ArcaMax

Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary — a place for rest and relaxation. But if it constantly stresses you out, clutter and unnecessary messes might be the culprit. Changing your habits to keep your bedroom tidier may seem daunting, but it’s often easier than you think. Here are five simple changes to make and habits to try out to help keep your bedroom tidy.

1. Simplify your bedding

Making your bed each morning instantly makes your bedroom look neater, but excessive bedding and accessories can make the task feel like more of a chore. If you’re not a fan of using a top sheet, set it aside. Then, cut down on decorative pillows that end up on the floor and add to the clutter.

You might also find that dealing with a duvet isn’t the best fit for your routine. Consider switching to a decorative comforter that’s easy to wash and doesn’t require a duvet cover.

2. Make tidying part of your daily routine

You probably have a nightly routine that consists of skincare and brushing your teeth. So, why not add a little tidying to it? “Bookend your day with this stackable habit,” says pro organizer Bohne Leah of Be Organized Method. “When I get out of bed, I spend five minutes picking up items off the floor. Before bed, I do the same.”

3. Schedule your cleaning sessions

We all get busy, but scheduling time to tidy your bedroom can be the change that you need. “A key to optimizing your energy when it comes to organizing is being preemptive and smart about when you do what,” says Leah.

While she recommends sneaking in quick clean-ups daily, like tidying up the top of your nightstand, more challenging messes require a different approach. “For larger organization projects, such as organizing your dresser, it’s best to time-block for the weekend,” she says.

4. Break down your goals

Not everyone has large chunks of time to tackle big projects all at once. If that’s the case, Stephanie Wijkstrom, MS, LPC, NBCC, CEO & founder of the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh, advises using a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) approach. “This can be a great starting point," she says. “Maybe cleaning your whole room in one day isn’t going to be the way, but if the goal is to clean out the closet and commit to 30 minutes, that could be an attainable goal. If the larger goals can be broken into bite-sized chunks, the more likely they will be completed. Most importantly, pausing to allow yourself some time to acknowledge the progress you make along the way will also expand upon pleasant emotional states.”

5. Stop piling clothes on the floor

Simply having a designated spot for laundry can make a major difference. Putting that T-shirt in a hamper doesn’t really take that much more effort than dropping it on the floor. So invest in a quality hamper just for your bedroom. Keep it in your closet if you have space, or choose one that blends into your decor scheme if it needs to sit out. And, if you struggle figuring out what to do with all those worn-but-not-dirty clothes, feel free to get another hamper just for this purpose.

(Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at www.realsimple.com.)

©2026 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.