“Picture your dream bedroom. I bet it’s not filled with clutter.”

In his book, The Minimalist Home, Joshua Becker introduces a simple but transformative idea: every room in your home should have a clear purpose, and everything in it should serve that purpose. If an item doesn’t contribute to that purpose, it might not belong there.

The perfect example of this decluttering principle, is the bedroom which should be a place of rest, relaxation, and intimacy. Yet, for many of us, it has become a cluttered storage space—filled with distractions that keep us from getting the deep rest we need.

It’s a life-changing approach, especially when applied to the bedroom. When you remove distractions and unnecessary clutter, you create an environment that promotes better sleep, relaxation, and connection with your loved ones. Discerning what items are clutter and should be removed becomes much easier when you get clear on the purpose you desire the space to fulfill in your home.

Here are 10 things that don’t belong in your bedroom—and why you’ll sleep better without them.

1. A Television

Many people fall asleep with the TV on, but research shows that screens disrupt sleep quality. Your bedroom should be a retreat from constant stimulation, not a place for late-night binge-watching.

2. Exercise Equipment

While exercise is important, having workout gear in your bedroom can make it feel like a multi-purpose space instead of a restful sanctuary. If possible, store exercise equipment elsewhere to keep the bedroom dedicated to sleep and relaxation.

3. Work Papers and Office Supplies

Keeping work-related items in your bedroom blurs the line between rest and productivity. If your bedroom doubles as an office, it can be harder to mentally disconnect from work at night.

4. Hobby and Craft Supplies

Your bedroom is not a storage room for unfinished projects. Whether it’s sewing supplies, scrapbooking materials, or musical instruments, hobbies should have a designated space outside the bedroom.

5. Piles of Laundry

Unfolded laundry or clothes thrown on a chair can make your room feel chaotic. Keeping laundry in its proper place—either put away or in a designated hamper—can help maintain a sense of order.

6. Unneeded Furniture

A cluttered bedroom often has too much furniture. If a chair, bench, or bookshelf is only taking up space without adding to the room’s purpose, consider removing it to create a more open, peaceful environment.

7. Decor That Doesn’t Promote Rest

Bright, busy artwork or excessive decorations can create visual clutter. Choose calming colors, minimal decor, and items that contribute to a peaceful atmosphere.

8. Extra Electronics

Old phones, tablets, or even unused alarm clocks often pile up on nightstands. These unnecessary electronics add clutter and can interfere with sleep if they emit notifications or blue light.

9. Stacks of Books

Reading before bed can be relaxing, but stacks of unread books can create a sense of unfinished tasks. Keep only one or two books by your bedside and store the rest elsewhere.

10. Dirty Dishes/Utensils

It’s easy to leave a coffee cup on the nightstand or a plate from a late-night snack sitting on a dresser. But over time, dirty dishes and utensils can pile up, making your bedroom feel messy and unkempt. Instead of letting them linger, make it a habit to take everything back to the kitchen when you’re done. A clean, clutter-free bedroom promotes a more restful and relaxing environment.

By removing unnecessary items, you can create a bedroom that truly supports rest and relaxation. A peaceful, uncluttered space leads to better sleep and a greater sense of calm.

Take a look around your bedroom today. What can you remove to make it more intentional? Start small, and enjoy the difference a clutter-free space can make.