When it comes to home life, I must confess that cleanliness is not my strong suit. While I can’t stand clutter, you might find my kitchen counters going days without a proper cleaning. Vacuuming? Rarely. And let’s not even talk about the odd (and often unwashed) socks scattered around the living room. My approach to household chores leans toward the relaxed side, with our décor style hovering somewhere between “comfortably lived-in” and “this is why we can’t have nice things.”
Yet, there’s one task I am adamant about: making my bed. Every single day, I engage in the somewhat monotonous ritual of smoothing the sheets, pulling up the comforter, and fluffing the pillows. Yes, even on weekends. While the sheets may not be fresh, the bed is always made.
As adults, it seems we typically align with one of two perspectives: those who make their beds and those who thrive in chaos. My husband, for instance, belongs to the latter group. For him, the notion of making the bed just to undo it at night feels pointless. But for me, making the bed provides a small illusion of control amidst the daily chaos. In a world that can feel wildly disordered, a tidy bed is often the only semblance of order I can claim.
I recently conducted a casual survey on Facebook about bed-making habits, and the results revealed that regardless of whether they make their beds or leave them rumpled, people believe their methods are the best. Those who make their beds often do so out of habit or the desire for a little structure. One participant expressed, “There’s nothing better than climbing into a made bed after a long, hectic day.” Others admitted they make their beds due to ingrained lessons from childhood, fearing unexpected visitors.
On the flip side, those who skip bed-making cited reasons like lack of time or simply feeling too lazy. “The sweet freedom of adulthood means I never have to make my bed again,” remarked one respondent, and I can appreciate that viewpoint. Interestingly, a survey by Hunch.com revealed that 59% of people leave their beds unmade, while only 27% take the time to arrange their bedding.
Some argue that leaving the bed messy can be cleaner since an unmade bed is less inviting to dust mites. However, cleaning expert Carolyn Forte of Good Housekeeping disputes this claim, stating that dust mites thrive in more places than just beds. She recommends washing sheets every couple of weeks and vacuuming the mattress—something I can’t see happening in my own home.
But here’s a surprising twist: making your bed might actually contribute to greater happiness and even financial success. A recent book highlights that many millionaires share certain habits, including the daily ritual of bed-making. Additionally, Psychology Today suggests that those who make their beds often experience greater job satisfaction, home ownership, regular exercise, and improved rest.
In the end, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to bed-making—unless, of course, your goal is to become a happy millionaire. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some neglected kitchen counters and a bed calling my name.
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Summary: Whether you’re a bed-maker or prefer a more relaxed approach, the choice often reflects personal habits and beliefs. While making your bed can impart a sense of order and even correlate with happiness and success, the decision ultimately lies with the individual.