A professional organizer's best seasonal storage tips for living rooms – they're the key to having easy access, reduced clutter and improved functionality

Fall has officially begun, and I can't wait for cozy evenings at home in my living room.

As the hub of all things relaxation, your living room gets used a lot throughout the colder months, whether it's for reading a book on the couch, watching your favorite series, or simply unwinding with friends and family.

To get mine in shape for the new season, I spoke to a professional organizer for her top living room organization tips. Here's what she said.

Top living room seasonal storage tips from a professional organizer

Di Ter Avest is a professional home and lifestyle organizer, owner of Di is Organized, and the author of accountability program and book Organize Yourself Healthy, available at Amazon.

Her brilliant expertise has been featured on Forbes, Today, ApartmentTherapy, Real Homes, Livingetc, Home & Gardens, and Kitchn; and she has also given workshops at IKEA, West Elm, and Williams-Sonoma.

Here's five seasonal storage tips she swears by for her living room:

1. Organize your blankets for easy access

If there's one thing I'm always reaching for in fall, it's a cozy blanket to snuggle up under. But, it's difficult to know how to fold blankets, and how to store them. Luckily, Di has the perfect solution, that doesn't have to involve folding!

'People can start by organizing blankets for easy access,' she says. 'Instead of letting them pile up on the couch or in random spots, use a decorative basket or bin to neatly store them. A well-organized basket of blankets feels intentional and makes the room look more put together.'

Opt for a basket that matches your decor for a seamless and stylish, yet functional, look.

All prices correct at time of publication.

2. Organize your board games and puzzles in one designated spot

Fall and winter are the seasons for board games – so make sure yours are organized ahead of time, recommends Di.

'Now, for families that love game nights during the colder months, organize your board games and puzzles in one designated spot,' she says. Use a storage ottoman, a cabinet, or a low shelf to keep everything in order.'

We love the Birdie Fortescue Pavilion Wooden Ottoman available at Anthropologie, which has a shelf for added organization, or the Large Round Storage Ottoman Coffee Table Ottoman With Lift Off Lid available at Wayfair, which offers ample space while doubling up as a functional coffee table.

'If the different box colors and sizes don't vibe with your decor or space, you can transfer the games into stylish zipped pouches,' says Di. 'These pouches not only look cleaner and more cohesive but also save space.

'Sorting the games by category and labeling (with a label maker such as the Dymo S0717930 Omega Home Embossing Label Maker available at Amazon which I use and love) the pouches makes it easy to quickly find what you're looking for without creating clutter. This small tweak can instantly elevate the aesthetic of your living room while keeping everything organized!'

3. Use trays to organize coffee table clutter

I love the idea of having a beautifully curated coffee table, but often mine ends up covered in clutter. Di's advice? Trays.

'Another easy win is to use trays to organize your coffee table clutter,' she says. 'The coffee table can often become a catch-all for remote controls, candles, books, and mugs of hot drinks.

A stylish tray can help you corral everything neatly in one place, making it easy to clear the surface quickly when you need extra space. Plus, a tray makes your decor look intentional rather than scattered,' perfect for avoiding common coffee table mistakes that make your home look messy.

I love the Carmen Serving Tray available at Anthropologie, which is currently reduced.

4. Designate a space for winter gear

'Sometimes, your living room might become a bit of a drop zone, especially if it's near the entrance,' says Di. 'To prevent that clutter from taking over, try to designate a space for winter gear.'

Di recommends setting up a stylish coat rack, or using wall hooks, for easy storage of jackets, scarves, and hats, which will help keep things organized and easily accessible.

We recommend the Johnstown Coat Rack available at Wayfair, or consider adding a Louisa Monogram Wall Hook available at Anthropologie for each family member.

'You can even add a decorative basket or bin for gloves and scarves so they're right there when you need them, without the mess creeping into your living space. It's an easy way to maintain order while still keeping all your winter essentials handy.'

5. Organize your candles and matches in a drawer

Fall candles are a necessary staple for cozy season, so ensure yours are organized and accessible ahead of time, says Di.

'If you are like me and love filling your home with cozy candlelight during fall and winter, be sure to organize your candles and matches in a drawer,' she says.

'Rather than leaving them scattered on surfaces, use a small drawer or a decorative box to store everything in one place – candles, matches, and even candle snuffers. You can organize your candles by scent or size, which makes it so much easier to find what you're in the mood for. Plus, having them neatly tucked away means no more hunting for matches when you're ready to set the ambiance.'

Our dedicated candle care guide has expert tips for longer-lasting candles.

FAQs

How do you hide storage in a living room?

While there are many stylish storage options, sometimes you just want clutter out of sight. Try a storage bench, a coffee table with hidden drawers or take advantage of shelving for a streamlined look. Multi functional storage items are perfect for organizing small living rooms, too.

These tips to make living room shelves look expensive elevate your space with an aesthetic finish.

Ready for relaxation? Read about how to make a living room more relaxing in our expert-led guide, or delve into what professional organizers recommend for winter storage in living rooms.