7 bedroom items you need to replace more often – professional organizers recommend assessing your space for surprising pieces that need to go

Of all the rooms in a home, bedrooms are probably the least decluttered. After all, it’s meant to be full – or at least should be – of your favorite things, creating a relaxing haven for unwinding and rest.

That being said, professional organizers warn that there are several items that you should be replacing far more often than you probably are.

From curtains to candles, they have shared their decluttering tips for what to change out regularly, to refresh your space and keep it neat, clean, and tidy.

7 bedroom items you should replace more often

1. Pillows

Is a bed ever truly complete without an assortment of plush pillows? They increase coziness and comfort, but, as Tracy McCubbin, founder, and CEO of dClutterfly, points out, 'This is the item that no one ever replaces.

'Most experts, me included, suggest replacing pillows every one to two years, especially if they are down because feathers break down and the pillows lose their shape,' which is one of the ways your pillow could be ruining your sleep quality.

Look out for the warning signs it's time to replace your pillows and be honest with yourself when you spot them. They might be an investment, but knowing how often you should change your pillow will have a huge effect on your sleep. And, if you're unsure how to choose a pillow, our handy, expert-led guide dives into the details.

Tracy continues, 'In between pillow replacements, wash your pillows. This will help them last longer while ridding them of dust mites.'

Opt for a gentle, hypoallergenic detergent, such as all Liquid Laundry Detergent available at Amazon to protect the delicate skin on your face and avoid damaging the fibers of your bedding. Importantly, pillows are one of the things never to put in the dryer, as they may alight, posing a fire risk in your home.

All prices correct at time of publication.

2. Clothes hangers

According to Di Ter Avest, professional organizer and founder of Diisorganized, your hangers are also likely something that needs replacing.

She explains, 'Mismatched, bent, or weak hangers are unnecessary items you can declutter, making your closet look cluttered and even risking damaging clothes.'

Instead, upgrade to matching hangers, such as the bestselling Mainstays Slim Clothes Hangers available at Walmart, for a clean look that instantly helps to aesthetically organize a closet.

3. Curtains

Do you know how often you should be switching out your curtains? According to professional organizer Di, you should be doing so more often than you think.

She explains, 'They trap dust and odors more than you think. Even when regularly washing and caring for curtains and drapes, they start to look dull. Replace them every three to five years.'

Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, also stresses the benefit of changing your curtains to help you to sleep better, and to reset and breathe new life into your bedroom.

'The bedroom is supposed to be peaceful and a place to relax, so switching out the decor and adding black-out curtains, such as the top-rated NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels available at Amazon, can go a long way to revitalizing your space,' he advises.

4. Your duvet

You snuggle down under it every night, so it's no surprise that your duvet or comforter needs replacing regularly.

Professional organizer Di warns, 'Over time, comforters lose their fluff and collect allergens. If yours isn’t keeping you warm or smells musty despite washing, replace it every five years.'

You can also freshen a comforter without washing it, by tumble-drying, airing, or using a fabric refresh spray, such as the Febreze Fabric Freshener Spray Lavender available at Amazon. But, again, if these aren't working to banish bad odors and re-fluff your comforter, it's time for a new one.

Make sure you're clued up on the comforter buying rules before taking the plunge on a purchase, as put together by our resident sleep expert, Emilia Hitching.

5. Candles

Even the best candles don't last forever, which is why it's important to burn and enjoy them, instead of saving them for a rainy day.

As professional organizer Tracy says, 'Another nightstand offender is old, dusty, dead candles. They are used once for a romantic evening and then just become a dust catcher.

'If there is enough wick left that they can be used again, practice good candle care by cleaning them off and storing them with your other candles. Or even better, use them! Burn the nice candles! Stop waiting for that special night. Every night is special!'

Then, once used, you can reuse the candle jars all around your house, which is a great way to be sustainable at home while saving decorative glass from landfill.

6. Your bedsheets

Do you know how often you should change your bed sheets? Much like your comforter and pillows, professional organizer Ben highlights the importance of regularly replacing your bed sheets.

He says, 'While most people don't wash their bed sheets as often as they should, they should also replace them every few years, because of the build-up of oils and other gross things, like mites, that are best not to think about if you want to sleep again.'

If this is something you need to tackle, our guide to the best places to buy bedding – curated by our sleep expert Emilia – highlights where to splurge when spending on sheets.

7. Your laundry hamper

As the place where you stuff dirty washing daily, your laundry hamper goes through a lot.

Professional organizer Di advises, 'If yours is cracked, stained, or starting to smell, it’s time for a fresh one that makes laundry more streamlined and hygienic.'

Luckily, there are plenty of laundry basket storage ideas to choose from. For example, Chiana Dickson, content editor for Solved at Homes & Gardens, recently discovered the secret to quick laundry with a Joseph Joseph laundry organizer, finding that a new, pre-divided hamper was the key to making laundry easier. It’s an easy win!

Meet the experts

Di Ter Avest

After becoming a wife and a mother, Di quickly learned the importance of organization and regular decluttering. Since, she has helped hundreds of clients rethink their relationship with clutter, including what to replace, and what to get rid of for good, in bedrooms.

Ben Soreff

Ben has significant experience with level five hoarders, which has given him a unique insight into which items are difficult to let go of, and which items need replacing far more often than they usually are.

Tracy McCubbin

Tracy has been professionally decluttering and organizing since 2006, providing hands-on experience for over 20 years to clients and passing on her knowledge to create a booming business.

FAQs

How often do people replace bedroom furniture?

It might not be the first thing you think of, but your bedroom furniture should be replaced every five to ten years. The best time to buy bedroom furniture is between January and February, so keep this in mind when planning to make changes where necessary.

Don't forget about changing your mattress, either. Look for signs it's time for a replacement, most significantly uncomfortable or disturbed sleep, especially if you've already tried to fix a sagging mattress to no avail.