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7 things to ditch from your bedroom right now

Declutter your bedroom and make it the tranquil place it's supposed to be. Here are seven things to toss now.
/ Source: TODAY

The bedroom should be a tranquil place where you can relax and unwind from stresses of everyday life. You want to feel cozy and get a good night’s sleep, but that can be hard to do when you’re surrounded by clutter or things that aren’t comfortable.

There’s no need to wait until the new year to live by the “out with the old” mantra. Below, we’ve got seven things you can throw out today to make your bedroom — and subsequently yourself — feel new again.

7 things to ditch from your bedroom right now

1. Your television

While yes, it does sound magical to curl up in bed and watch your favorite show before you go to sleep, having a TV in the bedroom is often cautioned against by experts. Not only has it been proven that looking at bright screens two to three hours before bedtime can mess with your circadian rhythm and melatonin secretion (which affects your sleep and health), but it can also disturb your significant other and keep you from interacting with other family members in your house. Keep the TV in the living room. Bonus points if you can keep the smartphones out, too!

2. Pictures of family members or friends

That sweet picture of Granny and Grandpa does look great on your dresser, but it’s probably more appropriate for the living room. In fact, you should only have pics of you and your partner in your bedroom, according to feng shui strategy. We'd make an exception for great kid photos, though. Other family photos can be anywhere else in the home, but save your bedroom’s primary focus for your relationship.

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3. Old pillows

Pillows collect all sorts of gross things and if you can’t remember the last time you replaced yours, you probably want to do that asap. It’s recommended that you replace them every few years and wash them every few months (see how to do that here). Not sure if you should toss or not? Fold your pillow and if it doesn’t unfold and fluff back up, it’s time to toss (or donate to an animal shelter) and buy a new one.

4. Old magazines and books

We’re all guilty of letting books and magazines pile up, even after we’ve read them. But they create such clutter, and let’s face it: the chances of us reading them again are slim. For books, take only the super special ones and store them in a closet or bookcase display. Donate the rest to your local library or charity shop. As for magazines, ask a local women’s or family shelter if they’d like them, or toss them in your recycling bin.

5. The side chair you dump your clothes on

Let’s be honest… when was the last time you actually sat on that chair? If it just acts as a place to collect piles of clothes and other miscellaneous objects, you’d be better off ditching it and replacing it with a more proper hamper or organizer. That way, the clutter will at least be hidden and it may even help get you out of your bad habits.

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6. The throw rug you always trip on

Sure it’s cute, but it’s also a major hazard! Trips and falls can cause serious injuries, so make sure you’re playing it safe by investing in a rug that won’t make you fall flat on your face. Invest in larger rugs as well as non-slip rug pads to minimize tripping.

7. Window blinds that have seen better days

Sure, you can clean the dust off your blinds in under a minute, but if they’re bent, broken or just unsightly, it’s time to toss ‘em. Invest in some new shades that glam up your windows, or even opt for heavy curtains that you can pull open to let tons of light in during the day.