7 signs you have too much stuff in your living room – and how to 'instantly' make this space feel more organized

It doesn't take much for clutter to build up in a living room – a few extra books on the coffee table, a couple of trinkets on the mantel, and an extra blanket for cozy Spring evenings.

Add in other family members and their belongings, and it can go from being streamlined to cluttered in a matter of days.

We've asked our panel of professional organizers for their top tips on things to declutter in a living room when you feel there's too much stuff.

Signs you have too much stuff in your living room

1. You can't find things

How many times have we all misplaced the TV remote? I've certainly lost count – and that's without mentioning the favorite book that slips down the side of the couch or the in-law's reading glasses hidden under a blanket.

When finding these essential items becomes a recurring problem, it may be time to employ some decluttering tips.

Preston Konrad, designer, lifestyle expert, and founder of Preston Lane says, 'When your couch or chairs start doubling as storage, it’s a sign you need better systems. I love incorporating hidden storage ideas like ottomans or coffee tables with compartments. They keep the essentials like extra blankets or remotes out of sight but still accessible.'

This sofa arm organizer from Walmart offers you a place to slot TV remotes, glasses, pens, chargers, and books so nothing gets lost in your living room again.

2. Walls look 'busy'

It's not just about what sits on the floor, it's about your walls too. Too many family photos or pieces of artwork can look cluttered if too close together. Similarly, lots of paintings with bold designs and patterns can be overpowering. Not every wall should have something on it.

Courtney Cummings, owner of The Stylish Organizer advises, 'Don’t forget to assess your wall space. While you might think it is great to showcase 20 small family photos on one wall, think about limiting your gallery to a few large pieces and rotate them out when new family photos are taken.

'This way your family’s faces are still radiating joy into your room, but in a more intentional and curated way. It’s okay to embrace some empty wall space – your brain will thank you,' she adds.

It is also worth noting that, while ornate frames can be beautiful, they too can add to visual overload if used often in a small space. Whether gallery wall frames should match or not can depend on your style, but it can help reduce the visual clutter.

You can buy sets of gallery wall frames from Etsy, to make decorating with artwork easier.

3. You can't see the floor

When you can't see the floor or are constantly tripping over things, it's a big sign there's an issue.

It's easily done – especially if your living room is small. Preston explains, 'A cluttered floor can make a space feel chaotic. If things are always underfoot, it usually means they don’t have a dedicated home. I always recommend large woven baskets for things like throw blankets, toys, or books. They look stylish and instantly make a space feel more organized.'

Audra N George, CEO and owner at Pretty Neat: An Organizational Solution adds, 'When a space feels cramped like there is no room to breathe, have walking space, or just relax then lessen the size of the furniture and what is stored in the area to simplify the overall feel and look of the living room.'

With your floor clear, you can then consider investing in some smart home cleaning tools, such as the eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S1 Pro, available at Amazon, which our head of Solved Punteha Van Terheyden gave five stars. She loved that it cleaned and emptied itself, and mopped and vacuumed her floors, minimizing the time she spent on chores, even in a household with children and pets.

Below we've sourced our top three buys that will help you to see your floor again.

4. Too many toys and games

It's quite likely that toys creep into the living room, especially during weekends and over the holidays. To keep this in check and organize a living room, consider integrating designated storage solutions to keep them hidden away during the evenings and when guests are over.

Courtney suggests, 'If, after your initial decluttering, you still find yourself with a few too many things, use the trick of closed storage to give your brain a break. Toys and board games are great in closed baskets and bins, positioned out of walkways, but still in reach when you need them.'

When organizing a home with kids in mind, keep storage on their level, to help them tidy up on their own.

5. Your living room is visually overwhelming

If you walk into your living room ideas, take one look, and walk back out again, then it's time to rethink.

Preston says, 'I'm a huge fan of a curated space, but it's so easy for a living room to become cluttered – especially when it's the heart of the home. The key is balancing style with function so that everything has a place without feeling overwhelming.

'If your walls, shelves, and surfaces feel overcrowded, try editing down your décor. I love keeping sentimental items, but not everything needs to be displayed at once. Rotating pieces seasonally can make a big impact.'

To reduce visual clutter in a living room, invest in a couple of matching cabinets with generous shelving that gives you more practical storage.

6. Your family are avoiding the living room

Audra explains, 'If your family are actively avoiding the space, it can be a sign that the space is difficult to relax in and doesn't feel usable. Declutter and simplify for more space or reconsider the choices in furniture – get things that fit your family lifestyle now.'

This could be down to the color scheme, the furniture – including sofa arranging mistakes – and how cluttered it feels. It's important for a living room to feel right, it should be cozy and relaxing but not cramped.

If your room is filled with a huge sectional and not much else, then downsize. Consider seating that suits, such as a smaller sectional that has storage, a side table that has a shelf, and an occasional chair or two.

7. You can't see the top of your coffee table

Easy to overload, it's easy to make the common coffee table mistake of over-styling. If yours has disappeared under a pile of books, blankets, and general clutter then that's a sign you have too much stuff in your living room.

Preston says, 'Coffee tables tend to become dumping grounds for mail, magazines, and random objects. A simple trick is using trays to create defined spaces – one for decorative items like candles or books, and one for functional things like coasters or remotes. It keeps the table looking styled rather than cluttered.'

Meet the experts

Preston Konrad

Preston Konrad is the co-founder of Preston Lane, a plant-powered, non-toxic home fragrance and cleaning product company. He's also a lifestyle expert, creative director and TV personality based out of New York.

Courtney Cummings

Courtney Cummings is the founder and owner of The Stylish Organizer, a professional organizing business based in Dayton, Ohio. Whether working on her own home or helping her clients discover the same calm and beauty in theirs, she crafts every detail with an eye for design and function.

Audra N George

Audra is owner and professional organizer at Pretty Neat: An Organization Solution in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It's a professional organizing company that serves the unorganized, the overwhelmed, and the busy family. Audra's favorite product is a Lazy Susan, for the sheer functionality that they embody.

You don't have to declutter alone. Encouraging your family to declutter can make it quicker and easier while reducing your mental load. It is the best way to make a living room more relaxing.