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Amber’s Home and Office Organizing Blog index

Clutter that Kills the Calm

At the end of a long day or long week (in today’s case) I love sinking into bed and enjoying a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. It’s taken me awhile to figure out how to best create a calming, restful room. When I first was married we painted half our bedroom red- I don’t know what I was thinking. It was crazy. Red awakens and excites- not calms and sooths. It was completely the wrong color. So we repainted a calm beige, got white carpet, a white duvet cover and wow, what a transformation. I was sleeping better instantly.

Then we bought this house we’re in and I was back to figuring out the best way to transform this new bedroom here. I settled on a wistful, light blue and kept the white duvet cover. I’m enjoying it so I think it is here to stay. Other ways I keep it calming atmosphere is to keep the clutter out.  Just making the bed, lining up shoes, and hanging up clothes on a daily basis makes a huge difference. I also have absolutely no knickknacks or books or paper lying around. It distracts from keeping a serene, calm feeling.

 

 

Watch out for this clutter that can really kill the calm in your bedroom:

• Paper: never, ever bring the mail or bills to bed. I understand on occasion the laptop might be handy if you’re sick, but keep paper as far away as possible
• Toys: toys are for one place only (okay maybe two)- the play room/basement or your kids room. Parents’ bedrooms are their domain and quiet place. Boundaries are key- especially when it comes to toys.
• Books: one or two books/magazines are understandable if you like to read before going to bed. However, bookshelf after bookshelf will make your bedroom feel like a library or cave (it will darken the room)
• Furniture: Yes, even furniture can be clutter and can make you feel really crowded. Assess the number of pieces of furniture you have versus the amount of free wall space/window space you have. Try to eliminate excess furniture like a random chair, trunk, side table, etc. My rule of thumb is -if you have a closet in your bedroom than two dressers for clothes are plenty.  
• Kid’s Clothes: Too often do I see kids clothes and stuff strewn about parents’ bedrooms. Again, parent’s bedrooms should be their private space, where they can relax and unwind. Start training your kids early by changing them in their own room and using their own hamper. 

What do you do to keep your bedroom calm and serene?

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