It was a lazy Saturday afternoon when I finally decided it was time to tackle the living room. The couch had become a bit of a black hole for random items—magazines, stray socks, half-empty coffee mugs, and the occasional forgotten TV remote. I figured it was high time to reclaim the space.
We will continue with the story after I let you know what this week’s cleaning and organizing tasks include!
Week 2: Living Room – Declutter & Organize
Sort through magazines, books, and papers.
Organize electronics (remotes, cords, and chargers).
Wipe down all surfaces (coffee tables, side tables).
Vacuum or clean upholstery (couches, chairs).
Let’s continue my story:
First, I dove into the pile of magazines and books that had been gathering dust for months. It was like a treasure hunt! I found old issues of my favorite magazines, some of which I’d meant to read but hadn’t gotten around to. As I sorted through them, I ended up finding a few I could toss (goodbye, 2018 subscriptions!) and some that I couldn’t part with just yet. It felt good to let go of the clutter, but I had to admit—there was a small pile that I might actually revisit someday.
Next, I tackled the electronics corner. There were cables everywhere—charging cords tangled with remote controls, and wires from gadgets that hadn’t been used in weeks. I gathered everything into a neat little basket, making sure each charger had a home and every remote had a designated spot. It’s amazing how something as simple as organizing the remotes can make a room feel instantly more put together.
Then came the surfaces—coffee tables and side tables covered in coffee rings and dust. After wiping everything down, I noticed just how much the little details matter. The room felt instantly fresher. I even rearranged a couple of decorative items that had been sitting in the same spots for months. Sometimes a tiny change like that can make a huge difference.
Finally, I moved to the upholstery. My couch had seen better days—it was stained in places, and the cushions were starting to sag. A thorough vacuuming and some spot cleaning later, and it felt almost like new. I even fluffed up the pillows for that perfect, inviting look.
When I was done, I stepped back and admired the transformation. The room felt lighter, airier, and—dare I say—more inviting. No longer was it a room overrun with clutter; it was a peaceful space to unwind, a place to curl up with a book or relax with a cup of tea.
Here are my cleaning and organizing product reviews and product links. You can see more recommendations in last week’s post here: https://livingwithdana.com/2025/03/challenge-2025-week-1-kitchen-deep-clean/
Glass cleaner. For mirrors, windows, and glass surfaces.
1. Windex window cleaner [a d] Windex Glass and Window Cleaner Spray Bottle, Packaging Designed to Prevent Leakage and Breaking, Surface Cleaning Spray, Original Blue Scent, 23 Fl Oz. The spray works well, leaving glass surfaces streak-free. It’s affordable, a good value for the price, and economical size for regular use. The fresh scent is nice. Overall, customers find it to be a reliable and effective cleaning solution that leaves a sparkling finish.
Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3F4o1mZ
2. Seventh Generation glass cleaner [a d] Seventh Generation Glass Cleaner, Sparkling Sea Scent, Streak-Free Shine, 23 Fl Oz. This glass cleaner is effective in cleaning glass, mirrors, and stainless steel. It leaves windows streak-free and has a pleasant scent without harsh chemicals like bleach or phosphates. The product is reliable and affordable.
Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3QPaylv
Broom and dustpan. For quick sweeps of floors.
1. [a d] OXO Good Grips Upright Sweep Set. This broom and dustpan set works well for collecting dirt and pet hair. It’s designed well and easy to use.
Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3D9K3UK
2. [a d] Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 Dry + Wet Floor Mopping and Sweeping Kit, Multi-Surface Kit for Floor Cleaning, Kit Includes 1 Sweeper, 14 Dry Sweeping Cloths, 5 Wet Mopping Cloths. The mop is useful and easy to use. It picks up dust, dirt, and pet hair without hassle. It’s lightweight and uses convenient disposable pads.
Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3QLFLpK
Vacuum cleaner. Ideal for cleaning carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
1. [a d] Vacmaster Portable 10.8V 2-in-1 Cordless Stick Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner with 2-Speed Power Control and LED Headlight for Hardwood Floor, Carpet & Pet Hair, Blue. The vacuum has more than one function, the suction power is adequate, and overall has a lightweight design. It works well on rugs and smooth floors, cleaning effectively. The vacuum is easy to use for quick cleanups and keeping rooms clean. It’s simple to assemble and to clean the vacuum.
Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3QLF5R6
2. [a d] iRobot Roomba Vac Robot Vacuum (Q011) – Power-Lifting Suction, Quieter Cleaning Mode, Multi-Surface Cleaning, Cleans in Neat Rows, Easy to use, Self-Charging, Works with Alexa. This robotic vacuum cleaner picks up pet hair. But it is loud, especially when it bumps into things while vacuuming. The battery life is too short. Opinions vary on how well it works, cleans, and offers good value for money.
Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4haa04m
Carpet cleaner. For deep cleaning and removing stains from carpets.
1. [a d] BISSELL TurboClean, Upright Carpet Cleaner, 3952. This appliance from Bissell can clean effectively and efficiently. It is lightweight, easy to set up and use, with a comprehensive instruction manual. It’s a good value for the money but there are differing opinions on its size, drying speed, and overall quality.
Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4btLJoA
2. [a d] Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine, Upright Shampooer, FH50150, Red. This carpet cleaner is easy to use and effective at cleaning. It is simple to set up and maintain, with different cleaning components like spinning brushes and suction tray. It is a good value for the price and lightweight.
Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4hcdOlq
Steam mop. For sanitizing hard floors without harsh chemicals.
1. [a d] Bissell Power Fresh Steam Mop with Natural Sanitization, Floor Steamer, Tile Cleaner, and Hard Wood Floor Cleaner with Flip-Down Easy Scrubber, 1940A. This Bissell steam cleaner has good cleaning power, functionality, and ease of use. It is effective in cleaning floors without chemicals and has simple assembly. It saves time and effort over traditional mopping. The water component is easy to find and inexpensive. Overall, customers find the steam cleaner to be a good value for the money.
Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4idd7tB
2. [a d] Shark Steam Mop Hard Floor Cleaner for Cleaning and Sanitizing with XL Removable Water Tank and 18-Foot Power Cord (S1000A),White. This Shark steam cleaner works well on tile floors and gets the job done quickly. It is easy to use and the instructions are clear. The cleaner cleans thoroughly without leaving streaks, making it a great value for money. It is lightweight and compact. The cord length might not be long enough for your rooms and have the steam generation and quality might not be sufficient for your purposes.
Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4brI7DH
These are just some of my product reviews and recommendations.If you’ve been enjoying my reviews and recommendations, I’ve got something special for you! I’ve linked all the awesome products I’ve tried and loved through my affiliate links.
By using these links, not only will you be getting great products, but you’ll also be supporting me so I can keep bringing you honest reviews and top picks.
Treat yourself to amazing products!
My Amazon creator affiliate links are with each product. More cleaning and organizing products coming soon!
Thanks for your support – you all rock!
My earlier blog post has the 52-week challenge checklist and some more links! Here:
Download the list here (click image):
