Top 9+ Items You Shouldn't Keep in Your Bedroom (Though They Feel Convenient)

Electronic Devices

Electronic Devices, Workout Equipment, Work Papers and Laptops, Unwashed Laundry, Old Magazines and Books, Food and Snacks, Personal Care Products, Pets’ Beds and Toys, Unused Furniture or Storage Boxes

Keeping phones, tablets, or laptops within arm's reach might feel second nature, but research from the Sleep Foundation in 2024 shows that blue light from screens disrupts melatonin production by up to 37%, making it harder to fall asleep and get deep rest. Notifications and social media can keep your brain alert even after you put the device down.

Experts at Harvard Medical School recommend charging devices outside the bedroom to reduce temptation. In a 2023 survey, 62% of people who removed electronics from their bedrooms reported sleeping better within two weeks.

Even silent mode may not help, since just seeing a device can prompt anxiety or stress.

Workout Equipment

Electronic Devices, Workout Equipment, Work Papers and Laptops, Unwashed Laundry, Old Magazines and Books, Food and Snacks, Personal Care Products, Pets’ Beds and Toys, Unused Furniture or Storage Boxes

Storing dumbbells or a yoga mat under your bed might seem like a good way to motivate yourself, but cluttered rooms are proven to increase stress levels. According to a 2024 UCLA study, visible exercise gear can make it harder for your brain to associate your bedroom with relaxation.

The sight of unfinished workouts or unused equipment can trigger guilt or anxiety. Sleep experts say it’s best to keep the bedroom a sanctuary for sleep, not reminders of what you haven’t done.

This separation can actually help you stick to a routine better.

Work Papers and Laptops

Electronic Devices, Workout Equipment, Work Papers and Laptops, Unwashed Laundry, Old Magazines and Books, Food and Snacks, Personal Care Products, Pets’ Beds and Toys, Unused Furniture or Storage Boxes

Bringing your job into the bedroom might feel efficient, but it comes with a cost. A 2023 Gallup poll found that 41% of remote workers who worked from their bedrooms experienced higher levels of insomnia and work-related anxiety.

When your brain links your sleeping space with work stress, it’s harder to wind down at night. Experts recommend creating clear boundaries between work and rest, so your body and mind recognize when it’s time to sleep.

Even a closed laptop can remind you of unfinished tasks.

Unwashed Laundry

Electronic Devices, Workout Equipment, Work Papers and Laptops, Unwashed Laundry, Old Magazines and Books, Food and Snacks, Personal Care Products, Pets’ Beds and Toys, Unused Furniture or Storage Boxes

Piling dirty clothes in your bedroom might seem harmless, but recent research from the American Cleaning Institute found that 69% of bedrooms with laundry piles have higher dust mite counts. These can trigger allergies and worsen asthma symptoms, particularly at night.

Damp clothes can also lead to mold growth, which is linked to respiratory issues according to the CDC. The smell of unwashed laundry can subtly impact your mood and sleep quality, even if you don’t consciously notice it.

Old Magazines and Books

Electronic Devices, Workout Equipment, Work Papers and Laptops, Unwashed Laundry, Old Magazines and Books, Food and Snacks, Personal Care Products, Pets’ Beds and Toys, Unused Furniture or Storage Boxes

Stacks of reading material might seem cozy, but they can actually collect dust, mold, and allergens over time. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America warns that paper piles are a magnet for dust mites and can worsen allergies by up to 20%.

A 2025 study found people with cluttered nightstands or bookshelves in their bedrooms reported more frequent sneezing and coughing at night. Keeping only one or two current reads nearby and rotating them regularly can help keep your air cleaner and your mind uncluttered.

Food and Snacks

Electronic Devices, Workout Equipment, Work Papers and Laptops, Unwashed Laundry, Old Magazines and Books, Food and Snacks, Personal Care Products, Pets’ Beds and Toys, Unused Furniture or Storage Boxes

It’s tempting to keep a stash of snacks by your bed, but recent findings from the National Sleep Foundation highlight that food crumbs attract insects like ants and cockroaches. In 2023, pest control companies reported a 32% increase in bedroom infestations linked to food storage.

Eating in bed also raises your risk of acid reflux, which can disrupt sleep and leave you feeling groggy in the morning. Nutritionists suggest keeping eating and sleeping spaces separate for better digestion and rest.

Personal Care Products

Electronic Devices, Workout Equipment, Work Papers and Laptops, Unwashed Laundry, Old Magazines and Books, Food and Snacks, Personal Care Products, Pets’ Beds and Toys, Unused Furniture or Storage Boxes

Lotions, perfumes, and other beauty products might seem convenient on your nightstand, but many contain synthetic fragrances or chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin and airways. According to a 2024 EPA report, some bedroom air samples with high concentrations of personal care products had 18% more indoor air pollutants.

Spills or leaks can also stain bedding and attract dust. Dermatologists recommend keeping only the basics nearby and storing bulkier items in the bathroom.

Pets’ Beds and Toys

Electronic Devices, Workout Equipment, Work Papers and Laptops, Unwashed Laundry, Old Magazines and Books, Food and Snacks, Personal Care Products, Pets’ Beds and Toys, Unused Furniture or Storage Boxes

Sharing your bedroom with your pet’s belongings is cozy, but it can negatively affect your sleep. Research in 2024 from the Mayo Clinic found that people sleeping with pets or their toys in the room woke up more during the night—up to 36% more disruptions on average.

Pet dander and fur can also increase allergy symptoms and require more frequent cleaning. Veterinarians suggest creating a designated sleep space for pets outside your bedroom for better rest for everyone.

Unused Furniture or Storage Boxes

Electronic Devices, Workout Equipment, Work Papers and Laptops, Unwashed Laundry, Old Magazines and Books, Food and Snacks, Personal Care Products, Pets’ Beds and Toys, Unused Furniture or Storage Boxes

Extra chairs, bins, or storage boxes crowding your bedroom might make organization easier, but they can also create a cramped, stressful environment. Studies from the National Sleep Foundation in 2024 show that cluttered bedrooms can increase anxiety by 23% and make it harder for your mind to relax at night.

Piled-up boxes can block airflow and collect dust, making the room stuffier and harder to clean. Designers recommend keeping only essential furniture in bedrooms to promote a sense of calm and order.

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