10 Things That Really Don’t Belong in Your Nightstand

Your nightstand should work for you, not against you. It’s easy to let that drawer or surface turn into a dumping ground for random items you don’t know where else to put. But some things can cause clutter, invite germs, or even disrupt your sleep if they live too close to your bed.

If your nightstand feels like a catch-all lately, here’s what probably needs to go.

Random Makeup or Toiletries

A lip balm or hand lotion is one thing, but your nightstand shouldn’t turn into a second bathroom drawer. Spills, odors, and product build-up can damage furniture and attract dust.

Stick to one or two things you use before bed. Everything else should stay in the bathroom where it’s easier to access and clean.

Spare Change or Loose Cash

Throwing change or a few bills into your drawer might feel harmless, but it can easily get lost, stuck, or forgotten. Over time, that clutter adds up fast.

Keep your money organized in a wallet, jar, or safe. If you find yourself tossing coins into your drawer, it might be time to empty and sort it.

Expired Medications

It might feel convenient to keep pills nearby, especially for things like headaches or allergies. But expired meds can lose effectiveness—or worse, become unsafe over time.

If you’re going to store medicine in your bedroom, at least check expiration dates regularly and keep everything in a cool, dry, childproof container. Otherwise, move them to a better spot with less humidity and more organization.

Open Snacks or Candy

If you’ve ever reached into your drawer and found a half-eaten granola bar from who-knows-when, you’re not alone. But food crumbs invite bugs and can lead to mold if there’s any moisture involved.

Try keeping food out of the bedroom altogether. If you do want a midnight snack stash, at least make sure it’s sealed tight and cleared out regularly.

Important Paperwork

Your nightstand isn’t the place for birth certificates, tax forms, or bills you actually need to deal with. It’s too easy to forget they’re there or lose track of them under other clutter.

Move anything important to a proper file folder or safe. You’ll thank yourself the next time you actually need to find it quickly.

Chargers Tangled in a Ball

Nightstands tend to attract cords—phone chargers, smartwatches, tablets, and more. But a mess of wires can overheat, get pinched in drawers, or just make your space look chaotic.

Use a small organizer or docking station if you need to charge things overnight. Otherwise, tuck cords somewhere safer and more intentional.

Cleaning Wipes or Liquids

Some people like to keep surface wipes or essential oil sprays on hand, but storing liquids near your bed can backfire. A leak or spill can damage wood or ruin what’s in the drawer.

If you want to freshen up the room or keep cleaning supplies handy, put them in the bathroom or a nearby cabinet instead.

Unused or Broken Electronics

Old remotes, dead flashlights, or random devices that don’t work anymore shouldn’t live in your nightstand. They take up space and make it harder to find what you actually use.

If something’s broken, toss it or fix it. If you haven’t touched it in months, it probably belongs somewhere else—or in the trash.

Sentimental Items You Want to Protect

If it’s special to you—like a note from a loved one or a keepsake from your kids—it shouldn’t be shoved in a drawer where it can get bent, scratched, or ruined.

Store sentimental items in a more intentional spot, like a memory box or photo album. That way, they’ll last longer and feel more meaningful.

Extra Remotes or Devices You Don’t Use

TV remotes, sound machine controls, or old headphones tend to land in the nightstand and never leave. If it’s not something you actually use at night, it’s just taking up space.

Only keep what you reach for often. Everything else can be stored with your electronics or donated if it’s no longer needed.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.