10 Things You Should Toss From Your Bedroom ASAP

neutral bedroom with blue lamps and decorative pillow — Photo: Sean Litchfield

Your bedroom should feel like a respite from the world, one that allows you to unwind and recharge for the next day. But as clutter (and life) takes over, the space can start to feel less like the calming oasis we intend it to be. This can be due to too little space, lack of organization, or just everyday items that build up (like those half-empty lotion bottles or collection of water glasses on the nightstand). To help return your bedroom to the restful space you deserve, we asked professional organizers to share which items should be removed from your bedroom, stat.

Lori Reese, founder and CEO of Consider It Done
Darla DeMorrow, founder of HeartWork Organizing
Anna Bauer, founder of Sorted & Co.

01 of 10

Dry Cleaning Hangers and Bags

If you have clothes still inside dry cleaning bags (and worse, not yet hung in the closet), it's time to toss those bags and wire hangers. "Quickly removing dry cleaning from its wire hangers and plastic will ensure you can see what you have, and not take up valuable space in your closet," says Anna Bauer, founder of Sorted & Co. Not to mention, your clothes will last longer when hung on a proper hanger and not wrapped in plastic.

02 of 10

Loose Change

Ever fish out loose change from your pockets and leave it scattered on your nightstand or dresser? "If you or a partner tend to empty your pockets or bags regularly, chances are you have random change lying around your bedroom," says Bauer. Instead, Bauer recommends setting up a designated container in a location where everyone in the household can drop their spare change. This way, you'll know where to look for it when needed—and when it's full, you can exchange it for cash.

03 of 10

Mail and Paperwork

Mail and paperwork never belong in your bedroom, if it can be avoided. "If your workspace is also in your bedroom, consider corralling paperwork into decorative baskets so you're not distracted," says Lori Reese, founder and CEO of Consider It Done. "Otherwise, move paperwork into your designated space outside of the bedroom."

04 of 10

Unused Exercise Equipment

Who among us hasn't purchased a well-intentioned exercise bike or some small weights that are now collecting dust in a corner? Time to relocate, sell, or donate these items. They take up space and usually just collect dust and clothing, says Reese.

05 of 10

Random Cords

Whenever we upgrade a device or purchase a new one, charging cables and cords multiply. "Since we all have a few generations of devices, we also have all the cords that come with a digital life," says Bauer. "Quickly identifying what you use and don’t is a quick way to clear out clutter. Any cords that are worth keeping can be redistributed throughout your household, backpacks, or even your car."

06 of 10

Extra Pillows

Heap of cushions and pillows on a bed with blanket and plaid against a window with curtains in ground floor room. — Olena Ruban / Getty Images

Spare or unused pillows can take up a lot of space in your bedroom. Store your extras in a designated closet instead, or find a new use for them by passing them on or adding a slipcover to give them new life, says Darla DeMorrow, founder of HeartWork Organizing. If they require a refresh, most pillows can be washed, she adds.

07 of 10

Empty Shoe Boxes

Once you start wearing your new shoes, there's no reason to keep their boxes, especially if you're short on bedroom or closet space, says DeMorrow. Instead, relocate them to a dedicated shoe organizer that allows you to see your collection at a glance.

08 of 10

Your Book or Magazine Stack

The aspirational readers among us always have a healthy TBR (to-be-read) stack on their nightstands, but if you're not actively reading the book, it's just collecting dust and taking up space. Instead, keep current reads nearby and place the others on the bookshelf until you're ready, says Reese.

09 of 10

Under-the-Bed Trash

We know what you're thinking—trash? Under the bed? It happens a lot more than you think, though. "I’ve found empty water bottles, soda cans, dirty tissues, and clothing, to name a few," says Reese. Take a peek under your bed and start clearing out anything that's accumulated.

10 of 10

Old Receipts

Similar to emptying your pockets of loose change, toss those crumpled receipts as well—or file them away appropriately if you need to save them. "Keep financial stuff out of your bedroom," says Reese. "If you have to keep receipts, create a drop zone in a convenient place when you walk in the door, or in your home office."

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