As someone who has struggled to sleep for most of their life, I’ve tried every trick and tip to just get eight hours of restful sleep. From melatonin to lavender room spray to the number of pillows I sleep with, I’ve tried it all, but none of it has helped my poor sleep in the slightest.
That’s when I decided to redecorate my room. This unexpected tactic has not only improved my sleep dramatically, but also, every time I step into my room, I’m overwhelmed with happiness; it feels like me. These are four techniques I have learned and developed that help me curate all the little details in my room so that I can really feel relaxed and at peace in the space I spend 90 percent of my time in.
One: Fresh Start
The first step when I want to renovate my room is a thorough, deep clean. It sounds basic and obvious, but given the number of times I have just started rearranging and decorating without cleaning first, I figure everyone needs the reminder. To begin the very lengthy process with a clean slate cannot be stressed enough. My general theory on cleaning is that it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Steps like vacuuming, cleaning my bay window, and wiping off my desk ensure that I’m going to be happy with the end result because there is nothing worse than a pristinely organized and put-together room with a dusty lamp.
Two: Room Sketch
I am someone who is supremely horrible at visualizing things, so if I’m going to move all the heavy objects that make up my bedroom, I absolutely need to make sure the plan in my head translates to real life as well. Personally, I love drawing—despite being decidedly untalented at it—so I always try to pull out my journal, date it, and begin to sketch out the vision I have before I ever move a single piece of furniture. I prefer making a physical blueprint, but there are so many interfaces out there that simulate room design for those who want to see an interactive 3D image. One app I found is called Rooms, which has countless customizations for perfect replication of any type of room you want to recreate virtually. Whether I draw one out or have it saved on my phone, I love creating a plan before I begin redecorating my room.
Three: Thrifting
Two months ago, I quit my job and, therefore, no longer have the budget to impulsively buy whatever catches my eye. Could I work on my self-control? Sure. But practically living in the Goodwill aisles is much more fun while still sustainable. Even when I was employed, I thrifted my entire wardrobe, plus trinkets and room decor. Especially if I’m doing a full remodel, including paint, which usually costs an absolutely egregious amount of money, I want to save every penny I can. Plus, the larger stores like IKEA or Art Van will stock the things that are trending. Currently, this includes everything basic, beige, boring, bland, and burlap. While some people love that aesthetic, I’m more inclined to enjoy bright colors, mandalas, and Victorian roses. Because thrift stores allow anyone in the area to donate, they offer a wide variety of items, and it’s a lot easier to find a piece of clothing, a set of curtains, or even a candle that fits your individual aesthetic—and usually for a pretty good deal!
Four: Social Media
Call me chronically online, but I love making a little TikTok about the fun things I do in my life. Cleaning and reorganizing my room, while worth it in the end, is a lengthy process that is definitely not fun every time I have to do it. I’ve learned through many attempts to declutter and reorder my room that the only really guaranteed way to tolerate the experience is to document it. There’s just something so relaxing and satisfying about choosing a cute song to put behind the video and recording little ten-second clips to cut together to make a fun piece of art. Then, in between the small parts I record, I can sing along to the perfect playlist I made beforehand. Making a TikTok about each of the individual steps, like shopping or vacuuming, turns the typically annoying project into an opportunity for me to share with my friends what I’m doing that Saturday.
