Preparing Your Home for the Holidays: Family & Living Room

by Mandi on November 2, 2010

Tara from Deal Seeking Mom and I have teamed up to bring you a special series over the next two weeks called Preparing Your Home for the Holidays.

Join us as we clean and declutter so that we can fully enjoy the holiday season without being distracted by dirt and clutter. I’ll be sharing tips for each room we cover, and Tara will be sharing her progress. In each post, we’ll also include a printable checklist to help you declutter, clean and maintain each room.

The holidays are quickly approaching, and none of us want to be stuck frantically cleaning before a family gathering or dealing with clutter as we try to make room for our holiday decorations.

Today, we’re talking about the family/living room. It’s the center of most homes (along with the kitchen), and even if you don’t get a chance to do your whole home, this seems like one of the most important places to start.

Declutter

You know I’m a fan of decluttering. I wouldn’t call myself a minimalist, necessarily (most minimalists would probably laugh at me if I did), but keeping clutter to a minimum makes our life less stressful and easier to organize.

Here are some ideas to get you started in your living/family room:

Media

Clean out video games, movies that you no longer watch or the kids have grown out of
Consider giving up the original cases in favor of CD books to save space
Get rid of extras – remotes, consoles, cords, etc.
Consider a basket or caddy for corralling remotes
Label cords with a label maker. Wrap up excess wire with a twisty tie. Plug plugs in relative to their location and make the things you’re likely to unplug easily accessible.

Toys

Designate an area for toys if you want to keep some in your family room. Use a basket, toy box or cabinet to store them so they’re not just spread around the room.
Return extra toys to bedrooms/play rooms regularly.
Create sets you can rotate rather than trying to keep them all out at once.

Bookshelves & knickknacks

Clean off shelves and get rid of accumulated stuff that’s been set down on flat surfaces over time.
Donate books that you’ve read but don’t want to keep.
Read & donate extra magazines. If you have a ton to catch up on, limit yourself to three months of back issues.
Consider paring back the number of knickknacks you have. The less you keep out on shelves & tables, the less you have to dust.

Cleaning:

Now is a great time for deep cleaning because then you will only have to maintain your home through the busier months.

Dust ceiling fans & reverse their direction to push the hot air down.
Dust high shelves, window & door frames.
Dust your entertainment center, TV and electronics.
Dust shelves and knickknacks.
Clean the windows, mirrors, TV screen.
Spot clean your upholstery & carpet.
Clean under couch cushions and under the couch.
Wipe baseboards.
Vacuum and/or mop.

Maintaining:

I often get asked how we keep our home neat with four little ones. The key is that we literally clean up every single night before bed. We put things back where they belong, wipe down the counters and vacuum/mop any areas that need it. Because we do this as a family, it’s relatively painless and means that we wake up with a clean slate every day.

That’s not to say it’s not a mess during the day, because it is! But it’s less overwhelming because we know it will be cleaned up by bedtime.

Clean up toys every day (once or twice a day) so that the clutter doesn’t accumulate over time.
Don’t let flat surfaces accumulate stuff. Find a home for everything.
Dust & clean glass/mirrors weekly.

Click here to download or print the free printable checklist.

Be sure to stop by Deal Seeking Mom to see Tara’s progress in today in her living room!

What is the biggest source of clutter in your family/living room?

Pingback: Preparing Your Home For The Holidays: Let’s Start In The Living Room
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_NZHTNLE74CKBWZHGWB74ONMU5I Danielle

I liked tommy on fb!!!
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_NZHTNLE74CKBWZHGWB74ONMU5I Danielle

I am following you! I love your site and look forward to seeing you in my inbox!
Carrie K

I subscribe via Google Reader
Harter

We use free-cycle! It’s a yahoo group that is centered on giving away things you don’t use, and asking others if they have things that you need that they don’t use. It has been a great opportunity to bless others!
Carrie K

We give as a family to our sponsored Child in Africa and encourage the children to pray for him. We also do a “Shoebox” donation through Operation Christmas Child and various backpack and food drives through our church. I think kids “get it” when you give often of your time and resources to others.
Sjlevasseur

We have a friend who is recently widowed with 2 little girls. We have talked with our young kids about sharing their Daddy to play and wrestle with these little girls. We all go over as a family and “Daddy” plays with all 5 kids. I have been very proud of how my son relinquishes his favorite activity to a much milder version that is more focused on others. God is working in his heart!
Teresa

