Psychologists reveal these seven typical personality traits of people who skip making their bed in the morning
Starting the day with a small, ordinary choice—whether to make your bed or leave it as it is—can tell you more about someone than you might think. That everyday decision has been picked over by Leticia Martín Enjuto, a well-known psychologist. Enjuto explores how this simple act mirrors our mindset, habits and even deeper parts of who we are.
A sign of procrastination
For a lot of people, an unmade bed can be a hint that procrastination is at play. As Enjuto notes, telling yourself on a “Sunday night” that “Monday will be the day to start making the bed again” often ends up meaning nothing happens. This tendency isn’t always stuck to the bed; it can spill over into other areas of life. The psychologist suggests tackling tasks by breaking them down into smaller steps, advising to clean “one room at a time, with breaks in between”. That way the job feels more doable and less overwhelming.
Living with a flexible routine
People who skip bed-making often seem to favour a more flexible way of living. Enjuto says that “skipping bed-making often reflects a less rigid approach to order and ritual”. Those who don’t make their bed may feel more comfortable with a looser schedule, because it leaves room to improvise when life throws a curveball. That easygoing approach sits in contrast to the stricter routines favoured by bed-makers, and highlights differences in how people organise their daily lives.
A quiet act of rebellion
Leaving the bed undone can also read as a quiet bit of rebellion. Enjuto suggests this behaviour might come from pushing back against childhood rules or social expectations. By leaving the bed in a mess, people may be making their own rules and practising a subtle form of independence. The bed becomes a small place where they can exercise control and autonomy, almost saying, “I decide what matters in my space”.
Reclaiming control
For some, not making the bed is a conscious choice to assert independence in the private space of the bedroom. “Everyone is different,” Enjuto explains, “and our routines say much more about us than we realise.” Opting out of the social norm of a neatly made bed can be a way of reinforcing the right to make decisions based on personal preference. The action may seem trivial to some, but for others it symbolises control over their surroundings and the choices they make in life.
A creative streak
An unmade bed can also be a sign of a creative mind. Enjuto argues that those who “find inspiration in disorder” often do well in a bit of chaos. That kind of environment can fuel imagination and original thinking, suggesting a close link between creativity and mess. In those cases, the bed stands for an atmosphere where ideas flow more freely.
When motivation is low
Sometimes an unmade bed points to deeper problems like low energy or burnout. When the neglect spreads to other areas—like “dishes piling up” and “tasks left undone”—it may be a sign of emotional strain. Enjuto urges people to pay attention to these signs and to seek support if needed, to look after their wellbeing.
Wanting a bit more freedom
Skipping the ritual of bed-making can be a way of saying you want more independence. “It’s a subconscious way of saying you want to live by your own rules,” Enjuto explains. By refusing to follow social norms too strictly, people express a desire for personal freedom and self-determination.
At the end of the day, whether you tidy the bed or leave it rumpled carries more meaning than it first appears. As Leticia Martín Enjuto puts it, “Behind the simple act of leaving the bed unmade in the morning lie stories and nuances.” Making the bed isn’t about right or wrong; it’s a small window into what drives us and how that fits into the bigger pattern of our daily lives. This look at morning routines invites us to think about what our own habits say about who we are.