A receptacle can be split so a wall switch controls one of its outlets while the other is hot all the time. A lamp plugged into the switched outlet can be turned on as you enter a room. Many codes allow a bedroom without a ceiling light if it has a switched receptacle.
If the wall is covered with drywall or plaster, most of the work consists of running cable and perhaps patching the wall afterwards.
Checklist
Time
About 3 hours to run cable a short distance (not including cutting a pathway for the cable and patching walls), install a wall switch, and wire the receptacle
Tools
Voltage tester, drill, saw, hammer, nonconductive ladder, fish tape, screwdriver, strippers, long-nose pliers, lineman's pliers
Skills
Stripping, splicing, and connecting wires to terminals; installing boxes; running cable through walls
Prep
Lay a drop cloth on the floor below.
Materials
Single-pole switch, receptacle (if you want to replace the old one), two-wire cable, wire nuts, remodel box, cable clamps, electrician's tape
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