Decluttering Your Way to Better Sleep: Expert Tips for a Restful Night
Expert shares five effective methods to tidy your space and improve your sleep quality
Nearly one in five individuals struggle with inadequate sleep, but a simple solution might be hiding in plain sight: decluttering. The connection between a tidy living space and improved sleep quality is becoming increasingly apparent, with research suggesting that an organised environment can significantly impact one’s ability to rest peacefully.
Decluttering expert Karl Graham, from Click Storage, explains the link between clutter and sleep issues: “A cluttered bedroom can elevate stress levels, potentially leading to sleep disturbances and insomnia. On the other hand, maintaining a tidy sleeping area has been associated with lower cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and facilitating easier sleep onset.”
To help individuals tackle the challenge of decluttering and potentially improve their sleep, Karl offers YCB readers five practical methods that can transform living spaces and enhance sleep quality. These techniques aim to simplify the decluttering process, making it more manageable and less overwhelming for those seeking a more restful night’s sleep.
Karl Graham’s Tips for Managing the Decluttering Process
- Use the Three Piles Method
Take some time to think about whether you really need the things you have in your home. It’s often difficult to part with certain items, but you can simplify the process by using the ‘three piles’ method.
“Separate your belongings into a pile of things you want to keep, a pile of things that are broken and need to be thrown away, and a pile of things to donate,” advises Karl. “If there’s something you never use but can’t stand to part with, try setting a reminder six months away. If the item still has not been used at that time, it’s time to give it a new home.”
- Start With One Room
Decluttering the house can be a daunting task, which is why it helps to take a step back and declutter one room at a time.
“Sticking to one room at a time will help you see the progress more clearly, and motivate you to keep going,” explains Karl. “Plus once it’s fully organised, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and be encouraged to move on to the next room.”
- Set a Timer
Perhaps the most difficult aspect of decluttering is the time it takes.
Karl recommends combatting this by setting a timer for 30 minutes. Use the half hour to do what you can, before moving on to any other more pressing tasks you have.
“If 30 minutes is too much time, adjust the timer according to your liking,” suggests Karl. “In fact, you could even set the timer for five minutes to speed clean as fast as you can, and see how much you can get done.”
- Aesthetically Pleasing Storage Bins Help
Finding an effective yet aesthetically pleasing way to organise your belongings will make all the difference.
“Find bins that will both fit the theme of the room while providing ample storage,” recommends Karl. “You could also look into ottomans or coffee tables with built-in storage that will hide your messiness away while still looking pleasant.”
- Make It a Team Effort
Sometimes when it comes to decluttering, it takes a village.
“Enlist your fellow roommates or family members to help you,” says Karl. “Perhaps each person can tackle decluttering one room of the home, or you could all declutter the same room together. Either way, know that everyone will reap the rewards of a clean and tidy space with a well-deserved full night’s sleep.”
“Not having a good night’s sleep can eat away at your mental health, leaving you both physically and mentally exhausted. A large part of taking care of yourself is taking care of your environment as well. A clean, organised home can help you feel calm, relaxed, and easily willing to drift off into the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night. If the storage solutions you currently have are not working for you, we advise that you consider renting an extra storage locker to help keep your living space decluttered while still being able to keep all your cherished belongings.”