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I’m a decluttering pro – the 8 things that I would NEVER let through my bedroom door
Plus tips on how to declutter your home for the New Year
IT'S all too easy to let our bedrooms become cluttered when we just want to throw everything to the side and fall on our beds after a long day.
I mean, who hasn't been so tired that they've thrown their outfit over a chair or abandoned a pile of papers on the nightstand?
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Experts have said our bedrooms should be the one place where we go to completely relax and be stress-free.
But for that to really happen, it needs to be a clutter-free environment that inspires calmness.
And not having things piled on the floor can make a world of difference to our relaxation levels.
According to Miles Davis, decluttering expert at self-storage software company Storganise, there are certain things you should never have in your bedroom.
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He has revealed that there are eight things you should never let through the door.
And getting rid of them can help you get a much better sleep at night.
1. Bedside table clutter
This is such a convenient space that it often turns into a mini storage unit for chargers, books, water bottles, and other bits we like to keep nearby.
However, the experts suggest that taking a minimalist approach to your bedside table can help you make the most of the space.
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Miles says: "A tidy nightstand promotes a restful sleep environment. Limit items to essentials – a small lamp, an alarm clock, and maybe a glass of water.
“If you keep multiple things here, a small drawer organizer can keep everything neat.”
I'm a pro organizer & avoid a common tool that just keeps your home looking cluttered but others say they're 'essential'
2. Unused cosmetics and beauty products
It's also common for our dressing table to quickly fill up with make-up and hair products that are either new or barely used.
But getting rid of them can stop things from becoming cluttered and can also bring a sense of relief.
Miles explains that there's a simple six-month rule that we can follow to help us know when it's time to move things around.
He said: "Anything you haven’t used in six months likely doesn’t need to be there.
“Aim to pare down to just your daily essentials, storing extras in a bathroom cupboard or closet.
"This not only frees up space but makes getting ready in the morning far more efficient.”
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3. Clutter under the bed
If you’re tight on storage space, under-the-bed storage can feel like a tempting solution, but it’s not without drawbacks.
Miles suggests: "I sleep better knowing that the space under my bed is clear.
“If you must store items there, keep it limited to a single, well-organised category – say, off-season clothing or holiday gear.
“Clutter under the bed can make a room feel heavy.
"If you’re someone who’s sensitive to visual chaos, keeping it clear might just help you sleep more soundly.”
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4. Piles of clothes
As mentioned before, who hasn't come in and thrown their clothes on a chair at the end of a long day?
But this can quickly build up and can make the room feel chaotic.
The experts advise creating a routine to help stay on top of things and stop it from getting too much.
Miles suggests: "If clothes are clean, hang or fold them back in the wardrobe.
"If they’re dirty, throw them in the laundry basket".
5. Bills and paperwork
In a space meant for relaxing, the last thing you need in it is bills and paperwork reminding you of the daily grind.
If you keep these in your room you are far more likely to bring your stresses into your sanctuary, which can affect your sleep.
Miles explains: "I never bring paperwork or my computer into my bedroom.
“It’s my space to unwind, and seeing work items instantly disrupts that calm.”
“Try setting up a dedicated area for bills or admin in another part of the house, and see if you sleep more soundly without them looming nearby."
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6. Technology
We've all heard sleep experts say we shouldn't use any technology before we go to bed if we want a good sleep.
This is because screens emit blue light, which can interfere with melatonin production and EMFs that some people find disruptive.
As a result, Miles says it shouldn't be in the bedroom - especially when you're actually trying to sleep.
He adds: "Bedrooms should be tech-free zones, except maybe for a stereo to play relaxing music.
"If you must bring your phone in, at least set it to night mode and switch off an hour before bed".
Here’s how to get rid of clutter and get your home ready for 2025
A PROFESSIONAL organiser has urged people to save money and boost their mood by tidying up their lives in the New Year.
Elaine McKinlay, 61, has been sorting clients’ homes for over 18 years and knows how big an impact some simple decluttering can have.
The lifestyle management consultant, who runs her own business Clear Mountain, reckons January is the ideal time to make easy yet impactful changes.
She suggests:
- Paper pile up - it's easy to drown in a sea of paper and books - so start your year by getting these things organised. Rather than getting reams of unnecessary letters through the door, clear out all the paperwork you no longer need and go paperless this year.
- Wardrobe malfunction - we re all guilty of hanging onto clothes that no longer fit - or we no longer love. Restrict the size of your wardrobe for the coming year. Use the ‘one in one out system’ which means if you buy something new, you have to get rid of something you don’t use.
- Kitchen sink - most of us spend lots of time in the kitchen whether it’s cooking or socialising with family and friends so it’s a good place to get organised. Clear out any unused crockery or equipment. Decide how much you actually need and use on a daily basis.
- Digi detox - have a digi clear-out, just like you’d do in your home. Remove all unused apps and file the ones you want into categories. Keep these apps in their categories, so you only access the important ones.
- Style your life - it's not just your home that can be decluttered, your life can too. Look at how you live your life, prioritise the things you love and discard the things that create stress.
7. Books
Many of us love switching off after a long day by reading a few chapters of a book before bed.
But actually keeping them in your bedroom can leave the space looking cluttered as they can quickly pile up.
The experts say: "Try to limit yourself to one book at a time, and place it back on a shelf when you’re done reading.
“Leaving piles of unread books around is like leaving unfinished business – it weighs on you mentally.”
8. Exercise equipment
Many of us might keep our exercise equipment - like weights or yoga mats - in our bedrooms out of convenience.
But the experts say that seeing exercise gear can remind you of unfinished workouts or health goals – which is absolutely not ideal for relaxation.
To prevent this, Miles says they should be kept well away from the bedroom and left somewhere else, instead.
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He says: "Save your bedroom space for winding down, not working out.
“This keeps your mind focused on rest rather than activity.”
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