How to clear visual clutter in the bedroom in 5 simple steps – experts say decluttering will enhance your sleep

Visual clutter can make even the most spacious bedroom feel chaotic. Tackling it not only improves aesthetics and function, but also boosts your well-being by reducing stress.

For better quality sleep, our home organizing experts reveal the five simple steps to clearing visual clutter to transform your bedroom into a peaceful retreat.

Armed with our bedroom decluttering tips, you'll soon have a clutter-free and serene sleep space.

The impact of visual clutter in the bedroom

Things that make your bedroom look cluttered can add to a sense of overwhelm. Clutter takes our mental energy, creates stress and makes it harder to relax. Practically, that visual clutter translates to more unusable surfaces and therefore a loss of function in this space. Disorganization here leads to difficulty finding what you need, when you need it, too.

Bedrooms are quite functional spaces. We often get ready for the day or night in there, and crucially, unwind and go to sleep there. Any visual clutter in bedrooms that takes away your peace, makes you feel stressed or makes it harder to use the space well needs to go. Here's how.

Step 1: Remove unnecessary items

As with many of the best decluttering methods, the best starting point is to get rid of what's not needed. Whether it’s piles of laundry, unused decor, or forgotten knickknacks, bedrooms often accumulate items that belong elsewhere or serve no real purpose other than to overwhelm the space.

Karina Toner, operations manager of Spekless Cleaning, says, 'Start by taking out anything that doesn’t belong in the bedroom, such as dishes, old magazines, or laundry. Next, evaluate decorative items like photos or trinkets and keep only a few meaningful ones on display.'

Toner recommends using these Simple Houseware Foldable Storage Bins from Amazon to easily relocate household items that have wandered to the bedroom. When not in use, the bins can be easily folded and tidied away.

When considering unnecessary items, don't overlook the bed. Too many blankets, pillows, and throws can overwhelm it, adding visual clutter in the bedroom and making it look overly busy.

Professional organizer and founder of Let Your Space Bloom, Amy Bloomer, says, 'Consider donating any extra blankets and pillows to your local animal shelter or zoo. If you don't have a linen closet and need extra linen storage, try a storage bench at the end of your bed, which also provides extra seating.'

Finally, consider your bedroom walls. Choose a few favorite pieces on one wall, and keep other walls clean for a balanced, airy look.

Steven Ip, founder of Cleanzen Boston Cleaning Services, says, 'When posters, photos, or artwork are scattered across several walls, it can create a sense of clutter that distracts the eye. Instead, focus on arranging these items in one dedicated area or in a designated frame, such as this RÖDALM Frame for 5 Pictures from Ikea or these QDSSDECO White Wood Poster Frames from Amazon.'

Step 2: Clear surfaces

Nightstands, dressers, and other surfaces are prime spots for clutter buildup. Books, water glasses, and random trinkets can make your bedroom appear untidy and overwhelming, reducing its calming potential. Unless you're reading the book at the moment, pop it in a drawer.

Jon Christensen, CEO of home improvement hub Bidmii, says, 'Relocate non-essentials, then identify items you use daily and keep these accessible. These Marie Kondo Calm Small Hikidashi Drawer Organizers from The Container Store are perfect for neatly organizing smaller items like jewelry or chargers.'

Professional organizer Francesca Verri says, 'The nightstand in particular tends to collect a lot of visual clutter. I recommend making it a goal to leave only the book you are currently reading out on the surface.'

Verri recommends these Poeland Drawer Organizer Trays from Amazon and this SANZIE Luxury Leather Tray Catchall Organizer from Amazon. She adds, 'Even if the items inside the basket or tray fit different categories, having them collected leaves the space feeling tidy.'

When it comes to relocating items that won't require regular access, under-the-bed storage can provide the ideal solution. Toner says, 'These IRIS USA Under Bed Storage Containers from Amazon are a perfect way to keep your bedroom clutter-free and your under-bed storage neatly organized.'

Step 3: Declutter closets

Overfilled closets can spill into the rest of your bedroom, creating more visual chaos. Clothes, shoes, and accessories stored in a disorganized manner contribute to a sense of disorder.

Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, says, 'Typically, clutter in the bedroom falls into two groups: clothes and everything else. So you can't organize your bedroom properly without first tackling the closet.

'People are tired when they get home and usually throw their clothes wherever. We want systems set up so that doesn't happen. An organized closet and proper hamper will go a long way toward keeping clothes off the chair, bed, or floor.'

Toner recommends the Seville Classics Premium Handwoven Portable Laundry Bin Basket from Amazon, and these Zober Velvet Hangers, also from Amazon, which boast more than 70,000 five-star customer reviews.

For more, check out how to aesthetically organize a closet, and these organizing tips to make laundry easier.

Step 4: Hide electronics

Electronics like phones, chargers, and TVs can add to the visual noise of a bedroom. Their wires, screens, and blinking lights can disrupt the tranquil environment essential for rest.

Amanda Scott, founder of Amanda Scott Home, says, 'If a tangle of cords for lamps and chargers is creating a messy environment, consider using a cable management box – such as this Bluelounge CableBox from The Container Store – to conceal them. And if you keep your phone by your bed, use cord clips – such as these PRUNLLA Cord Anchors from Amazon – to keep the charging cable from falling down.'

Soreff adds, 'I always advise having no TV in the bedroom, as the room should be completely dark to ensure a restful sleep. Remember that every room in the house should be used for its intended purpose – the bedroom is for sleep.'

Step 5: Maintain the calm

To ensure your bedroom stays clutter-free, focus on maintaining a serene environment.

Choose a minimalistic approach to decorating and avoid adding too many new items. Opt for a cohesive color palette that soothes the eyes and creates a sense of harmony.

Adopt habits like taking a minute each morning to make your bed – one of the things super-organized people do every day – and tidying up every evening before bed. This ongoing effort will prevent visual clutter from creeping back in.

So there you have it – how to clear visual clutter in the bedroom. By following these five simple steps, you can enjoy a haven of a bedroom that you'll look forward to returning to each evening.

Next, check out these bedroom layout ideas to make the most of your space.