It’s week 9 of our 52-week cleaning, declutter and organizing challenge, and this weekend, it’s time to tackle the entertainment center. If you’re anything like me, your entertainment center can become a cluttered dumping ground for DVDs, Blu-rays, video games, cords, and electronics. Let’s dive into how I tackled the chaos, and I’ll share some expert tips and product recommendations along the way to help you get your space organized and looking amazing.
Week 9: Living Room – Organize Entertainment Center
- Clean and organize DVDs, Blu-rays, or video games.
- Wipe down electronics (TV, sound system, etc.).
- Dust and wipe shelves or storage areas.
- Organize cords and cables.
Step 1: Sort and Declutter Your DVDs, Blu-rays, and Video Games
Expert Tip: The first step to an organized space is decluttering. Start by pulling everything out of your entertainment center. Go through your DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games. Be honest with yourself—when was the last time you watched or played each one?
I found that I had several DVDs I hadn’t watched in years, and some were just taking up space. I went through each one, and if I hadn’t watched it in over a year, it went into the donation pile. Donating these items frees up space and gives them a second life.
Actionable Tip: To keep your collection organized, consider using a media storage system that not only keeps your discs tidy but also enhances your decor. An adjustable DVD/Blu-ray rack is perfect for organizing your collection by genre or favorite series while keeping everything easily accessible.
These storage bags are great if you need to carry your CDs/games from home to camp, one location to another, or if you are storing them in a closet until the grandkids come over. [a d] Stock Your Home CD Storage Bags (6 Pack) – Transparent PVC Media Storage – Water Resistant Holder Case With Handles – Clear Plastic Carrying Game Bag for Albums, Video Games, Books. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3FYQVVP
If you have space for an entertainment stand, this one has shelves, a drawer, and hooks for headphones. [a d] 4-Tier AV Media Stand with Drawer, Video Game Console Shelf with 2 Hooks, Audio Rack Tower Perfect for/Xbox/ PS5/Switch/Game Consoles/DVD/Record Player/Projector/Sky Box/TV Accessories. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4lkHErr
If you’ve wanted to get a record player for all those record albums you have, I have this one and love it. The player has six functions so you can also plays CDs, cassettes, and it has a radio. [a d] Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center with Built-in Speakers – 3-Speed Turntable, CD & Cassette Player, FM Radio | Wireless Music Streaming | Mahogany. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/44gacvX
Step 2: Organize Video Games by System and Genre
Expert Tip: Video games can be a real challenge when it comes to storage. If your collection is overflowing, I recommend grouping your games by system (PlayStation, Xbox, etc.) and then by genre (action, adventure, family-friendly). It will make finding your next game a breeze.
Actionable Tip: Invest in a game storage tower or gaming drawer organizer. These not only keep your games visible and easy to access but also help preserve the cases and covers. The more visible your games are, the less likely you’ll forget about that title you’ve been meaning to play!
[a d] ASFSKY Game Storage Tower Universal Video Game Storage for 24 Games Storage ABS Stand Compatible with PS5 PS4 Xbox Nintendo Switch Games Gamer Gifts. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/43KQqsn
[a d] ARES WING 2-Tier Clamp On Desk Shelf, 16 inch Adjustable Above or Under Desk Storage Shelves Holds 44 lbs, Heavy Duty Desktop Organizer with Headphone Holder for Working and Gaming Accessories, Black. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3XRyicK
Step 3: Clean and Maintain Your Electronics
Expert Tip: Electronics, like TVs, sound systems, and consoles, accumulate dust and fingerprints over time. Regularly cleaning these items is essential for their longevity and your enjoyment. Dusty screens and greasy fingerprints can distract from your viewing experience, so make it a habit to clean them weekly.
To clean your electronics, use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe down surfaces. For more stubborn grime, consider using a screen-safe cleaning solution for your TV and monitor. Avoid using paper towels, as they can scratch surfaces.
