The living room is the heart of any home, a space where we unwind, entertain, and connect with loved ones. But when it starts to feel cluttered, it can be overwhelming and even stressful. The good news is, decluttering doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little focus and these practical steps, you can create a living room that feels open, inviting, and functional. Whether your goal is to free up space, make cleaning easier, or simply enjoy a calmer atmosphere, these 24 simple steps will help you reclaim your living room.
1. Start With A Clear Vision
Before you begin, decide how you want your living room to feel and function. Do you want it to be cosy, minimalist, or child-friendly? Having a goal in mind will make it easier to decide what stays and what goes. Write down your vision or keep it in mind as you make decisions to stay focused.
2. Clear The Floor First
Pick up anything that doesn’t belong on the floor, like toys, shoes, or blankets. A clear floor instantly makes the space feel larger and more organised. Use a basket or box to gather misplaced items for sorting later. Start at one end of the room and work systematically to avoid missing anything.
3. Declutter Surfaces Next
Look at your coffee table, side tables, and shelves. Remove items that don’t serve a purpose or bring you joy. Keep only what you truly use or love, like a lamp, a book, or a simple decorative piece. Wipe down surfaces as you go to give your living room a refreshed feel.
4. Create Zones For Functionality
Divide your living room into zones for specific activities, such as lounging, reading, or playing. This makes it easier to see what doesn’t belong and ensures everything has a proper place. Use rugs or furniture placement to define these zones visually.
5. Keep Decor Simple
If your living room feels cluttered, pare down your decor. A few carefully chosen items like a framed photo or a vase of flowers can have more impact than an overloaded mantelpiece. Group similar items together to create a cohesive and balanced look.
6. Organise Your Cables
Messy cables can make even the tidiest room look chaotic. Use cable clips, organisers, or a cord cover to keep them neatly out of sight. Label plugs if needed to make future tidying easier. Wrap excess cord length to avoid tangles and improve the room’s overall appearance.
7. Declutter Your Media Collection
Sort through your DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games. Donate or recycle anything you no longer watch or play. Consider going digital to save space if you’re holding onto a large collection. Use a media organiser to neatly store the items you keep.
8. Limit Throw Pillows And Blankets
While cosy touches are nice, too many pillows or throws can make the room feel crowded. Keep one or two of each and store the rest in a nearby cupboard or storage ottoman. Opt for neutral colours or patterns that complement the room to create a cohesive look.
9. Assess Your Furniture
Look critically at your furniture. Is it too large for the space, or do you have more pieces than you need? Removing or replacing oversized or unnecessary items can transform your living room. Ensure your furniture layout leaves clear pathways for walking and easy movement.
10. Use Storage Baskets Or Boxes
Baskets and boxes are great for keeping small items like remotes, magazines, or toys out of sight. Choose designs that complement your decor for a cohesive look. Use labels to make it easier to find items when you need them.
11. Simplify Your Bookshelves
If your bookshelves are crammed, take some time to declutter them. Donate books you’ve already read or no longer want. Arrange the remaining books with some space for decorative accents. Use bookends or dividers to keep everything tidy and upright.
12. Remove Duplicates
Scan the room for duplicate items. Do you have two lamps when one would suffice? Or three candles when one would create the same effect? Keep only what adds value to your space. Rehome or donate duplicates to free up valuable space.
13. Designate A Spot For Essentials
Create a dedicated place for things you use daily, like a tray for keys and wallets or a small basket for remotes. This keeps them handy but prevents them from spreading across surfaces. Ensure this spot is easy to access so it becomes part of your daily routine.
14. Declutter The Walls
Too many wall hangings or pictures can make a room feel busy. Choose a few favourites and take down the rest. Leaving some wall space blank creates a sense of calm and openness. Dust or clean the wall space as you rearrange your artwork.
15. Tackle The Toy Zone
If your living room doubles as a play area, designate a specific spot for toys, like a toy box or a low shelf. Encourage kids to tidy up at the end of the day to maintain order. Rotate toys regularly to keep the space feeling fresh and interesting.
16. Rethink Sentimental Items
Sentimental items can be hard to let go of, but they can overwhelm a space if there are too many. Choose a few to display and store the rest in a memory box or elsewhere in your home. Photograph items you’re storing to make it easier to revisit memories without physical clutter.
17. Use Multi-Functional Furniture
Furniture with built-in storage, like a coffee table with drawers or an ottoman that opens up, can help reduce clutter while serving a practical purpose. Look for pieces that blend with your room’s style to maintain a polished look.
18. Rotate Decorations Seasonally
Instead of displaying all your decor at once, try rotating items by season. This keeps your space feeling fresh while reducing visual clutter. Pack away off-season items in labelled boxes to make the switch easier.
19. Declutter Under Furniture
Don’t forget the space under your sofa or armchair. Clear out anything lurking there, whether it’s shoes, toys, or forgotten magazines. Use under-furniture storage boxes for items you need to keep but don’t use daily.
20. Store Remote Controls Smartly
Keep remotes in a small tray or box when not in use. This not only keeps them organised but also makes them easier to find when you need them. Consider a universal remote to reduce the number of devices.
21. Limit Open Storage
Open shelves can quickly become a magnet for clutter. If possible, replace open shelving with closed storage or add decorative bins to conceal items. Choose neutral or matching bins to maintain a tidy, cohesive look.
22. Consider A Donation Box
Keep a box in a corner or cupboard for items you no longer want. When it’s full, donate the contents to a local charity shop to keep clutter from returning. Make it a habit to drop off donations regularly.
23. Set A Decluttering Schedule
Make decluttering a regular habit by setting aside time each month to reassess your living room. Regular maintenance prevents clutter from building up again. Add reminders to your calendar to stay consistent.
24. Celebrate Your Progress
Take a moment to enjoy your refreshed living room. It’s amazing how much lighter a space can feel when it’s free of unnecessary items. Share your progress with friends or family to inspire them to declutter too.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
