Blog: Settling Into Your New Home
Restful Bedroom = Good Night's Sleep

I was an exchange student  in Japan during high school.  I was fascinated by how restful most Japanese homes are - less is definitely more.  My husband (also Japanese) has been very educational about ways rooms "should" and "shouldn't" be put together.  So, I thoughtfully submit a list of things you can choose to use in your bedrooms in your new home.  :

1. Do not use your bedroom as a dumping ground.  It's hard to get restful sleep in a room with piles of all around.  The worst offender, in my humble opinion, is a canopy bed sans canopy and used as a clothing hanger.  Not restful, not restful at all. 
   
2. Keep books to a minimum.  Reading material is all fine and good, but hold it down to 1-2 books.  Use a bookcase in a nearby room (or hallway) to hold extra books.  Also, keep books that aren't too intense at your bedside, as getting your mind working can get in the way of a good night's sleep!
3. Bed placement really can make all the difference.  Ok, I can be somewhat of a skeptic, but let me tell you my little story.  When we moved into our house we placed our bed where the previous owner did (as evidenced by the grooves in the carpet).  This was due to the TV plugin location.  The bed was in front of the door, and I mean right in it's path.  I read about a Feng Shui principle about how this sort of arrangement can inhibit sleep.  So, I switched the bed to the other side of the room.  Immediately the room felt different and the only way to explain it is that the "flow" was better.  I was a believer.  (Also of note is the belief that putting one's head facing north is not a good thing.  Why?  Because that's the direction the body is faced in burial...)
   
4. Consider removing the TV and all it's accessories.  I know, it's blasphemy in this day of information.  However, believe me, once the withdrawals pass, you will be glad you got the thing out of your bedroom.  Think how much that attention that thing gets, and where else you could focus that attention.  'Nuff said.  ;)
5. Soothing colors really make a difference.  Of course, you want to choose colors you like.  I'm simply suggesting that bright neon colors and loud patterns are not so restful.  Take a hint from design magazines and notice how bedrooms are put together.  Calm, quiet and cozy. 
   

posted on: 10/25/2007 1:30:00 PM by Brandie Kajino
category: Moving

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Settling Into Your New Home

by Brandie Kajino

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About Brandie:

Brandie Kajino, "The Home Office Organizer" "Empowering you to organize your home office"

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www.thehomeofficeorganizer.com

Brandie's Other Blogs:

• Paper Organizing Made Easy

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