Plan Phase|Step 2 of 23

Identify What's Not Working

Before you start updating, take time to identify specific issues. This helps you prioritize and ensures your update addresses real problems.

Time Required

15-20 minutes

Cost

$0

Difficulty

Very Easy

Common Bedroom Pain Points

Check which issues resonate with you:

Sleep Quality Issues

  • • Too much light from windows or outside sources
  • • Room is too hot or too cold
  • • Mattress is uncomfortable or old
  • • Noise from street, neighbors, or house systems
  • • Electronics creating blue light or standby glows

Organization & Clutter

  • • Closet is overflowing or poorly organized
  • • No place to put clothes at end of day
  • • Nightstands are cluttered with items
  • • Laundry piles up with no designated spot
  • • Too much furniture makes room feel cramped

Style & Aesthetics

  • • Decor feels dated or mismatched
  • • Bedding is worn, stained, or uninspiring
  • • Walls are bare or have outdated art
  • • Lighting is harsh or insufficient
  • • Room doesn't feel restful or personal

Functionality

  • • Not enough outlets near bed for charging
  • • No good lighting for reading
  • • Furniture layout doesn't make sense
  • • No full-length mirror for getting dressed
  • • Closet lighting is poor or non-existent

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • 1. What's the first thing I notice (negatively) walking in?
    This is usually your top priority to address.
  • 2. What keeps me from sleeping well?
    Sleep is the room's primary function. Fix these issues first.
  • 3. What embarrasses me when guests see my room?
    Often reveals aesthetic issues you've been ignoring.
  • 4. What daily routine is harder than it should be?
    Reveals functional problems in layout or storage.
  • 5. What have I been meaning to fix "someday"?
    Your "someday" list often contains the most impactful changes.

Prioritization Framework

1

Fix First: Sleep Issues

Light, temperature, mattress, noise. These directly impact your health and daily function.

2

Fix Second: Daily Function

Closet organization, charging access, reading light. Things you struggle with every day.

3

Fix Third: Aesthetics

Paint, bedding, decor. Important for how you feel but less urgent than function.

Pro Tips

  • Write it down: Make a physical or digital list. You'll forget things otherwise.
  • Ask your partner: If you share the room, their frustrations matter too.
  • Review your before photos: You'll often spot issues in photos you miss in person.
  • Consider timing: What bothers you at night vs. morning vs. getting dressed?