I remember making my bed as a child. I would find pleasure in pulling my quilt up and tucking it neatly under the bottom of my pillow, then placing my stuffed animals and dolls on top just so.
I also remember sitting for hours pouring over my Eloise Wilkin books, many of which involved domestic work. One of my favorites being We Help Mommy . I still have the book and now Norah likes me to read it to her. I loved the drawings of the daily chores and especially remember the making the bed page.
Funny enough, the love of making my bed sort of vanished when I moved out and on my own.
I admit that just in the last year did I start to consistently make my bed.
Maybe with tight morning schedules, small kids and just rushing out the door it never became high on my priority list.
And why would I want to take the time to make a bed when before I knew it I would be pulling it apart to sleep in?
Well I am here to tell you that I have turned a new leaf!
I now look forward to making my bed each morning and sometimes I kick Chris out earlier than he would like because I truly am excited to make our bed.
I don’t know what the turning point was but I have found that the daily routine of it brings me joy.
Also, my bedroom feels neat, orderly, clean and clutter-free when my bed is made. Even if there may be a pile of dirty clothes on the floor.
Not to mention, at the end of a day when I am tired and done, there is nothing like slipping in to a crisply made bed.
You would be surprised on how many tutorials there are out there on how to make a bed. But don’t get overwhelmed. No need to make a bed you can bounce a quarter off of. The simple act of pulling up your covers and smoothing out a few wrinkles is all you need.
A few bed making tips
::Try to make your bed as soon as you get up (or after everyone is out of it). It starts the day off on the right foot and feels good to check something off your to-do list right away. Believe it or not, leaving the house knowing my bed is made has helped me to be more productive with the rest of my day.
::Just because you didn’t get to make your bed in the morning doesn’t mean you can’t make it in the afternoon. It only takes a few minutes and you’ll be glad you took the time to do it when you are crawling in that night.
::Treat yourself to a new set of sheets, pretty ones that you love and maybe a few new throw pillows to brighten things up. They will make your bed-making experience that much more enjoyable.
::While making your bed, think of a few intentions for your day ahead. Making your bed can be a meditative experience that you will soon look forward to.
::Think of your bedroom as a place to retreat to. Walking in to a comfy, neat space mid day for a nap, to read a book or at the end of a long day can aid in relaxation and sleep.
::Lavender is a great aid for relaxing and winding down before bedtime. Sprinkle a few drops of the essential oil in your hands and rub on your pillow. Sweet dreams!
So make your bed. I promise, you’ll thank me in the morning (and at night!)
Amy!
We love We Help Mommy and Eloise Wilkins at our house, too!
I whole-heartedly agree with you! Oh, a freshly made bed!
Wonderful post. I agree with everything, except point #1. Beds need to air out before you make them in the morning. You expel a lot of fluid through your pores at night. So when you get up, the first thing you should do is pull the covers way back so your bed can air out. In the meantime, you can have breakfast, shower, dress, etc. Then make your bed. And thanks for the introduction to those books. I’d never heard of them before.
I love a nicely made bed in the morning and try very hard to making it every day, even with a busy toddler running around. Lovely post and Eloise Wilkins books are some of my favorites! (Eloise is my daughters name, so I have a special fondness for Wilkin’s books, my favorite being The Goodnight Book). 🙂
I never make my bed. Emma makes her bed, Sophie’s bed, and on occasion will come in and make our bed and her brothers’. I’ve been feeling like I need to change things up in my bedroom forever now; maybe that would kick-start the bed-making habit…
I began making my bed when Flylady’s arguments kicked in; it’s been a good few years now!
My house is small and our bedroom is next to the living room – I would be embarrassed if the door were left open and someone saw my unmade bed, so…
However, when I get up I do just pull the covers back and open the window to air the room and go back to make the bed properly later on when I get dressed after breakfast. This allows any moisture to evaporate and keeps the bed smelling fresh for longer… Although I don’t do it every day, I do often hang my duvet over the balcony to air when the sun is shining – but by law we have bring in bedding by 10 am ;o!!
I can’t agree more! I do let it air out for a little and theh I do love it when it is done. I also love making my kids beds and I agree that is comforting and reassuring. I feel is like doing a little something for all the big changes we cant do: We can’t clean up the world out of injustice and violence but we keep our own places nice and peaceful. Too out there? 🙂
I just found your blog and love it! I am truly inspired. If I weren’t so tired I’d get up and start making my home a little prettier. But since I am wiped I will keep reading your blog. Your beds are so pretty. I get so tired of cleaning but I do enjoy making the beds in our home. I am a big fan of Eloise Wilkin. My favorite book as a child was Baby’s Birthday and I have been searching and buying her books to read to my little ones. They love all of them especially We Help Mommy.