Top 50 Checklist to Declutter a Small Living Room

If you’ve ever struggled to keep a small living room tidy, you’re not alone. I’ve been there myself, dealing with clutter in a limited space. Through trial and error, I’ve found practical ways to organize without compromising comfort or style. Here’s a list of 50 easy-to-follow tips that have helped me keep my small living room functional and clutter-free.

1. Create a Tray for Daily Essentials

Place a tray on your coffee table to keep your daily essentials—like your phone, keys, and wallet—organized in one spot. It keeps things tidy and easy to find.

2. Organize Remotes with Adhesive Wall Clips

Stick adhesive wall clips near your couch to hold remotes. This way, you’ll never have to search for them, and they’ll stay organized.

3. Tuck Loose Cables into Cable Sleeves

Messy cables are a quick way to clutter up a room. Use cable sleeves to hide them and keep everything neat.

4. Rotate Decor Seasonally

Instead of overloading your space with decor, try rotating it seasonally. Store what’s not in use and keep your space fresh and uncluttered.

5. Sort Books by Height for Symmetry

Organize your bookshelf by height to create a clean, symmetrical look.

6. Use Fabric Baskets for Small Toys

Fabric baskets are great for storing small toys or games, making cleanup quick and easy.

7. Hang TV Remotes on a Hook

Place a small hook behind the TV to hang your remotes. It keeps them out of sight but within reach when needed.

8. Designate a Drawer for Phone Chargers

Store all your chargers in a designated drawer to keep cords out of sight and prevent clutter.

9. Create a Mail Station Near the Entrance

Set up a mail station near the door to stop piles of mail from accumulating on tables or countertops.

10. Limit Throw Pillows to Two Max

Too many throw pillows can overwhelm a small couch. Stick to just two for a more open feel.

11. Place Baskets Under Shelves for Storage

Keep baskets under shelves to store everyday items like books, cords, and gadgets, freeing up other surfaces.

12. Stow Extra Throw Blankets Behind the Sofa

Roll up your extra blankets and stash them behind the sofa to keep them handy but out of sight.

13. Mount Small Baskets on the Wall

Mount small baskets on the wall to hold keys, mail, or sunglasses. It keeps surfaces clear and organized.

14. Stack Coffee Table Books by Size

Stacking your coffee table books by size creates a more organized and visually appealing look.

15. Hang Wall Hooks for Everyday Bags

Install hooks near the entrance to hang your bags, coats, or scarves, keeping them from piling up on chairs.

16. Use Fabric Pouches for Loose Cables

Store loose cables in fabric pouches that can be hung behind furniture or stashed in drawers.

17. Hang Small Planters Instead of Cluttering Surfaces

Instead of cluttering your surfaces with plants, hang small planters from the ceiling to save space.

18. Use Clear Jars for Small Items

Store small items like keys and coins in clear jars. It’s both stylish and functional.

19. Add Labels to Boxes for Easy Access

Label your storage boxes to make it easier to find what you need, without digging through clutter.

20. Group Similar Decor Together

Rather than spreading decor all over, group similar items together for a clean, cohesive look.

21. Roll Blankets and Store in Baskets

Roll up your blankets and store them in baskets near the sofa for easy access without cluttering the space.

22. Use Decorative Boxes for Games

Keep your games in decorative boxes to hide clutter while keeping them handy.

23. Keep Table Surfaces Free from Gadgets

Clear gadgets off your coffee table to create a more open, tidy space.

24. Limit Photo Frames to One or Two

While displaying photos is great, too many frames can clutter a small room. Stick to one or two for a cleaner look.

25. Store Shoes in a Hidden Corner

Instead of piling shoes by the door, keep them in a hidden corner using a basket for a tidy appearance.

26. Use Under-Sofa Storage

Take advantage of the space under your sofa by using bins for items you don’t need every day.

27. Repurpose a Bookcase as a Room Divider

Use a bookcase to divide your living and dining areas while also providing extra storage.

28. Hang Floating Shelves for Display

Mount floating shelves to display decor and store books, keeping floor space free.

29. Create a Storage Wall with Pegboards

Use pegboards to create a storage wall for tools, décor, or accessories, freeing up table space.

30. Use a Storage Bench for Extra Seating

A storage bench doubles as seating and a place to hide blankets or games.

31. Hang Fabric Pockets Behind the Sofa

Use fabric pockets behind the sofa to store remotes, magazines, or books, keeping everything organized.

32. Build a Hidden Charging Station Shelf

Create a hidden charging station shelf to keep all your devices in one neat spot.

33. Place Mirrors Behind Shelves

Mirrors behind shelves create the illusion of more space and add depth to the room.

34. Install Retractable Shelves in Coffee Tables

Install retractable shelves in your coffee table to store small items out of sight.

35. Stack Boxes Vertically for Space-Saving

Stack your storage boxes vertically to maximize space and keep the floor clear.

36. Store Seasonal Items in Under-Table Bins

Use bins under tables to store seasonal items, keeping them hidden but accessible.

37. Hang Fabric Organizers on Door Backs

Hang fabric organizers on door backs for small items like sunglasses or scarves, freeing up drawer space.

38. Attach Baskets Under Floating Shelves

Add small baskets under floating shelves to store lightweight items like remotes and coasters.

39. Store Board Games in Sliding Drawers

Store board games in sliding drawers under the coffee table for easy access and a clutter-free room.

40. Turn Crates into Stackable Storage

Repurpose crates as stackable storage units for books or magazines.

41. Hang Curtain Rods for Hanging Baskets

Install curtain rods and hang baskets from them to create extra storage for small items.

42. Repurpose a Side Table into a Bar Cart

Transform an old side table into a bar cart for bottles and glasses, keeping things organized.

43. Use Stacking Stools for Extra Seating

Stacking stools take up less space and can be used for extra seating when needed, then neatly stacked away.

44. Hide Cables in Decorative Boxes

Use decorative boxes to hide cables and make your space look much tidier.

45. Use Rolling Bins for Hidden Storage

Place rolling bins under furniture for hidden storage that can easily be accessed when needed.

46. Hang Hooks for Bags and Coats

Add hooks behind the door to hang bags and coats, keeping them off chairs and sofas.

47. Mount Clipboards for Rotating Artwork

Mount clipboards on the wall so you can easily swap out artwork without adding clutter.

48. Install Fold-Out Tables for Flexibility

Fold-out tables are perfect for entertaining. When not in use, fold them away to save space.

49. Place Footstools with Built-In Storage

Footstools with storage are great for hiding small items like books or blankets.

50. Turn Armrests into Storage Pockets

Add fabric storage pockets to your sofa’s armrests to store remotes, magazines, or snacks, keeping them out of sight but close by.