Organizing the Master Bedroom
Organizing the Master Bedroom
It can be hard to decide where to start your organizing project. A lot of times we will start in a storage area so that as you are going through the rooms of your house and come across things that need to be stored, you are able to put things away without making a bigger mess. Other times we will start in a kitchen because that is a room that gets so much use and oftentimes clutter really accumulates there. Another good place to start is the master bedroom—it should be a sanctuary that can promote rest, productivity, and peace of mind. If clutter has been an issue the benefits that can come from waking in an uncluttered space can be huge! Whether you're tackling a cluttered space or just looking for some tips to maintain a neat room, organizing your bedroom can transform your living environment into a restful retreat. Here’s a guide to help you take control of your bedroom and create a space that is both functional and relaxing. If you haven’t had a chance to read the previous blog: How to Declutter you may want to check it out here. It has a lot of information that can be applied to all rooms.
1. Get ready to Declutter.
Make your bed so you have a place to work. Grab your boxes and bags for Donate and/or Sell, Trash, and Other Places in the House.
2. Start letting stuff go!
I usually start with the closet and then move on to every drawer, shelf, surface and corner of your room. The goal is to remove anything you no longer use, need, love, or does not belong in the bedroom. For clothes and shoes if you have gone through a whole season without wearing it, you can probably do without it. Take the time to try on clothes if you think they may not fit or go with your current style. Place every item in the bag, box or pile where it belongs. If it does belong in the bedroom, set it aside until you have gone through everything and are ready to organize things into their new homes. Although it does help to pull each clothing item out of your closet and hold it in your hands I wouldn't pull everything out at the same time unless you are sure you have time to finish the job. It can get overwhelming if you have a lot of clothing!!
3. Organize!
Put items away. Off season or seldom used items can be stored higher. Clothing can be grouped by season, work vs formal vs casual, type of garment or some combination of these. Normally I will then sort by color within the categories. For example you could split your closet into casual vs nicer clothing. Each of those two sections could be organized into categories of clothing (pants, skirts, short sleeve shirts…). You could then sort each category by color.
4. Closet specific tips: If you are one of the few who doesn’t have an excess of clothes and shoes you may not need to maximize every inch but if you are reading this, that probably isn't you!
Look at your walls—could they be working harder for you? Wall-mounted shelves, hooks, or pegboards can free up valuable floor space while keeping items within easy reach. Hooks on the back of the door can hold robes, bags, or hats. Jewelry organizers can also be mounted on walls or backs of doors to maximize space.
What is your shelving to hanging ratio? A lot of closets, especially those in smaller bedrooms or older homes tend to have a lot of hanging space but not necessarily enough shelving. If at all possible I fold sweaters but most other things can be hung if necessary. Other things I prefer to fold are sweats, pajamas, workout wear and tshirts. Part of the fun of closets is figuring out the combination of categories that should be folded/hung in your particular closet. It's like a puzzle!
Would bins or specialty hangers be helpful? Many times I will use bins if there is shelving in the closet for things like workout pants, t-shirts, pajamas. Specialty hangers like these can save some space if hanging space is in short supply.
Switch to matching hangers! It just looks so much better. And if you go with the velvet they have a smaller profile and saves space.
Rotate by season only if necessary. One of my personal goals for people is to help them not have to rotate. It is such a pain to do that! If something else needs to be stored in a separate closet I would rather do formal wear or something you can leave in there.
4. Other Bedroom Storage Solutions
Under-bed storage: Use bins or boxes to store seasonal clothes, extra bedding, or shoes under the bed. This helps you maximize space without cluttering your room.
Storage ottomans: These are perfect for storing extra blankets or pillows while providing a place to sit or rest your feet.
Bed frame with built in Drawers: This was so helpful to me in my small bedroom. I use the harder to access ones for swimsuits, long underwear and painting clothes. The more convenient ones are pajamas and shorts.
5. Keep Surfaces Clear
Cluttered surfaces are a major contributor to an unorganized feeling room. Keep your nightstand and dresser as clear as possible. Store essentials like your phone, wallet, or keys in a small tray or dish to keep them from piling up. Avoid using your dresser as a dumping ground for clothes or accessories. If you know that this is something you tend to do, use hooks on the wall or in the closet to hang those things that aren't quite ready to be called dirty but you don't want to rehang with the clean clothes. Piling up clothes like that may be a habit that would be good to break but sometimes it is easier to understand your tendencies and accommodate them.
6. Maintenance
Start with the Bed: The bed is the centerpiece of your bedroom, and making it a priority in your daily efforts will instantly make your space feel cleaner. According to google “making your bed daily leads to improved sleep, increased productivity, and a sense of accomplishment, potentially boosting mood and relieving stress”, and I 100% believe it.
Choose this one space to create a tidying habit: A clutter-free bedroom is easier to maintain when you keep up with regular cleaning. Take a few minutes each day to tidy up. By making these small tasks part of your daily routine, you’ll prevent clutter from building up. Once the habit has been created in this room you can worry about other spaces but at least you will have one space where you can relax without the clutter.
Try using a cleaning checklist: It can help with staying on top of tasks like vacuuming, dusting, laundry and changing sheets. It doesn’t work for all but works for some.
Try the “one-in, one-out” rule: Whenever you buy something new, donate or toss an item you no longer need.
You can create a space that’s not only neat but also a calming environment to rest and recharge. Remember, the key to getting any space organized and keeping it that way is not having more stuff than you have room for!!
