The living room is the heart of the home a place for relaxing, entertaining, and spending time with family and friends.
But over time, it can easily become a magnet for clutter.
Remote controls, magazines, toys, mail, and all sorts of odds and ends seem to pile up, making the space feel chaotic and less inviting.
If you’ve ever looked around and wondered how your living room got so crowded, you’re not alone.
The good news is that with a little strategy and some practical tips, you can reclaim your space and create a living room that feels open, organized, and welcoming.
This guide is packed with actionable advice, helpful tables, and step-by-step instructions to help you declutter your living room for good.
Whether you’re tackling a major mess or just want to keep things tidy, you’ll find everything you need right here.
Why Decluttering Matters
Decluttering isn’t just about making your living room look better.
It has real benefits for your well-being and your home.
|
Benefit |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Reduces Stress |
A tidy space is calming and easier to relax in. |
|
Saves Time |
Less time spent searching for lost items. |
|
Improves Functionality |
More space for activities and entertaining. |
|
Enhances Cleanliness |
Easier to dust, vacuum, and keep clean. |
|
Boosts Mood |
A fresh, open space feels more inviting. |
Common Causes of Living Room Clutter
Understanding where clutter comes from is the first step to tackling it.
|
Source |
Examples |
Why It Happens |
|---|---|---|
|
Paper |
Mail, magazines, receipts |
No designated spot for paperwork |
|
Electronics |
Remotes, chargers, cables |
Convenience, lack of storage |
|
Decor |
Too many knick-knacks, outdated items |
Sentimental value, impulse buys |
|
Toys & Games |
Kids’ toys, board games, puzzles |
No storage system |
|
Blankets & Pillows |
Throws, extra cushions |
Comfort, but often too many |
|
Unfinished Projects |
Crafts, books, hobbies |
Left out for “later” |
|
Miscellaneous |
Keys, sunglasses, bags |
Dropped when entering the room |
Declutter Your Living Room
Step 1: Set Your Decluttering Goals
Before you start, think about what you want from your living room.
Do you want a minimalist look, or just a bit more order?
Are you making space for entertaining, or creating a cozy family zone?
Setting clear goals helps you stay focused and make better decisions about what to keep.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
Having the right tools on hand makes the process smoother.
|
Supply |
Purpose |
|---|---|
|
Boxes or bins |
Sort items to keep, donate, or toss |
|
Trash bags |
For garbage and recycling |
|
Labels and markers |
Mark boxes for easy sorting |
|
Cleaning supplies |
Wipe down surfaces as you go |
|
Storage baskets |
Organize items you’re keeping |
Step 3: Clear the Room
Start by removing everything that doesn’t belong in the living room.
Take out dishes, laundry, shoes, and anything that has a home elsewhere.
This gives you a blank slate and makes it easier to see what you’re working with.
Step 4: Sort and Categorize
Go through everything that’s left and sort it into categories.
This helps you see how much you have of each type of item and makes it easier to decide what stays and what goes.
|
Category |
Examples |
|---|---|
|
Paper |
Mail, magazines, receipts |
|
Electronics |
Remotes, chargers, headphones |
|
Decor |
Vases, candles, figurines |
|
Toys & Games |
Board games, puzzles, stuffed animals |
|
Textiles |
Blankets, pillows, rugs |
|
Books & Media |
Books, DVDs, video games |
|
Miscellaneous |
Keys, sunglasses, bags |
Step 5: Declutter by Category
Now it’s time to make decisions. Go through each category and ask yourself:
- Do I use this regularly?
- Does it add value or joy to the room?
- Is it in good condition?
- Do I have multiples of the same thing?
- Could it be stored elsewhere?
If the answer is no, consider donating, recycling, or tossing the item.
Decluttering Tips for Common Living Room Items
Paper
- Go digital where possible scan important documents and unsubscribe from magazines you don’t read.
- Set up a mail station with a tray or basket for incoming mail.
- Recycle newspapers and magazines weekly.
Electronics
- Store remotes in a decorative box or tray.
- Use cable organizers or zip ties to tame cords.
- Keep chargers in a designated drawer or basket.
Decor
- Limit surfaces to one or two decorative items each.
- Rotate decor seasonally instead of displaying everything at once.
- Donate or store items that no longer fit your style.
Toys & Games
- Use baskets or bins for easy cleanup.
- Limit the number of toys in the living room rotate them to keep things fresh.
- Store board games vertically to save space.
Blankets & Pillows
- Keep only what you use regularly.
- Store extra blankets in a basket or ottoman with storage.
- Limit pillows to what fits comfortably on the couch.
Books & Media
- Donate books you’ve read and won’t reread.
- Store DVDs and games in slim cases or digital formats.
- Use shelves or baskets to keep items organized.
Miscellaneous
- Set up a “drop zone” near the entry for keys, bags, and sunglasses.
- Use a small tray or bowl for loose change and small items.
