My Favorite Organizational Tools for Improving Nighttime Routines
Having a strong nightly routine is very important to me, so I’ve shared all the different tools and products I use to help me enjoy luxurious, rewarding, and restful sleep every night. However, maintaining this routine requires organization and everything you need should be on hand. If you’re looking to improve your nighttime routine, here are my favorite organizational tools to keep next to your bed.
The Best Organizational Tools for the Bedside
The first thing I need to recommend is a tiny trash can. A full-size trash can by the bed may waste space and is not guaranteed to be used; the mini however is perfect. I use mine to store things like sheet masks, white strips, and hydrating eye patches that I usually apply about an hour before bed and don’t want to have to get up to throw out once I’m in my cozy zone. If you also wear daily contact lenses, this will be very helpful as you can throw them out right before you close your eyes, instead of having to do it before you go to bed, flying blind for the last part of the night. All you need is something like this:
If you use individually wrapped earplugs or similar, a trash can will also help you keep the packaging organized. But what really helped me was the Adhesive Ashtray ($7.42). It attaches to the bottom of your bed frame or nightstand and then slides out when you need it. I put earplugs and a hair clip in there and then hide them so that they are easy to reach.
Next level bedside organization
If you have multiple remote controls, tech that needs charging, or a lot of bedding, you should consider upgrading your bedside table. You need something with compartments so you can store similar items together and make sure they all have a designated place for them . Something like this is inexpensive, but has plenty of compartments and hangers so everything will be in the right place:
Storage baskets will also be key. A shared tray in each room is generally important for organization, but especially near the bed where you might remove jewelry or glasses, store nasal spray or pillows, or otherwise need a place to store small essentials. I have several different boxes and containers so I can store a hat, eye mask, and chin strap (please don’t ask; I fall victim to many fads) in one place, and pillow sprays and lotions in another. Consider an option that rotates so that everything you need is at hand.
It’s important that your storage solutions are accessible because once you get into a cozy and comfortable state, you don’t want to be distracted by having to stand up or reach for anything. With that in mind, consider a cup holder that can be mounted on your nightstand or bed frame to not only hold water steady so you can grab it all night, but also keep it in a safe place away from electronics.
Finally, a multifunctional charger will always be an indispensable assistant at night. I have several of these at home, but my favorite is the STM ChargeTree Go because it’s foldable and portable, so I can travel with it and stay organized and efficient even on vacation. It charges my iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time, reducing cords and clutter on my nightstand and keeping everything organized.