I subscribe by email.
Teresa

I liked Tommy on Facebook.
Littlesquirtsmom

I have liked TOmmy Nelson.
Pingback: Preparing Your Home For The Holidays: Moving On To The Bathrooms
http://twitter.com/RavingMadJaci RavingMadJaci

I wonder what my ceiling fans are set on. Watch, they’ve been pushing hot air down all summer long! Stupid question, but how can I tell?
http://twitter.com/RavingMadJaci RavingMadJaci

I wonder what my ceiling fans are set on. Watch, they’ve been pushing hot air down all summer long! Stupid question, but how can I tell?
http://twitter.com/RavingMadJaci RavingMadJaci

I wonder what my ceiling fans are set on. Watch, they’ve been pushing hot air down all summer long! Stupid question, but how can I tell?
Heather

Hubby and I went through the same thing after our first baby came along. Divorce was not an option, but boy did I think about it! I did go for therapy and found out that I was suffering from post-partum and anxiety. Hubby learned how to support me and has been incredible through pregnancy #3. I think knowing what was going on helped us to get through it and I can say that I am head over heels in love with me. Probably more so today, than when we married 9+ years ago! Not an easy topic, but I’m glad you shared. Makes me feel like I’m not alone on this topic.

http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

Thank you so much for sharing your story too, Heather!

Heather

Hubby and I went through the same thing after our first baby came along. Divorce was not an option, but boy did I think about it! I did go for therapy and found out that I was suffering from post-partum and anxiety. Hubby learned how to support me and has been incredible through pregnancy #3. I think knowing what was going on helped us to get through it and I can say that I am head over heels in love with me. Probably more so today, than when we married 9+ years ago! Not an easy topic, but I’m glad you shared. Makes me feel like I’m not alone on this topic.

http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

Thank you so much for sharing your story too, Heather!

Tacy

THANK YOU Mandi, for sharing this. I can resonate with you on many points that you shared.
Tacy

THANK YOU Mandi, for sharing this. I can resonate with you on many points that you shared.
Bianca

Thanks a lot for sharing!
Bianca

Thanks a lot for sharing!
http://www.se7en.org.za Se7en

Don’t I love an honest post!!! We had our first fight within two days of getting home from honey moon: I sort books by height and he sorts books by topic!!! “I thought oh this is all over.” and he thought: “What’s for lunch.” Within a month we were lucky enough to go on a weekend marriage workshop at church – everybody laughed at us for going when we had been married just a short while… It was a great investment!!! We both got a much better and more realistic picture about how differently guys and gals think and it has stood us in good stead. After eighteen years of marriage… we still count our lucky days. I have to say never be complacent. Suddenly a spate of my parents friends have gotten divorced – in their sixties and seventies… I could think of nothing worse but it does keep me from taking our marriage for granted.

http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

That is heartbreaking — I can’t imagine reaching that point and then not being able to work through any issues that come up!

Thanks for sharing your story!

http://www.se7en.org.za Se7en

Don’t I love an honest post!!! We had our first fight within two days of getting home from honey moon: I sort books by height and he sorts books by topic!!! “I thought oh this is all over.” and he thought: “What’s for lunch.” Within a month we were lucky enough to go on a weekend marriage workshop at church – everybody laughed at us for going when we had been married just a short while… It was a great investment!!! We both got a much better and more realistic picture about how differently guys and gals think and it has stood us in good stead. After eighteen years of marriage… we still count our lucky days. I have to say never be complacent. Suddenly a spate of my parents friends have gotten divorced – in their sixties and seventies… I could think of nothing worse but it does keep me from taking our marriage for granted.

http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

That is heartbreaking — I can’t imagine reaching that point and then not being able to work through any issues that come up!

Thanks for sharing your story!

