I wouldn’t call myself the epitome of cleanliness. While I can’t stand clutter, my kitchen counters can go days without a thorough wipe-down. My vacuuming habits are sporadic at best, and dirty socks often find their way onto the family room floor. Generally speaking, I maintain a relaxed approach to household chores, and my home decor style sits comfortably between “lived-in” and “this is why we can’t have nice things.”
However, there’s one chore I absolutely commit to: making my bed. Every single day, I go through the routine of smoothing the sheets, pulling up the comforter, and fluffing the pillows. Yes, even on weekends. The sheets may not always be clean, but my bed will be made.
It appears that as adults, we tend to fall into one of two categories: the bed makers and those who embrace a more chaotic approach. In my household, I’m firmly in the former group, while my husband favors the latter. If left to his own devices, the bed would remain a jumbled mess of blankets until bedtime. The idea of making the bed each morning only to mess it up again at night seems pointless to him.
For me, making the bed is a small ritual that tricks me into believing I have my life together. Life can be chaotic, and some days, the sight of a made bed is the only bit of order I can cling to amidst the daily chaos.
I recently conducted an informal survey on social media regarding people’s bed-making habits. Interestingly, regardless of their approach—whether they tidy up the covers or leave them in a heap—most individuals are convinced their method is the superior one. Those who make their beds daily often do so out of habit or as a way to create a sense of control in their otherwise hectic lives.
One respondent shared, “There’s nothing quite like climbing into a beautifully made bed after a long, exhausting day.” I couldn’t agree more! Others, however, admitted to making their beds due to fear instilled by their parents. “My mom always said you never know when someone might stop by, so I make sure everything is tidy before I sleep!”
On the flip side, those who don’t make their beds each day often cite reasons like lack of time, sheer laziness, or simply feeling that it’s unnecessary. One woman remarked, “The sweet freedom of adulthood means I don’t have to make my bed ever again.” I get that.
Interestingly, research suggests that more people opt to leave their beds unmade. A survey by Hunch.com found that 59% of respondents don’t make their beds, while just 27% do. A mere 12% even pay someone else to do it for them.
Some might argue that keeping the bed unmade can be cleaner since it may deter dust mites. However, cleaning expert Carolyn Forte from Good Housekeeping disagrees, stating that dust mites are ubiquitous, so an unmade bed won’t significantly alter their presence. Instead, she recommends washing sheets every other week and vacuuming the mattress—something I likely won’t be doing.
But here’s the twist: making your bed could actually lead to increased happiness and even financial success. A recent book revealed that many millionaires share certain habits, including the daily practice of making their beds. Additionally, Psychology Today points out that people who make their beds are often happier, more likely to enjoy their jobs, own homes, exercise regularly, and feel well-rested. Take that, messy bed enthusiasts!
At the end of the day, we’re all adults, and there’s no definitive right or wrong answer. Unless, of course, your goal is to become a happy millionaire. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have kitchen counters to overlook and a bed to make.
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Summary:
The article explores the ongoing debate between making your bed and leaving it unmade, highlighting the diverse perspectives on the subject. While some view bed-making as a necessary routine that brings order to their lives, others dismiss it as pointless. Regardless of personal preference, research suggests that making your bed may contribute to higher levels of happiness and success.