How to Declutter Living Room Spaces and Keep Them Tidy for Good

Does your living room feel more like a storage space than a cozy retreat? I know the feeling.

How to Declutter Your Living Room

I used to walk into mine and immediately feel overwhelmed by piles of toys, scattered blankets, and a coffee table buried under who-knows-what.

It wasn’t until I spent a weekend decluttering that I realized how much better the space could feel.

I didn’t just make it look nice; I made it functional and stress-free. Trust me, the difference was night and day.

If you’re tired of living room clutter but don’t know where to start, I’ve got you covered.

I’ll share the exact steps I used, along with the little tricks that made the process easier.

By the end, you’ll have a living room you actually want to spend time in.

Why Should You Declutter Your Living Room?

If your living room feels cluttered and overwhelming, trust me, I’ve been there.

I used to spend 10 minutes every evening just clearing toys off the couch and finding room on the coffee table for my coffee mug—it was exhausting.

A clutter-free living room isn’t just about looks; it’s about how it makes you feel.

When I finally took 15 minutes a day for a week to clear the mess, the space felt calmer, and I actually wanted to spend time there again.

Your living room is the heart of the home, where you relax, entertain, and connect with family.

When it’s clean and organized, you’ll spend less time hunting for things and more time enjoying the space with loved ones.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Start small focus on one corner or surface at a time and you’ll see how quickly the room transforms. Trust me, it’s worth every minute.

Watch, How to Declutter Your Kitchen Quickly and Effectively

Things You Need to Know Before Decluttering the Living Room

Before diving into decluttering, there are a few things I’ve learned that can make the process smoother and less stressful.

Trust me, knowing these in advance saved me a ton of time and frustration.

  1. Set a Clear Goal
    Decide what you want your living room to look like. I once started decluttering without a clear plan, and it took me twice as long because I kept second-guessing what to keep. Having a vision—whether it’s a cozy, minimalist vibe or just a more organized space—helps you stay focused.
  2. Create Sorting Categories
    Use three categories: keep, donate, and toss. When I started, I added a fourth “maybe” pile, and it only made things more chaotic. Stick to three piles to make decisions quicker and avoid second-guessing.
  3. Have the Right Tools
    Keep trash bags and boxes nearby for easy sorting. I’ve found it’s easier to finish the job when everything has a place to go immediately instead of creating new piles that just sit around.
  4. Give Yourself Time
    Don’t try to declutter the entire living room in one go. I learned the hard way when I ran out of steam halfway through. Set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes each day, and you’ll be surprised how much progress you can make in just a week.
  5. Prepare for Emotions
    Be ready to part with sentimental items. I once spent 20 minutes deciding whether to keep an old throw pillow my kids used as toddlers. It’s okay to keep a few special things, but don’t let nostalgia fill up your space.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, more manageable decluttering process.

Trust me, a little preparation makes a big difference.

How to Declutter Your Living Room

How to Declutter Living Room

So, let’s explore each and every step you need to follow when decluttering your beautiful living room.

1. Scan and Remove Visible Clutter

The first thing I do when decluttering my living room is a quick scan to identify and remove the most obvious clutter.

This step usually takes me around 10 to 15 minutes, and it’s amazing how much difference it makes right away.

Just grabbing those random items sitting on the coffee table, the couch, or the floor can instantly make the room feel less chaotic.

I like to keep a laundry basket or a box handy during this step.

It’s perfect for gathering items that don’t belong in the living room like toys, mail, cups, or shoes. Once the basket is full, I walk around the house and return everything to its rightful spot.

One time, I found three mismatched socks and a school project that had been sitting behind the couch for weeks. It was a good reminder of how clutter sneaks in when we’re not paying attention.

This step isn’t about deep cleaning or organizing yet. It’s just a quick sweep to create a clearer canvas to work with.

I also set a 15-minute timer to stay focused and avoid getting distracted. Trust me, you’ll feel more motivated to keep going once the visible clutter is out of the way.

Once the main surfaces are clear, I always take a moment to appreciate the difference.

It’s such a small step, but it’s the kind of progress that makes you want to tackle the next part of the process.

How to Declutter Your Living Room

2. Tackle Garbage First

Before diving into sorting and organizing, start by removing all the trash in the living room.

This step usually takes me about 10 minutes, and it’s one of the quickest ways to make an immediate difference.

I grab a trash bag and walk through the room, tossing out wrappers, old receipts, empty snack bags, or anything else that clearly belongs in the garbage.

I’ve noticed how much junk accumulates in hidden spots like under the couch or behind furniture.

One time, I found a crushed juice box and a candy wrapper from months ago under the recliner.

Taking a few extra minutes to check these areas prevents clutter from piling up again.

Focus on separating recyclables if needed. For example, I always set aside bottles or cardboard boxes to recycle later it’s a small habit that keeps the process eco-friendly.

