Ah, the living room and dining room—our go-to spots for relaxing, gathering with loved ones, and juggling everyday life. Over time, these well-used spaces can quietly fill up with clutter, making them feel less like a retreat and more like a catch-all.
It doesn’t take long before these spaces start feeling more chaotic than cozy. Think: rogue game pieces lost in the couch cushions, dog toys underfoot, and those mysterious piles of papers that seem to multiply overnight.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone! This month, we’re tackling these hardworking spaces with tips to help you reclaim calm and function. Grab an (empty) laundry basket, carve out a couple of hours, and let’s bring some order back to your everyday life.
Step 1: Define Your Living Room's Purpose (Before It Defines You)
Before diving in, pause and ask yourself: What do I actually want my living room to be used for? It sounds simple, but this step is crucial. Clutter often builds up because we expect our living rooms to do it all—playroom, office, gym, craft studio, laundry station, and more.
To get started, decide on three to four main activities you want this space to support. Is it a place to watch TV, relax, read, entertain, or play games? Once you've defined the room’s purpose, it becomes much easier to remove anything that doesn’t align.
For example, if your goal is a cozy movie-and-board-game zone, art supplies might belong elsewhere. Setting clear boundaries helps the space stay functional—and peaceful.
Step 2: Start With the Easy Stuff (AKA, The Laundry Basket Trick)
Now that you’ve defined your living room’s purpose, it’s time to tackle the clutter—starting with the easy wins. Think: stray dog toys, DVDs from 1997, long-lost Monopoly pieces, and those ever-elusive remotes.
Here’s a simple trick: grab an empty laundry basket. Use it to quickly scoop up everything that doesn’t belong in the space. Don’t overthink it. No sorting yet—just a clean sweep to clear the area so you can finally see the floor again.
You can even use multiple baskets labeled by category: “Kids’ Room,” “Basement,” or “Deal With Later.” The goal isn’t to finish everything right now—it’s to reset the space and make room for progress.
Step 3: Sort, Let Go, and Relocate
Now that you’ve gathered up the clutter, it’s time to decide what really deserves a spot in your living room—and what doesn’t. This is your chance to rightsize.
Start by setting up a few simple categories:
- A “Go Elsewhere” basket for items that belong in other rooms
- A donation box for things you no longer use or love
- A trash bag for anything broken or unusable
- A recycling bin for paper, packaging, or other recyclables
As you go through your laundry basket(s) from Step 2, be honest with yourself. Do you need five throw blankets or just your favorite two? Will those dusty magazines ever get read? Let go of the excess so your living room can breathe again.
The goal is to create a calm, purposeful space—one that reflects how you want to live now, not how you’ve lived in the past or someone else's idea of the perfect living room.
Take your time and give yourself credit for each small decision. Rightsizing isn't about perfection—it's about making intentional choices that support your current lifestyle.
Step 4: Create Homes (And Not Just for Your Stuff)
A key part of any successful organizational mission is creating homes for things. Your stuff needs a place to live so it doesn’t end up back on the couch by next Tuesday. Go through what you’ve decided to keep in the living room and assign each item a specific spot.
For example, if you have books on a shelf, keep that space dedicated to books—no stray cups or old receipts. The remotes? Create a small basket or drawer just for them. The goal is for everyone in the household to understand where things belong. Communication is key. Don’t be afraid to involve the whole family in this part of the process—kids, roommates, and spouses can all pitch in to help reinforce the “rules.”
- Tip: Since the living room is a high-traffic area, daily maintenance is a must. That “Go Elsewhere” basket? Empty it every night. Trust us, a tidy space will feel more inviting, and you won’t find yourself tripping over misplaced game pieces or Legos in the dark.
Step 4.5: Take It All In and Celebrate Your Cozy Space
You’ve cleared the clutter, created designated homes, and brought calm back to your living room—take a moment to enjoy it! Sit down, breathe deep, and notice how the space feels now. Is it cozier? Calmer? Easier to move around in? That’s the power of intentional organization.
Celebrate your progress—light a candle, put on your favorite playlist, or curl up with a good book. This step is important. When we take time to recognize the effort we’ve put in and enjoy the results, we’re more likely to keep the space tidy and feel motivated to tackle the next area.
Step 5: Dining Room—Where the Magic Happens (And Sometimes, the Mail)
Now that the living room is feeling cozy and clear, let’s turn our attention to the dining room. Whether it’s a space for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or paying bills and managing your household, this room wears a lot of hats. And with that versatility often comes clutter—from paperwork and backpacks to half-finished craft projects.
Start by taking stock of the space and how you currently use it. Is your dining table working for you? If it's doubling as a home office or command center (as it does for many people), that’s totally okay! The goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating a space that functions for your life and feels good to be in.
If you're tight on space and it’s tricky to move around the table, try making small adjustments: pull chairs in when not in use, tuck away items into nearby storage, or consider a slim rolling cart or small cabinet to house daily-use items like office supplies or paperwork.
Have a sideboard, buffet, or storage area? Great! Use it for things you don’t need daily—like extra table linens, candles, or serving dishes. Just be mindful of not letting it turn into a catch-all for things that don’t really belong there.
The dining room doesn't have to look like a magazine spread—it just needs to feel functional and welcoming for your everyday life.
Step 6: Clear, Clean, and Rightsize
Before you dive into decorating or adding that perfect houseplant (because a little greenery always brightens things up), start by clearing the space. Remove anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy in this room. That includes piles of mail, extra appliances, or seasonal items that belong elsewhere.
This is also a great opportunity to rightsize—take a moment to evaluate what you’ve got. Do you need five sets of placemats? Are there serving pieces or linens you haven’t used in years? Create a donation box, recycling bin, and trash bag nearby so you can quickly sort as you go.
- Tip: Once your surfaces are clear, give the dining room a proper clean. Dust the furniture, wipe down light fixtures, and sweep or mop the floors. There’s something energizing about walking into a room that feels (and smells!) fresh and reset.
Step 7: Add Personality, But Keep It Practical
Now for the fun part: adding some personality! Whether it’s framed photos, a plant, or some stylish sculptures, little touches can really make the dining room feel like home. But don’t go overboard. The goal is to keep the focus on the dining table—the main event, after all.
- Tip: If you have storage like a buffet or display cabinet, use it wisely. Keep items like napkins, special china, or glassware in these pieces so they’re within reach but don’t clutter the table itself.
Final Touch: Make It a Habit
Just like in the living room, consistency is your best friend. A few minutes each evening to wipe down the table, clear any clutter, and reset the room can go a long way. It’s easier than tackling a full-on cleanup once a week!
With these simple steps, your living and dining spaces can become the calm, cozy, and clutter-free zones you’ve been craving. You’ve got this—and when you're ready to take on the next space, we’ll be right here cheering you on.
📺Rightsize Room-by-Room With Big Rocks Organizing
Watch the replay of our "Living Room + Dining Room" workshop here.
Join our free monthly support group designed to help you with rightsizing and organizing. This welcoming community will inspire, guide, and support you as you declutter and create space to thrive.
We can’t wait to see you there!