Your nightstand is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s a small space where you keep things close at hand for convenience or comfort. Over time, it can become a catch-all for various items that might not actually belong there. This can affect how peaceful and organized your bedroom feels, especially if you’re holding on to things out of habit.
Knowing what to remove from your nightstand can help create a calmer, more restful environment. This is especially true if you identify with certain older generation habits that might no longer serve your space or your sleep. By taking a fresh look at what’s by your bedside, you can simplify your surroundings and improve your nightly routine.
Expired medications
Keeping expired medications on your nightstand can be risky. Some medicines lose effectiveness over time, while others can potentially harm you if used past their expiration date.
It’s easy to forget to check the dates, but regularly clearing out expired pills helps you stay safe. Avoid taking any medicine that’s past its expiration.
Also, don’t share or give away medications to others, even if they are not expired. Proper storage and disposal keep your space tidy and your health protected.
Old reading glasses
You might be tempted to keep your old reading glasses on your nightstand. But they can create clutter and take up space you could use for more helpful items.
Old glasses don’t need to sit around unused. Instead, consider recycling or donating them. This helps others and clears your nightstand for items that contribute to your rest.
Keeping multiple pairs nearby can also add confusion when you just need the right ones quickly. Stick to the pair you use most and find a new purpose for the rest.
Stacks of unread mail
Having stacks of unread mail on your nightstand can create unnecessary visual clutter. It may also cause you to feel overwhelmed at the end of the day.
Your nightstand should be a calm, restful space. Keeping mail elsewhere helps you mentally separate relaxation from tasks.
Try setting up a dedicated spot for mail away from your bedroom. This small change can make your nightstand feel tidier and more inviting.
Outdated alarm clocks
If you still have an old, bulky alarm clock on your nightstand, it might be time for an update. These clocks can add unnecessary clutter and sometimes emit distracting lights or sounds.
You might want to swap it for a sleek, modern alarm clock designed to be less intrusive. This change can help keep your nightstand tidy and improve your sleep environment.
Using your phone as an alarm can also interfere with rest, so a simple, quiet alarm clock is a better choice. Keeping distractions away from your nightstand supports a peaceful bedtime routine.
Unused phone chargers
You might be tempted to keep extra phone chargers on your nightstand for easy access. However, unused chargers still draw a small amount of power when plugged in. This “phantom power” can add to your energy waste over time.
Leaving chargers plugged in can also pose minor safety risks. It’s safer to unplug them when you don’t need them. This simple habit helps reduce unnecessary power use and keeps your space clutter-free.
Empty water bottles
You might keep empty water bottles on your nightstand out of habit, but they can create unwanted clutter. They take up space that could be better used for items that help your sleep or make your bedtime routine easier.
Empty bottles also collect dust and can attract pests if left too long. Tossing them out regularly keeps your nightstand neat and hygienic. This small change can make your sleeping area feel more peaceful and organized.
Heavy books or magazines
Having a stack of books or magazines on your nightstand can seem like a cozy bedtime habit. But heavy piles can easily tip over, especially if you reach for them in the dark.
This creates a risk of injury or damage to your nightstand. Plus, too many items can clutter your space, making it harder to relax before bed.
Keep just one or two reading materials nearby. Store the rest on a shelf or in another room to keep your nightstand tidy and safe.
Random loose change
Keeping random loose change on your nightstand might seem harmless, but it can quickly create clutter. Small coins can scatter, making your space look messy without you even noticing.
Loose change can also attract dirt and germs, which isn’t great near where you sleep. Instead, consider using a dedicated dish or jar elsewhere to keep coins organized. This keeps your nightstand tidy and helps maintain a calm, restful environment.
Scrap papers and receipts
You might be tempted to stash scrap papers and receipts on your nightstand for quick access. But these items often pile up and create clutter.
Most receipts are only useful for a short time, like for returns or warranties. After that, they can be tossed.
Keep only important receipts for tax purposes or major purchases. Otherwise, regularly clear out scraps and old receipts to keep your space tidy and stress-free.
Sentimental cards saved forever
You might have a stack of birthday or anniversary cards filled with heartfelt messages. These cards hold special memories, but keeping them on your nightstand can create clutter.
Instead, consider creating a dedicated space to store them safely. Use a box or folder where you can easily revisit the notes without crowding your sleeping area.
This keeps your nightstand clear and preserves your memories in a way that feels organized and respectful. You’ll still have access to those meaningful cards without the daily mess.
