Last updated on February 3rd, 2017
For some of you, making the bed every morning might seem a total waste of time. I, however, have found the routine to be both aesthetically and psychologically beneficial. The details:
Making the bed brings an instant sense of accomplishment. And this little “win” can lead to even bigger wins! You’ll feel equipped to unravel the secrets of the universe. Or, at the very least, to pick up the socks that litter the bedroom floor. My day doesn’t begin until I’ve made my bed.
Wanna get a good night’s sleep? Make your bed first thing in the morning! A tidy bedroom emits restful, positive energy, or what the Chinese call good “feng shui.” That is, unless you have a television in your bedroom. Electronic devices produce negative, nervous energy. If at all possible, banish such appliances from the room.
A tidy bedroom will make you feel empowered, man. Before you know it, you’ll feel inspired to tidy up the rest of the house. No matter what anyone tells you, a cluttered room doesn’t look “lived in.” It just looks…cluttered.
“But Kevin,” you say, “I’ve heard that a bed should never be made, because…dust mites.”
Well, I hate to break this to you, but dust mites are everywhere! We live with them day in, day out. To reduce their numbers, wash your sheets, pillow cases, pillow protectors and mattress protector at least once each week in hot (i.e., 140°F) water. Also, let your bed linens air out in full sun for an hour or so before making your bed. Sunlight kills dust mites.
Now, if you are not in the habit of making your bed every morning, I hope you’ll give it a try. Perhaps you will find, as I have, that this simple investment of your time pays impressive dividends.
In the comments field below, feel free to post your own bed-making thoughts. You might have some strict ideas on the subject!
xKevin
Debbie says
I agree, I’m more likely to pick up and clean up if the bed’s made, it makes the room look neater.
Peter says
Our house is ready for a showing anytime. The bed gets made everyday. There is no clutter, ever.
Pat Kelly says
I did so enjoy this post. I do make my bed first thing mainly because I still carry in my head the misplaced wisdom of my late mother. She instilled in her 5 daughters this nugget: make your bed and do up the dishes every day because if a thief were to break into the house, you wouldn’t want him to think we were slovenly! Words to live by!
Laurie Ann says
Agreed! Mom always said, a well made bed clears your head for the day. Hate to admit it, she was right:-)
Arlene M says
Making the bed is my secret way of getting a great start to the new day. Corny huh!
Sharon says
Kevin, My grandmother always said if your bed is made and your dishes are done, your house is always clean. A habit I’ve had all my life. Have a great weekend!
Nancy says
Me too – as a kid growing up thought it was a complete waste of time but I now love the peaceful feeling I get from walking into the bedroom with a made up bed! In complete agreement.
Cheryl says
Don’t make your bed right away. Turn the cover back to let it air while you make your first cuppa. My husband makes the bed each morn…very easy with our Rough Linen duvet, no top sheet and a flat sheet for the bottom. When I see an unmade bed my hands itch to set it right!
badger gardener says
This is the second time I have heard this in about a week as a coworker was just saying the same thing. Seems the universe is giving me a suggestion. I’ll give it a try which is easy to say today since it’s my day off. We shall see how long I can maintain.
Julie Wilhite says
I came to your site today to read on winter sowing. I smiled when I saw this post. inspite of working 2 jobs, 50-60 hrs a week, I make sure my bed is made all the time. I feel so accomplished every time I pass by our bedroom (feeling hotel) 🙂
penny says
my mother ingrained in her children to always make the bed! still do Before i leave my bedroom and I’m 67. it is so nice to come into a clean and orderly bedroom.
Sunny says
My mother threatened to toss the bedding out onto the lawn from second floor bedroom windows if my brother and I failed to make the beds before coming down for breakfast. She did it! Oh, the humiliation! It only took once and I never defied her edict again.
Terry Sutton says
Yes, make the bed and clean up the kitchen. I will not go to bed until the kitchen is cleared. Learned this from my Grandma-make the bed and keep the kitchen tidy-house will always seem clean even if the dust lingers.
