How To Organize A Bedroom: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Your bedroom is your personal sanctuary and a retreat from the busyness of everyday life. But when your bedroom is disorganized and cluttered, it can cause stress and make it difficult to relax and recharge. Developing an organizational system and decluttering your space are important for creating a bedroom environment that promotes mental clarity and wellbeing.

This comprehensive guide takes you through the entire process of organizing your bedroom, whether its a small bedroom or a big bedroom, from start to finish. Follow these tips to tackle clutter, create efficient storage solutions, and design a peaceful oasis tailored to your lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

Start by taking inventory and decluttering; be ruthless about letting go of unnecessary items.
Tackle organizing one section of your bedroom at a time rather than all at once.
Utilize storage solutions like bins, baskets and organizers to compartmentalize items.
Add personal touches like photos, art and cozy reading nooks to make the space your own.
Maintaining organization requires developing habits like putting items away immediately after use.
Periodically edit your belongings and storage solutions as your needs change.
Tech tools like storage beds and productivity apps enhance organization.
Feng Shui principles promote harmony through decluttering and natural materials.
Workspaces for hobbies and remote work can be integrated seamlessly.
Take pride in your efforts! Enjoy your newfound bedroom sanctuary.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Take Inventory

Before tackling any organizing project, it’s important to take stock of everything currently in your bedroom. Grab a notebook and pen, and simply walk around the room, making a list of all your belongings. Open up drawers, peek into your closet, and check under the bed—don’t leave any area unchecked! The goal is to gain a complete understanding of what you have so you can decide what should stay and what should go.

As you compile your inventory list, start identifying items that are obvious candidates for donation, sale or disposal. This includes:

Clothes that no longer fit or are out of style
Shoes that are worn out or never worn
Old electronics and gadgets
Knickknacks collecting dust
Books or magazines you’ll never read again

Be ruthless and honest with yourself. If you know deep down that you’ll never use an item again, let it go. This process of sorting and decluttering is key to creating an organized bedroom. Dive into our guide on how to arrange bedroom storage, bringing you clever tips for a clutter-free, cozy space.

Step 2: Considerations Before You Get Started

Now that you have a handle on your belongings, let’s go over some key considerations to keep in mind as you embark on organizing your bedroom:

How Often to Organize Your Bedroom

Aim to fully organize your bedroom at least twice a year; tackle a major overhaul before summer when switching to warmer weather clothing, and again before winter when bringing out bulky sweaters and cold weather gear. For maintenance, set aside 15–30 minutes once a week to tidy up, put items back in their designated spots, and reassess what might need decluttering.

Sort and Declutter Your Items

Be objective, and ask yourself tough questions to determine whether items should stay or go. When did I last use or wear this? Does it still fit my style? Do I absolutely love this, or am I just holding on to it out of obligation? If it’s not a passionate “yes!”, add it to the donation pile.

Dust and Clean Your Room

A clean canvas helps create a calm, orderly environment. Before organizing, do thorough dusting, vacuuming and laundry. Wash bed linens, dust ceiling fans and clean window blinds. A clean start sets you up for success!

Divide and Conquer Your Drawers

Don’t let drawers become black holes, swallowing your belongings into chaos. Use dividers to section off categories like socks, underwear, and t-shirts. Labeling drawers and bins keeps everything neatly compartmentalized.

Utilize Containers to Keep Surfaces Clear

Boxes, baskets, trays and caddies corral your stuff neatly while keeping flat surfaces like dressers and nightstands clutter-free. Opt for matching containers to create a cohesive look.

Maximize Your Storage Space

Take advantage of every nook and cranny. Use storage beds, under-bed bins, over-door hanging racks, closet organizers and floating shelves to optimize every inch of space. Proper storage transforms clutter hot spots into models of efficiency.

Step 3: Tackle One Section at a Time

Organizing your entire bedroom all at once can feel totally overwhelming, leading to you giving up in frustration. The key is to break the big project down into more manageable chunks. Pick one area to start with, like your closet or dresser, and focus solely on that space before moving onto the next. Here are some sections you may want to tackle individually:

Bedroom Zones to Tackle

Zone	Items to Organize
Closet	Clothing, shoes, and accessories
Dresser	Foldable clothes and undergarments
Nightstands	Bedside essentials
Under the bed	Seasonal items, extra linens
Vanity	Makeup, skincare, and hair products
Jewelry	Necklaces, rings, earrings, etc.
Shoe storage	Footwear collection
Wall storage	Hooks, floating shelves
Hamper	Dirty clothes

Take it one step at a time for the best results. Once you conquer each area, your fully organized bedroom will come together seamlessly, section by section.

Step 4: Time to Start Organizing!

Now comes the fun part—rolling up your sleeves and actually organizing! Have donation bags ready for disposal piles. For organizing essentials like bins, baskets and dividers, hit up dollar stores, home goods stores like The Container Store, or shop online for deals.