Step 6: Clean as You Go
As you clear surfaces and empty shelves, take the opportunity to dust, vacuum, and wipe down everything.
A clean space feels even more satisfying once it’s decluttered.
Step 7: Organize What’s Left
Now that you’ve pared down your belongings, it’s time to organize what remains.
Here are some storage ideas:
|
Storage Solution |
Best For |
Tips |
|---|---|---|
|
Baskets & bins |
Toys, blankets, magazines |
Choose matching styles for a cohesive look |
|
Trays |
Remotes, candles, small decor |
Keeps surfaces tidy |
|
Shelves |
Books, decor, plants |
Don’t overcrowd leave some open space |
|
Drawers |
Electronics, chargers, paperwork |
Use dividers for small items |
|
Ottomans with storage |
Blankets, games |
Doubles as extra seating |
|
Wall hooks |
Bags, hats, keys |
Keep near the entryway |
Step 8: Create Habits to Keep Clutter Away
Decluttering isn’t a one-time job. These habits help keep your living room tidy:
- Do a quick tidy-up every evening.
- Return items to their proper place after use.
- Sort mail as soon as it comes in.
- Limit new purchases—one in, one out.
- Schedule a monthly declutter session.
Decluttering for Families
If you share your living room with kids, pets, or roommates, decluttering can be a team effort.
|
Tip |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Involve everyone |
Teaches responsibility and teamwork |
|
Assign storage spots |
Everyone knows where things go |
|
Use labels |
Helps kids and guests put things away |
|
Rotate toys and games |
Keeps things interesting, reduces clutter |
|
Set boundaries |
Limit toys or personal items to certain areas |
Decluttering Small Living Rooms
Small spaces need extra attention to avoid feeling cramped.
- Choose multi-functional furniture (like storage ottomans or coffee tables with shelves).
- Mount shelves on the wall to free up floor space.
- Use light colors and mirrors to make the room feel bigger.
- Keep decor minimal less is more in a small space.
Decluttering for Entertaining
If you love hosting, a clutter-free living room makes guests feel welcome.
- Store extra seating (like folding chairs or poufs) out of sight when not in use.
- Keep surfaces clear for snacks and drinks.
- Use a bar cart or tray for serving.
- Add a basket for guests’ bags and coats.
Decluttering for Relaxation
A tidy living room is more relaxing. Here’s how to create a calming space:
- Limit visual clutter choose a few favorite decor pieces.
- Use soft lighting and cozy textiles.
- Keep electronics organized and out of sight when not in use.
- Add plants for a touch of nature.
Decluttering for Style
Decluttering isn’t just about removing things it’s about highlighting what you love.
- Display a few meaningful items, like family photos or travel souvenirs.
- Group decor in odd numbers for visual interest.
- Leave some space on shelves and tables for a more curated look.
Decluttering Checklist
Here’s a handy checklist to guide you through the process:
|
Task |
Done? |
|---|---|
|
Remove items that don’t belong in the living room |
|
|
Sort items by category |
|
|
Declutter each category |
|
|
Clean surfaces and floors |
|
|
Organize what’s left |
|
|
Set up storage solutions |
|
|
Create a drop zone for keys and bags |
|
|
Limit decor to a few favorites |
|
|
Store extra blankets and pillows |
|
|
Label baskets and bins |
|
|
Do a final tidy-up |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my living room from getting cluttered again?
Create daily and weekly routines, assign storage spots for everything, and be mindful of what you bring into the space.
What should I do with items I’m not sure about?
Put them in a “maybe” box. If you don’t use or miss them after a month, it’s probably safe to let them go.
How do I handle sentimental items?
Display a few favorites and store the rest in a memory box. Remember, you don’t have to keep everything.
What if my family isn’t on board?
Start with your own things and lead by example. Involve others by making decluttering a fun, shared activity.
Decluttering Do’s and Don’ts
|
Do |
Don’t |
|---|---|
|
Be honest about what you use |
Keep things “just in case” |
|
Set realistic goals |
Try to do everything at once |
|
Use storage that fits your space |
Overstuff baskets and bins |
|
Celebrate your progress |
Get discouraged by setbacks |
|
Maintain your space regularly |
Let clutter build up again |
Fun Facts About Decluttering
- The average home contains over 300,000 items.
- Clutter has been linked to increased stress and anxiety.
- People spend an average of 2.5 days a year looking for lost items.
- Decluttering can make cleaning faster and easier.
Decluttering Inspiration
Sometimes, a little inspiration helps. Here are some ideas to motivate you:
- Take before-and-after photos to see your progress.
- Watch a favorite home makeover show for ideas.
- Invite friends over nothing motivates like company coming!
- Set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much you can get done.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering your living room doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
With a clear plan, the right tools, and a little determination, you can transform your space into a calm, organized, and welcoming retreat.
Remember, it’s not about having a perfect home it’s about creating a space that works for you and your family.
Start small, celebrate your wins, and enjoy your refreshed living room.
