6 lifestyle choices that explain why you never make your bed

Farley Ledgerwood by Farley Ledgerwood | May 21, 2025, 11:53 pm

Over the years, I’ve embraced plenty of simple habits that add a sense of structure to my days. 

Brewing that first cup of coffee, strolling around the park with my grandchildren, or enjoying quiet time with my dog, Lottie. 

Yet, one habit I’ve noticed many people neglect is the simple task of making their bed each morning.

If you’re thinking, “Why bother?”, trust me—I’ve been there myself. 

But often, ignoring a small routine points to deeper patterns in our lives.

Here are six lifestyle choices that might explain why you skip this morning chore.

1. Your mornings start off in chaos

Do you find yourself bolting awake, immediately feeling behind schedule? 

Maybe thoughts about work deadlines or family obligations flood your mind before you even brush your teeth. 

In a frantic morning, organizing your sleeping area can feel pointless.

I remember similar mornings back in my busy working days. 

But here’s the truth: carving out just two minutes to tidy up can help ease the morning chaos and bring a sense of control.

Try waking up five minutes earlier than usual. 

This tiny change might be all it takes to turn your hectic mornings into calmer starts, giving you enough breathing space for simple tasks like straightening the sheets.

2. You rely heavily on external accountability

Have you ever scrambled to tidy up because company was coming? 

When no visitors are expected, though, it’s easy to skip chores that no one else sees.

We often depend on external motivation to keep our spaces neat. But this habit weakens our internal drive. 

Rather than relying on others’ approval, try viewing making your bed in the morning as a personal promise. 

You might discover an unexpected satisfaction in quietly keeping that promise each day.

3. You overlook small daily achievements

I used to wonder if organizing my sleeping space each morning really mattered. Was it worth the effort? Eventually, I realized small routines carry big significance.

While tidying your sheets isn’t exactly difficult, it still presents a chance for an early daily victory. 

Completing minor tasks consistently boosts motivation and sets a productive tone.

So, instead of dismissing this chore as trivial, consider it your first small achievement of the day. 

It’s a subtle boost that builds momentum for bigger tasks ahead.

4. You rush through every moment of your day

Is your life constantly set to high speed? Moving swiftly from work to chores, errands, and back again leaves little room for quiet moments. 

In such a rush, even simple tasks become overwhelming.

Consistent routines influence our daily behavior. Constant hurry often leads to neglecting basic habits. Slowing down—even just slightly—can help.

Think of it as a brief pause button. 

Taking just two minutes to restore order can offer clarity and help you approach the day more calmly.

5. Your nighttime routine is inconsistent or absent

Morning routines are heavily influenced by how you spend your evenings. 

Do you often fall asleep watching TV or drift off in random places around your home? If nights are chaotic, your mornings probably start foggy and rushed.

I went through a phase where my evenings lacked structure, and my mornings reflected that. 

Without a consistent bedtime routine, I found myself neglecting simple morning chores without even realizing it.

Try establishing a calming nightly routine. Read a bit, unplug from screens early, or take a short walk. 

My own routine includes a relaxing stroll with Lottie and jotting down reflections from the day. This consistency brings clarity in the mornings, making simple morning tasks feel effortless.

6. You’re overwhelmed and don’t seek help

Skipping basic chores can also signal deeper issues like overwhelm. 

Maybe you’re juggling work, family responsibilities, or personal stress.

 When overloaded, small tasks often feel monumental.

Brené Brown reminds us, “We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” 

Seeking support is essential, even for small things. Sharing tasks with family or simply discussing feelings of overwhelm with a friend can significantly lighten your emotional load.

Feeling supported makes everyday tasks manageable again. Don’t underestimate the power of asking for a little help when life feels heavy.

Parting thoughts

I won’t pretend to have perfected every habit myself. But the state of our sleeping area often mirrors broader life patterns. 

Constant chaos, external dependency, or a rushed lifestyle often appear in neglected, untidy spaces.

No, straightening sheets won’t fix all your problems. Yet it might become a simple first step toward healthier, calmer daily habits.

Tomorrow, consider this morning ritual not as an obligation but as a personal message: your space, your routines, and your peace of mind matter.

Small changes often lead to big results. Could tomorrow morning be your fresh start?