Key Takeaways
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Invest in a nightstand organizer to keep essentials neat and visible.
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Declutter regularly to prevent drawers from becoming junk havens.
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Set up a charging station to hide cables and tech accessories.
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Limit surface items to essentials for a clean, calming space.
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Use dividers, caddies, and shelves to keep small items and books organized.
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Develop habits to maintain organization long-term.
What is it about a nightstand that it becomes a junk magnet? Somehow all your odds and ends find their way onto and into your nightstand turning it into one jumbled mess. You can usually find books, glasses, charging cables, a random old receipt and a smattering of dust on most nightstands… Disorganization isn’t just frustrating—it can actually affect your sleep. Don’t believe us? Believe science! Studies have found a cluttered and untidy bedroom impacts your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Not a good combo, right?
The good news? It’s time to reclaim your nightstand. Here are 9 simple, actionable ideas to organize your nightstand, reduce clutter, and bring the zen back to your bedroom.
1. Invest in a Nightstand Organizer
The first step to creating a neater, tidier nightstand is to invest in a quality nightstand organizer. No, we don’t mean hiring Marie Kondo to tidy up your bedroom. We mean purchasing a functional but stylish nightstand organizer, such as The Hub to neatly store all your things.
Our nightstand organizer for men provides the ultimate nightstand storage solution.
Our well-designed organizers provides:
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A watch pillar to display your favorite timepieces
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Drawers for AirPods, charging cables, keys, rings, and other small items
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A clutter-free surface that elevates the look of your bedroom
2. Out With the Old
Drawers can quickly become a graveyard for old receipts, birthday cards, dust bunnies, and miscellaneous debris. Schedule a quarterly clean-out:
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Empty the drawer completely
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Vacuum and wipe down surfaces
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Reorganize essentials neatly
This simple habit keeps your nightstand functional and clutter-free.
3. Create a Charging Station
Cables can make your nightstand look messier than it actually is. A charging station built into your nightstand organizer helps keep tech tidy:
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The Sidekick offers space for phone cables to be neatly tucked away
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The Hub adds an extra spot for AirPods or additional devices
This dual-purpose docking station keeps your essentials charged and organized while maintaining a sleek look.
4. Only Keep the Essentials Out
It’s really easy to get into the habit of dumping books, water glasses and your vitamin collection on your nightstand, especially if you’re short on space.
Less is more. Limit what’s on your nightstand surface to daily-use items:
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Reading glasses
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Phone and watch
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Car keys or jewelry
Pack everything else away in drawers or cupboards. A clear surface creates a calm, functional space.
5. Use Drawer Dividers
While our nightstand organizers make it easy to keep the surface of your nightstand clutter-free, the inside is another story. Now we’ve already recommended scheduling regular throw-out sessions for your nightstand drawer but how do you banish that junk vortex forever?
Drawer dividers are a lifesaver because they:
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Keep small items organized
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Make it easy to find what you need
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Prevent the temptation to “dump and run”
This simple addition helps maintain order long-term.
6. Use a Bedside Caddy
Parents, take note: diapers, wipes, lotions, and bottles can quickly overwhelm a nightstand. A felt or canvas bedside caddy with compartments keeps essentials organized and accessible. It’s especially useful for nightstands without drawers.
7. Put Up a Shelf for Books
Book lovers, don’t let your nightstand double as a library. Install a bookshelf or floating shelves nearby to keep all your reading material in one place. This creates a dedicated reading nook and frees up your nightstand surface.
8. Set Good Habits
Train yourself to stop using your nightstand as a catch-all for random items. Take the time to find a designated spot for all your things and force yourself to put them back in their correct spot when you’re done with them. This will help you avoid the disorganization and mess that creeps up on you all too quickly.
9. Dial Back the Decor
Perhaps you were inspired by HGTV and now find a collection of scented candles, wilted houseplants and a random artsy sculpture on your nightstand. But you really don’t need anything more than your lamp and nightstand organizer on your nightstand. As we mentioned already, clutter leads to an overstimulated brain which is going to be so wired you can kiss those Z’s goodbye. For decorative items, restrict them to your dressing table or put up a floating shelf for all your decor items.
Final Takeaway
If you’re tired of the mess and disorganization, a nightstand organizer, ruthless spring clean and some of our organization hacks will ensure your nightstand remains clutter free for the foreseeable future. Not only will you restore some style and elegance to your bedroom but you will also be creating a more calming space to encourage restful sleep. We don’t know about you, but that sounds like an all-round win!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I keep on my nightstand?
Keep daily-use essentials only: reading glasses, phone, keys, watch, and maybe a lamp. Store everything else in drawers, caddies, or shelves.
How often should I declutter my nightstand?
Aim for a full clean-out every 3–4 months. Quick nightly tidies also help maintain order.
Are nightstand organizers worth it?
Yes. They provide a functional, stylish way to store and display essentials while reducing surface clutter.
How can I manage tech clutter at my bedside?
Create a dedicated charging station with compartments for phones, watches, AirPods, and cables. This keeps wires hidden and your nightstand neat.
What about books or decorative items?
Limit decorative items on the nightstand to maintain calm. Use shelves for books or display decor elsewhere in the room.
