Organize + Energize: Is Your Nightstand Giving you Nightmares?
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Let’s face it, do you really want to wake up or go to sleep next to a dust-filled, cluttered nightstand? It’s usually one of the first things you see when you open your eyes in the morning and one of the last things you see when you close them at night. Is there so much clutter, that you’ve become so used to looking at it that you’ve forgotten what is actually taking up space there?
What’s on your nightstand?
What’s taking up space on this nightstand and how much of it are you actually using? Does it really belong there? You are going to find medication, lotions, books, jewelry, money, memorabilia, electronics, hair accessories, gift cards, and I could list a hundred more things that I’ve found in this space when working with clients. You name it, I’ve probably found it!
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTTake inventory.
I want you to take everything off and out of this piece of furniture. As you touch each piece, make your piles of keep, toss, or move to another room. Categorize your keep items as you go. As you take inventory, really think about what needs to stay here and be honest about what you’re using on a daily or weekly basis.
Here’s a good gauge if you should keep it there: If it’s collecting dust, it’s been there too long and it’s either time to get rid of it or move it to another area in your home where it will get used.
Organize.
You’ll want this space to be as serene as possible, just like your bedroom. If you must keep small items here, keep them categorized and itemized in drawer organizers. Remember, that drawers in a nightstand are not supposed to be junk drawers or a catch all for things you don’t know what to do with. Really ask yourself, “How much do I need to keep here?” Remember, the least amount of distractions you have in the bedroom, the better you’ll sleep.
It’s time to tackle this quick project. It won’t be so overwhelming if you just schedule this one project on your calendar and commit to tackling it. Block off ½ an hour for this project. It’s not going to take you that long, but give yourself some structure and a time frame. Take note to how you feel once you accomplished this project.
Kristin Carcieri-MacRae, is an organizing & efficiency expert and owner of Organizing in RI. Kristin teaches her clients that living an organized lifestyle will save them time and money, decrease their stress levels and help them become more efficient and productive. Her articles have been published in local and national magazines. Kristin's CD, Organizing Basics, is a 1-hour guide for the person who wants to get organized but doesn't know where to begin. She is also available for organizing workshops.
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