Our living room sees a lot of action. Between watching TV, playing games, homeschool and just hanging out, it’s a space that gets used constantly. We end up tidying it up almost every day to keep things under control. Besides the kitchen, the living room is my favorite spot to relax and spend time with the family. The kids and I love gathering around the coffee table for game nights and activities, making it a space full of energy and connection.

Daily Tidying Tips:

1. Clear Clutter at the End of the Day – Set a timer for 10 minutes each evening to pick up items like toys, books, pillows and blankets, and put them in their designated spots. Isabella usually goes and picks up the toys and puts them away. When Jimmy and I are done at night, I like to fold the blankets and fluff the pillows. 
2. Use the Basket System – Keep a decorative basket in the living room for quick cleanup. At the end of the day, toss in items like remote controls, kids’ toys, and magazines for a fast tidying solution.
3. Vacuum – We have an open floor plan in our home, so we vacuum almost every day, because it’s connected to our kitchen.

Dusting and Vacuuming Routine:

1. Quick Dusting – Dust surfaces like coffee tables, shelves and entertainment centers once a week. 
2. Vacuum High-Traffic Areas – Focus on high-traffic spots like under the coffee table, around the couch and entryways to keep dirt and crumbs at bay.

Organizing Shelves and Drawers:

1. Keep It Minimal – Reduce clutter on shelves by keeping only essential or decorative items and using baskets/bins or cabinets to store loose objects. Make sure to keep them organized.
2. Sort and Organize Drawers and Cabinets – Organize media, remote controls, games, puzzles and other living room essentials in drawers and cabinets to keep them hidden and accessible.

Couch/Chairs Care:

1. Vacuum, Fluff and Rotate Cushions – Vacuum couch and chairs weekly or every other week. Fluff the cushions daily to maintain their shape and rotate them when you vacuum to ensure even wear.
2. Spot-Clean Stains Immediately – Keep a fabric cleaner handy to tackle spills or stains as soon as they happen.

Miscellaneous :

1. Open Windows for Fresh Air – When we can, we open windows for some fresh air. It’s so good for us. 
2. Add a Fresh Scent – Use a candle, essential oil diffuser or air freshener to keep the space smelling nice and welcoming.
3. One in, One Out Rule – For every new item brought into the living room (e.g., books, toys), try to remove or relocate one item to keep clutter in check.

These tips make it easier to maintain a tidy and inviting living room without dedicating too much time. They’re designed to be practical and doable for busy moms! We literally spend about 5 minutes a day picking up our living room, plus vacuuming. 

Love,