A bedroom is a sanctuary. It’s where we rest, relax, and (if we can’t sleep) occasionally watch TV on our laptops. Even a small bedroom can function as a place of refuge. If your bedroom seems cramped or busy, you might be in need of a serious organizing overhaul.
By decluttering, concealing, or just finding the right place for your items, you can impart that feeling of relaxation you should be feeling in your cozy space. With these helpful tips from professional organizers, you can transform your small busy space into one that better suits your everyday life.
Who better to advise us than the pros? Here is what they had to say.
1. Establish your flow
Imagine your morning routine. You wake up, head to the dresser to find something, then head to the closet to find something else, then look for your keys and before you know it, it’s taken half an hour just to leave your bedroom.
For Renee Wright, professional organizer and founder of the Austin, TX-based Space Restored (opens in new tab), the process begins with identifying the client’s natural routine in order to establish a flow. “We discuss what issues they are having with keeping their space organized and what sort of systems, if any, can be incorporated that flows with their daily routine and needs to bring them to a better place with organization and having a clear and functional space,” says Wright. “I strive to create the foundations of organizational systems for people that create zones so that there is little to no thought moving forward for them in keeping things functional.”
For creating a flow that makes sense for each day, it’s a good idea to keep many of your necessities in one space. For example, a large dresser can function as the space for your workout clothes or a catch-all bowl can keep your keys and other necessities all in one place.
2. Let Go Of What No Longer Serves You
While you don’t have to dive head over heels into stark minimalism, removing or concealing items you no longer need is always a good idea to promote more harmony in your room. If there are items that you need less often, like extra blankets or winter jackets, consider concealing them in under-the-bed storage boxes (opens in new tab)to be opened when needed. “Under the bed low-profile storage bins are great. I personally prefer plastic to canvas bins as the softer material will just collect dust and hair,” suggests Wright.
3. Start With Linens and Wardrobe
Once you’ve decided what stays and what goes, you may notice that you have a lot of linens and clothing items to work with. Getting these items to look tidy in your room could mean organizing your closet by color, grouping outfits by occasion on each hanger, or having the right storage options.
For Julie Naylon, professional organizer at Los Angeles’ No Wire Hangers (opens in new tab), one of the biggest organizing “hacks” can be game-changing for a small space. “One of my favorites is, if possible, moving the dresser into the closet. It will instantly create more living space in your bedroom,” says Naylon.
For Wright, utilizing your closet can also mean creating more creative storage solutions. “I think one of the best tips for keeping an organized bedroom is utilizing the storage space in your closet really well. For this I use baskets or bins to sort out accessories, extra clothes, activity clothes and accessories,” advises Wright. For closets with no structure, consider creating a structure with drawers and a clean, sleek look.
4. Hide Unsightly Cords
Nowadays, the cords of our electronic devices can be a hassle to deal with. For unsightly electronics and jumbles of cords, consider organizing them all in one easily-accessible space. “A charging station by the bed or on your nightstand is a real game changer,” explains Wright. While a nightstand can help conceal cords, there’s also the option of finding a furniture piece with a built-in charging station. The goal is to have your devices in a place where you can reach them when needed but where they don’t present too much of a visual distraction.
After you’ve mastered these tips, it’s time to consider the ideal morning routine. You wake up refreshed, know where your keys are, and don’t have to look for your favorite t-shirt. Creating a little more functionality in your small space can be the difference you need to promote more harmony in your own day-to-day life.
