Exercise Equipment You Don’t Use

Bedrooms are meant for rest, so they shouldn’t double as exercise studios. But, if you live in a smaller home, your bedroom might need to serve multiple purposes. However, if that treadmill or bike never gets used, it belongs someplace else, says Nicole Gabai, Certified Virtual Organizing Professional™ and founder of B. Organized. “This year, it’s finally time to get rid of that treadmill piled with clothes,” says Gabai. “It’s not a closet. Piles of clothes on a treadmill, bike, or even a chair signal delayed decisions and add stress.”

So, either move those things into another room, store them away, or consider selling if you are mostly working out elsewhere these days.

Things You No Longer Wear

A messy closet can make your bedroom feel like a stressful place, so it’s essential to periodically declutter. Gabai explains, “It’s also crucial to get rid of unused or broken accessories,” she says. “Jewelry, belts, and handbags that never get worn or are broken take up space and can create decision fatigue every morning. Be honest with yourself about what you should keep, donate, or throw away.”

Random Objects That Belong in Other Rooms

Gabai tells me that bedrooms too often become a drop zone for things that don’t belong, such as old receipts, paperwork, gym bags, or random household items. “It’s time to put those things where they belong,” she says. “Spend a few minutes daily putting items back in their proper zones so clutter never builds up.”

Extra Chargers

Most of us charge our phones overnight next to the bed. This is a practical choice because they double as alarm clocks. But do you also need to charge your laptop, earbuds, and tablet on your nightstand? Probably not. All of those cords can easily become tangled and messy. 

“The bedroom should be a retreat from the outside world, not an extension of your office,” says Hilde Leiaghat, CEO of luxury bedding brand Pom Pom at Home. “Reduce screen time and replace bedside chargers with discreetly hidden charging drawers or unplug altogether for a more restorative space.”

Excessive Decorative Pillows

Two or three decorative pillows can add color and texture to a bedroom, but most of us don’t need seven. Leiaghat tells me more isn’t always better when it comes to this accessory. “While layers add comfort, too many throw pillows can make a bed feel cluttered rather than inviting,” she explains.

Bulky Lamps

Lighting can have a major impact on the ambiance of a space, which is particularly important in a bedroom. But it’s not just the light that matters—you should also pay attention to the fixtures themselves and how they contribute to the overall feel of your bedroom. “One thing your bedroom doesn’t need this year? Bulky bedside lamps,” Cara Velten, partner at Gale Sitomer Design says. “Instead, we’re embracing pendants and sconces for a sleek look that also frees up valuable nightstand space.”