Anonymous

My hubby and I have been married almost 30 years AND we got married at 15 and 17! We were destined to fail but determined not to! And just like you, divorce was never an option.
We have had our MANY ups and downs through the years, have had to deal with physical illnesses as well as emotional issues, but we have hung in there. I love my husband more than ever and I am sure he would say the same.
When people ask how we have done it, I always tell them that we figured out a long time ago that even though we always love one another, it was okay if we don’t like each other! For there are times when we probably didn’t like each other very much, but we hung on and it got better, it always does!
Thanks for sharing Mandi!
Bernice
http://livingthebalancedlife.com/2010/the-walking-wounded/
http://livingthebalancedlife.com Bernice Wood

My hubby and I have been married almost 30 years AND we got married at 15 and 17! We were destined to fail but determined not to! And just like you, divorce was never an option.
We have had our MANY ups and downs through the years, have had to deal with physical illnesses as well as emotional issues, but we have hung in there. I love my husband more than ever and I am sure he would say the same.
When people ask how we have done it, I always tell them that we figured out a long time ago that even though we always love one another, it was okay if we don’t like each other! For there are times when we probably didn’t like each other very much, but we hung on and it got better, it always does!
Thanks for sharing Mandi!
Bernice
http://livingthebalancedlife.com/2010/the-walking-wounded/
Qualifiesthecalled

I identify with this so much that I actually teared up reading it.
Thank you for sharing something so personal so that others might benefit.
Blessings to you & yours.
Qualifiesthecalled

I identify with this so much that I actually teared up reading it.
Thank you for sharing something so personal so that others might benefit.
Blessings to you & yours.
Chriscassie2002

Thank for your honesty. My husband and I have been married 8years and had our share of ups and downs. He is active duty in the military and we have 6 kids who all come into our family via adoption or birth in a matter of 3 years. Lif is tough Marriage is tough. I appreciate you opening up! Keep up the awsome job of your blog.
Chriscassie2002

Thank for your honesty. My husband and I have been married 8years and had our share of ups and downs. He is active duty in the military and we have 6 kids who all come into our family via adoption or birth in a matter of 3 years. Lif is tough Marriage is tough. I appreciate you opening up! Keep up the awsome job of your blog.
http://www.NewLatina.net Angelica Perez-Litwin

Mandi, this is perhaps one of my favorite post of all the wonderful posts you’ve written. I love the honesty and the strength to share your story, so that others will benefit and feel hopeful. You sound happy and peaceful.
Thank you for sharing!

http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

Thanks, Angelica!

http://www.NewLatina.net Angelica Perez-Litwin

Mandi, this is perhaps one of my favorite post of all the wonderful posts you’ve written. I love the honesty and the strength to share your story, so that others will benefit and feel hopeful. You sound happy and peaceful.
Thank you for sharing!

http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

Thanks, Angelica!

Guest

Did your husband also do some soul searching and figure out what he contributed to your problems?

http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

You know, I can’t really comment on his journey through all of this. Did he change too? Yes. But one thing I’ve learned is that I can’t change him or even count on him to change; I can only change myself.

Guest

Did your husband also do some soul searching and figure out what he contributed to your problems?

http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

You know, I can’t really comment on his journey through all of this. Did he change too? Yes. But one thing I’ve learned is that I can’t change him or even count on him to change; I can only change myself.

http://cesparza80.scentsy.com Princesskirin

I thought that this article was a sign for me once I saw it. Just a few days ago my husband and I got into a HUGE fight over the smallest thing but to me deep inside it was HUGE because these types of arguments have been going on for years. He CAN be a great, fun, loving guy but some times which has turned into most of the time I have found him to be very mean, rude and disrespectful towards me. We both came into the marriage with kids (me just one and him two–then we had one together and dealt with a miscarriage). He treats his kids as though they are angels but the way that they speak (most parents would nip that in the bud quick) is disprespectful towards me and he doesnt seem to care no matter what I say or do. He is quick to yell at me, call me names and treat me as if I am his child ratherthan talk to me, not within children’s ear shot, like I’m his wife. This has been going on for so long that I feel angry alot and when I try to talk to him, he treats it as if it nothing or makes a joke out of it (jokes ALOT). I feel as though I cannot talk to him and he refuses to go to counseling. I am considering leaving but I am very scared. I lost my father this year and this year along with the past years being married to him has been more and more stressful than ever. I used to have an escape but I feel ever since my father has passed away I dont have that escape anymore and I am more scared than anything. So reading this helps a bit in knowing that I am not the only one and that there may be hope or not. Am I wrong?

http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

I am so sorry you’re going through this, and I’ll be the first to admit that I’m in no position to counsel you, but I did want to let you know that I’m praying for you and your husband, and yes, I do believe there is still hope!

