7 Things That You Shouldn't Have In Your Bedroom

Staying at home has become a significant adjustment for everyone in this time of social distancing. But, if anything, this has allowed us to not only spend time with the family but also do the household chores we have been neglecting for the longest time. 

Because the bedroom is where we spend most of our time, it’s only fitting to give it a little makeover and probably create additional storage for all the things we have collected in the past year, thanks to online shopping. 

This is also a great opportunity to maximize whatever space you have in the room and get rid of anything that shouldn’t be inside it. In this guide, we are covering some tips on organizing your bedroom by focusing on the things that shouldn't be inside it in the first place.

1. Clutter

A bedroom is supposedly a room where you find peace and relaxation—a place where you can recharge after a stressful and tiring day. Unfortunately, clutter directly clashes with that purpose, even those that you try to hide under the bed and inside the closet. 

What to do: Get rid of the clutter—books that you no longer read, clothes that no longer fit you, and any other stuff that is broken or you haven't used in the past year. Organize what is left. You may want to check out some outdoor storage bench options which can be as good as any DIY bedroom storage solutions in terms of maximizing your space.

2. Pets

Many pet owners are guilty of letting their cats and/or dogs co-sleep with them at night. While it may offer some benefits such as a sense of security, reduced stress, improved sleep, and help with depression, you may have to think twice if you suffer from allergies. From plague to fleas and pet dander, letting your pets sleep with you can be dangerous to your health. 

What to do: Pets can stay in the living room for the night. But, if you prefer them to sleep with you, you should take extra measures by grooming them regularly and cleaning the house more often. When sleeping, keep them above the covers to avoid direct contact with allergens and dirt.

3. Electronic Devices

From laptops to computers, TV, smartphones, and gaming devices—electronics have become so ingrained in our lives without even realizing it. It is why keeping them out of the bedroom is next to impossible. Add it to the fact that we use our smartphones and tablets to try and get to sleep at night.

What to do: Put away your devices at least 2 hours before bedtime. Find other ways to relax and put yourself to sleep. It is also worth mentioning that the blue light emitting from your smartphone keeps you alert when your body needs to wind down, giving you another reason to keep them out of the bedroom at night.

4. Exercise Equipment

Although it may seem quite convenient for you to keep your exercise equipment inside the bedroom, it is something that you should avoid doing for the following reasons:

• Unused exercise equipment is as good as any clutter. Worse, it may even become a cause of trips and other accidents.
• Exercising before bedtime can make it harder for you to sleep.
• If you happen to skip a workout, you would be feeling guilty and sorry for yourself, both of which can keep you stressed out and awake when you should be resting at night.

5. Workspace

This can be quite controversial, particularly these days when many people are working from home and may not have a spare room to convert into a home office. While a workspace in the bedroom is unavoidable, you can make some adjustments to avoid compromising your rest.

What to do: Set a work schedule and stick to it. If possible, finish all your workload 2 hours before bedtime. Avoid working from bed either, as you may have a hard time setting the boundary between work and sleep, which may result in sleep difficulties.

6. Dirty Laundry

Accumulating soiled clothes is a natural thing. This is particularly true when you do your chores on a schedule. Just don't let it pile up too high in the bedroom. Otherwise, it will make your room look dirty and even smelly, too, thus polluting the air.

7. Old Mattress

An average mattress has a lifespan of 8-10 years—15 years at maximum. Using them for more than that can result in an uncomfortable sleep. Plus, it can be unsanitary, too, given the dead skin cells, pet dander, insects, and every other dirt and particle that accumulated deep within its surface.

What to do: Change your mattress on or before it reaches the end of its lifespan. This also explains why it's better to avoid sleeping with your pets as they may speed up the wear and tear of your mattress. Even if it still looks good, you can benefit from replacing your mattress to ensure comfort and quality sleep.

In addition to these, assess all the possible things that shouldn't be inside your room. As a rule of thumb, you should dedicate your bedroom to things that promote quality sleep and create a relaxing environment. Think of plants, weighted blankets, air purifiers, and all the things that put you into good sleep at night.

This is also where the organization comes in. A good storage solution should hide away things that would otherwise create clutter in the bedroom—books, clothes, shoes, accessories, bags, etc. Drawers, containers, and cabinets should tuck them in, particularly when not in use.

Takeaway

Getting rid of the things that used to be mainstays in the bedroom can be quite difficult. But, you'll soon realize how doing so can make your bedroom look tidier and your sleep longer and more rejuvenating.

In these strange times, it's all the more important to prioritize our health and that involves making sure that we get a good night's sleep.

If you have any more to add to the list, let us know by leaving a comment below.