Style Phase|Step 22 of 23
Final Declutter
The best design can't overcome too much stuff. A final edit removes visual noise and lets your updates shine.
Time Required
1-2 hours
Cost
$0
Difficulty
Easy (but emotional)
Common Living Room Clutter
Flat Surface Magnets
Mail, keys, random stuff on every surface. Designate one spot (not living room) for daily items.
Too Many Decorative Items
Every gift, every souvenir on display. Keep favorites, store or donate the rest.
Outdated Media
DVDs, CDs, old game systems you don't use. Digitize what you want, let go of the rest.
Furniture That Doesn't Work
That chair no one sits in, the too-big coffee table. Less furniture = more space to breathe.
The Editing Process
- Clear everything: Empty all surfaces. See them blank. Start fresh.
- Add back intentionally: One item at a time. Does it earn its spot?
- The squint test: Squint at the room. What stands out? Remove visual noise.
- Take photos: Camera reveals what eyes normalize. Notice what bugs you.
- Wait 24 hours: Live with less. See if you miss anything. Usually you won't.
What to Keep
- Things you love: Genuinely makes you happy. Not just obligation or habit.
- Things that work: Functional items you actually use regularly.
- Things that fit: Scale appropriate for your space. Not oversized or undersized.
- Things that belong: Right room for the item. Living room isn't storage.
- Things that tell your story: Meaningful objects, not generic decor.
Pro Tips
- •One in, one out: New item enters? Old item leaves. Maintain the balance.
- •Box the maybes: Unsure items go in a box. If you don't retrieve in 30 days, donate.
- •Daily reset: Five-minute tidy each evening. Surfaces clear, pillows fluffed.
- •Give yourself grace: Decluttering is hard. Progress over perfection.