I’m a decluttering expert: the 7 things you should keep out of the living room
IF you want to make space in your living room, then it might be a good idea to take it into account.
Clearance experts have revealed the seven things you should never have in the heart of your home.
The living room is known as the perfect space to relax after a long day.
However, keeping it fresh, stylish and uncluttered isn’t always an easy task.
So in an effort to help, cleanup expert Miles Davis comes out Save has revealed that we can all have a more open, inviting space by removing a few common items.
And he’s shared the top seven things that actually disrupt the flow and create unnecessary clutter in your living room.
1. Too bulky furniture
While bulky furniture can add a sense of grandeur to the home, most living rooms can’t handle the size.
This can be anything from oversized dining tables to heavy, expansive sofas.
Experts recommend moving away from bulky furniture and opting for lighter or modular furniture instead.
Miles explained that this is often more practical.
And it helps for those smaller spaces and can make the room seem much larger.
He adds, “Swapping heavy pieces for sleeker options expands the space and makes it easier to arrange everything.”
2. Mountains of pillows
If you like having a mountain of pillows in your living room, then you might want to look away now.
The experts have said that while a few add comfort to the space, having too many sofas can make the sofa look more like an obstacle course.
Miles advises, “If you’re constantly moving pillows to sit, it’s time to sit.
“He recommends limiting the number of pillows to a manageable number that expands the space without taking up space.”
3. Magazine racks
It can be useful to have magazine racks in your home where you can collect the magazines you want to read.
But they can quickly become “junk traps,” as Davis calls them, collecting old and unread issues.
He explains, “Magazines pile up easily, making the space feel cluttered.
“Consider swapping this for a side table with a few favorites so you can get a neater look without the extra clutter.”
4. Outdated DVDs and CDs
Although it may seem outdated, some homes still have DVDs and CDs lying around.
But with the rise of streaming, there is rarely a need for physical discs anymore.
Miles encourages homeowners to take a more modern and minimalist approach to media by ditching the discs.
He suggested, “If you haven’t seen them in a while, it’s probably time to let them go.”
5. Bean Bags
These were once an indispensable part of the bedroom, and over time they have moved to the living room and are often found in front of the TV.
However, they can now look out of place in a structured living space.
Miles has said it’s time to throw away the bean bags and swap them for something sturdier.
He said: “Bean bags are great for playrooms or bedrooms, but structured seating works best in a living room.”
8 things you should never have in your bedroom
DECLUTTERING expert Miles Davis has also revealed the eight things you should never have in your bedroom if you want a good night’s sleep.
They are:
- Clutter on the bedside table – Limit items to essentials, such as a small lamp, an alarm clock and perhaps a glass of water.
- Unused cosmetics and beauty products -Anything you haven’t used in six months probably doesn’t need to be there. Try to limit just your daily essentials and store extra items in a bathroom cabinet or closet.
- Clutter under the bed – If you must store items there, keep it limited to a single, well-organized category, such as off-season clothing or holiday clothing.
- Piles of clothes – When the clothes are clean, hang or fold them back in the wardrobe. If they are dirty, throw them in the laundry basket.
- Bills and paperwork – Try setting up a dedicated area for bills or administration in another part of the house, and see if you sleep better without them looming nearby.
- Technology – Bedrooms should be technology-free zones, except perhaps a stereo to play relaxing music.
- Books – Try to limit yourself to one book at a time, and put it back on a shelf when you’re done reading.
- Fitness equipment – Save space in your bedroom for relaxing, not for exercising.
6. Children’s toys
Anyone who has children knows how messy they can be and how difficult it can be to keep the house tidy with their stuff everywhere.
But experts have said parents should try to keep their children’s toys out of the living room.
Miles recommends teaching children to keep toys in their room to prevent lost or broken items and protect your design plan.
He adds: “Keeping toys in a designated area reduces the risk of stepping on illegal Lego pieces and helps maintain a neat, tidy environment.
“Removing these items will not only improve the look of your living room, but can also make it a more relaxing and functional space – exactly what a living room should be.”
7. Excessive cables and tech gadgets
If you always use them, cables, chargers and extension cords can easily be collected in your living room.
However, the experts say that spreading them around the room can make even the most stylish spaces look untidy.
Miles explains: “Too many visible cables disrupt the look of the room and make it appear cluttered.
“Keep cords organized and put away gadgets when not in use to maintain a clean, streamlined aesthetic.”