The less trash left behind, the easier it will be to see the items you need to sort in the next steps.

Once all the garbage is cleared, you’ll instantly feel like you’ve made progress.

It’s a simple step, but trust me, starting with trash makes the rest of the decluttering process a lot less overwhelming.

See, How to Declutter Bathroom in 30 Minutes

How to Declutter Your Living Room

3. Sort and Return Items to Their Proper Places

Now that the garbage is out of the way, it’s time to sort through what’s left and return each item to its rightful spot.

This step usually takes me about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how much stuff has wandered into the living room.

I start by grouping similar items together books, toys, remote controls, or even random socks—and then take them to their proper places around the house.

One thing I’ve learned is to keep a “living room essentials” basket nearby. For example, I have a small basket for remotes, coasters, and chargers that stay in the living room.

It saves time during cleanup and keeps these frequently used items easy to find.

If an item doesn’t belong anywhere, decide if it’s worth keeping.

I once spent 10 minutes debating over an old magazine pile that nobody in the house had touched in months.

Don’t be afraid to let go of things you no longer use. It’ll free up valuable space for what truly matters.

By the end of this step, your living room will already feel more organized. Having everything in its proper place not only clears the clutter but also makes it easier to maintain a clean, relaxing space in the long run.

How to Declutter Your Living Room

4. Create Zones for Multi-Purpose Use

If your living room serves multiple functions like mine does, it’s helpful to divide the space into zones.

For example, I’ve created a cozy reading corner with a chair and lamp, a spot for my kids to play, and a clear area for watching TV.

Setting up zones like this takes about 15 to 30 minutes and helps the room feel more intentional and organized.

Start by thinking about how you use your living room daily. I realized we were always struggling with toy clutter until I set up a basket in one corner just for toys.

Similarly, adding a small tray on the coffee table for remotes and magazines instantly created order in a space that always looked chaotic.

Use furniture placement, rugs, or storage solutions to define these zones.

For example, a small bookshelf separates my reading area from the TV space without making the room feel cramped.

It’s a simple adjustment that makes the space work better for everyone.

Having designated zones ensures everything has its place, which makes tidying up quicker and keeps clutter from creeping back in.

Trust me, once you’ve divided your living room into functional areas, it’ll feel more like a space you want to enjoy rather than a catch-all for random stuff.

How to Declutter Your Living Room

5. Declutter Hidden Spaces Like Drawers and Shelves

Once the main areas are tidy, it’s time to tackle the hidden clutter lurking in drawers and shelves.

These spots can take about 20 to 30 minutes to declutter, depending on how much has been stuffed inside.

I’ve found everything from expired coupons to random charger cables in my living room drawers, and clearing them out instantly made the space feel lighter.

Start by taking everything out of one drawer or shelf at a time. I like to sort items into three piles: keep, toss, and relocate.

For example, I once found an old stack of greeting cards that I’d forgotten about for years they ended up in the recycle pile because they weren’t serving any purpose.

Only return what belongs and what you use regularly. In my case, I dedicated one drawer to family game night supplies and one to essential items like spare batteries and chargers.

Keeping these spaces focused has made them so much easier to maintain.

By the end of this step, your hidden spaces will no longer be clutter catch-alls.

They’ll serve a purpose, and you’ll finally be able to find what you need without digging through a mess every time.

See, How to Declutter Your Entryway in 5 Simple Steps

How to Declutter Your Living Room

6. Purge Unnecessary Items and Group Similar Items Together

Once the hidden spaces are tackled, it’s time to focus on letting go of unnecessary items.

I like to ask myself two simple questions for each item: “Have I used this in the last 6 months?” and “Do I really need it?” This step usually takes me around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how much there is to sort.

One time, I realized we had four extra throw blankets we never used. They were just taking up space, so I donated them.

As you purge, group similar items together to make organizing easier. For example, I gather all the books into one stack, all the electronics into another, and sort decor pieces separately.

This not only shows me how much of each category I have but also helps me spot duplicates.

I once discovered three identical phone chargers in different drawers—it felt so satisfying to finally organize them all in one spot.

Be ruthless with things that no longer serve a purpose. Items like broken decor pieces or old magazines don’t need to stick around.

I’ve found that the more I let go, the lighter and more open the living room feels.

By grouping similar items and letting go of the unnecessary, your living room will instantly feel more cohesive and functional.

It’s a small effort that makes a big impact on keeping clutter under control.

7. Establish a System to Maintain Order

Decluttering is just the first step keeping it that way requires a simple system. One habit that has worked wonders for me is dedicating 5 minutes every evening to tidying up the living room.

Whether it’s putting toys back in the basket or folding a blanket, these small efforts prevent clutter from building up again.

Assign specific spots for frequently used items. For example, I’ve made a rule that remotes go in a tray, books return to the shelf, and toys stay in their designated corner.

