5 Secrets That Instantly Declutter Any Living Room, Says Top Organizers

The living room stands out as one of the most frequently utilized areas within a house, often required to cater to various activities such as hosting guests, unwinding, and even conducting work remotely. In order to assist with maintaining an orderly environment, we sought advice from an experienced organizer who disclosed the key elements that tend to make these spaces appear untidy. Here are their insights on the top five culprits behind a chaotic-looking living area.

Continue reading to discover what you should steer clear of, ensuring your living space remains uncluttered.

Meet the Expert

Laura Cattano is a professional organizer and the founder of Laura Cattano Organizational Design.

Absence of an Adequate Mix Between Open and Closed Storage Options

Striking the proper equilibrium between exposed and concealed storage in your living area is crucial because it harmonizes functionality with aesthetic attractiveness.

Laura Cattano, a seasoned professional organizer and the creator of Laura Cattano Organizational Design, points out that the absence of these two storage solutions often contributes significantly to making an area appear untidy. Personally, Cattano prefers utilizing drawer systems or cabinets rather than simply having open shelving or exposed media centers to conceal items she does not want visibly displayed.

This covers items like office supplies, additional cables, and books, which might be utilized and required in a living area yet do not have to always be prominently visible. To intersperse all the enclosed storage spaces, she suggests achieving an equilibrium through the use of open shelving.

" Open shelves Cattano suggests choosing decorative items that narrate your personal story, elements that make the space reflect how you want it to feel—be it serene, invigorating, dynamic—or anything else that resonates with you.

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Not Having Designated Storage

Cattano suggests setting up specific storage spaces for things you frequently use.

"Avoid placing these items in an inaccessible location, since they often end up left out on a surface or in a corner because it’s too cumbersome to store them in the closet at the end of the hallway," according to Cattano.

Go through your belongings to assess how often they're used in the living room and relocate those that aren't needed as much elsewhere.

Inadequate Storage

An important aspect to watch for includes baskets, drawers, and cabinets that spill over, causing items to tumble out upon opening, as well as those where access is limited or putting things away becomes difficult.

To develop an effective organizational system for your living room, start by taking stock of both the area and the objects within it. Insufficient living room storage This will result in a crowded area that’s difficult to maintain cleanliness and enjoy relaxation in. To address this issue, Cattano recommends removing items you no longer require or purchasing an additional storage solution.

Messy Cords

Many living rooms contain numerous objects requiring electrical connections, including fixed elements like televisions and lighting setups along with movable gadgets such as mobile phones and computers. Even though these items might be used frequently every day, effective cable organization is crucial to avoid making the space appear messy.

"Cord management can be significantly improved by ensuring wires are tucked away behind furnishings," states Cattano. This approach effectively minimizes visual disarray, he adds.

Additionally, you can hide cords In a cable management box, utilize an outlet concealer along with an extension cord whenever feasible, or establish a dedicated charging station to gather all your charging devices in one location.

Items Accumulated Through The Years

Cattano points out, "We often overlook items in our homes that remain stationary for extended periods; these are things we ought to discard yet somehow never do."

Regardless of whether they're old magazines or a stack of board games She explains that these elements accumulate gradually until they become invisible to us. To steer clear of this clutter trap, Cattano suggests viewing your environment through new perspectives. By doing so, you can determine whether these possessions currently enhance or detract from your living experience, as per Cattano’s advice.

Read the initial article on The Spruce