Your living room is supposed to be a comfortable and inviting space, but clutter can quickly make it feel overwhelming. Over time, we accumulate things that no longer serve a purpose—whether it’s outdated decor, broken electronics, or unnecessary duplicates.
If you want to refresh your space and create a more organized, stylish, and functional home, start by getting rid of these 10 things.
1. Old Magazines and Newspapers
Piles of old magazines and newspapers take up valuable space and collect dust. If you’ve been keeping them with the intention of rereading them, ask yourself if you actually will. Most of the information in them is outdated, and if it’s available online, there’s no reason to hang on to them.
Instead, recycle or donate magazines to a local library, doctor’s office, or school for art projects. If you want to keep certain articles, tear them out and organize them in a binder or scan them digitally. A clutter-free coffee table or bookshelf will instantly make your living room look tidier.
2. Worn-Out Throw Pillows
Throw pillows add comfort and style to a room, but over time, they lose their shape, collect dust, and start to look worn out. If your pillows are sagging, stained, or outdated, it’s time to replace them. Instead of buying new ones constantly, consider investing in high-quality pillow inserts with removable covers that you can swap out seasonally.
This allows you to refresh your space without contributing to waste. If the pillows are still in decent condition, you can donate them, but if they’re beyond saving, consider using them for pet beds or repurposing the stuffing for craft projects.
3. Dead or Dying Plants
A healthy plant can brighten up any room, but a dead or struggling one has the opposite effect. If your houseplant is beyond saving, it’s time to let it go. Brown, drooping leaves and dry soil are signs that a plant is no longer thriving.
If you enjoy greenery but struggle with plant care, consider opting for low-maintenance plants like snake plants, pothos, or artificial alternatives. If the pot is still in good condition, you can reuse it for a new plant or donate it. A fresh, lively plant makes your living room look more inviting and well cared for.
4. Expired Candles
Candles create a cozy ambiance, but if you have a collection of nearly burned-out candles that you never use, they’re just taking up space. Once a candle has less than half an inch of wax left, it’s no longer safe to burn. Instead of letting these sit around, you can repurpose the jars for storage, makeup brushes, or small plants.
If the wick is still usable, you can melt down leftover wax from multiple candles and pour it into a new container for a DIY candle. Keeping only a few candles that you actively use will make your space feel less cluttered.
5. Broken or Mismatched Remotes
We’ve all accumulated extra remotes from old TVs, DVD players, and streaming devices we no longer use. If you have a drawer full of remotes and don’t even know what they belong to, it’s time to declutter. First, pair each remote with its device and recycle the ones that are obsolete.
If you still use multiple remotes, consider switching to a universal remote to simplify things. This small change can reduce frustration and eliminate unnecessary clutter in your living room. Plus, it makes finding the right remote easier, so you’re not constantly searching when you want to watch TV.
6. Scratched or Unused DVDs and CDs
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If you’ve switched to streaming services, there’s little reason to keep stacks of DVDs and CDs collecting dust. Scratched discs that no longer play are just taking up space and should be recycled. If you have favorites you want to keep, consider storing them in a compact case rather than bulky cases that clutter shelves.
Many charities and second-hand stores accept DVDs in good condition, so you can donate them if they still work. For music, consider digitizing your collection and storing your favorite albums online so you can access them without needing to keep physical copies.
7. Excess Decorative Items
Too many decorative items can make a space feel cluttered rather than stylish. If you have shelves or tables covered in knickknacks, take a moment to evaluate which ones truly bring you joy. Keeping only a few meaningful or high-quality decor pieces can make your space feel more elegant and intentional.
If you have items that no longer match your aesthetic or were gifts you don’t love, consider donating or selling them. Less clutter means your favorite pieces will stand out more, and your living room will feel more open and inviting instead of overwhelming.
8. Outdated or Broken Electronics
Old gaming consoles, DVD players, unused speakers, and tangled cords take up a surprising amount of space. If you have electronics that no longer work or are obsolete, it’s time to recycle them properly. Many electronic stores offer free recycling programs for old gadgets, so check for local drop-off locations.
If something still works but you don’t use it, consider selling or donating it. Clearing out unused electronics not only frees up space but also eliminates unnecessary dust and clutter from your living room, making it look cleaner and more modern.
9. Dirty or Stained Rugs
A rug can completely transform a room, but if yours is stained, worn out, or smells bad, it might be doing more harm than good. If deep cleaning doesn’t restore it, consider replacing it with something fresh. A clean rug instantly makes a living space feel more inviting.
If a large area rug isn’t in your budget, try layering a smaller, inexpensive rug over the stained section to refresh the look. If your old rug is still in decent condition, donate it to a local shelter or animal rescue—many pets would love a cozy spot to rest.
10. Extra Blankets That Never Get Used
Throw blankets add warmth and texture to a space, but if you have more than you need, they can quickly pile up. If you find yourself constantly refolding blankets that no one uses, it might be time to donate a few.
Many animal shelters accept gently used blankets, or you can store seasonal blankets elsewhere to keep your living room looking tidy. Instead of keeping a pile on the couch, consider using a stylish basket to store just one or two. This simple change keeps your space cozy without making it look cluttered or messy.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.