Organization

How to Organise Your Nightstand

Is your nightstand or bedside table a cluttered mess? Don’t worry, it happens! The nightstand often ends up as a cluttered catch-all for various items – keys, phone, books, medication – whatever it is. If you find yourself fumbling for your essentials in the dark or waking up to a chaotic sight, it’s time to reclaim your nightstand and turn it into a functional and serene space. In this guide, I’ll take you through a step-by-step process on how to organise your nightstand, making it less of a nightmare!

Step 1: Declutter and Assess

The first step in achieving a clutter-free nightstand is to declutter it! Empty your nightstand completely and lay everything out on a handy nearby surface. Now, ask yourself, “Do I really need all of this?”. Be ruthless in your assessment. Keep only what you use daily or need during the night.

Consider these questions:

Is there anything expired or unnecessary? (e.g., old medications)
Are there items that belong elsewhere in your home? (e.g., books, dishes)

Can you consolidate items to save space? (e.g., do you need all those charging cables?)
Do you have sentimental items that could be displayed differently?

Once you’ve sorted through everything, toss or donate what you no longer need, and put misplaced items back in their proper homes.

Step 2: Prioritise Essentials

Your nightstand should only hold items that you use during the night or need first thing in the morning – everything else can find somewhere else to live. Here are some essential items to consider:

Lamp: A bedside lamp is crucial for late-night reading or providing soft, ambient lighting.
Alarm Clock: If you use an alarm clock (rather than your phone), place it within easy reach.
Reading Material: Keep a book or magazine you’re currently reading nearby for bedtime reading.

Water: A water bottle or glass of water can be a lifesaver in the middle of the night.
Bedside Essentials: Items like tissues, lip balm, or hand lotion should be within arm’s reach.

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Step 3: Organise with Clever Storage Solutions

Once you’ve identified your essential items, it’s time to organise them efficiently. Here are some storage solutions to consider:

Drawer Dividers: If your bedside table has drawers, use dividers to separate items like medications, charging cables, or writing supplies.
Trays or Baskets: Place a decorative tray or basket on the top surface of your nightstand to corral smaller items like jewellery, eyeglasses, or a pen and notepad. This keeps things looking neat and tidy!

Cord Management: Use cable clips or Velcro straps to keep charging cables and electronic cords tidy and prevent them from tangling.

Step 3: Personalise Your Space

Your nightstand is a reflection of your personal style and should be a pleasing sight to wake up to each morning. Add a touch of personality when you organise your nightstand by incorporating décor items like:

Photo Frames: Display cherished photos of loved ones.

Plants: A small potted plant or succulent can bring a breath of fresh air to your nightstand. There are lots of plants which are good for bedrooms including Snake Plants and ivy (might be one to avoid if you have pets or small children). Snake Plants are great – we have one on my husband’s bedside table and I always forget to water it, and it’s still thriving!
Candles or Diffusers: Scented candles or essential oil diffusers can create a calming atmosphere.
Decorative Objects: Consider incorporating decorative items like a beautiful tray, a vintage clock, or a favourite piece of art. Keep these to a minimum though to avoid re-cluttering your bedside table.

Step 5. Nightly Routine

Now that your nightstand is organised to perfection, it’s time to establish a nightly routine to maintain it. Before heading to bed, take a quick moment to tidy up your nightstand. Return any items that you’ve used during the evening to their designated spots, and ensure everything is in order for the next day. This simple habit will help you maintain the serenity and functionality of your clutter-free nightstand and save you having to organise your nightstand from scratch.

Organising your nightstand is a small yet impactful step toward creating a peaceful and functional bedroom environment. By decluttering, prioritising essentials, and incorporating storage solutions and personal touches, you can transform your nightstand . With a nightly routine to keep things in check, you’ll wake up to a serene and inviting bedside space, ready to start your day on the right foot. So, take the time to organise your nightstand and experience the benefits of a clutter-free and harmonious bedroom. Sweet dreams await!