Bedroom Organizing Supplies Checklist

Storage bins and baskets
Drawer organizers and dividers
Matching hangers
Closet organization system
Under-bed storage bins
Wall hooks
Jewelry organizer
Shoerack
Storage nightstand
Vanity table or floating shelves
Laundry hamper
Vacuum, dusters, and cleaning tools

Start with the decluttering process: be merciless in sorting through each area and letting go of unnecessary items. Next, thoroughly clean the space you’re focusing on to establish an ideal foundation for your organizational systems. Finally, set up specialized storage solutions and containment tools.

Establish an organizational scheme that works for your lifestyle and personal preferences. For example, you may group clothing types together or sort seasonally. Arrange by frequency of use or by color—get creative! Optimizing your systems reduces stress and makes it easy to maintain order later on.

Step 5: Declutter Your Closet

For many, the closet is ground zero for clutter and chaos. Restoring order starts with editing down your wardrobe to just those pieces you absolutely love and wear. Ruthlessly sort into “Keep”, “Donate”, “Sell” and “Trash” piles.

Next, shop for storage bins and baskets that suit your closet space. Use them to categorize items, like grouping all shorts and skirts in one bin, work blouses in another, formalwear in a third, and exercise clothes in a fourth. Bins keep like items together for easy retrieval while preventing jumbled piles.

Consider donating or selling any business wear you no longer need if you switched to remote work during the pandemic. Host a clothing swap to clear out gently used pieces that no longer fit while restocking your closet.

Step 6: Invest in Closet Organizers

Maximize every inch of your closet with organizers specially designed to optimize space. Modular closet systems allow you to fully customize shelving, drawers, rods and cubes to suit your needs. Aim for vertical storage via hanging racks, shelves and cubbies.

Consider your getting-ready routine and store items you use together in proximal spots. Place shoes near the closet entrance, have hangers ready to grab work clothes, and keep undergarments and socks within reach. Frequently accessed areas like ties, belts and jewelry are best stored near eye level for convenient access.

Step 7: Spring for Matching Hangers

Bring uniformity to your closet with matching hangers, whether velvet, wood or plastic. Coordinate by color or get creative with patterns. Uniform hangers keep your closet looking sleek and polished while making pieces easy to rifle through.

Opt for hangers sized correctly for each garment—broad shoulders for blazers, shorter shirt hangers, strap-hanging camisole versions and more. Proper hanger sizes help maintain the shape of your clothes. Arrange pieces from left to right, from formal to casual, for easy outfit selection.

Step 8: Utilize Multiple Dressers

Don’t try to cram all your clothing into a single dresser! Allocate categories across multiple dressers for enhanced organization. For example:

Dresser #1: Socks, underwear, pajamas, lounge wear
Dresser #2: T-shirts, tanks, and shorts
Dresser #3: Jeans, leggings, sweaters, and hoodies
Dresser #4: Seasonal storage, i.e. winter clothes in summer

Place everyday basics nearest to your closet for easy layering when getting dressed. Store off-season items in distant dressers or under the bed until needed.

Step 9: Section Off Drawers

Unless you’re Monica from Friends, neatly folding all your shirts into perfect squares likely won’t cut it long-term. Prevent your drawers from descending back into chaos with drawer dividers, trays and inserts to compartmentalize categories within each drawer.

Use wooden cutlery-type dividers, inexpensive acrylic organizer trays, or make your own sections with cardboard. Label your sections for easy identification—socks, undies, t-shirts, etc. Sectioning keeps like items together and makes finding what you need a breeze. No more digging under piles or moving things around!

Step 10: Invest in a Shoe Rack

Leave shoe piles behind by arranging your footwear collection on a dedicated shoe rack. Choose one that fits your space—over-the-door, freestanding, multi-tier, wall mount or cubbie style. Keep your most-worn shoes handy at the bottom and seasonal pairs up top.

Group shoes by occasion: heels for formal events, sneakers and flats for everyday wear, outdoor and athletic shoes, slippers and so on. Display them on open shelving or store them in boxes. Shoe racks prevent damage from constant digging and fishing around for buried pairs.

Step 11: Corral Your Jewelry

Jewelry tangled up in a box is the antithesis of organization. Prevent delicate pieces from getting damaged and lost with a jewelry organizer. Opt for a standing jewelry armoire, wall mount, or jewelry box with compartments.

Use dividers to separate rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Store jewelry you wear daily within easy reach. Hang necklaces from hooks to prevent tangling, and pad compartments with fabric or foam to avoid scratches. An organizer lets you access and appreciate your pieces while keeping them secure.

Step 12: Use Specialty Storage as Needed

To handle unique clothing or accessories, look into specialty organizers tailored to the task. Rotating tie racks neatly arrange neckties without wrinkling. Scarf hangers and drawer inserts prevent delicate fabrics from damage.

