Bedsides tables and the space around our beds are often one of the areas in our homes that become a dumping ground for all sorts of clutter. It's so easy for this small space to end up covered in all kinds of stuff.
But I think this is one of the most important areas to keep clear and clutter-free. When I first started my decluttering journey, this was the area that I worked on first, and I think it's probably still one that has made the biggest difference to me.
I love that feeling of calm and peace when I go to bed and wake up each day.
It's the first thing I see when I open my eyes in the morning, and so sets the tone for the start of my day, and the last thing I see at night so helps me to switch off from the day ready for sleep.
If you struggle to sleep, this is one of the areas that definitely should be clear and calming to give yourself the best possible chance of a good night's sleep.
I don't keep much on (and in) my bedside table, but what I do choose to keep there has a purpose and a place.
Our bedroom and, most importantly, the space around the bed has to remain clear of clutter.
A clutter-free environment is crucial for a clutter-free mind.
Now, it's your turn! This is a small decluttering project that hopefully won't take too much time but will make your days start and end much calmer and happier.
declutter and simplify
Remove everything from the surface and drawers, grouping like for like items together as you go.
Once the space is clear, give it a good clean.
Go through your category groups and ask yourself if you need each item. Can it be donated, re-homed or recycled?
Pass on any books you've finished, throw away any rubbish, remove excess/dirty drinking glasses and return any items not part of your morning or bedtime routines to their homes.
The most common things I find when working with clients are; lamps, alarm clocks, books, candles, chargers, earplugs, eye masks, torches, glasses - reading and drinking, hair accessories, jewellery, keys, money tablets and e-readers, magazines, paperwork, receipts, medications, pens, notebooks, cosmetics and toiletries, manicure sets, sewing kits, photos, tissues, adult toys, aromatherapy oils and underwear!
How many of those things can you tick off? And, what random items do you find?
Simplify back to only the essentials. If you don't need it at night, first thing in the morning or at arm's length whilst lying in bed, it doesn't need to be on your bedside table.
You can have whatever you like on your bedside table but choose carefully.
ORGANISE
It's common for bedside tables to end up becoming more like junk drawers than an intentional space to store your bedtime essentials. It's an easy habit of falling into when the space isn't organised and structured with no designated places for each item.
If you don't have drawer space, keep out only the essentials and keep them organised by containing them in a pretty tray or basket.
If you do have drawer space. Create a designated space for each item or category within the drawers.
Adding drawer dividers will keep the space organised. I do love clear acrylic organisers as they give as I like the aesthetic and fit of matching organisers (they also stack if you need to double up the storage space), but you can repurpose any small boxes, trays or dishes or you already have in your home.
You can make your drawers look pretty by adding drawer liners (or wrapping paper).
KEEP IT CLUTTER-FREE
Once you have decluttered and organised, try and be more mindful about what gets dumped on your beside table. Don't let this space become a dumping area or end up another junk drawer. Put items back in their homes when you've finished using them as part of your daily tidy up routines.
Small and simple is what it is all about. This one little change really will make you happier at the start and end of the day.
If you would like some more tips on making your bedroom a relaxing retreat, Click Here to visit the bedroom edit page and download your free workbook.
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