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Is there any place in the house that becomes as cluttered as the living room? This well-used, much-loved multi-purpose room seems to have a clutter problem all its own—discarded socks, abandoned toys, half-read books, crumpled magazines, forgotten phone chargers, and more seem to accumulate in this communal space, and tidying it all up appears to be an endless task.
Preventing the living room from becoming a drop zone is a difficult task in and of itself, but the problem can be alleviated if the items that do belong in the living room are already organized.
If there’s already less in the room, those strange add-ons won’t feel so overwhelming—and there might even be more space to store them. Plus, after those extras are removed, the space will feel completely clean, rather than half-clean. Toss out these knickknacks for a decluttered living area, at least some of the time.
VHS Tapes (and Other Things That Aren’t Being Watched)
Hopefully, those old VHS cassettes have long since vanished, but if not, get rid of them as soon as possible. VHS tapes take up a lot of room, and there’s no point in storing them if you’re not going to view them.
Family videos can be quickly digitized, either through an app or a service, and everything else can be found online, on DVD, or on Blu-Ray. Throw out any other DVDs, CDs, or other media that hasn’t been seen or listened to in the last year or so too.
Failed Storage Solutions
Attempts at clutter control are admirable, unless they fall short, leaving heaps of unused (but optimistic) storage containers strewn about the room. An empty basket is less useful than none at all, and having a room full of near-empty storage containers only encourages the purchase of additional junk to fill them. Consolidate baskets and get rid of any that aren’t in use, or relocate them to a different place where they will be used.
Threadbare Throw Bankets
Whether it’s a decorative throw or the warm blanket that the whole family snuggles up under on movie night, when a blanket starts to look ragged (or worse, emits a strange odor), it’s time to say goodbye.
Consider how often the blanket is washed—if it’s used every time someone is sick or if the pets lie on it frequently, it could have just as much dirt, dust, and other contaminants as unwashed bedsheets. Give it a good wash or get rid of it.
Flat Throw Pilows
Throw pillows may provide a splash of color and individuality to a living room, but if they get a little worn around the edges, they can also detract from the vibe. Some problems, such as stains, can be fixed, but when pillows lose their shape, it’s usually time to throw them out. (I’m not even going to talk about how rarely toss pillows are cleaned.) Keep the cover and merely change the filling, or entirely change the appearance; either way, the room will look better.
Unused Entertainment Devices
Old DVD players, VHS players, out-of-date streaming devices, and speakers can take up a lot of room and are a waste of space if they aren’t used. Replace huge, clunky objects with smaller, sleeker alternatives, and discard or donate anything that isn’t used frequently enough. There will be more room in the entertainment center or on shelves for items that are used frequently, such as books, games, and picture frames, after they’re gone.
Board Games with Missing Pieces
Clue isn’t much fun when Colonel Mustard isn’t there, the candlestick is missing, and one of the dies has vanished. Bite the bullet and throw any board or card games with missing pieces; they’re easy to replace, and a new game might be just what the doctor ordered for revitalizing family game night.
Need help decluttering and organizing your living room? Or any other space in your home? Contact us today to discuss your needs or get started right away by booking an appointment here.
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
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