Picture this: You’re ready to wind down for the night, but as you reach for your phone charger, you knock over a half-empty water glass. A mess of tangled cords, old receipts, and forgotten tubes of lip balm stares back at you.
A cluttered nightstand or bedside table doesn’t just look bad: it can disrupt your bedtime routine and make mornings more chaotic. But with a few simple changes, it can become a calming, functional space that helps you sleep better and start your day with ease.
We spoke with Professional Organizer Missy Feldman, who shared expert nightstand organization ideas to turn your bedroom into a decluttered oasis.
“One of the most common mistakes people make when organizing their nightstands is turning them into catch-all spaces,” says Missy. “It’s easy for nightstands to become cluttered with random items, everything from loose change to old chargers and paperwork.”
Be honest: has your nightstand become a mini junk drawer? If so, you’re not alone. Nightstands often turn into unintentional storage for all sorts of clutter.
Here are some common offenders that sneak into nightstand drawers:
Step one? Clear out anything that doesn’t directly serve your nighttime routine.
So, what should you be keeping in your nightstand?
“People should keep essentials in their nightstand: things they reach for regularly,” Missy advises.
Here are some favorites that Missy recommends:
But don’t stop there. Think about your own routine: do you reach for hand lotion before bed? Need nasal strips to help you breathe? Maybe you like to keep a sleep aid or eye drops close by. The goal is to create a setup tailored to you.
Now that the drawer is under control, you might be wondering: what belongs on top of the nightstand?
Missy favors a minimalist, ‘less-is-more’ approach. “Keep surfaces clear for a clean look,” she recommends. (After all, less stuff means less mess!)
Here’s an ideal nightstand surface setup that's simple, functional, and clutter-free:
Limiting surface items makes the space feel calmer and discourages clutter from creeping back in.
When it comes to organizing, how you arrange your items is just as important as what you keep. For a space as small but essential as a nightstand, a thoughtful setup is key.
Nightstands come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s how to organize different setups:
Missy’s advice? “Prioritize essentials only!” She stresses the importance of keeping things simple and avoiding overcrowding, especially when you’re working with limited space.
To make that happen, try this approach:
Create designated drawers based on item categories:
If your nightstand doesn’t come with drawers, there are still ways to stay organized without sacrificing function or style.
Missy is a big believer in drawer organizers, as they keep everything in your nightstand drawer contained and easy to find.
Some of her favorite products include:
If you’re short on space or dealing with a small nightstand, these smart strategies from Missy can help you stay tidy without sacrificing function:
These hacks help maximize storage without sacrificing style or function, keeping your nightstand tidy and efficient.
A tidy nightstand isn’t just about aesthetics: it makes bedtime routines smoother and mornings less chaotic.
To keep your bedside table organized long-term, Missy recommends a simple maintenance routine:
“Keep it simple and consistent! Do a quick reset weekly—return items to their designated spots and remove anything that doesn’t belong. Avoid overfilling drawers and stick to the essentials to make tidying up easier.”
Here are some extra tips for long-term success:
Whether you call it a nightstand or bedside table, the goal is the same: calm, functional storage.
With Missy Feldman’s expert tips, you can turn this space from a chaotic mess into a functional, peaceful space.
So go ahead—clear that clutter and give your nightstand the glow-up it deserves.
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