Janet says
I’ve never been a bed maker but my husband makes the bed every day. I just work on the kitchen and most of the surrounding 4 Acres I own along with the horses and corrals.
Catherine Caskey says
Something soothing about a bed that is made. And my mother taught
Me to make hospital corners. Now that is something that everyone should know how to do!!! The “crumpled” look or the smooth and tight look,
When your bed is made, the whole house seems put together.
A good night’s sleep when your turn it down is the best reward ever.
Adriana Fernandez says
I agree! But during the winter when I can’t put the sheets out, I let it air while I have breakfast, get a shower, etc, specially when the sun dries them through the window. In Spring, summer and fall, the sheets dry on the line outside. Washing the bedding and towels in hot water is the best idea. Thank you for your tips!!!!!
Beverly, zone 6, eastern PA says
My bed is made every morning in a deliberate way as a start to the “serious” part of the day. It is so much more inviting later that day when I am exhausted and yearning for sleep, to turn down a tidy set of covers. Your canopy is to-die-for.
Martha Robinson says
I aspire to be a morning bed-maker, because of all the advantages you mentioned, and because when the bed is made, it’s much more inviting when it’s bedtime. I know this because I do it sometimes.
Michelle says
I’m still in bed! What are you cooking up for the Superbowl (if you celebrate)?
Nancy says
I have always made my bed every day. Some years ago I was in a group where this was discussed. After listening to both sides, I tried not making my bed in the morning. I couldn’t stand to see it later in the day. That lasted about two days and I went back to doing it every day.
Linda says
I read this post and comments and have a much different feeling about the subject. I make my bed every day because it feels good to get ready for sleep on a neat bed. I feel like my day is over and all was done and now I am ready to rest my body and mind in a neat bed.
Kathy Keating says
Well now, my king-size bed for only me often resembles a horizontal closet until its weekly change-over, but I do wash everything, including duvet, its cover and all pillows on a regular basis. In summer the pillows sun dry, but in winter an oversize dryer does a spendid job. Most don’t realize how nasty pillows become. However, I think my days aren’t serious enough to warrant daily bedroom perfection!
Judith Janney says
My mother always tried to hang sheets outside. In the 50s in Montana (pre dryer days) the clothes went out to the line even in the winter and were freeze dried. They could stand alone when brought inside to the kitchen for the final bit of drying — what a terrific smell. Now, living in Upper Michigan, I do use my dryer but on some of the coldest days of the year, I will take my bedding to the screened porch and let the winter winds over Lake Superior blow through them. And, I always make my bed. It gives me a great feeling of accomplishment and looks like someone cares.
David A says
I now never make my bed and least not first thing, morning cuppa java is more important!
But the real reason is If you immediately make your bed with the sunrise, the tight sheets will trap millions of dust mites that live on your bed, feeding off your dead skin cells and sweat and potentially contributing to asthma and allergy problems. An unmade and open bed, however, exposes the creatures to fresh air and light and will help dehydrate and kill them off.
So leaving your bed unmade might not make much of a difference. But she did say it’d be wise to leave your bed unmade for some time during the morning so the sheets have an opportunity to dry from your nighttime tosses and turns.”
Susan Iseman says
Can’t stand the look of an unmade bed- always make it! Love the tip about airing out linens…..
Karin says
My bed making process is to first pull down the sheets and duvet, take pillows off the bed, and open the window to allow to air out-no matter how cold it is outside. Once I am done with my routine in the bathroom, I make the bed. I find that I appreciate my made up bed most at night, when I am crawling into sheets that are in place instead all jumbled up.
The same is true for
cleaning up the kitchen before I go to bed at night. So nice to walk into the kitchen the next morning and seeing an organized, clean kitchen.
Susanne says
One thing to keep dust mites away is to have a mattress cover made from special tightly woven organic cotton material. This keeps the critters out of your mattress, then when you wash and dry your sheets you have an oasis of allergy- free space! You can also add an air cleaner machine with a hepa filter and vacuum a lot. Advice from the allergy doc.
