Last year, I had a tiny project This took a little by hand. Eventually it led me to remodel my entire kitchen. This is a story for another day and another blog post. However, I am really grateful for some of the changes that came from this remodeling, especially our new DIY charging drawer.
I added a lot more drawers to the lower closets because they are much more practical and usable. And doing so, liberated a lot of space. For the first time, I remained with drawers who did not have a purpose for him. I remembered something I had seen years ago in Pinterest about creating a charging drawer or Docking drawer.
This has now become one of our most used drawers (perhaps immediately after the jewelery and spice drawers). I like that it has been led to even healthier technology habits.
In this post, I will cross how I created a charging drawer with a drawer I already had. I will also explain why it is so important to keep our equipment outside the bedroom. Plus you will share how this small change has made a big impact on our family's technology habits.
Why is it important to keep the equipment outside the bedroom
First, let's talk why having a charging drawer in the kitchen-or another ordinary area-is a player of the game. Especially when it comes to your sleep hygiene and overall health. Many of us are guilty of bringing our phones to the bedroom, whether to control social media, to respond to electronic posts, or (let us be honest) move through endless windings. But there are some important reasons why this may not be the healthiest solution.
The impact of blue light on sleep
One of the most obvious reasons to avoid having accessories near your bed is the effect of Blue light asleep. The screens of phones, tablets and other electronic devices emit blue light. This can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep waking cycle. Studies have shown exposure to blue light before bed can delay the onset of sleep, reduce the quality of sleep, and make it harder to fall into a deep, restorative sleep.
By keeping your equipment outside the bedroom, you can help your body sit naturally, without the intervention of artificial light. If you've ever found yourself moving in mind on your phone in front of the bed and then you have trouble falling asleep, you experienced this first hand. Solution? Keep phones, tablets and other equipment in a dedicated space for loading outside the bedroom. Like the charging drawer I have created.
If you are not willing to do this, there are things we can do. Examples include placing a red light filter on the phone, dressing Blue light blockers. You can also switch to something like DaytimeUter (I love this for journalism and writing at night).
Reduce late night distractions
Another issue with equipment near your bed is the constant temptation to control them. Whether it's an urgent job email, a text by a friend, or the latest news update. This constant connection can lead to late night distractions, letting you feel wire and anxious instead of relaxation and ready for rest.
With a charging drawer, you can create a healthy border between your bedroom and the outside world. By setting a strong rule that the equipment must be loaded into the kitchen or another certain space, you will be less likely to control them at night. This simple habit can improve the quality of your sleep and help you be more present with your family during the day.
The improved concentration and connection
When your equipment is immersed in a drawer, it is easier to focus on the present moment. For families, it means more Quality time passed together Without the distractions of texts, games or movement. Having a certain area to load the equipment, we encourage them all to be more intentional when and how they use technology.
Now, let's talk about how I created this charging drawer and why it was such a player of the game in our home.
How did I create my DIY charging drawer
Creating a charging drawer in my kitchen was a relatively simple project and did not require many ornate tools or skills. I started with a drawer I have already had in my kitchen, and with some small adjustments, turned it into a functional space and organized for charging equipment. Here's how I did it!
Step 1: Find the right drawer
I had a drawer in my kitchen that was used and slightly disorganized, so I decided to reburry it for this project. Ideally, the drawer should be in a space that is easily accessible to the whole family, but not in an area with high traffic, where it could be a distraction. Our kitchen worked perfectly because it is close to our family's daily activities, but it is not where we go to leave the night.
You do not need to buy a new drawer – just find what you already have in your kitchen, office or living room that is not serving much of a purpose. If the drawer is too small or shallow, you may want to consider its exchange for a deeper one that can accommodate multiple devices.
Step 2: Install an power strip inside the drawer
This is where the magic happens! The Affect to do a charging drawer job is to add an energy tape or a growth protector inside the drawer. It allows you to insert all your equipment into one place, keeping everything organized and out of view.
elected an power stripe This fits perfectly inside the drawer, with enough plugs to load multiple equipment immediately. It is important to choose a power strip that has a long enough cord to reach your nearest exit. You also want one with great protection to ensure the safety of your equipment. Make sure the power bar is positioned in a way that allows the air flow to prevent overheating. To accomplish this, I re-tela an outlet that was once outer opposite on the side of a cabinet to be internal. This left the cabinet down largely open. Now she stores waste bags and large kitchen containers.
You can also add charging rope that are long enough to easily reach the power bar on your equipment. I recommend keeping a variety of ropes for different devices – some for iPhone, some for Androids, and others for iPads or tablets.
I found ribbons with electricity Specially designed for this. But with nearly $ 300 each, I wanted to try a DIY option and I'm glad I did.
Step 3: Add a silicone mattress to protect the drawer
Once the power bar has been installed, I added a silicone at the end of the drawer. This protects the surface and prevents each device from sliding. Silicone mats are heat resistant, not slippery and easy to clean, making them perfect for this type of project. They also add a pleasant touch of organization, keeping everything in place and look regular.
Step 4: Organize cords and equipment
Now comes the entertainment part: organizing ropes and equipment. I was sure to keep everything regular and accessible. This included wrapping ropes and using small clips to keep them from tangling. I also made sure to leave enough space for each device to rest smooth while charging.
For our family, the charging drawer is made in place for phones, iPads and any other equipment that needs a load. Everyone knows where to insert their equipment. There is also no need to ask for a charger or battle over who should be first entered.
Our family charging routine and screen time habits
Since we added the charging drawer to our kitchen, it really helped us create healthy habits about using our device. Here's how we use it:
- Equipment loaded overnight in the kitchen: We have made a rule that phones, iPads and other devices must be loaded onto the drawer overnight. This ensures that no one is tempted to control their equipment late at night. And we wake up with fully loaded, ready -made equipment for the following day.
- No screen after dark: We try to avoid using screens after dark, especially in hours or two leading to bedtime. With the charging drawer, it is much easier to keep the equipment out of reach and thoughtless during this time. This habit has helped improve our sleep quality, especially for children.
- Detox of broad family technology: We have also made the habit of keeping screens during family meals. This has made dinner time a more connected experience. We use this time to catch, talk about our day and focus on one another without distractions.
Conclusion: Benefits of a DIY charging drawer
Adding a DIY charging drawer to our kitchen has been one of the best things we have done for ours Family technology habits. It is a simple solution that promotes healthier sleep, reduces distractions and encourages the most conscious use of our equipment. By keeping our phones and tablets in a dedicated space, we have created the best boundaries between technology and relaxation. Alsosh also improved our overall well -being.
If you are looking for an easy way to make your home more organized and friendly with technology, I recommend creating a DIY charging drawer. It doesn't take much time, and the benefits are fully worth it!
Happy charges, and here it is for the healthiest technology habits for the whole family!
What are your family's rules and habits about equipment? Leave a comment and tell us!
