Bedroom Ban List: 7 Items You Should Never Keep in Your Bedroom
Hidden sleep disruptors might be in your room right now. Declutter and reclaim your space to improve sleep quality.
By:
The Good Home Daily
Posted on May 9, 2025
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, a place to unwind and recharge. Unfortunately, many of us have turned our bedrooms into something more akin to a cluttered storage space. This accumulation of items can significantly disrupt sleep quality and contribute to stress.
Research has shown a direct link between bedroom clutter and sleep disturbances. By decluttering your space, you can create a more restful environment that promotes better sleep.
Here’s the catch: decluttering a bedroom can be very challenging. We’ve all been there, staring at a pile of clothes or a cluttered nightstand, wondering where to start. So, let’s simplify things! Let’s start by identifying items that simply don’t belong in your sleep space.
In this guide, we’ll cover 7 everyday items you should keep out of your bedroom sanctuary.
1. Office Equipment
Let’s start with the obvious culprit: office equipment. Your bedroom should be a tech-free zone as much as possible. Having a laptop, printer, or even a desk in your bedroom can blur the lines between work and relaxation.
When you see work-related items, your brain automatically switches to work mode, making it harder to unwind and fall asleep. Plus, the blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with your sleep cycle. Let’s create a peaceful sleep environment by keeping work where it belongs—out of the bedroom.
2. (Sadly) Our Pets
I know, I know—our furry friends are part of the family, and it’s tempting to cuddle up with them at night. That might explain why a survey found that nearly half (46%) of dogs sleep in their owners’ beds.
But let’s be honest: having pets in your bedroom can disrupt your sleep. They might snore, shed, or have midnight zoomies, interrupting your precious slumber.
Beyond that, pets can bring in allergens and germs, which is not ideal for your health, especially if you have allergies or asthma.
3. Television
Let’s talk about television. It might seem harmless to unwind with a show before bed, but having a TV in your bedroom is a common sleep disruptor. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep.
Plus, the temptation to “just watch one more episode” can lead to late nights and sleep deprivation. I know I said it already, but it’s worth repeating: your bedroom should be a tech-free zone.
4. Food and Drinks
Your bedroom is not a dining room or a kitchen. Bringing food and drinks into your sleep sanctuary is a recipe for disaster. Crumbs, spills, and sticky residue can create a breeding ground for pests and bacteria.
Beyond the mess, eating in bed can also disrupt your sleep. Your body associates mealtime with alertness, not relaxation. So keep those snacks and drinks out of your bedroom and create a clean, inviting space for rest.
5. Clothes and Shoes
While it’s tempting to toss your clothes on a chair or pile them on the floor, it is not ideal for a restful sleep environment. Used or dirty clothes can harbor dust, allergens, and even unwelcome guests like moths.
Shoes, on the other hand, bring in dirt, germs, and bacteria. Imagine all that gunk being brought into your sleep space. We know you do not want that.
Keep your bedroom clean and welcoming by designating a specific area for your wardrobe and footwear.
6. Gym Equipment
Your bedroom is also not a workout zone. Gym equipment, from dumbbells to treadmills, does not belong in your sleep sanctuary. It adds visual clutter and can make your room feel smaller and more cramped.
Also, let’s be honest, sweating in your bed isn’t very hygienic. Keep your gym gear in a dedicated space outside the bedroom to maintain an environment meant for rest, not reps.
7. Bright Furniture, Curtains, and Even Bedding
Bright colors like red, purple, and orange are among the worst bedroom colors. These shades can stimulate your mind and make it harder to relax. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, consider swapping out those vibrant curtains, bedding, or furniture for something more soothing.
Your bedroom should be a calm and inviting space. Our suggestion is to pick soft, muted tones like blues, greens, and grays.
Create a Perfect Sleep Sanctuary
Are any of these things inside your bedroom? Then, they might be the reason behind your restless nights. Removing them could make a bigger difference than you think.
You may be surprised by how much these seemingly small details can affect your sleep quality and overall well-being.
It is time to reclaim your bedroom. Start decluttering today and experience the difference a peaceful sleep can make. Sweet dreams!