ArtistryFarm says
My family’s 4poster bed came up the Wabash River on a raft in 1835; you better believe i owe it the curtousy of being tidied up every day !
When I retire, it’s beauty greets me with peace and connection…
Darla M. says
I was never really good about making the bed until I met my husband. He wouldn’t dream of not making it. We’ve been making our bed together every morning for the last 33 years. I feel it’s like a symbol of us as a team and here’s hoping we’re doing it for a long time to come.
patrice says
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t make my bed. I, too, don’t feel organized unless the bedroom and all the others in the house are tidy and clean. Thanks for all your tips Kevin. I always enjoy the recipes, gardening advice, videos etc. Keep ’em coming !!
Lisette Riendeau says
Hello Mr. Kevin! Oh my goddesses!…It’s been years since I haven’t made my bed…To my surprise, reading your lines about this ritual, unveil kind of a magic behind making the bed. So I promise I will from now on…I am finishing my comment and right away I will go to my bedroom!
Thank you Kevin!
Fay says
A messy and cluttered room is result of same mind and bis versa.
A made bed is 50% of thd jon done. It makes picking up the clutter easier.
Also when l am depressed and want to jump back to the bed after l shower, if the bed is made l will less likely get into it.
A made bec is more welcoming and inviting for a night rest.
Marian says
Hi Kevin, I have always cleaned the dishes after dinner, but for the last 29 years could not make my bed. I had a husband that stayed up all night and slept all day. I have been divorced for 2 years now, and I love pulling down the covers to air the bed, getting dressed, then making my bed. After the divorce, I moved from California to Maine, new life, new beginings, and making the bed sets my mind for the day. Thank you for the post, I follow it weekly, Marian
Julie R says
I agree with keeping the bed made and the dishes done. I try to make sure that those are both done before I leave out the door, so that I don’t come home to a big mess waiting. It is so nice to come home to a clean or at least somewhat clean house. It is never going to look completely perfect for too long, if you have kids and a hubby, but with a little effort every day, the house can stay pretty tidy.
June says
I don’t know who first said it, maybe you, Kevin? Love your house and it will love you back. It only takes a couple minutes to make the bed and then each time I go in or pass by our bedroom during the day I think of how nice it looks. Didn’t always make the bed but since I started (years ago) it seems so much easier to keep the entire house tidy! I agree that it has a strong psychological effect
Gloria says
This brings back good memories of my Mother, who passed away when I was 14. We had comforters on our beds when we were young and she taught all 4 of us kids when we wake up to move our arms and legs as if we were doing jumping jacks until our bedding was smooth and in order. Then carefully slide out. Fluff the pillow. Done. Even a 4 year old could make their bed this way! We had a fun Mom.
Marsha says
When I finish making the bed each morning I know for sure there is at least one bit of order in this insane world.
Ginger says
I make my bed every morning but I have a duvet, so after making it, I turn the duvet back. Not only is it airing out but it seems to welcome me every night
Cassie says
Making the bed makes it cosier for dust mites!
As someone highly allergic to dust mites I highly recommend unmaking the bed each morning. It can still be perfectly neat, but it’s best to pull blankets and sheets down so the natural light and ventilation can reach your bottom sheet and mattress to make it less inviting for dust mites.
Celeste in Montana says
Hi Kevin,
I remember your motto about leaving your garden in autumn the way you want to come back to it in the spring. Same goes for the kitchen and entire house. If I go to bed with a clean kitchen, I wake in the morning to a clean kitchen.
I enjoy your great, handy ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Debbie Boone says
I am 66 years old and I can count on one hand how many times I have NOT made the bed first thing! IT’s a good feeling plus my mother was a neat-nik and so am I. You can face the day with a freshly made bed!!!!!
Joan says
This morning I really wanted to go back to bed after I fed Miss Kitty. However, she has a routine that she sleeps on my bed every morning after her breakfast. She will NOT sleep on an unmade bed so she yeowled at me until I figured out her problem. I made the bed and she promptly jumped up, twirled around to get the mattress just right, and curled up for her morning nap. Who knew ones habits would be such an influence? PS Miss Kitty is 20 years old.
