Psychologists Say People Who Don’t Make Their Beds Every Morning Share These 8 Unexpected Traits

For many people, making the bed as soon as they wake up feels unnecessary, especially when mornings are already rushed with getting dressed, preparing breakfast, or heading out the door. Others see it as a grounding ritual, a small act that creates order and sets the tone for the day.

According to psychologist Leticia Martín Enjuto, this simple daily choice can reveal more than it seems. Whether someone smooths the sheets or leaves them untouched may reflect aspects of personality, emotional patterns, and how they relate to control and structure. As she explains, behind even the smallest habit, there is often a deeper story.

She emphasizes that these observations are not about judging or labeling. The goal is understanding. Human beings are not machines, and routines or the absence of them often mirror emotional states, motivation, and personal identity. So what does it really suggest when someone regularly leaves their bed unmade? Psychologists have noticed several recurring traits among people who do.

1. A Tendency to Procrastinate

It usually starts with good intentions. Someone tells themselves they will start making the bed tomorrow, but the next morning arrives and nothing changes. According to Enjuto, this pattern often reflects a broader habit of postponing tasks that feel low priority or unrewarding.

This kind of procrastination is rarely about laziness. More often, it’s a response to stress, mental overload, or even perfectionism. Skipping small chores can act as a mental break from constant demands. For people like this, breaking tasks into very small steps can help. Straightening the sheets becomes a manageable win, just like starting a project with a single, simple action.

2. Preference for a Flexible Routine

People who make their beds every day often enjoy predictability. Structure gives them comfort and a sense of control. Those who skip the habit, however, may thrive in a more fluid lifestyle.

These individuals tend to adapt easily when plans change. They don’t rely heavily on rituals to feel balanced. Too much structure can feel restrictive to them. Their flexibility often makes them quick thinkers who handle unexpected situations with ease.

3. Subtle Resistance to Social Expectations

For some, not making the bed is a quiet way of rejecting rules that feel pointless. Many grew up hearing that neatness equals discipline or success, but not everyone agrees with that idea.

Leaving the bed unmade can be a small act of self-determination. It says, “I decide what matters.” This isn’t rebellion for attention, but a choice rooted in authenticity. These people often value personal meaning over appearances and prefer living by their own standards rather than social pressure.

4. A Desire for Control and Autonomy

The bedroom is one of the most personal spaces in a home. Choosing how it looks can feel empowering, especially for people who feel controlled in other areas of life.

When work, family, or responsibilities create constant pressure, leaving the bed unmade can be a small assertion of independence. It’s a reminder that at least one space is fully theirs. Interestingly, people who express autonomy through small choices often show confidence and leadership in bigger decisions as well.

5. A Creative Mindset

Creativity and order don’t always go hand in hand. For artists, writers, or designers, a bit of disorder can feel freeing rather than stressful.

Enjuto notes that creative thinkers often find inspiration in environments that aren’t perfectly arranged. An unmade bed or scattered workspace can be part of what looks like chaos but actually supports imaginative thinking. For them, productivity is about ideas, not appearances.

6. Low Energy or Emotional Exhaustion

In some cases, leaving the bed unmade isn’t a preference but a sign of fatigue. When energy is low, even simple tasks can feel overwhelming.

If this habit comes with other signs like skipping meals, withdrawing socially, or losing interest in hobbies, it may point to stress, burnout, or low mood. In these situations, the focus should be gentle self-care rather than forcing discipline. Small steps, like opening the curtains or tidying one small area, can help rebuild momentum.

7. A Strong Need for Personal Freedom

For certain people, routine chores feel restrictive. Making the bed can symbolize imposed order rather than personal choice.

Skipping it becomes a quiet statement of freedom. These individuals often value independence, creativity, and lived experience over rigid structure. This preference usually extends beyond the bedroom, influencing career choices, lifestyle, and how they approach daily life.

8. Comfort With Imperfection

Finally, many people who leave their beds unmade are simply comfortable with things being less than perfect. They don’t feel the need to correct every small flaw.

This acceptance can be emotionally healthy. Instead of chasing constant order or ideal routines, they prioritize comfort, presence, and realism. Psychologists link this mindset to emotional maturity, resilience, and a calmer approach to everyday life.

In the end, whether someone makes their bed or not says less about discipline and more about how they relate to control, freedom, energy, and self-expression. What matters most is not the habit itself, but how well it fits the person living it.