create a neat space
When it comes to organizing a bedroom, there’s more at stake than just a neat and tidy space. According to the experts, clutter can trigger stress hormones that affect our sleeping patterns, which in turn affects our overall happiness and wellbeing.
To achieve your perfect bedroom, good organization and excellent storage should be a priority. ‘A well thought out bedroom created with care will help you to sleep well and feel calm and happy every day’, says Dr Lindsay Browning, psychologist, neuroscientist and sleep expert for And So To Bed.
Organizing a bedroom is easier than you might think, and even therapeutic, and after a good clear out, you’re well-placed to organize the space you have.
The more effective your bedroom storage are, the easier it is to maintain an organized bedroom going forwards. Tackling one category or area at a time makes it far less daunting; start by organizing a closet, then move on to organizing clothes and organizing jewelry, for example.
We’ve spoken to professional experts to get the best tips and advice on decluttering and organizing a bedroom, so you can enjoy an ordered and stylish space.
BY TARA KING
1. Say goodbye to clutter
It’s impossible to relax in a space that’s over full, and the less there is in your bedroom, the better, so begin by decluttering. From well-loved clothing to treasured jewelry, a bedroom is often home to a lot of sentimental items that can be tricky to let go of, but it’s worth it in the long run.
‘Don’t overwhelm yourself by pulling the entire contents of your bedroom out in one go – it’ll take far longer than you expect,’ says decluttering expert Vicky Silverthorn of You Need a Vicky. Start small and focus on one area, work on it and complete it – then stop.’
When deciding what to keep, ask yourself three things. Is it functional? Does it look good? Does it do what it needs to do? If the answer is no to any of these, it’s time to let it go.
It’s not just clutter that can have a negative effect on your state of mind. Devices, desks and anything work related should be banished from the room, too – they can create an association of alertness instead of relaxation, not ideal in a room designed to unwind.
2. Go bespoke to maximize storage
The key to a well-organized bedroom is efficient clothes storage. Bespoke systems help to make the best of the space you’ve got – particularly important if you’re organizing a small bedroom. Sized to the location, they also give flexibility in terms of internal storage solutions.
‘We believe in the beauty of creative functionality, proposing ‘his and her’ drawer fitments that provide innovative compartments, hanging rails, shoe and trouser racks and specialist pull-out shelving to suit your lifestyle’, says Simon Bodsworth, managing director at Daval.
3. Zone your bedroom
Think about how you use your bedroom and arrange items accordingly.
‘Designating an area for sleeping, dressing, putting makeup on and so on gives structure and creates a nice sense of flow to the room, plus you’ll have a clear idea of what needs to go where. This will help you stay on top of organization going forwards,’ home organizer Emma George of Declutter with Emma.
Juliette Thomas of Juliettes Interiors agrees, and adds: ‘if you’ve got the space, consider zoning your bedroom with a rug and a cozy armchair. Not only does this look stylish, it provides you with a cozy reading space when you fancy some alone time.'
4. Create ‘drop zones’ to catch clutter
The clue is in the name – a bedroom’s primary purpose is to enable a peaceful night’s sleep. For that reason, any items not related to that purpose should be relocated. Set up storage space (a slim cabinet or chest of drawers or a narrow console table work well) just outside your bedroom door for storing books, devices, yoga mats, and anything else you might want to keep easily accessible for use during the day.
If you’re lucky enough to have an ensuite, consider positioning a console table near the door. This acts as a pre-bath drop zone for clothing and other small items that might otherwise end up on the floor.
5. Use the space under the bed
Free up prime storage space elsewhere in the bedroom by storing seasonal clothing, bedding and things you don’t need to access often such as ski jackets or hiking boots in underbed storage. Be conscious that out of sight often means out of mind, so carry out a regular declutter to avoid it becoming a dumping ground.
If you’re in the market for a new bed, consider an ottoman design – they’re the best for maximizing storage space. Alternatively, pull out drawers or boxes are just as useful, just be sure to measure the height and width beforehand; ideally you want a snug fit, so you’re not left with dead space.
6. Neaten up your nightstand
From drinking glasses and books to eye-masks and jewelry, a nightstand can quickly turn into a catch-all – and a cluttered one at that. You’re more likely to lose things, too. Reserve it only for items you need immediately before sleep or upon waking, anything else can be stored elsewhere.
‘We often recommend a design with at least one drawer to stash items out of sight, but we do love the look of an open nightstand as well – just be sure to add in some lidded boxes, baskets and ceramic bowls to corral items and create a sense of organization,’ says Heather Goerzen, design editor and Havenly.
7. Store jewelry in style
When organizing jewelry, doubling up on necessary jewelry storage solutions and décor is a clever way of bringing a decorative flourish to your bedroom without adding clutter, whether it’s a beautiful jewelry box atop a chest of drawers, a stylised collection of small dishes, boxes and trays or eye-catching necklaces hanging from decorative hooks.
Reserve on-show surface space for pieces you wear everyday and stow lesser-worn pieces away out of sight. Use clear, stackable containers so you can see what you need at a glance.
‘If you’re storing jewelry within drawers, use dividers, compartments or bespoke jewelry organizers to help you keep your pieces separated into categories – this makes it easier to find what you need in a hurry,’ says Emma. The same goes for organizing makeup, where dividers and compartments will keep essentials to hand.
8. Categorize your clothes
Effective closet organization is integral to an orderly bedroom and can transform your morning routine for the better, so it’s important to give some thought to how you organize clothes and organize shoes.
Start by paring back your collection, then group garments into categories. Create sections for workwear, casual and occasion wear to make the morning routine run as smoothly as possible. Give everyday essentials ‘prime real estate’ and stow away out-of-season items that don’t need to be accessed regularly.
If you’re using open storage, such as a clothes rail or shelving, consider organizing your clothes in order of color to create an attractive ombre effect. This method is widely thought to make you feel happier, according to organizational guru Marie Kondo.
9. Keep the floor clear
A floor strewn with shoes and clothes is not conducive to a relaxing space. Get into the habit of putting items away at the end of the day. Make sure everything has a home; if you have to question where this is, then it’s not obvious enough. Bedroom organizers, such as well-placed baskets, make it easy to throw things into if you’re feeling lazy – whether it’s shoes or dirty laundry.
‘Our separation basket comes with dual compartments, removable tote bags and easy-carry handles, saving you both time and frustration. Store it in a wardrobe or the corner of the room to free up more space,’ advises Antony Joseph, design director at Joseph Joseph.
Organizing a bedroom is one of the best things you can do for a restful night’s sleep – we’ve spoken to the experts to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed