We are half-way through the “10 Day Declutter Challenge”.

Day 5…..loading! Today is all about the living room.

The living room/family room is the second hub of the home behind the kitchen.  Living rooms are “hang out spaces” and often the place where electronics are used and housed.

Just like with the other areas, we are going to use my “PILLS” method of decluttering.  I created this method as a tool for completing in-home medication reviews with my patients.  Since it was successful at bringing order to complex medication regimens, I just knew the method would carry over to other things…and I was right.  The “PILLS” method is easy to remember and complete!

Just as a reminder…PILLS stands for:

P-Pull everything out

I-Inventory what you have (put likes with likes)

L-Let go of things with gratitude.

L-Label and Contain

S-Style

P-Pull everything out

Begin by clearing off flat surfaces like the coffee table, entertainment center, floors, and end tables. Flat surfaces tend to be clutter magnets–especially for things that do NOT belong! Work on one space at a time versus taking everything out of the room if you do not have a lot of time.

Make sure you use a bin to collect items that do not belong in the living room so you can return them to their proper place.

Once you pull everything out of a space—CLEAN the space (Vacuum, dust, wipe down baseboards.)

Inventory

Once you pull everything out, you can see what you have and begin to think about how you want to store things.  You can also see duplicates and old things you no longer use.

Let Go With Gratitude

Old DVDs, CDs, game consoles, remotes that no longer work, and antique electronics can all be hiding in the living room.  Really evaluate if you use these old items.  Someone else could be blessed by them. Sis…let them go with gratitude for how they served you in the past.

Label and Contain

A great way to cut down on the clutter in your living room is to invest in some baskets or storage ottomans. You can use these to store items like blankets, throws, and even toys. Baskets are great to use on shelving units.  Photo boxes can also be used to house small items on flat surfaces.

Style

Since living areas are “gathering spaces”, arrange furniture to promote conversation and interaction. Pull seating pieces away from the walls and arrange them to face each other around a focal point (which for most people is the TV/fireplace).

Quick styling updates:

Use a coffee table tray-Y’all know I love trays!  They add texture,  look  great, and corral your things.! Can you say…Practical decor?

Have coasters available to protect your furniture from wet drinks.

Add a pop of color with pillows and throws!  (No need to purchase new pillows…use pillow covers).

Remember, we are not striving for perfection. Even one percent better than yesterday is a WIN! Studies have shown over and over that clutter is associated with depression and stress.

Our goal is peace.

How to participate in the challenge:

1.  Join the Seasonal Decor Chics Facebook group.

2. Be sure you are subscribed to my blog posts

3. Share photos and encouragement on the  Seasonal Decor Chics Facebook group.

4. Challenge runs 3/25-4/3 (no worries if this timeline does not work for you–blog posts and videos will all be linked on the 10 Day Declutter Challenge Page.

5.  Have Fun!

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