The living room is the heart of the home, a space for family movie nights, afternoon naps, playtime and everything in between. But when kids are involved, this cosy communal zone can quickly turn into a clutter minefield of toys, crumbs, and chaos.
If you’re constantly stepping over LEGO bricks or losing the remote under a pile of stuffed animals, you’re not alone. With the right strategies, though, it is possible to keep your living room functional, stylish and family-friendly.
Here’s a comprehensive guide packed with living room organisation tips for families with kids, designed to help you reclaim your space without sacrificing comfort or personality.
Why Living Room Organisation Matters for Families
An organised living room isn’t about keeping everything perfect. It’s about creating a space that serves the whole family while being easy to maintain.
The Benefits of an Organised Living Room:
Keeping your living room in order does more than just make things look nice. For families with kids, it’s about creating a space that works for everyone, a spot where mess doesn’t dominate and family life can flow more easily.
Here’s how a well-organised living room can make a difference in your day-to-day routine:
- Reduces daily stress and visual clutter: A clean, clear space makes it easier to focus and stay calm, especially during the after-school rush. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by piles of toys or random objects on every surface, you’re greeted by a room that feels welcoming and under control.
- Makes clean-up quicker and easier: When every item has a designated home, like baskets for blocks or drawers for board games, everyone knows where things go. It saves time after playtime or before guests arrive and turns clean-up into a quick, fuss-free task.
- Creates safer play spaces for young children: Fewer tripping hazards and a clear layout mean toddlers can play freely without running into sharp-edged furniture or slipping on scattered toys. A dedicated soft rug for playtime also helps define a safe play zone within the living room.
- Encourages kids to take responsibility for their belongings: When kids can reach and return toys on their own using labelled baskets or low shelves, they’re more likely to tidy up after themselves. It builds independence and teaches them early organising habits.
- Helps adults relax and unwind in a tidy environment: After the kids go to bed, a clutter-free space transforms into a haven for you to enjoy a cup of tea, read a book, or catch up on your favourite show, without being surrounded by the day’s mess.
-
Declutter Before You Organise
Before you add storage baskets or rearrange furniture, take stock of what’s currently in your living room. You might be surprised how many unused items are taking up space.
Quick Decluttering Wins:
- Remove broken or unused toys
- Store seasonal decor or rarely used items elsewhere
- Relocate out-of-place items (e.g. shoes, mail, laundry)
- Reduce the number of throw pillows or blankets if they constantly end up on the floor
Pro Tip: Get the kids involved! Turn it into a sorting game and ask them to choose toys to donate.
-
Create Designated Zones
Zoning helps define how the space is used, making it easier for everyone to tidy up and find what they need.
Useful Living Room Zones:
- Play area: Use a soft rug and toy storage bins
- Reading nook: Add a small bookshelf and a bean bag or kids’ chair
- Entertainment zone: Keep remotes, gaming consoles and devices in one spot
- Adult space: Create a corner with minimal clutter for relaxing after the kids are in bed
Even in small spaces, clearly defined zones can help the room feel more purposeful and less chaotic.
-
Use Smart, Kid-Friendly Storage
Storage is key to keeping your living room tidy. Choose options that are both functional and safe for children.
Family-Friendly Storage Ideas:
- Ottomans with hidden storage for toys, books or blankets
- Low, open shelving for easy toy access and cleanup
- Cube organisers with labelled baskets or tubs
- Coffee tables with drawers or shelving underneath
- Wicker or fabric baskets that blend with your decor
Label storage baskets with words or pictures to help younger children know where things belong, and encourage independence.
-
Rotate Toys to Reduce Clutter
Toy overload is real, and it can lead to mess, overstimulation and less meaningful play. One simple trick? Rotate toys regularly.
How to Rotate Toys:
- Store some toys out of sight in a cupboard or storage tub
- Every week or fortnight, swap a few items in and out
- Keep favourites accessible and novelty toys on rotation
This not only reduces mess but also makes toys feel fresh and exciting again.
-
Make Cleaning Up Part of the Routine
The best organisation systems only work if they’re easy to maintain. Set age-appropriate expectations and build clean-up into your daily rhythm.
Tips for Kid-Friendly Clean-Up:
- Use a fun timer (“Let’s cleanup for five minutes!”)
- Play music during tidy-up time
- Praise their efforts, not perfection
- Be consistent, kids thrive on routine!
Even young toddlers can learn to put blocks back in a tub with gentle encouragement.
-
Keep Decor Simple and Durable
When you’ve got little ones running around, your living room decor needs to be both safe and practical.
Family-Friendly Styling Tips:
- Choose machine-washable or dark-coloured slipcovers for lounges
- Use soft furnishings (no glass corners or heavy vases)
- Opt for wall-mounted photo frames or shelves to reduce clutter
- Keep surfaces clear of breakables or use museum putty to secure decor
Bonus Tip: Choose multi-functional furniture, like a side table that doubles as toy storage or a floor pouf that works as extra seating.
Image source: Amart
-
Get Creative with Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, look up! Vertical storage solutions are often underused in family homes.
Vertical Storage Ideas:
- Floating shelves for books, games or display items
- Wall-mounted baskets for soft toys or books
- Hooks or pegboards for dress-ups or small bags
- Hanging organisers behind doors for small items
This helps free up valuable floor space and keeps your living room feeling open and airy.
-
Set Boundaries (And Stick to Them)
The living room doesn’t have to be a toy free-for-all. It’s okay to set boundaries around what belongs in the space.
Ideas to Limit Toy Creep:
- Use a small toy basket and agree that “when it’s full, it’s time to put something away”
- Designate another room or area for larger toys (like ride-ons or train sets)
- Set screen time limits to reduce electronics mess
Boundaries aren’t about being strict, they’re about making your living space more enjoyable for everyone.
Organising a living room that serves both adults and children is all about balance. With the right storage, a few thoughtful zones and some easy routines, your space can be both stylish and practical, even with toys in the mix.
Remember: it doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect. It just needs to work for your family.
Ready for a Living Room Makeover?
Book your free consultation with Ducks in a Row Home Organisation and let us help you create a living space that feels calm, functional and family-friendly, without the overwhelm.