Princesskirin

Thank you. That really means alot. I believe that there may be hope but so far it’s a one way struggle to make it work, and there’s only so much jobs I can take on by myself. I just need to find a way to make me happy.

http://cesparza80.scentsy.com Princesskirin

I thought that this article was a sign for me once I saw it. Just a few days ago my husband and I got into a HUGE fight over the smallest thing but to me deep inside it was HUGE because these types of arguments have been going on for years. He CAN be a great, fun, loving guy but some times which has turned into most of the time I have found him to be very mean, rude and disrespectful towards me. We both came into the marriage with kids (me just one and him two–then we had one together and dealt with a miscarriage). He treats his kids as though they are angels but the way that they speak (most parents would nip that in the bud quick) is disprespectful towards me and he doesnt seem to care no matter what I say or do. He is quick to yell at me, call me names and treat me as if I am his child ratherthan talk to me, not within children’s ear shot, like I’m his wife. This has been going on for so long that I feel angry alot and when I try to talk to him, he treats it as if it nothing or makes a joke out of it (jokes ALOT). I feel as though I cannot talk to him and he refuses to go to counseling. I am considering leaving but I am very scared. I lost my father this year and this year along with the past years being married to him has been more and more stressful than ever. I used to have an escape but I feel ever since my father has passed away I dont have that escape anymore and I am more scared than anything. So reading this helps a bit in knowing that I am not the only one and that there may be hope or not. Am I wrong?

http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

I am so sorry you’re going through this, and I’ll be the first to admit that I’m in no position to counsel you, but I did want to let you know that I’m praying for you and your husband, and yes, I do believe there is still hope!

Princesskirin

Thank you. That really means alot. I believe that there may be hope but so far it’s a one way struggle to make it work, and there’s only so much jobs I can take on by myself. I just need to find a way to make me happy.

Tan@ Tan/Green

This was a perfect post for my week – a tough one around the house. Just that is hard to admit – don’t know how you are so honest about such personal things with the whole wide world…glad you are.

http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

Well, there’s a reason this post was written three years later, LOL. I’m actually a very private person and not even my closest friends knew we were going through this at the time. But it’s been on my heart to share lately!

Tan@ Tan/Green

This was a perfect post for my week – a tough one around the house. Just that is hard to admit – don’t know how you are so honest about such personal things with the whole wide world…glad you are.

http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

Well, there’s a reason this post was written three years later, LOL. I’m actually a very private person and not even my closest friends knew we were going through this at the time. But it’s been on my heart to share lately!

http://mamadriggs.blogspot.com Aprildriggers

Thanks for sharing this…. I sat there shaking my head in agreement of what was written. When my 2nd child was about 18 months (maybe less) I was still getting my hormones back to normal and even went so far as to take some prescription antidepressants. I thought I was losing my mind… he (my husband) is incredibly patient and for that I am so beyond blessed.

What I don’t understand is how people can hold onto bitterness and contempt…. my in-laws are getting divorced… it’s all her doing…. after 47 years of marriage. What in the WORLD could be SO BAD after ALL they’ve been through is just beyond more than I can even comprehend. It makes me feel –gosh, if THEY can’t make it… WHO CAN!? Ugh! They were the epitome of “family” to me…. and my entire opinion of her has changed insofar as I feel like I don’t even know who she really is… I”m glad you worked through your issues…. divorce isn’t easy — at ANY age.
http://mamadriggs.blogspot.com Aprildriggers

Thanks for sharing this…. I sat there shaking my head in agreement of what was written. When my 2nd child was about 18 months (maybe less) I was still getting my hormones back to normal and even went so far as to take some prescription antidepressants. I thought I was losing my mind… he (my husband) is incredibly patient and for that I am so beyond blessed.

What I don’t understand is how people can hold onto bitterness and contempt…. my in-laws are getting divorced… it’s all her doing…. after 47 years of marriage. What in the WORLD could be SO BAD after ALL they’ve been through is just beyond more than I can even comprehend. It makes me feel –gosh, if THEY can’t make it… WHO CAN!? Ugh! They were the epitome of “family” to me…. and my entire opinion of her has changed insofar as I feel like I don’t even know who she really is… I”m glad you worked through your issues…. divorce isn’t easy — at ANY age.
KingslyII

Thank you for posting, it definitely is inspiring. My husband had our first fight of our marriage the day after we got married, now that is a great start. When things get tough, I always think about how much I love my husband and it pushes me through. He must be doing the same!

http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

Thanks so much for chiming in — I love that you focus on loving him and not
on being frustrated! Great reminder!

