Bedroom Organizing and Decluttering

You have the tools you need to tackle any decluttering project in the home – now it’s time to move onto our step-by-step decluttering tips for every room. Planning it out room-by-room is the most efficient way to organize and declutter, and most rooms can be completed in the span of a weekend.

How to Declutter Your Bedrooms

Bedrooms often become dumping grounds for stuff that doesn’t have a home in any other room. According to our survey, the bedroom is ranked as the #1 most cluttered room in the home. Realistically, you don’t need more than a bed, nightstands, and storage for clothes, shoes, jewelry and makeup.

Depending on the clutter level, it will take you anywhere from an afternoon to a full weekend of work to clear out and organize your bedroom. We’ll address closet decluttering in another section, as this area has its own unique challenges that are separate from the bedroom.

Start by Decluttering Drawers

Take everything out of your drawers, and ask the following questions about each item:

-Does it belong in the bedroom?

-Have you used or worn it in the last year?

If you answered, “no” to either of those questions, put the item in your “Get Rid Of” bin or move it to the room where it belongs. Once you’re ready to place the items back inside the drawers, try adding dividers or small containers so you can store like-things together. You can get creative and repurpose small gift boxes, shoe boxes, cereal boxes or plastic containers as drawer storage systems. You can also add shelf paper to make cleaning the drawers easier in the future.

Keep Flat Surfaces Clear

Or, at least keep flat surfaces almost clear. It’s okay to have a few decorations, a lamp or pictures on top of your dresser or night stand. Try to limit each surface in the bedroom to less than five things on top. When you have less things cluttering the flat surfaces in your room, the space will feel more calming and peaceful.

Utilize Storage Bins for Seasonal Items and Toys

Let’s face it – not everything can be tucked away behind a closed door. Closets are valuable real estate in a home, so certain items like kids’ toys or seasonal clothing and bedding often need to be stored somewhere else.

Kids’ toys can be kept in baskets, toy chests or even shelves in the bedroom. If you find yourself running out of space for toys, it’s probably time to donate the ones that were maybe a hit for a few weeks but no longer get attention.

Seasonal clothing, bedding and decorations can be easily stored in plastic or cloth bins that fit under the bed or in a closet. Space-saver bags and comforter bags are also an option if you’re looking to fit bulky items into a smaller space.

Ask yourself if an item sparks joy. If it does, you will feel light and joyful. However, if something feels heavy or confusing, then it's a sign that you have an attachment to the past ("I have to keep this because my mom gave it to me.") or a fear of the future ("What if I need it again?").

When you only choose to keep what sparks joy and support your ideal lifestyle, your home becomes a place that recharges you emotionally, makes you feel happier living in it, instead of being draining and overwhelming.