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5 Bedroom Items You Should Never Throw Out

July 16, 2024
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By 
Hannah Haber

Decluttering is a cornerstone of creating a clean and organized space. However, some people can take it too far, discarding even useful items in their quest for an empty room. This is especially true in bedrooms, which we all strive to be havens of comfort and relaxation. But keeping a few unexpected essentials can actually make it not just relaxing, but also functional. This guide reveals these five often-overlooked bedroom items and the reasons why you should never throw them out. 

Baskets and Bins 

5 Unexpected Bedroom Items You Should Never Throw Out.
Photographed by Ed Simon

Minimalism’s popularity sometimes leads people to believe that any visible storage contradicts the principles of a clean and uncluttered space. And by holding such high value for aesthetics, baskets and bins can be regarded as visually unappealing or unsuited for bedroom decor. Since they are typically made of plastic or natural materials, you might underestimate their lifespan and durability. This then reduces baskets and bins to temporary solutions for clutter. 

However, these bedroom items come in numerous sizes and shapes, making them perfect and versatile organization solutions. Beyond toys and laundry, baskets and bins can store heavier and larger things ranging from throw blankets, pillows, books, and seasonal clothes. Aside from being excellent storage, you can repurpose them as stylish plant holders and wastebaskets. And because of their varying forms, they only occupy minimal space and make designations of similar items easier. 

Most importantly, their materiality isn’t as flimsy as you may think. Wicker, canvas, and hard plastic can withstand years of use, saving you money on constantly replacing easily-damaged types. This versatility and durability are the very reasons why you should never throw them out. 

Hangers for an Evolving Bedroom Closet

5 Unexpected Bedroom Items You Should Never Throw Out.
Photographed by Excel Panlaque

After the frenzy of decluttering your wardrobe, empty hangers can feel like unnecessary extras, especially if there are a lot of them. Specifically with materials like plastic and wire, some might consider these items disposable. So, even if they’re still functional, some prefer uniformly designed hangers for a more aesthetically pleasing look. But you might regret this wasteful habit in the long run when you decide to organize your bedroom closet again. 

As you rotate your clothes or accumulate newer ones, you’ll need more places to store them. And the easiest way to do that is by hanging them in your closet. Having a stash of hangers, uniform or not, ensures you’re prepared for those instances. After all, what’s more important is they keep your delicate clothes wrinkle-free and prevent getting stuffed in your drawers. 

Aside from clothes, you can use hangers for scarves, belts, and even purses. That’s why it’s important not to immediately throw them out when decluttering or reorganizing your clothes and accessories. Unless they’re damaged, keeping empty hangers and reusing them is an economical way to serve your sartorial needs. 

Extra Bedding

5 Unexpected Bedroom Items You Should Never Throw Out.
Photographed by Ed Simon

When decluttering, you might view extra bedding as a waste of space, particularly if you don’t often have house guests.  But focusing only on your immediate needs can leave you scrambling once the unexpected sleepover or late-night mishap happens. 

In case your friends or family decide to crash in, you’ll be prepared to host them with a clean and comfy place to sleep. Having a few spare blankets and pillows can also come in handy when you need a quick swap for a fresh set. As private relaxation spaces, bedrooms aren’t completely safe from food or beverages ending up on sheets. And if accidents happen, you don’t have to immediately wash your lone beddings and wait for them to dry. Plus, it reduces the wear and tear of each piece, extending their lifespan. 

It’s the same for when your furry friends shed or track dirt into your bed. With a spare set, you can keep your haven hair and drool-free in no time. 

However, it doesn’t mean that you have to stockpile a mountain of beddings. Make sure to keep two to three high-quality sets of spares to ensure you’re prepared for most situations. 

Sentimental Items

5 Unexpected Bedroom Items You Should Never Throw Out.
Photographed by Ed Simon

Bedrooms aren’t just places to sleep. True comfort extends beyond plush pillows and cozy blankets. It’s also about surrounding yourself with things that reflect your experiences and the important people in your life. 

Sentimental items carry emotions and memories. But due to their varying designs and sizes, some find it difficult to integrate them as bedroom decor. As you collect them over time, they can clutter the space and disrupt the calm ambiance of your bedroom. 

Although they’re not typical bedroom items, they act as memory triggers that actually lead to a relaxed state of mind. Imagine catching a glimpse of framed travel posters or worn stuffed toys. These treasures foster a sense of peace and grounding within your bedroom walls.

However, it doesn’t mean keeping all things you find meaningful. Sort them out and focus only on those that truly evoke positive memories. Incorporating these selected pieces not only prevents your space from looking stale and impersonal, it also promotes emotional well-being. 

Previously Read Books 

Photographed by Ed Simon

For those who rarely or never re-reads books, they might not see value in keeping them around after reading them. And with ebooks and audiobooks readily available, what’s really the point of holding on to physical copies?

There’s no denying that reading before bed can be a relaxing ritual. So, keeping a few favorites on your nightstand or dedicated shelf allows for easy access and eliminates the need to get up and retrieve them from another room. 

Moreover, if you don’t have the luxury of reading nooks or a separate home library, your very own bedroom is the most convenient option. Unlike with high traffic areas like living and dining areas, the bedroom can be a distraction-free environment for reading. 

In addition, you’ll never know when the desire to revisit a favorite passage or scene might strike. Not throwing them out of your bedroom lets you indulge that urge without having to search it elsewhere. Similar to sentimental items, previously read books serve as little achievements that can be comforting and inspiring. Aside from supporting your bedtime routine, these items add personality to your bedroom. 

So, when you declutter your bedroom, don’t be too quick to toss every object, especially these five bedroom items. They might seem like clutter at first glance. But they can play a vital role in keeping your bedroom comfy and functional.

Read more: Common Bedroom Layout Mistakes and How to Fix Them

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