I Stopped Making My Bed Every Day and Gained 20 Minutes of My Morning Back

Madison Clark

3 weeks ago

woman sitting on white bed while stretching

Why I Gave Up on Making My Bed

You know that feeling when you wake up, stretch a little, and then the reality hits: it’s time to make the bed. You get up, toss the covers around, and try to make it all look like an Instagram-worthy haven. But let me tell you, I recently made a radical change in my morning routine—I stopped making my bed every day. And guess what? I gained 20 glorious minutes of my morning back. Yep, you read that right.

The Morning Rush

We all have those mornings, don’t we? The alarm goes off, and it feels like a race against time. You stumble out of bed, maybe trip over a shoe you forgot to put away, and suddenly you’re on a tight schedule. Between brewing coffee, feeding the dog, and trying to remember if you left the oven on, making the bed can feel like an unnecessary chore. I used to believe that a made bed was essential for starting the day right, but I’ve learned that sometimes, less is more.

Embracing the Chaos

One day, for reasons I can’t quite recall—maybe I was running late, or maybe I just wanted to rebel against the “rules”—I left my bed unmade. I walked out of my bedroom and felt a rush of freedom. No more fluffing pillows or straightening sheets. Just pure, unadulterated time. And you know what? The world didn’t end. In fact, my day felt a little brighter.

The Surprising Benefits

Here’s the kicker: those 20 minutes I gained? They’ve transformed my mornings. Instead of spending time making my bed, I’ve been using that time to sip my coffee and enjoy my breakfast. Or maybe even scroll through social media for a few minutes (don’t judge!). That extra time has become sacred, a moment to breathe before diving into the chaos of the day.

And let’s be real: how often do you actually enjoy that perfectly made bed? It looks nice for a hot second, but five minutes later, you’re back in it, cozying up with a book or scrolling through Netflix. So why not embrace the natural state of your bed? A little chaos can be refreshing!

Shifting Perspectives

Not making my bed has also shifted my outlook on other daily tasks. It’s like a mini-rebellion against the “you shoulds” of adult life. I’ve started to question other routines that feel obligatory. Do I really need to fold laundry right after it comes out of the dryer? Or can those clothes hang out in the basket for a bit longer while I watch another episode of my current binge? Spoiler alert: they can.

Finding Balance

Now, I’m not saying you should abandon all semblance of order in your home. A little tidiness can go a long way, especially when it comes to mental clarity. But it’s about finding that sweet spot where you feel comfortable. If you’re someone who thrives in a perfectly organized space, then more power to you! But for those of us who enjoy a little chaos, I say let your bed be a little wild.

Making Time for What Matters

So, what have I been doing with those 20 extra minutes, you ask? Well, I’ve started reading again—actual books, not just articles on my phone. I’ve picked up yoga, and I’ve even tried my hand at meditation (which, let’s be honest, is a work in progress). I’ve found that those few moments can be a game-changer for my mood and overall mindset.

It’s funny how something as simple as not making your bed can open up new possibilities. I feel more relaxed, more in control of my mornings, and definitely more willing to embrace spontaneity. Who knew that a little less order could lead to so much more joy?

Ready to Try It?

If you’re intrigued and considering giving this a shot, I completely understand. Maybe you’ll find that leaving your bed unmade for a day—or a week—will change your mornings for the better. Or maybe you’ll miss that sense of order and go right back to fluffing your pillows. Either way, it’s about finding what works for you. And if you do decide to ditch the daily bed-making, I guarantee those 20 minutes will feel like a mini-vacation.

Final Thoughts

In a world that often feels overwhelmingly structured, a little chaos can be refreshing.