How to Declutter a Bedroom

If you are frustrated with the room you are sleeping in, then these tips on How to declutter a bedroom are just what you need to get your space back in shape. Get the clutter and mess gone so you can organize your way to a room that is neat and easy to keep that way.

These tips are the easier way to declutter your bedroom so you can create a space that is peaceful and pleasant to sleep in. 

Clear the Clutter for Better Sleep

They say a good night’s sleep is the foundation of health and happiness. But let’s be real—sometimes, getting that quality sleep is easier said than done. If you’ve been struggling to catch those Z’s, it might be time to take a closer look at where you’re sleeping. You might be surprised to learn just how much your sleep environment impacts your ability to drift off and stay asleep.

So, let’s talk about creating a space that not only helps you fall asleep faster but also lets you wake up feeling refreshed, calm, and ready to take on the day. I know, this might sound a little “woo-woo,” but stick with me. If you’re going to bed in a cluttered, chaotic room, it’s no wonder your sleep feels the same—chaotic and restless. On the flip side, waking up in a clean, tidy, and inviting space can set the tone for a much better day.

Assessing Your Bedroom: Is It Sleep-Friendly?

Let’s take a step back for a second, though. I have one simple question for you: Is your bedroom an easy place to sleep in?

Take a moment to walk into your room, sit on your bed, and really look around. What do you see?

1. Are there things scattered on the floor?
2. Are your dresser tops neat, or are they buried under random stuff?
3. Are your drawers closed?
4. What about other furniture—are they clear, or are they doubling as storage for bags, clothes, or who-knows-what?

And let’s not forget the bed itself. Is it made? Does it look inviting? Do you actually like the way it looks? How about the smell of the room? Is it fresh and pleasant, or does it feel stuffy and stale?

All of these little details matter. Before we dive into decluttering and removing the things that don’t belong, you first need to decide what this space is really for. Sure, it might seem obvious at first—“It’s a bedroom, right?”—but when you dig a little deeper, you might uncover some surprising insights.

What’s the Purpose of Your Bedroom?

Sure, bedrooms are for sleeping—but if you think about it, a lot more happens there than you might realize. Maybe you read, meditate, exercise, or even tackle some office work. When a space serves multiple purposes, it helps to create “zones” for each activity. These zones make it easier to organize and keep things where they belong.

For example, if you sew in the family room but brought a project to your bedroom one night, that project might still be sitting there, buried under other stuff. By assigning activities to specific zones, you’ll know exactly where things go—and where they don’t.

Here’s how to set up zones in your bedroom:

1. Grab a pen and paper, and list all the activities you currently do in your bedroom. Don’t overthink it—just write them down.
2. Circle the activities you want to keep in this space. For example, if you pay bills in your bedroom, maybe it’s time to move that task elsewhere. The goal is to keep this room calm and restful.
3. Once you’ve narrowed it down, decide where each activity will happen. This will guide you when it’s time to declutter and organize.

With your zones mapped out, you’re ready to start removing anything that doesn’t belong. And don’t worry—I’ve got a simple, painless way to declutter that’ll make this process a breeze.

Step 1: Remove the Obvious Clutter

Start with a quick sweep to clear the easy stuff—this makes the rest of the work more manageable.

• Toss the trash: Look for anything that belongs in the garbage. Think wrappers, receipts, empty bottles, or worn-out items that have no use.
• Sort recyclables: Gather recyclable items like paper, cardboard, and plastic bottles into one bag.
• Relocate out-of-place items: Pick up anything that belongs in another space (like shoes in the hallway closet or dishes in the kitchen) and set them in a basket to put away later.

D/M Pro Tip: Play a quick upbeat song and challenge yourself to get these three tasks done before it ends. You’ll feel accomplished and motivated to keep going.

Stay Focused Tip: Remind yourself that every piece you remove is one less thing to deal with. Don’t overthink this step, it’s meant to be easy so you can make progress. Save the decision-making for the bigger decisions to come later.

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Step 2: Set Up Sorting Containers

Using large, clearly labeled containers will make the sorting process much easier. Place them in a central spot in the room for easy access as you work.

