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- • Walls are bare or have outdated art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?