How do I not lose my remote control in bed?

The Problem of Losing the Remote in Bed

Losing the TV remote in bed is an annoyingly common occurrence. You’re all cozy under the blankets, flipping through channels, when suddenly the remote slips from your grasp and gets lost in the folds of your sheets and comforter. Now you’re stuck without easy access to change the channel or volume. It can be endlessly frustrating trying to fish around to find that lost remote when all you want to do is relax and watch TV. So what can be done to prevent this issue? There are a few clever solutions to help keep track of the remote in bed.

Get a Remote with a Glow in the Dark Buttons

One of the best preventative options is to get a remote control that has buttons that glow in the dark. That way if it gets tucked under the covers, you can still make out the faint glow of the buttons and track it down quicker. Brands like Sony, LG, Samsung, and others make remotes with glow buttons as a standard feature for many TVs and cable boxes nowadays. Look for that when getting a new entertainment system. The glow doesn’t have to be super bright, just enough that you can locate it when buried in the bed sheets. This handy feature alone can save lots of frustration.

Use a Remote finding Device

There are also special devices made specifically for locating lost remotes. These use radio signals to beep and flash when you activate the finder, helping you dig the remote out from wherever it fell. Popular options include the Esky Wireless Remote Control Locator and the Cangshan Remote Finder. These attach to the back of your remote using adhesives and allow you to press a button on a receiver when the remote goes missing. This causes the locator on the remote to light up and make noise so you can uncover it from the sheets. Just keep the receiver device on your nightstand for easy access when needed.

Get a Remote Caddy or Holder

For a more permanent solution, invest in a remote control holder or caddy. These devices are designed to keep your remote securely in one place while using it in bed. Some mount onto the side of a nightstand or bed frame, providing a dock to safely stow the remote. Others are caddy bags that fit around the remote and have a fastener to attach them to a headboard or bedpost within arm’s reach. With the remote firmly held in place, it won’t be able to slide down into the bedding abyss anymore. Here are some top-rated styles:

Remote Holder Key Features
Cordskeeper Bedside Remote Holder • Mounts under nightstand
• Holds 2 remotes
• Felt lining to prevent scratches
TotalMount Bed Remote Control Holder • Mounts to headboard
• Holds 4 remotes
• Rotating design for optimal angles
MyGift Remote Caddy • Wraparound velcro design
• Attaches to metal bed frame
• Fits remotes up to 8″ long

Use a Retractable Keychain Remote

For the most compact and portable option, consider getting a retractable keychain remote to use in bed. These remotes attach to a retractable coil that connects to a key ring. Then when not in use, the remote coils right back into the base for safekeeping. To use, just pull it out of the keychain base, control the TV, and release to let it snap back into stored position. This makes it easy to keep track of and hard to lose mixed up in the bed linens. Retractable styles are available from various brands including Loopet, Calibur, and SereneLife.

Velcro the Remote to a Book or Tablet

One handy DIY trick is to use Velcro strips to adhere your remote to another object, like a book, tablet, or notepad. Simply put some self-adhesive Velcro tape on the back of your remote. Then when you get into bed, attach the remote to a book, iPad, or other item you’ll already be holding onto while relaxing. This creates a sort of makeshift remote holder using things you’ll have on hand anyways. Plus it makes it easier to not misplace the remote since it stays affixed to the other object.

Get a Remote Control Bed Tray

For the ultimate remote-friendly experience, consider getting a TV bed tray designed for eating and TV watching. These trays sit over your lap to hold food, drinks, books, remotes, tablets, and anything else you need while cozied up in bed. The tray helps corral the remote in one spot right in arms reach. Look for one with deep enough compartments, ridges, and cup holders to safely hold a remote without sliding around. Top-rated options include the Wired Premium Bed Tray and Winsome Mali TV Tray with Stand.

Tape a Ribbon or Cord to the Remote

If you don’t want to buy anything new, one last basic idea is to tape, glue, or tie a ribbon, cord, or string to your remote’s body. Make it long enough that when the remote falls and gets buried, you can still locate the end of the ribbon poking out from the sheets. Just grab and pull on the ribbon to fish out the remote. You can get creative and use colored ribbons, neon strings, or craft twine to make a little remote retrieval system. Make sure whatever you attach is securely adhered so it doesn’t fall off and get tangled up.

Conclusion

Losing the remote in bed doesn’t have to be an inevitable annoyance. With glowing remote buttons, remote finders, cord organizers, retractable keychains, Velcro, bed trays, and other clever solutions, you can rest easy knowing your remote is within reach. Try one of these handy tips and tricks to stop frantically searching under the covers for your lost clicker. Then you can spend more time actually enjoying shows and less time trying to find the dang remote.

What’s the best way to not lose your TV remote control in bed? Here’s a quick summary:

– Get a remote with glow-in-the-dark buttons so it’s visible even when buried in sheets. Brands like Sony and LG make these.

– Use a remote finding device that beeps and lights up when activated. Attach it to your clicker. Popular options are from Esky and Cangshan.

– Mount a remote caddy or holder on your headboard or nightstand to keep your clicker in one spot. Brands like Cordskkeeper and TotalMount make mounts.

– Try a retractable keychain remote that coils back into a base. Pull it out to use, then retract when done. Made by Loopet, Calibur, and more.

– Adhere Velcro strips to your remote and a book or tablet to keep them together in bed.

– Get a bedside TV tray that has compartments and ridges to corral your remote while watching shows.

– Tape, tie, or glue a ribbon to your remote so you can pull it out from under blankets if buried.

With a little creativity and planning, you can say goodbye to the eternal struggle of the lost bed remote! Keep your clicker close at hand for smooth late night channel surfing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get a universal remote to use in bed?

A universal remote can be a good choice for bed usage since it combines all your media controls into one device. That way you only have one remote to keep track of instead of several for a TV, streaming box, stereo, etc. Just make sure to still use one of the techniques above like a glow remote or holder to not lose that singular universal clicker.

What’s the best remote for a bedroom TV?

Look for a minimalist remote with large, tactile buttons that are easy to press without looking. Backlit or glow buttons help to find it in the dark. IR remotes with a wide range ensure it works from different bed angles. Brands like Logitech Harmony and Caavo make quality bedroom remotes.

Should I use voice commands instead of a remote in bed?

Voice control through a smart speaker or assistant can be convenient to change channels and shows in bed hands-free. But voice tech isn’t totally seamless yet, so having a physical remote handy as a backup is still a good idea. Use voice when possible, but also keep a remote secure in a caddy or holder for when needed.

What about using remotes built into my phone or tablet?

Controlling your TV/media via an app on your phone or tablet can work well when relaxing in bed. But you still have to be careful not to drop your device between the sheets and pillows. If using an app for remote functions, still try attaching your phone to a tray table or propping it up securely within reach.

Does tape ruin my remote if I tape something to it?

Using tape or glue to affix a string, ribbon, or Velcro to your remote shouldn’t damage it as long as you only apply it to the outer plastic casing. Avoid sticking anything to the sensitive rubber buttons themselves. Light adhesive that can be removed later without residue is ideal, so you don’t gum up the remote after removal.

Key Takeaways

– Invest in a remote with illuminated buttons to see it when buried in bed linens.

– Attach a remote finder beeper device for help locating it under covers.

– Use a mounted remote holder or caddy to keep it secure by the bed.

– Try a retractable keychain remote that coils back into its base.

– Velcro tape your remote to a book or tablet you’ll already hold in bed.

– Get a TV bed tray that has compartments to corral the remote.

– Tie or tape a ribbon onto the remote to retrieve it if it gets lost.