Whether you’re prepping for last-minute guests or just looking to break up your work day with a quick clean that isn’t going to totally drain you, there is plenty you can tackle in just half an hour. And there’s no space that needs more upkeep than hosting central: the living room.
Here, three professional organizers offer their go-to tips on how to revamp your living room in a short period of time. They share suggestions for what to keep or toss, provide insights on how to engage in some useful space planning, and offer other words of wisdom.
Meet the Expert
- Jean Prominski is the founder of Sparkle Home Organizing and Seattle Sparkle organizational consultation service.
- Stephanie Treantos is the founder of Lemonaid Solutions organizing service.
- Megan Ludvinsky is the founder of About Space Professional Organizing.
Take Anything Out That Doesn’t Belong
When tackling a cluttered living room, it can be hard to see through the noise at what needs cleaning when there’s just so much stuff in the way. This is the time to think about the purpose you’d like your living room to serve, and make sure that the things stored there reflect that.
“Make a list of the activities you actually do in the space—whether it’s relaxing, reading, socializing, watching TV, playing games, or your kid’s playroom,” says Stephanie Treantos, the founder of Lemonaid Solutions professional organizing service.
After this, it’s much easier to determine if the items you have on hand contribute to these functions or hinder you. If there’s anything that doesn’t contribute to your core purpose of the room, Treantos recommends moving it to another room, donating it, or discarding it.
After you’ve gotten rid of what you don’t need in the space, you can get started on streamlining living room essentials such as blankets, remotes, and more.
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Identify Items That Need a Home
Maybe you will come to realize that there are items you do need to keep in your living room that simply don’t have a home; if your living room connects to your entryway, it may double as a dumping ground for mail and backpacks that don’t belong there.
“Create a system that makes it easy to give these items a home rather than landing on the coffee table,” Treantos says.
Consider purchasing hooks for bags and backpacks, or order a storage bench to incorporate within your living space. Or go for a cleaner look with hidden options.
“The more options you have for storage, the easier it is to put things away,” says Megan Ludvinsky, founder of About Space Professional Organizing.
There are a myriad of multifunctional furniture pieces available everywhere; she advises shopping for ottomans that can open up to hold toys or baskets to slide beneath the sofa.
Fold Blankets
Oleg Breslavtsev / Getty Images
Blankets are a must-have items in living rooms that can easily make a room look messier than it actually is, just by being strewn around.
Jean Prominski, founder of Sparkle Home Organizing and Seattle Sparkle, recommends opting for a storage ottoman or decorative bin to house blankets. You can also simply fold throw blankets neatly and place them on a shelf in your living room if you don’t feel like adding an entire new piece of furniture.
Dust and Evaluate Your Decor
Living rooms can quickly become home to decorative items that you may no longer be wild about, but never have time—or heart—to do away with
“Dust everything off, and take a look at each item individually to see if they still hold the same meaning for you,” Prominski says.
If you find items that just don’t speak to you anymore, set them aside to donate in order to make room for pieces that do.
Be Ruthless When Discarding Items
During your clean, it’s important to remember that being proactive about parting ways with items can pave the way for major lasting change.
“Remember the age-old decluttering rule: Less stuff means less to clean, less to tidy, less to maintain, and less to put away,” Ludvinsky says. “Anything you can eliminate will help you on your decluttering journey.”
