The summer season is almost officially here, and now is an excellent time to give your bedroom a refresh. This includes eliminating clutter, too. “I am a big believer that out of all the areas in your home, your bedroom should be your ultimate sanctuary,” says Meghan Cocchiaro, the founder of Organized by Meg. “You start and end your days there—you can’t have clutter surrounding you.”
What exactly should you remove from your bedroom now that summer’s in full swing? Below, pro organizers have identified six categories of items that you should either store or discard.
1. Heavy Winter Bedding
If you haven’t already put your winter bedding into storage until the temperatures drop again, now is the time to do so. “Many people hold on to thick blankets and faux fur throws after they’re no longer needed,” says Carol Applebaum, the founder of Luxury Pro Organizer. Whether you store these items in a hall closet, under the bed, or even in a storage unit, doing so is worth your while. “Removing them for the season makes a room feel lighter and cooler,” Applebaum says.
2. Your Space Heater
It’s officially no longer space heater season, so tuck yours into storage. There’s no reason to let it take up space that you can easily use for other bedroom essentials. “Swap it for a fan if you need one or window A/C units,” Cocchiaro offers.
3. Winter Slippers
On a similar note, you won’t need to keep your fluffiest pair of slippers on hand during the summer months. With that, Applebaum advises taking a moment to part ways with any pairs that are in less-than-prime condition. “Since they’re often the first thing worn in the morning and the last thing taken off at night, slippers have more impact on comfort than people realize,” she says.
4. Nightstand Clutter
Give your nightstand a good clean-out in honor of the summer season, Cocchiaro advises. “Get rid of anything that got shoved in there in colder months, like tissue packets, medicine bottles, completed books, cozy fuzzy socks, and lotions or chapsticks that you use mostly in the colder weather,” she suggests.
5. Half-Burnt Candles
You may have been curling up with a book by candlelight when the weather outside was frightful, but perhaps you didn’t burn your way through all of your vessels. “Get rid of candles that have lost their scent, become discolored, or are nearly finished,” Applebaum instructs. Or, she adds, if you plan to light any of these unfinished candles next year, tuck them away in a designated storage spot.
6. Seasonal Magazines
It’s time to pare down any reading material that’s overpowering your sleep space. “Nightstands or the floor next to the bed often become holding areas for books that no longer reflect your interests and seasonal magazines you hung onto for decorating ideas or recipes,” Applebaum says. “Be honest about what you are going to read and clear space for what feels relevant now.” Any magazines you don’t anticipate flipping through can be donated or recycled.
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com