Belt racks or hangers keep leather belts from creasing and curling. Consider your personal needs and invest in specialty tools to store specialty items. With the right storage approach, even difficult-to-find items stay neat.

Step 13: Install Wall Hooks

Take advantage of vertical wall space for extra storage via hooks. Hooks behind doors are perfect for robes, jackets, purses and bags. Install a row of hooks to hang hats, belts, scarves or jewelry.

Adhesive hooks stick securely without nails or screws. Opt for custom configurations: zigzag shapes, creative patterns, and monogrammed designs. Hooks maximize storage and make items readily accessible as you head out the door.

Step 14: Designate Hat Storage

Hats easily get crushed and misshapen when tossed on a shelf or stuffed in a drawer. Avoid damage by giving hats their own designated storage.

Hat boxes and hat racks keep your lids intact. Felt hats like fedoras can be shaped over hat stands, while straw hats and caps can hang from hooks or clips on a wall or inside your closet door. Storing hats properly retains their structure and extends their lifespan.

Step 15: Choose Storage Nightstands

Bedside tables with ample built-in storage provide an organizing upgrade over basic surfaces, which easily get piled with clutter. Seek out nightstands with enclosed cabinets or shelves behind doors to tuck all your bedside necessities out of sight.

Look for versions with pull-out trays for extra surface space when needed. Charging stations and power outlets are also useful nightstand features. The right storage nightstand conceals personal items while keeping your absolute essentials within arm’s reach.

Step 16: Use Under-the-Bed Storage

Don’t let the space under your bed go to waste! This out-of-sight spot can hold extra linens and blankets, seasonal clothing, spare shoes, or anything else that doesn’t need daily access. Look for under-bed bins and organizers that maximize vertical clearance.

Wheeled plastic bins allow easy rolling access to contents. Fabric bins come in styles that pull out like drawers for full visibility and access. Keep items you only occasionally need stored under the bed and retrieve when required.

Step 17: Try a Storage Bench

Stationary storage benches at the foot of your bed offer a spot to toss clothes while providing discreet hidden storage. Look for tufted and upholstered lids that lift to reveal spacious interiors. Use the space to store extra throws, pillows, or seasonal bedding.

Benches come in many designs; some feature cubbies, shelves or drawers. A storage bench also provides extra seating space when needed. Choose one that complements your decor for both form and function.

Step 18: Consider a Vanity…

For beauty buffs, a dedicated vanity station helps organize all your makeup, skincare, hair products and tools in one place. Include organized drawers to neatly file all those tiny items like lipsticks and mascaras.

Mirror trays corral frequently used products for easy access when getting ready. Look for built-in storage like cabinets and shelves for holding overflow supplies, bulky hair dryers and curling irons. A vanity creates order out of all your grooming gear.

Step 19: …Or Get Creative with Floating Shelves

If you lack the space for a full vanity, install floating wall shelves for DIY storage instead. Mounted shelves create custom storage wherever you need it. Use baskets, trays and bins to corral makeup, skincare and hair products onto shelves while adding style with personalized touches.

Built-in shelf dividers keep everything in its place. Floating shelves work in unused nooks, like the corner of your room or beside the door. Add a mirror above or behind the shelves for a built-in vanity vibe. The design options with floating shelves are endless!

Step 20: Upgrade Your Laundry Hamper

An open plastic basket is likely not the most Instagrammable laundry solution. Thankfully, there are tons of hamper options to suit your space and style. Look for compartments that let you separate lights and darks to streamline washing.

Hampers with mesh panels promote airflow to avoid lingering odors. For a tidy look, choose sleek hampers that blend seamlessly with your decor. Wheeled versions roll where needed and easily move to the laundry room when full. With better containment, dirty clothes make it into the hamper instead of the floor.

Step 21: Embrace Minimalism

If clutter continually accumulates, no matter how organized you get, it may be time to embrace minimalism. Focus on keeping only essential furniture, trimming down your wardrobe, and getting rid of non-essential decor. Follow the one-in, one-out rule: if you purchase a new item, something old must go to the donation pile.

With fewer belongings, organizing and cleaning your room becomes quicker and easier, reducing daily stress. A serene, minimalist oasis instills calm and focus. Clutter limits creativity and mental clarity. Try living with less for increased peace and tranquility in your personal space.

Step 22: Tips for Maintaining Organization

Congratulations! Your bedroom is now a paragon of tidiness and order! But maintaining organization requires discipline and consistency. Here are some tips for keeping your space clutter-free long-term:

Stick to a weekly and monthly maintenance routine of tidying, sorting and editing items.
Immediately put items away where they belong after use.
Label storage bins, boxes and drawers with their contents for quick identification.
As seasons change, rotate out cold weather and warm weather clothing items.

