The living room often feels incomplete without a focal point—somewhere to gather, unwind, and catch the latest shows.

Then again, when dust bunnies gather, cables get tangled, and last year’s magazines creep onto the shelves, the whole space can go from Netflix-ready to op-shop chaos in no time.

Fortunately, a little effort can transform that corner from a visual headache to a stylish backdrop. And no, you don’t need a decluttering guru—just a few smart tweaks and some elbow grease.

Assess the Current State of Your Living Room

Before turning on the vacuum cleaner, it’s worth taking stock of what’s actually sitting in the unit. Open every drawer, scan the shelves, and peek behind the screen—you’ll probably find a small collection of forgotten gadgets.

Old controllers, mystery cords, and DVDs from the early 2000s all have a way of lingering long past their prime.

Pull everything out and sort it into three groups: the essentials you use regularly, items in good condition that could be passed on, and the clutter that’s simply outstayed its welcome.

It’s quite possible that some of the cables haven’t been plugged into anything since Australians were still renting movies from Video Ezy. That needs to change.

Once the extras are cleared, the area will instantly feel lighter. That means no more rummaging for a lost remote or accidentally buying another HDMI cable because the one you already own is playing hide-and-seek.

Clean Before Organising

With everything cleared out, it’s the perfect time to give your unit a proper clean.

Start with a microfibre cloth. It’s gentle enough not to scratch but effective at lifting dust instead of spreading it around. For stubborn spots or sticky marks, a little water mixed with a mild cleaner usually does the trick.

Don’t forget the places dust loves to hide. Around the speaker grills, beneath your gaming consoles, and especially behind the TV, you’ll probably find more dust than you bargained for.

The answer is a good vacuum cleaner. Use one with a soft brush attachment, as it’ll make quick work of those awkward corners without shifting cords or knocking things over.

This step isn’t just about looks. When dust builds up, it can cause your electronics to overheat, but a short burst of compressed air through the vents will prevent that and protect your devices.

Your cables deserve attention, too. Wiping them down will clear hidden grime, while a quick check can reveal fraying or wear before it becomes a problem.

You can also use clips or wraps to keep them neat, protect your gear, and make moving or replacing devices much easier later on.

If the dust feels overwhelming or you’d rather not crawl behind the unit yourself, calling in a local cleaning company is always an option. They’ll have the right tools for delicate electronics and tight spaces, giving you back a fresh, tidy hub without the hassle.

Use Smart Storage Solutions

Putting things back where they belong is what stops clutter from creeping back in.

Clear bins work beautifully for smaller items, such as spare cables or controllers, and you can see exactly what’s inside without having to rummage.

If you’d rather keep things out of sight, decorative boxes are a stylish alternative. Just add labels so you don’t have to open three different ones before finding the one cable you actually need.

Think vertically as well as horizontally. You can add wall-mounted shelves beside your entertainment centre to free up surface space and give yourself a tidy place to store your headphones, routers, or speakers.

Even your furniture can pull its weight. A bench with a lift-up lid or an ottoman with hidden storage will provide you with extra seating and secret stash spots.

The key is making sure everything has a home. Keep your everyday gadgets within easy reach, and tuck less-used gear out of sight. Just make sure it’s still easy to grab when you need it.

Arrange Items by Frequency of Use

The easiest way to keep your setup functional is to match it to how you actually live.

Keep the essentials front and centre. Remotes and game controllers should be right at hand, not hidden behind a stack of DVDs. A small tray on the table or a shelf at eye level will make finding them a breeze.

Anything less important can be stored a tad higher or lower. Old game discs, spare cables, and that DVD collection you can’t quite part with will all fit nicely there.

As for drawers, they’re notorious for becoming a jumble. So, you can use dividers to keep everything separated and easy to spot.

When every item has a place, you won’t spend half the evening hunting for a missing charger.

Manage Cables Effectively

Cables have a knack for turning your sleek setup into a tangled mess. So, sort them out early to keep your living space neat and safe.

Start by bundling loose cords with Velcro ties. They’re adjustable, reusable, and far easier to work with than plastic ones.

You can also add a small label to each cable. This will save you the guesswork later, especially when swapping equipment or troubleshooting a connection.

Where possible, run your cords behind the unit and secure them with adhesive hooks or clips to keep everything in place.

If you’re dealing with extra length, a cable management box is a neat solution. It’s far better than letting loops of wire dangle behind the TV or trail across the floor.

Follow a Regular Maintenance Routine

Once everything is neatly arranged, the challenge is keeping it that way. A little upkeep goes further than you’d think.

Every few weeks, spend just five minutes giving your setup a once-over. Straighten what’s shifted, wipe down dusty surfaces, and return anything that’s wandered from its spot. These quick touch-ups will prevent small messes from becoming full-scale clutter.

When the seasons change, plan a more thorough clean. Dust will creep back into your home no matter how organised you are, so take the time to get behind larger items, check cable connections, and clean your screens.

When you bring in something new, whether it’s the latest console or a replacement router, make space for it straight away, and resist the temptation to squeeze it in just for now.

Conclusion

Forget about chasing perfection. All you need to do is make your space work for you.

When everything has its place, the room will be calmer, movie nights will be smoother, and you won’t be stuck untangling cables during the AFL Grand Final halftime break.

So, grab a microfibre cloth, cue up your favourite playlist, and show that entertainment hub some love.