'Nightstands have a sneaky way of turning into catch-alls' – I’m a professional organizer, and these are the only things I keep on mine

Nightstands have a sneaky way of turning into catch-alls – loose change, random receipts, hair ties from who-knows-when. But as a professional organizer and busy mom, I’ve learned that less really is more when it comes to creating a calm bedtime space.

I’m lucky to have a generously-sized nightstand with two drawers, but I still try to declutter my nightstand and keep only what truly supports rest, recharge, and the end-of-day wind-down. Here's exactly what I keep on mine, and why everything has earned its spot.

What's on my nightstand

In my bedroom, good lighting is everything. For that reason, I use a small lamp that gives off just enough light for nighttime reading without being harsh or waking anyone up.

Next to it, I display my favorite family photo in a gorgeous frame. There’s something grounding about seeing a happy memory first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Mine is a picture with my kids when they were little that makes me smile every time I glance at it.

Of course, in today's world, technology is essential, so I also keep a compact charging station on my nightstand. I use a sleek multi-device charger, such as the number one new release 3 in 1 Charging Station for iPhone available at Amazon, so my phone, earbuds, and watch all have a home. No cords draped everywhere, which are definitely things not to store on your nightstand, and no scrambling outlets – just simple and streamlined.

Then, I just have a small ring dish for storing my earrings or hair tie before bed, to keep little items cluttering my bedside table from floating all over the top, and whatever book I'm reading. I keep and read only one book at a time, as that's all my tired brain can handle, but if it doesn't fit, it doesn't stay.

All prices were correct at the time of publication

What's in my drawers

The beauty of a good nightstand with drawers is that you can clear visual clutter in the bedroom by stashing away things you like to keep on hand, but not on display.

I like to think of my top drawer as my 'tech zone.' I keep my wireless earbuds in there, as I like to listen to a podcast or white noise before bed sometimes, so these are always tucked neatly inside a little zip case. I use drawer dividers, such as the Criusia Drawer Organizer available at Amazon, to keep everything in its little zone – no digging around or messy piles.

This is also where I store my iPad, and leave space for my laptop, which are both things that always make a bedroom look cluttered. If I'm finishing up a bit of work or reading an article in bed, these live here. Having a dedicated spot keeps them out of sight and off the top of the nightstand, which helps the space feel calm and screen-free when I'm not using them.

Then, my bottom drawer is comfort central. Here, I keep my hand cream and lip balm, which I always apply before bed, a pair of fuzzy socks, as there's nothing cozier on a chilly night, and a sleeping eye mask, for those morning when I need a little extra sleep, or the light sneaks in earlier than I'd like.

I also keep a linen spray to spritz on my pillows or sheets a few nights a week, to instantly make bedtime feel like a little self-care moment and make my bedroom smell good for sleep, and a flameless candle, such as the Luminara Flameless LED Battery Operated Flickering Pillar Candle available at Amazon. I love a warm, cozy glow, but I want to be safe, especially if I doze off while reading! Flameless candles are the perfect solution.

Meet our expert

Di Ter Avest

As a busy wife and mother, Di understands the importance of keeping a neat and tidy nightstand when it comes to creating a serene space that invites restful and recuperative sleep.

The nightstand doesn’t need to hold everything – just the essentials that support your nighttime routine and make your space feel calm and intentional. If your nightstand feels like a dumping ground right now, start small. Clear it off, ask yourself what you really use before bed, and build from there.

Here’s the golden rule: Everything has a home. If something doesn’t belong to one of my bedtime categories – comfort, sleep, or a good night’s wind-down – it doesn’t get to stay.

Wondering whether decluttering is worth it? My advice is absolutely.