Diane Hinkle says
I am amazed at the number of people who do not know how to properly make a bed………………that you get in between the nice/colorful sides of the sheets. That you make corners and tuck sheets in. And after you wash them you fold them properly. I do not know a soul other than myself and my two sisters who do this. Nothing better than admiring and getting into a well made bed.
Arden | Real-Food-Real-Life.com says
We definitely make the bed every day, although there was a time in the past when we didn’t. It got especially bad when my husband and I worked different schedules and therefore *slept* on different schedules. The bed was almost never made and we were each resentful, somehow feeling like the other person should have done it.
We finally came up with the simple (and logical) rule that the person who was in the bed “last” had the responsibility for making it. It works, adjusts painlessly to whatever sleeping schedule might be going on at any given moment, and ensure that there’s a least a semblance of order to our bedroom.
And I’m with everyone else on the dishes — also a point of contention in the past but finally peacefully being done reasonably promptly after each meal.
As always, love your site!
Cleo Jordan says
Being European I NEVER make the bed but pull down the Duvet and let it air all day and in the summer put it outside. At night I have a lovely fresh bed and hopefully a few less mites!
Susan says
As kids we didn’t have a choice not to make our bed. Thanks to my mom and dad, I make the bed everyday, clean up bathroom, make sure kitchen is free from breakfast dishes etc. all before I leave for work. Believe it or not makes me feel good and it’s stress free when I get home. I can relax have a cup of tea and get ready to make dinner.
Drew Taylor says
Kevin, it’s not the unmade bed that concerns me. It’s the underside of that canopy in your bedroom photo! It suggests one of those kitchen apple coring devices. And I certainly wouldn’t want to wake up in the middle of night –perhaps a bit groggy from overimbibing– look up and think my apple was about to get cored!
Janice maclean says
I had a friend who suffered severe depression for many years. One day she decided that she needed to make her bed everyday so that she could say that she accomplished one thing positive everyday. It worked ❤
Quinn-Columba says
To help me establish the bed-making habit after years of not, I saved up and invested in a bed spread and shams that lift my heart to look at and really pull together my bedroom.
I have health issues that keep me going back to bed sometimes several times a day, but now it’s always made no matter how many times I return!
Elaine Wilmes-Pandolfo says
I make the bed every day, but depending on how many cats (we have 8 rescue in-door only felines) are sleeping on the bed, it might not be until mid-morning. No electronics–we have not had T.V. for decades and the DVD player is up in a spare bedroom. I keep our brand new house totally tidy and am retraining my husband so that piles of “stuff” don’t take over.
Candy says
I make my bed every morning. I hate the way that the bedroom feels, until the bed is neat and tidy. I, also, hate waking up to dirty dishes in my kitchen sink. Sometimes, we might have decaf coffee and dessert after the dishwasher is running, in the evening. At 5:30 am, I am emptying the dishwasher and putting dessert dishes in it. My Mom would have found these habits hilarious, as I was not the neatest teenager:) Neatness and cleanliness have given me a peace in my home, that I did not have as a young wife and mother. My house is not perfect, but you can knock on my door and I will answer without embarrassment.
Verla says
Bed making is important to me. I get up throw the covers back so the nasty little dust mites, wherever they have come from, can die, fly away or dry up. Then after my shower I make the bed, most days my husband helps too. It’s fast and makes the room look so much neater. Starts the day off great and gives me a good feeling whenever I pass the door and see it. Love your blog Kevin and look forward to it each week.
Tina Saputo says
I agree! Thanks for posting, Kevin!
Mary says
You absolutely have to make your bed daily! Only those with no disciplines would climb into an unmade bed at night. Get those hospital corners going! I bet many don’t even know how to make them! Another lost art!
Patty says
I agree! Thank you.
Julie M. says
As a mother of 4 school age children, making the bed rarely makes the priority list on weekdays. But I agree with you and your readers about it setting the tone for the day so I am making a belated New Year’s resolution. Thanks Kevin!
