As summer approaches, it’s a good time to give your bedroom a refresh, including eliminating clutter. According to Meghan Cocchiaro, the founder of Organized by Meg, your bedroom should be your ultimate sanctuary. “You start and end your days there—you can’t have clutter surrounding you,” she says.
Cocchiaro and other pro organizers have identified six categories of items that you should either store or discard from your bedroom. These items can make a room feel lighter and cooler, and removing them can be beneficial.
Heavy Winter Bedding and Space Heaters
Heavy winter bedding and space heaters are two items that can be stored away during the summer months. “Many people hold on to thick blankets and faux fur throws after they’re no longer needed,” says Carol Applebaum, the founder of Luxury Pro Organizer. Removing these items can make a room feel lighter and cooler.
Space heaters can be tucked away in storage, and swapped for fans or window A/C units if needed. This can help free up space in your bedroom for other essentials.
Winter Slippers and Nightstand Clutter
Winter slippers are another item that can be stored away during the summer. Applebaum advises taking a moment to part ways with any pairs that are in less-than-prime condition. “Since they’re often the first thing worn in the morning and the last thing taken off at night, slippers have more impact on comfort than people realize,” she says.
Give your nightstand a good clean-out, Cocchiaro advises. Get rid of anything that got shoved in there in colder months, like tissue packets, medicine bottles, completed books, cozy fuzzy socks, and lotions or chapsticks that you use mostly in the colder weather.
Half-Burnt Candles and Seasonal Magazines
Half-burnt candles and seasonal magazines are two other items that can be removed from your bedroom. “Get rid of candles that have lost their scent, become discolored, or are nearly finished,” Applebaum instructs. If you plan to light any of these unfinished candles next year, tuck them away in a designated storage spot.
Seasonal magazines can also be pared down. Nightstands or the floor next to the bed often become holding areas for books that no longer reflect your interests and seasonal magazines you hung onto for decorating ideas or recipes. Be honest about what you are going to read and clear space for what feels relevant now.
Any magazines you don’t anticipate flipping through can be donated or recycled.
Creating a comfortable bedroom is essential for a good night’s sleep.
Cocchiaro’s advice is to start by removing any items that are no longer needed or that do not bring you joy. This can include old clothes, broken items, or seasonal decorations that are no longer relevant.
Leave a Reply