How we choose to keep our bedrooms can significantly impact our overall quality of life. This is because our bedrooms are not just spaces where we sleep, they’re also our personal sanctuaries where we retreat to after a long day. Therefore, it’s important to keep them as serene, organized, and clutter-free as possible. In this article, I’ll share 12 items that I never store in my bedroom, and explain why.
1. Work-related Materials
Your bedroom should be a place of relaxation and comfort, not stress and worry. When you bring work-related materials into your bedroom, you’re inviting in the stress that comes with it. This can lead to issues like insomnia, anxiety, and even depression.
For example, if you’re constantly reminded of a report that you need to finish or a presentation that you need to prepare for, you’re less likely to relax and get the rest that you need. Instead, designate a specific area in your home for work and keep all work-related materials there.
2. Electronics
Electronics like laptops, tablets, and televisions emit blue light, which can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. This can make it harder for you to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Moreover, having these gadgets in your bedroom might tempt you to use them before bed, which can delay your bedtime. Instead, try to create a bedtime routine that involves winding down without screens. This could mean reading a book, meditating, or practicing some light stretching.
3. Exercise Equipment
While it might seem convenient to have your exercise equipment in your bedroom, it’s not the best idea. Exercise equipment can take up a lot of space and make your bedroom appear cluttered and disorganized.
Additionally, exercise is an energizing activity. If you associate your bedroom with exercise, it might become harder for you to relax and wind down at night. Instead, try to keep your exercise equipment in a different area of your house.
4. Unwashed Laundry
Having a pile of dirty laundry in your bedroom can make the space feel cluttered and disorganized. Moreover, dirty clothes can release unpleasant odors, which can affect the overall ambiance of your room.
Instead of letting your dirty laundry pile up, try to wash your clothes regularly. This will not only keep your bedroom smelling fresh, but also help you avoid the stress of having to do a lot of laundry at once.
5. Clutter
Just like unwashed laundry, clutter can make your bedroom feel messy and chaotic. This can make it harder for you to relax and get a good night’s sleep.
To avoid this, try to keep only the essentials in your bedroom. This might mean getting rid of unnecessary furniture, decor, or other items that you don’t use on a regular basis.
6. Pets
While it might be comforting to have your pets in your bedroom, it’s not always the best idea. Pets can bring in dirt and allergens, which can affect the cleanliness of your room and potentially lead to allergies.
Moreover, pets can be disruptive at night. If your pet is in the habit of waking up in the middle of the night, it might interrupt your sleep. Instead, try to create a comfortable sleeping area for your pet outside of your bedroom.
7. Food and Drinks
Food and drinks can attract pests and cause unpleasant odors in your bedroom. Moreover, if you spill, it can lead to stains and messes that are hard to clean up.
Instead, try to eat and drink in your kitchen or dining area. If you must have something in your bedroom, make sure it’s something that won’t spoil or cause a mess, like a bottle of water.
8. Bills and Financial Documents
Just like work-related materials, bills and financial documents can bring stress and worry into your bedroom. This can make it harder for you to relax and get a good night’s sleep.
Instead, try to keep all of your financial documents in a specific area of your house. This will not only help you stay organized, but also help you create a clear boundary between your personal life and your financial responsibilities.
9. Makeup and Cosmetics
While it might be convenient to have your makeup and cosmetics in your bedroom, it’s not the cleanest idea. Makeup and cosmetics can easily become messy, leading to spills and stains.
Moreover, these products have a shelf life. If you forget about them and they expire, they can release unpleasant odors or even cause skin irritations. Instead, try to keep your makeup and cosmetics in your bathroom or a designated vanity area.
10. Uncomfortable Furniture
Your bedroom should be the most comfortable room in your house. If you have furniture that’s uncomfortable, it can affect the overall ambiance of your room.
For example, if you have a chair that’s too hard or a rug that’s too rough, it can make your room feel less welcoming. Instead, try to invest in comfortable furniture that you enjoy using.
11. Family Photos
While it might seem counterintuitive, having family photos in your bedroom can actually disrupt your sleep. This is because these photos can remind you of your responsibilities and worries, making it harder for you to relax and fall asleep.
Instead, try to keep your family photos in a communal area of your house, like your living room or hallway. This way, you can still enjoy them without them interfering with your sleep.
12. Bright Lighting
Bright lighting can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder for you to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Instead, try to use dimmer lights in your bedroom. You might also want to consider using blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out any external light. This can help create a darker, more sleep-friendly environment.