Bedroom Cleaning Schedule

Task	Frequency
Make bed	Daily
Put away items lying out	Daily
Dust surfaces	Weekly
Vacuum floors	Weekly
Laundry	Weekly
Wipe down mirrors and windows	Weekly
Deep clean surfaces	Monthly
Edit/declutter items	Monthly
Organize drawers/shelves	Monthly

Staying organized just requires forming new habits and being diligent. Celebrate any small win, like cleaning out a drawer or filling a donation bag. With time, organization becomes automatic.

Step 23: Personalize Your Organized Space

Now that your bedroom is organized, add personal touches that spark joy and inspire you. Incorporate accent colors with bedding, throw pillows and wall decor. Display treasured photos, art, or other meaningful memorabilia.

Designate a cozy reading nook with a comfy chair or create a meditation zone with calming decor. Uplifting scents via candles or essential oils also enhance your personal sanctuary.

Organization establishes the framework; infusing personality makes your bedroom a unique reflection of you. Surround yourself with items that promote wellbeing and satisfaction as you unwind in your newly organized room.

Bedroom Organization Style Guide

Style	Key Features
Minimalism	Only essential furniture and items, clean lines
Modern	Sleek furniture, neutral colors, mix of materials
Boho	Rich textures, macrame, plants, gallery walls
Coastal	Light and airy, beachy colors, natural materials
Traditional	Classic furniture, soft colors, floral patterns
Eclectic	A mix of eras and styles, bold patterns and colors
Feng Shui	Symmetry, minimal clutter, natural elements
Industrial	Exposed brick or ductwork, metal furniture
Farmhouse	Weathered wood, plaids, and vintage accents

Step 24: Smart Tech and Gadgets for Organization

Take organization to the next level with tech and gadgets designed for decluttering and efficiency. Storage beds with built-in charging ports keep devices powered and tucked away. Digital or voice-controlled assistants like Alexa can control lighting, temperature and music when your hands are full.

Helpful productivity apps let you digitally organize documents and photographs into searchable libraries while freeing up physical space. Tech tools increase convenience while keeping your private sanctuary clutter-free.

Step 25: Embracing Sustainability

An organized bedroom also provides the chance to embrace more sustainable living. Donate gently used items in good condition rather than tossing them out. Repurpose and upcycle old pieces; give clothes new life as rag rugs or pillow covers.

When buying organizational tools like bins and baskets, opt for durable versions made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo or recycled plastic. Use vintage pieces as storage with character: retro suitcases for shoes, baskets for blankets, and trunks for sweaters. With some creativity, organization can be a boon for sustainability.

Step 26: Changing Your Lifestyle Habits

For lasting change, examine habits that contribute to clutter and disorganization in your bedroom and life. Be more mindful when shopping – avoid impulse purchases and fast fashion that quickly piles up. Institute a one in, one out rule for any new items.

Periodically re-assess your systems and storage solutions. Adjust and improve based on your changing needs and lifestyle. Organization is an evolving process, not a one-time project. By implementing organization-focused habits, clutter will become a thing of the past as neatness becomes second nature.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Budget-Friendly Organization

Organization doesn’t have to be expensive! Use everyday household items for DIY storage solutions. Paper towel tubes corral loose cords, and jars store small accessories. Repurpose items like crates or tins for chic decor. Shop second-hand stores for furniture with storage built-in, like

Incorporate Feng Shui Principles

In Feng Shui, organizations establish energy flow, referred to as “chi.” A messy room clogs chi causing stress. Feng Shui tips for better energy flow include:

Position your bed so you can see the door but aren’t aligned with it.
Use paired bedside tables to create balance and symmetry.
Declutter to allow chi to move freely around the room.
Incorporate natural materials like wood, cotton and plants.
By organizing with Feng Shui in mind, your bedroom becomes a peaceful retreat.

Create a Workspace Area

For remote work or hobbies, carve out workspace within your bedroom. Opt for a corner desk or table that tucks away when not in use. Storage cubes, shelves and trays keep essentials accessible but tidy. Decorative room dividers separate work and sleep zones while cord organizers reduce tech clutter. Defined workspaces within bedrooms keep productivity contained.

Conclusion

After all your organizing efforts, take a moment to stand back and admire your bedroom sanctuary. Nothing feels better than waking up in a clutter-free, peaceful space tailored exactly to your lifestyle and needs. Staying organized just takes forming new habits.

Whenever you feel the urge to acquire something new, ask yourself: do I really need this? Only bring items into your space if they serve a purpose or bring you joy. Get rid of items that no longer spark positivity. Continue periodically editing and reassessing your systems.

Most importantly, take pride in the progress you’ve made! Organization is not a one-time project but an ongoing journey. Maintaining order in everyday life is an accomplishment worth celebrating.