• A box for donation items (gently used clothing, books, or household items).
• A trash bag for anything broken, stained, torn, or unusable.
• A basket for items that belong somewhere else in the house. Things like toys, office supplies, or dishes.

D/M Pro Tip: Laundry baskets work wonders; they’re sturdy, easy to carry, and prevent items from spilling out. Dedicate one basket specifically for decluttering projects to keep yourself organized.

Stay Focused Tip: Break it into mini-goals. For example, promise yourself to sort 20 items before taking a 5-minute break. Reward yourself with a sip of coffee or a stretch when you hit each small milestone.

Step 3: Get in the Mood

Decluttering can feel tedious, so make it enjoyable by pairing it with something you enjoy.

• Create a playlist: Choose fun, energizing songs that keep your mood upbeat. Aim for 30-60 minutes of music to keep your energy up as you work.
• Download an audiobook or podcast: Pick something that grabs your attention. A great story can make you almost forget the work you’re doing.

D/M Pro Tip: Find an audiobook or podcast with multiple episodes. That way, you can pair future organizing sessions with the same series, giving you something to look forward to each time.

Stay Focused Tip: Create a playlist of 5 songs, giving you a focused 20-25 minutes of work. The limited time block encourages you to stay intentional and productive.

Step 4: Declutter with Direction

Working with a plan keeps you focused and helps you track progress.

1. Choose a starting point: Begin at one corner of the room, or start with your bed (a central piece that sets the tone for the entire bedroom).
2. Work in sections: Tackle small areas like one drawer, a surface, or a specific pile at a time. This prevents feeling overwhelmed.
3. Sort as you go: Use your labeled containers for items you’re removing. For every item, ask yourself, “Do I use it? Do I love it? Does it belong here?”

D/M Pro Tip: Set a one-month goal to declutter your bedroom. Divide the room into four areas and focus on one area each week. Breaking it down this way makes the process more manageable and helps you see steady progress.

Stay Focused Tip: Remind yourself of how great it will feel to be greeted by a neat, calm space at the end of each day. Use that goal to fuel your energy to create a space you truly deserve.

Step 5: Don’t Forget to Clean

Once you’ve cleared the clutter, take a few minutes to clean up the area. With everything out of the way, it’s so much quicker to tackle dust and dirt, leaving you with a fresh, inviting space to organize.

• Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth.
• Vacuum or sweep the floors.
• Dust trim or window frames.
• Change sheets and clean your mattress.

D/M Pro Tip: Don’t skip those sneaky spots like the back of your dresser or the headboard of your bed. A quick wipe-down here can make a surprising difference in how clean your room feels.

Stay Focused Tip: Cleaning only takes a few minutes, but it makes a huge impact. Keep reminding yourself how satisfying it’ll feel to enjoy a truly clean and clutter-free space.

Step 6: Keep It Neat Going Forward

Once your room is decluttered, set up habits to keep the clutter out for good.

• Make your bed daily: This small action sets the tone for the rest of the room.
• Adopt a “one in, one out” rule: For every new item you bring into the bedroom, remove one old item.
• Do a morning reset: Spend 5 minutes every morning clearing off your nightstand and dealing with any clothes that are left lying out.
• Designate homes for everything: Keep similar items together and always return them to their spot when you’re done using them.

Pro Tip: Use a small decorative basket on your nightstand or dresser to catch smaller loose items like chargers, jewelry, or keys. It’s an easy way to corral clutter before it spreads.

Stay Focused Tip: Remind yourself why you started this process—to create a bedroom that feels restful, inviting, and organized. Visualizing your clean, serene space will inspire you to maintain your progress.

Learning how to declutter a bedroom may not be a top ten fun list for most people but once it’s done this might just be your number one space to be in. A great night’s sleep tomorrow really is worth the hard work today.

Organizing Tips for the Bedroom

Use these guides to help you keep the clutter gone for good.

• How to Organize Clothes in Drawers
• How to Organize a Night Stand
• Brilliant Ways to Organize Your Bedroom