A Cozy Lifestyle with Clearissa Coward
15-Minute Daily Decluttering/Cleaning Habits for the Living Room That Actually Work
Welcome to week two of the decluttering/cleaning/tidying habits campaign. This week we are focusing on the living/family room. Your living room/family room is the gathering space for family and friends. It’s where family gathers, where you relax after a long day, and where guests often get their first impression of your space. But because it’s such a high-traffic area, clutter can creep in quickly—remote controls scattered across the coffee table, magazines piling up, shoes left behind, or throw blankets tossed aside.
The good news? You don’t need hours to maintain order. With just 15 minutes a day, you can create a calm, welcoming, and functional living room that always feels guest-ready.
Why Focus on 15 Minutes?
Consistency beats marathon cleaning sessions. By setting aside just a small block of time each day, you prevent clutter from snowballing into an overwhelming mess. These short bursts of effort help build habits, and before you know it, tidying becomes second nature.
- Reset the Coffee Table
- Clear off cups, dishes, or snack wrappers.
- Return books, magazines, or remotes to their designated baskets or trays.
- Wipe down the surface for an instant, refreshed look.
- Fluff & Fold
- Fold throw blankets neatly or drape them with intention.
- Fluff pillows and arrange them back in place.
- This small act makes your living room look styled and intentional.
- Shoe & Bag Sweep
- Gather shoes, handbags, or backpacks that don’t belong.
- Return them to closets, racks, or entryway organizers.
- Dust & Spot Clean
- Run a microfiber cloth quickly over side tables, lamps, and TV stands.
- Wipe away fingerprints or smudges on glass or mirrored surfaces.
- Declutter Surfaces
- Limit decorative items to a few pieces per surface.
- Store excess décor in a cabinet or basket for seasonal rotation.
Basket Trick
- Keep a decorative basket in the room. Toss in stray toys, books, or items that need relocating. Empty the basket once a week.
- Quick Vacuum or Sweep
- Spend the last few minutes giving the floor a once-over.
- Focus on high-traffic areas or under the coffee table where crumbs collect.
Weekly Living Room Reset Idea
At the end of the week, take 30 minutes to:
- Go through your baskets and return items to their proper homes.
- Dust thoroughly, including ceiling fans and baseboards.
- Vacuum or mop floors for a deeper clean.
This ensures your daily 15-minute efforts pay off with a consistently clean and inviting space.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering your living room doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By committing just 15 minutes a day, you’ll create a calm and clutter-free space you can enjoy with family and guests alike. Small habits add up—and soon, your living room will feel like the peaceful retreat it was always meant to be.
Pro Tip: Pair your 15-minute living room routine with your favorite podcast, music, or even your morning coffee. It makes the process feel less like a chore and more like a daily ritual of self-care and home-care combined.
Check out my free 15-minute living room organization checklist.
Hugs & Blessings,
