Putting away technology before bed can be a huge barrier to getting a good night of sleep. Scrolling through bed can create issues with falling asleep due to the blue light that is emitting, and the temptation of continuing to scroll without an ending.
In order to overcome this, Cara Newhart, the DIY designer of "Never Skip Brunch" created an item called a "Tech Tuckaway". This is an anti-clutter design hack to help hide electronics in the nightstand without unplugging them.
If your nightstand is cluttered, and your electronics pose a great threat to getting a good night's sleep, then consider using this clutter-clearing organization hack to help meet several needs that you have.
Creating your Tech Tuckaway
Learning how to create this DIY tech tuckaway can be done with this simple YouTube video below and a few tools like:
- Microfiber cloth
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Surge protector power strip
- Adhesive strips
- Adhesive hooks
Instructions
If you are interested in the step-by-step instructions of how to create this DIY project, then please follow the directions below:
- Mark a place on the back of the drawer where you would like to drill a hole. This will be the place where your cord runs through, so make sure it's functional between the outlet and you being able to reach your phone from the comfort of your own bed.
- Find a drill bit that will create a larger hole than the diameter of the plug that you would like to put through the hole. Then attach this drill bit to your drill. Prior to doing this, stabilize your nightstand.
- While holding the drill with two hands, press the drill bit into the wood and run the drill all the way on full power.
- Release the drill trigger once you have created your hole. Safety is important, so make sure the drill has completely stopped before taking it out and placing it near you.
- Clear up any debris and make sure to sandpaper and smooth rough or splintered wood. You can also wipe down the nightstand down with a microfiber cloth to get rid of dust particles.
- Mount a surge power strip to the inside of the drawer by using a removable adhesive, like the 3M.
Create a Styled Nightstand for Better Sleep
When your tech tuckaway is set up, it's time to start adding things back to your nightstand. You can place items like essential oils, plants, books, or aesthetic lamps that can help you be relaxed.
Little baskets can also help organize things like reports, pens, and any other small bedside items. It's important to create a minimalist space on your nightstand to provide your brain with little stimulation around you as you prepare to go to bed. You can also include items that help you get to sleep such as an eye mask, glass of water, sleeping aid, etc.
Hopefully this item helps you tuckaway your electronics in a way that allows you to have them nearby, but hidden so they are not a distraction. If you struggle with falling asleep, and depend on hours of scrolling to get a good night's rest, then the issue could be deeper. Please click the orange button below to take a free online sleep test and talk with one of our sleep health professionals.
https://www.sleep.com/sleep-design/tech-tuckaway