Robinela

I would have to say that I am going thru my own personal hell at the moment. The last 6 months at work were the worst in my life, and it ultimately resulted in me losing my job just last week. Three days later, after a magnanimous lack of support from my husband, he brings up that he has issues and thinks we need to move on. We are not a fighting couple, but we have some problems with intimacy. In the 7 years that we have been married the issue has been discussed a handful of times, but it always seemed that I was the one willing to try, and then nothing ever happened. Time went by, back to status quo, until the next time. We have probably cycled thru this 5x, and now it’s his opinion that we are not compatible and that people don’t change. UGH! He has agreed to therapy this time, but he is very stoic about it. He has severe social anxiety that has been treated successfully for the most part with medication. With a year into his new, and successful career, he has developed a confidence that has made him feel that he is changing into a different person. I can’t change, but he can? This week has been tough. After a weekend apart he came home, and we are pretty much cordial with a big fat elephant in the room. Hoping to start counselling soon.

http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

I’m so sorry, Robinela! Please know that your family is in my thoughts and
prayers.
kim

Robinela: You house sounds a little like mine. We too, have a Big elephant in the room. It has been 27 years since we started dating 24 married. 4 kids, all teens, he is unsatistfied, and it is all my fault, I am working on seeking the Lord and asking Him to work on me from the inside out for His glory, I refuse to be something in order to keep him from quitting. We need to wrk together, and I am totally committed. Bandaides are not the solution, mutual respect, trust, understanding and encouragment, not demands are the environment that will allow healing to come. Status quo, things moving week in, week out, what a waste. I lay my requests out there, not demanding, but honest. our best way is in the form of writing. We have communication issues, and our emotions can get in the way, and we don’t hear each other. I guess the problem has gotten too big. We admit we are both not listening when it gets like that. so we write instead.

I am working on being more patient, to die to my emotions, when they are not productive and compete with hearing him and his needs.

God os showing me so much during this time. Healing my heart, pat hurts, even things that were before my marriage. he is showing me that He wants me to wait on Him, obey Him, He is doing a good thing, sometimes we want it now and mess it up trying too hard. It took years to damage it, it will take some time to see the Lord heal it. If you want it, then, never give up on God and His ways. I get discouraged when I see the damage of the little things we have done/not done, but encouraged when I know the Lord loves me, loves my husband (who s a believer) loves our marriage, and loves our boys. The enemy on the other hand, hmmm, Praying daily, showing unconditional love, believing. 1 Cor 13:1…I put my name in place of the words love and try to live it, by the grace of God I can. My husband may never change, but I can.

http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

Kim, while on the surface yours seems like such a sad story – and I’m sure it IS heartbreaking as you walk through it – I was so encouraged to read about your commitment and willingness to tackle the tough issues and change yourself. Truly. I am praying that God’s hand and blessing would be on your marriage and that you will be able to look back and share the testimony of how He worked during this time!

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Liz

Thanks for writing this. My husband and I have so many friends right now who are in the middle of divorces. It is so refreshing for me to read your honest words of hard times but of your unwavering commitment to stick together and work things out. I was particularly touched by your statement that you would do anything – even wean your baby if necessary – in order to save your marriage. I wish more couples had this same perspective!

http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

Thanks, Liz!

http://www.lifecommaetc.com/ LifeCommaEtc

This is another wonderful and honest post. My husband and I are five months into our marriage and going strong, but I am so glad to have blogs like yours as an arsenal against the hard times to come.

Another thing that strikes me is how many women will go through pain and depression thinking something is wrong with them, only to need to take time to acknowledge that stress has a profound effect! I went through something similar last year and it was such a relief to just be with the husband and say “This is a stressful time, it’s okay to feel this way, and we won’t always feel this way.” The simple things!

http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

That’s a great point – I think being able to acknowledge and share what we’re going through is like a valve release that just takes the pressure off. Thanks for chiming in!