As a mom of twin daughters, I know firsthand how easily a bedroom can transform from a serene sanctuary into a chaotic catch-all for toys, laundry, books, and who knows what else.
Life is busy, and sometimes tackling the clutter feels like climbing Everest. But trust me, with a little determination and a plan, it’s absolutely doable!
Here’s how I’ve approached decluttering my bedroom, step by step, without losing my sanity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Declutter Your Bedroom
1. Define Your Vision for the Space
Before you even touch a single item, take a moment to reflect on what you want from your bedroom. This step is crucial because it gives you a goal to work towards.
For me, my bedroom is the only space in the house that’s just for me (well, mostly—let’s not count the occasional invasion by my twins). I wanted it to feel like a calming retreat, free from distractions. Ask yourself:
How do I want to feel when I walk into my room?
What’s currently bothering me about this space?
What do I actually need in here for it to function well?
Having this vision will keep you motivated, especially when you’re knee-deep in a pile of old clothes or sorting through papers.
2. Set a Timer and Start Small
As a busy mom, time isn’t always on our side. When I first started decluttering, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff. So instead of tackling the entire bedroom, I set a timer for 15 minutes and focused on just one area.
Here are some ideas for manageable starting points:
The top of your nightstand: Clear away the books, half-empty water bottles, or random hair ties.
A single drawer: That “junk drawer” in your dresser can easily become a breeding ground for clutter.
Under the bed: If you’re like me, this space might be hiding more than just dust bunnies.
These small wins build momentum. Once you finish one area, you’ll feel empowered to move on to the next.
3. Sort Into Four Categories
This method is a game-changer. I keep four bins or large bags handy during my decluttering sessions and I label each into the following categories:
Keep: Items you use regularly and truly love.
Donate: Items in good condition that someone else could benefit from.
Trash: Broken or unusable items.
Relocate: Things that belong in another room (e.g., my daughters’ toys that always end up in my space).
One tip: make decisions quickly! If you linger too long, you’ll start second-guessing. For instance, I came across a pair of jeans I hadn’t worn in years. Instead of debating whether I’d someday wear them, I donated them. Letting go feels liberating.
4. Purge Sentimental Items Wisely
Sentimental items are always tricky. As a mom, I have endless little keepsakes from my daughters—drawings, cards, tiny outfits I can’t bear to part with. The key is finding balance.
Choose a few favorites to keep and display them thoughtfully (e.g., frame a drawing instead of keeping a whole stack in a drawer).
Take photos of the rest to create a digital memory book. This way, you preserve the sentiment without the physical clutter.
For items like baby clothes, I keep just a handful of pieces that hold the most meaning. The rest I donate to other moms who could use them.
5. Give Everything a Home
Decluttering is only half the battle; organizing is the other. Once you’ve decided what stays, assign a specific home to every item.
For clothes: Use drawer organizers for socks, underwear, and accessories. I also fold clothes Marie Kondo-style to save space.
For books and decor: Limit the number of items on your nightstand or dresser. A small tray or organizer can help corral daily essentials like your phone charger and lotion.
For random items: Use baskets, bins, or under-bed storage for things like seasonal clothes or spare linens.
A space where everything has its place is easier to maintain over time.
6. Clean as You Go
Decluttering reveals hidden dust and grime (hello, tumbleweeds under the bed!). As you clear areas, take a few minutes to clean them.
Vacuum corners and under furniture.
Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth or cleaning spray.
Freshen up your bedding to complete the transformation.
This extra step makes the space feel refreshed and reinforces the benefits of your hard work.
Need help cleaning? Check out this post on my go-to amazon cleaning Gadgets that will save your life.
Tips to Keep Your Bedroom Clutter-Free
1. Adopt the One-In, One-Out Rule
This rule is simple: anytime you bring something new into your bedroom, let go of something old.
Bought a new pair of shoes? Donate an old pair you no longer wear.
Got a new book? Pass along one you’ve already read.
This habit prevents clutter from creeping back in and keeps your space balanced.
2. Make Tidying a Daily Habit
Five minutes a day can make all the difference. Before bedtime, I do a quick sweep of my bedroom:
Put away any stray items.
Fold and put away clothes instead of tossing them on “the chair” (we all have one!).
Wipe down surfaces if needed.
This habit ensures that clutter doesn’t have a chance to accumulate.
3. Teach the Kids to Pitch In
My twin daughters love sneaking into my room with their toys, so I’ve taught them to help clean up. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start! I give them small tasks like putting their toys back in their room or tidying up the books on my shelf.
Decluttering Resources You’ll Love
1. Book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo Marie Kondo’s philosophy of only keeping things that spark joy is perfect for anyone overwhelmed by clutter.
2.Printable: Decluttering Checklist by Clean Mama This checklist breaks down decluttering into manageable, daily tasks, making it easier for busy moms to stay on track.
Journal: The Home Edit Workbook by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin A fun and interactive way to organize your home, room by room.
Recommended Storage Products to Stay Organized
Under-Bed Storage Bins These are lifesavers for maximizing unused space. I store off-season clothes and spare bedding in them.
Velvet Hangers Slim and non-slip, these hangers create a uniform look and save a ton of closet space.
Over-the-Door Organizers Use these for shoes, scarves, or accessories. They keep items visible and off the floor.
Wicker Baskets Stylish and versatile, baskets can hold anything from extra blankets to books while adding a cozy vibe to the room.
Decluttering isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a space that works for you. As a mom, I know how chaotic life can get, but taking the time to declutter your bedroom is an act of self-care. It’s your chance to reclaim a little peace in your busy world. Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the calm that follows—you deserve it!
