I Spotted This Organizing Trick in a Hotel, and It’s So Clever

Keeping my nightstand clutter-free is a constant struggle for me. Between phones, books, glasses, and TV remotes, there never seems to be enough space for everything. More often than not, I fall asleep mid-scroll or mid-email only to wake up to my laptop half-buried in the sheets. I’d mostly accepted this as part of bedtime life until a recent trip to South Africa, where I discovered a hotel design trick that completely changed the way I think about bedside storage.

On a recent stay at the andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge, a breathtaking eco-friendly resort set within South Africa’s rare sand forest, I was immediately struck by its “Zulu-zen” decor (a seamless blend of natural textures, minimalist luxury, and nods to local design). My stand-alone glass-walled suite overlooked the dense KwaZulu-Natal forest, where baboons wandered freely. The bed was massive and impossibly inviting after a long day of travel. When I went to set my bags down, something unusual caught my eye: a small, mahogany-colored flap of leather peeking out from beneath the mattress on each side of the bed. Curious, I tugged on it and realized it wasn’t just decoration. My concierge explained that the flap was a built-in bedside pocket designed to hold items I didn’t want to lose in bed: my phone, a book, the A/C remote, and even my laptop. I’d never seen anything like it before, and I couldn’t believe how practical it was. I knew I would need to incorporate a bedside pouch into my own bedroom.

I later learned that the flap was a custom design by FoxBrowne for andBeyond, but you don’t need a safari-lodge stay to enjoy the same smart idea. This six-pocket, faux-leather remote control holder from Amazon works just as well and currently retails for $19.99. 

Slip it under your mattress or over the arm of your sofa to keep your phone, remote, and reading materials neatly stashed but still within easy reach. You can also shop this felt bedside caddy for $16.99.