Vicky was featured in Ideal Home magazine, sharing her top tips on how to organise your living room. With her tried-and-tested decluttering solutions, Vicky shows how simple, practical changes can transform any space, helping readers find calm amidst the chaos. Whether it’s utilising clever storage solutions or cutting down on visual distractions, Vicky’s expert advice is perfect for anyone looking to bring order to their living space.
The full article is only available for readers of Ideal Homes, you can read it over here.
Below are the key take aways from the article…
My 5 Tips on How to Organise Your Living Room
As a professional organiser, I’ve learned that creating a tidy, well-organised living room is essential for both relaxation and functionality. The living room is often the heart of the home, and keeping it clutter-free means a more serene space for you and your family. Here are my top five tips to help you turn your living room into an organised haven.
1. The ‘Easy-Stack’ System
“Start small or scale it up – a modular system will give you the flexibility to do both. This stacking system comes in various configurations and has magnetic fixings so it’s easy to arrange or rearrange, should you need to.”
A modular storage system is a lifesaver in a busy living room. Whether you’re dealing with toys, books, or remote controls, having a flexible storage solution that you can adapt over time is incredibly helpful. The beauty of the ‘Easy-Stack’ system is its versatility – you can start with a few cubes and add more as your needs grow. The magnetic fixings mean it’s easy to rearrange if you decide to reconfigure the space, too.
I always suggest investing in modular storage that you can build upon as your lifestyle changes. You might start with a few units to keep smaller items organised, but if you move or redecorate, these cubes can be rearranged to fit a new space. It’s a long-term solution for an ever-changing room.
2. The ‘Secret Storage’ Tray
“Find a home for remote controls, coasters or any other essentials you need within grabbing distance of the sofa. These three nesting tables can be used separately or slotted together, with the smallest doubling as a handy hideout next to the sofa.”
Keeping surfaces clear is essential for a tidy-looking space, but that doesn’t mean hiding everything away. I love the idea of a ‘Secret Storage’ tray or nesting tables with compartments. These are perfect for items you need within reach but don’t want scattered around, like remotes, coasters, or small electronics. It’s all about intentional placement – items look stylish and organised when they’re contained in a tray, rather than scattered about.
Nesting tables are also a great choice because they offer flexibility. You can spread them out during a movie night when you need more surface area or stack them together to save space. The smallest table even doubles as hidden storage – a great feature for keeping clutter out of sight but accessible.
3. The Stowaway Footstool
“Double up with an ottoman that’s also a handy storage space, thanks to its lift-up lid. It’s ideal for stashing away all those bulky bits and pieces that you don’t want out on show, such as throws and cuddly toys.”
I’m a big fan of multi-functional furniture, and a footstool that doubles as storage is one of my top recommendations. If you’re short on space, an ottoman with a lift-up lid is perfect for keeping larger items, like blankets, board games, or toys, neatly tucked away. It’s also incredibly handy when unexpected guests come over – just pop everything inside, and your room instantly looks more organised.
Think of it as a quick, easy way to keep bulky items out of sight without needing a separate storage unit. Plus, it can serve as extra seating in a pinch or even as a makeshift coffee table. The stowaway footstool is a true workhorse of the living room.
4. The ‘Bung-It-In’ Basket
“Invest in a sturdy basket or tub that can tuck under a table or next to the sofa. A brilliant clutter-catcher for books, magazines, iPads or knitting, just chuck everything in at the end of the evening for a speedy tidy-up.”
If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution for clearing clutter, a sturdy basket is a must-have. The ‘Bung-It-In’ basket is ideal for those items that accumulate throughout the day but need to be tidied up at night. Whether it’s books, magazines, or even kids’ toys, having a basket on hand allows you to gather everything up quickly and keep your living room looking tidy.
Place one next to the sofa or tuck it under a table to keep it discreet. In the evenings, I recommend a five-minute sweep, where you pop everything in the basket. It’s a simple but effective way to reset the space without spending ages tidying up every day.
5. The Modular Media Units
“Go for multifunctional TV and media storage that will make all your essentials in one hit. This off-the-peg option has the look of a bespoke built-in, but comes in ready-painted top and bottom sections that can be arranged to suit your space, big or small.”
Media units are essential for keeping TV-related clutter under control. I suggest a modular system that provides both open shelving and closed storage – this allows you to display decorative items while keeping things like cables, remotes, and DVDs neatly hidden. A modular media unit also gives the appearance of a built-in without the commitment or cost, so it’s great for renters or anyone who likes to rearrange their furniture.
Look for a unit with different sections that can be customised to fit your space. Adjustable shelves are ideal if you plan to change your setup over time. When everything has a dedicated place, you’ll find it easier to keep things tidy and within reach.
If you would like our support in organising your living room get intouch below.
Customer Testimonials
FAQs on How to organise your living room
Q: How do I keep my living room tidy with kids?
I recommend setting up accessible storage like the 'Easy-Stack' system or a couple of 'Bung-It-In' baskets. These allow kids to help with tidying up, and everything has a place to go at the end of the day.
Q: What’s the best way to deal with visual clutter?
Using trays or compartments, like the 'Secret Storage' tray, is a great way to group items and keep surfaces looking tidy. It makes a big difference when things are contained rather than scattered.
How can I make my media unit look less cluttered?
Opt for a modular media unit with closed compartments for hidden storage. Display a few select items on open shelves and keep everything else behind closed doors – it’ll instantly make the space feel calmer.