Aimee Jackson says
I thought I was one of the last remaining who still did this! It’s the very first thing I do in the a.m., make bed, then sit in my tidy room in meditation. I feel more in control of my day when I start this way–that I’m moving my day instead of my day moving me. In fact, I’ve been known to completely make my side of the bed while my husband is still snoozing on the other side. :0)
Elizabeth says
I always make my bed in the morning but I let it air till I have had atleast my lemon water & usually my breakfast as well. I like to let it air to freshen it after a night’s sleep. I too like to have a made bed & clean kitchen.
Judy says
My father always said how you make your bed is how you’ll dream your dreams.
Dana Hutchinson says
My mother instilled it in me and I passed it on to my daughters. I feel complete afterwards!
Janet Metzger says
Total agreement with you! Re dust mites: b/c of asthma and allergies washing EVERYTHING on the bed once a week in hot water became a way of life. This winter discovered SmartSilk bedding items which are certified for asthma/allergy. Yes, I still make the bed every morning, but I do not need to wash everything in hot water every week!
Judy says
Kevin, I totally agree about electronics in the bedroom!!! The worst thing for sleeping/relaxing is a TV! The mind needs to associate the bedroom with sleep , rest, peace and quiet.
Samantha Gray says
Used to make the bed daily. Then my husband and I began to work very different schedules. I’m up at 5 AM 3 mornings a week. He couldn’t care less if the bed is made, so those days it doesn’t get done. Reasoning, pleading, nagging…Nah. He’s still in his bachelor days from 40 years ago when it comes to making beds, and after about 20 yrs of marriage, I learned to accept it. When I sleep later on non-hospital days and he leaves early, the bed gets made! We’ve been married 40 years as of this past November. Some stuff just isn’t worth fighting over.
Janet Metzger says
PS re silk bedding
If you do not need allergy/asthma certified levels of bedding, Vermont Country Store carries silk bedding (mattress pads, covers, etc) at a reasonable price.
Lori says
It’s kind of hard when the hubby works nights, but weekends the bed is made. And yes, it feels like an accomplishment and the room is finished. I wish, wish, wish the tv did not reside in here.
peggy says
I have an antique night stand similar to yours. Was told it was made to hold a chamber pot.
Anneke van Buskirk says
Dear Kevin,
It’s amazing that you wrote about the virtue of daily bed-making shortly following my therapist’s advice on warding off depression and boosting confidence by always making my bed, and by developing nightly rituals–basic stuff like: always wash face, brush teeth, then turn down bed as if you are royalty. Yes, I am! Yes, we all are! Coming across your column was not a cöincidence but confirmation that (as Willie the Shake would say), “the Gods give threads to a web begun”.
Many thanks, Anneke
PS how about a follow-up column on soporific bedtime drinks and light snack ideas?
Maggie McDonaldm says
Oops, my post didn’t get through apparently……………..
A good way to ‘deal’ with those pesky little dust mites I learned long ago in Spain. Steep a tea bag (black tea) in 500ml. cold water for 3 mins. then remove. Store liquid in spray bottle & spray mattress/pillows every time bed linen is changed. Dries quickly, no staining, bye-bye dust mites.
Maggie in Thailand
Carol Ann says
It’s nice to make the bed everyday. It helps put some order into the day. No matter what happens during the day, you go back to a made bed.
Krissy says
If you like the psychological benefits of making your bed, you will like this commencement speech by a Navy Seal admiral that advocates the power of making your bed! I love showing this inspirational speech to my high school seniors! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70
Connie Mullen says
My mother, who was a drill sargeant in her previous life, made us fix our beds every morning and did not allow us to sit on them. At night, the bedspread had to be folded down so that we did not “pop the threads”. Since my husband and I work different hours, I cannot fix my bed before leaving for work. My solution? I have a guest room that has a tidy bed at all times!
Liz R says
I have tried a new routine and making the bed is one part of it. People say it takes 21 days to get into a habit. Well, as far as I am concerned, the little chore of making my bed has become habit! A little bit at a time. LOL On my way to a more organized life!