[a d] MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth – 12 Pack, Large 13″ x13” Highly Absorbent Streak-Free Micro Fiber Cleaning Rags Towels for House, Car, Windows, Housekeeping, Household Dusting, Kitchen. I appreciate the cleaning power, quality, and size of the towels which are useful for cleaning glasses, TV screens, and touchscreens on laptops and PCs. The towels hold up well in the wash and are a good size for routine cleaning tasks. The towels are soft and absorbent, but if you need to wipe a lot of fluid then you might want thicker cloths.
Amazon creator ad link to this specific product https://amzn.to/4kmSZqs
Product Recommendation: If you’re in need of a good electronic cleaner, check out this gentle but effective electronic screen cleaner. It’s perfect for TVs, sound systems, and gaming consoles.
[a d] Green Oak Screen Cleaner Professional Screen Cleaner Spray – Best for LCD & LED TV, Tablet, Computer Monitor, Phone – Safely Cleans Fingerprints, Dust, Oil (8oz 4-Pack). Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3G17SPA
Step 4: Tidy Up Shelves and Storage Areas
Expert Tip: Shelves and storage areas can quickly become a catch-all for remote controls, books, and other miscellaneous items. Take a few minutes to clear everything off and wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth.
For any items you want to keep on your shelves, use decorative baskets or storage bins to corral small items, like remotes, game controllers, or magazines. This prevents the shelves from looking overcrowded and keeps everything organized.
Product Recommendation: These stylish storage baskets are perfect for keeping everything organized and adding a touch of decor to your living room.
[a d] Set of 6 Wicker Storage Basket, medium size. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4j3R9K9
[a d] Plastic Storage Baskets With Bamboo Lid, 6-pack. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/426IWPi
Step 5: Organize Cords and Cables
Expert Tip: Cords are the sneaky culprits that cause clutter. If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a tangled mess of cables behind your entertainment center. Not only do they create visual chaos, but they can also be a tripping hazard.
To organize them, use cord management clips, cable ties, or even a cord concealer box to group them neatly. You can also label each cord so you never have to search for the right one again.
Actionable Tip: One of my favorite solutions for messy cords is this cord management kit. Zip ties, clips, and sleeves make it easy to keep cords under control and looking neat.
1. [a d] JOTO 4 Pack Cable Management Sleeve, 19-20 Inches Cord Organizer System with Zipper for TV Computer Office Home Entertainment, Flexible Cable Sleeve Wrap Cover Wire Hider System -Black. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3Y6gURq
2. [a d] Check out all the different types of boxes you can use to hide power strips and cables. The boxes can be black, white, wood, baskets, all sorts of styles and color combinations! Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3Rsc90M
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Final Thoughts: A Clean, Organized Entertainment Center
Once you’ve decluttered, cleaned, and organized your entertainment center, step back and take in the transformation. Not only does everything look better, but it’s also much more functional. When you’re able to find your favorite movie or game without digging through piles of DVDs or untangling cables, you’ll appreciate the effort you put into the space.
[a d] EnHomee 7-Drawer Dresser with 2 Open Wooden Shelves, Easy Assembly & Pull, Rustic Look. 12″ D x 32″ W x 38″ H. All drawers are made from thick fabric! Color options are available so scroll through the link. I chose Rustic Brown. Other sizes and products are available including headboards! I use my dresser for assorted items, some clothing, too, but it could very well be used for gaming, CDs, and other entertainment room items.
Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4jWtxI5
Every time I sit down to watch TV or play a game now, I feel a sense of calm knowing that my entertainment center is organized, and I can easily find what I need. It’s amazing how such a simple task can make your living room feel refreshed and inviting.
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Don’t forget to use the affiliate links provided for recommended products—these items have helped me tremendously in my organizing journey, and they can do the same for you! Happy organizing!
Thanks for following along with my 52-week challenge! Check back next week for Week 10: Kitchen – Clean Cabinets & Drawers, more tips and tricks to keep your home clutter-free and organized.
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