This not only keeps everything in its place but also makes cleanup easier for the whole family. Even my kids know where their stuff belongs now, which has been a game-changer.

Another tip is to schedule a quick monthly check-in to purge anything new that’s sneaked into the room.

I’ve found that setting aside just 15 minutes once a month to reevaluate keeps the space from getting overwhelming again.

It’s also a great time to rotate decor or refresh the look of the room.

Having a system ensures your hard work doesn’t go to waste.

Trust me, once you build these habits, maintaining a clutter-free living room will feel effortless and your space will stay inviting and organized every day.

How to Declutter Your Living Room

See, How to Declutter Your Dining Room in 5 Simple Steps

Things That Make Your Living Room Look Cluttered

Even after decluttering, certain things can still make your living room feel messy.

I’ve noticed these common culprits in my own space, and addressing them has made a huge difference.

  1. Too Many Decor Items
    Overloading shelves and surfaces with decor can create visual clutter. I used to have over 15 picture frames on one shelf, and it felt overwhelming. Reducing the number to a few meaningful pieces instantly made the room feel calmer.
  2. Visible Cables and Wires
    Tangled cords from electronics can make even the neatest living room look chaotic. I solved this by using cable organizers and hiding them behind furniture. It took just 10 minutes but made the space look much cleaner.
  3. Unfolded Blankets and Pillows
    Tossed blankets and scattered pillows on the couch can give the impression of clutter. I now fold blankets and fluff pillows every evening—it only takes 5 minutes and keeps the room looking tidy.
  4. Overcrowded Surfaces
    Coffee tables, side tables, and shelves packed with items can feel chaotic. I’ve found that limiting each surface to 2 or 3 purposeful items, like a lamp or a plant, makes the room look more organized.

By addressing these small details, your living room will look polished and inviting. These changes don’t take much time but can completely transform the feel of your space.

Watch, 23 Stylish Living Room Wall Decor Ideas You’ll Love

How to Keep Your Living Room Decluttered

Keeping your living room clutter-free isn’t as hard as it seems when you build a few simple habits.

I’ve found that a little daily effort goes a long way in maintaining the space.

  1. Adopt the One-In, One-Out Rule
    For every new item you bring into the living room, remove something old. When I got a new throw pillow last month, I donated one that no longer matched my decor. This keeps the space balanced and prevents it from becoming overcrowded.
  2. Do a 5-Minute Reset Every Evening
    Spend just 5 minutes each night putting things back where they belong. I make it a habit to fold blankets, return toys to their basket, and clear the coffee table before bed. It’s quick and keeps clutter from piling up.
  3. Limit What Comes Into the Room
    Be mindful of what you allow in your living room. For me, saying no to unnecessary freebies or excessive decor items has been a game-changer. Fewer items mean less clutter to manage.
  4. Schedule a Monthly Decluttering Check
    Once a month, spend 15 minutes reevaluating the room. I use this time to remove anything that’s overstayed its welcome, like magazines or decor I’m tired of. It’s a small effort that keeps the space fresh and organized.

By sticking to these habits, you can easily keep your living room decluttered without feeling overwhelmed.

Trust me, once you make these part of your routine, maintaining an organized space will become second nature.

How Long Will It Take to Declutter a Living Room?

The time it takes to declutter your living room depends on the size of the space and how much clutter has built up.

In my experience, a moderately messy living room can take about 1 to 2 hours if you tackle it all at once.

However, breaking it into smaller sessions like 15 to 30 minutes a day—makes the process more manageable and less overwhelming.

For example, I once decluttered my living room over 3 days by focusing on one area at a time: the coffee table on day one, the shelves on day two, and the floor and corners on day three.

This approach worked wonders because I didn’t burn out, and I could see progress each day.

If you’re dealing with heavy clutter, like years of accumulated items, it might take longer. In that case, give yourself 4 to 5 days, dedicating 30 minutes to an hour each day.

The key is to pace yourself and celebrate small wins like clearing a surface or finding a spot for frequently misplaced items.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection in one sitting.

Whether it’s 1 day or a week, the effort you put into decluttering will transform your living room into a space you love spending time in.

Also watch, How to Declutter Your Bedroom to Create a Peaceful Space

How does your living room feel now lighter, calmer, and more inviting?

After I finished decluttering mine, I couldn’t believe how much more I enjoyed spending time there. It felt like a space that worked for me, not against me.

Remember, keeping it clutter-free doesn’t have to be a chore. Just a few minutes a day can make all the difference.

What’s the first step you’ll take to reclaim your living room? Let me know. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.

I'm the author of Happy Home Hour. This is where I provide the latest modern and classic interior designs that will take the appearence of your home to the next level. Happy Home Hour provide you with knowledge about the latest expert interior design tips, room design ideas, storage ideas, home decor and holiday decor ideas. Read More...

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