6 Lessons of Simple Living: New Years Bedroom Edition

With each passing year, life seems busier and busier. The days get filled with work, appointments, and errands, and the to-do list just never seems to end.  Most would agree that it’s time to slow down a bit. And what better time than the new year to take a step back and embrace a more peaceful, minimalist life?  

If you’re wondering how or where to get started, why not consider the bedroom? After all, we spend one-third of our lives there. 

Here are a few lessons that will help you kick-start your new simple life and create the bedroom of your dreams:

1) ESTABLISH A ROUTINE OF MAKING THE BED

Making the bed is the simplest way to change the feel of your room. There is nothing like climbing into a cozy, made bed at the end of a long day, especially if you treat yourself to luxurious, extra-soft sheets, like PeachSkinSheets.

2) PURGE THE MAIN SPACE

It’s too easy to let our bedrooms become a catch-all, and it’s hard to rest in a bedroom that is overtaken by stuff.  Start by removing items that don’t belong in your bedroom at all, then move onto the rest. If you don’t love it or need it, consider letting it go.

3) PARE DOWN THE CLOSETS

The contents of the closets are ‘out-of-sight and out-of-mind’ until it comes time to get ready in the morning. If they’re a disaster, that will be a source of stress at the beginning of your day.

In the bedroom closet: If you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s probably time to let it go. You can take it a step further and create a ‘capsule wardrobe,’ which is a wardrobe consisting of a limited number of pieces, all of which can be mixed and matched.

In the linen closet: Toss expired makeup as well as the lotions and shampoos you don’t care for. They’re just taking up space. Donate gently-used sheets that you don’t use and toss ratty old ones. Make room for high-quality sheets, like PeachSkinSheets, that are both functional and extra-soft. 

4) JUST SAY NO

Part of a living a more peaceful, minimalist life is saying no more often so that there is time to take care of you. If you’re not getting enough rest in your life, what can you let go of so you have time to take care of yourself?

5) TREAT YOURSELF TO LIFE'S SIMPLE PLEASURES

Carve out time to enjoy your bedroom and the master bath, if you have one. Don't wait for a special occasion. Life is too short.

• Buy special bath salts and take a nice hot bath before climbing into bed
• Tuck the good chocolates away in your nightstand for a treat that’s reserved just for you
• Splurge on the extra set of PeachSkinSheets in the color you’ve been wanting 
• Light your favorite scented candle or diffuse essential oils 
• Read a good book before going to sleep at night

6) MAKE GIVING A HABIT

Instead of hanging on to items because 'you might need them one day,’ consider donating to someone who can use them right now. Not only does it feel great to share with someone in need, it keeps your bedroom from becoming a dumping ground for stuff.

If you start to feel discouraged with your efforts to simplify, remember, there’s no need to make drastic changes all at once. Focus on the progress you’ve made, envision the bedroom of your dreams, and take time to enjoy the space as it is. Before you know it, your bedroom will be a peaceful retreat from the busy world.