The dining room is supposed to be a place of zen, food, and connecting with loved ones, but somehow, it always ends up covered in mail, homework, and where this thing came from? Is it important?
If your dining table has become a catch-all, it’s time for a reset.
TL;DR: Remove everything to start fresh, then add back only what you need!
Here’s how to get your dining room clean and keep it that way.
Step 1: Throw Away Trash
This is the easiest step with the biggest before and after feel good moment. Grab a trash bag and toss anything that’s clearly junk away. We’re talking junk mail, empty bottles, that Amazon box you haven’t put in the recycling yet, or anything else that’s just taking up space. This step can usually get done ina few moments. Mission accomplished. 👏
Step 2: Clear Everything Off
Now, take everything off the table, chairs, and shelves. We’re talking decorations, candles, books, and anything else that’s sitting out or not already in a drawer. The goal is to get the space back to a blank canvas state. A completely empty space that lets you see the room for what it is. Don’t worry about removing tables and chairs for now, just all the extra should be gone. Don’t have to throw it away just set aside for now. This will give you the zen moment of seeing the room without any distractions so you can build back up.
Step 3: Add Back Only What You Need
With a fresh, clean space, it’s time to be intentional. Start by adding back only the things you need. What are the essentials in the room. Think placemats, chairs, maybe a centerpiece or two but for the most part just the big things.
Then, you can include a few decorative items, but keep it simple. A single vase of flowers or a small bowl of fruit looks great without making things feel messy.
After things get removed you’ll be amazed how clean and organized things already feel just removing items. From here the things that don’t get added back can be sold or donated. The mental space of moving it out of its space and re-visualizing the space for what it is.
Step 4: Use the 60/30/10 Rule for a Polished Look
Want to take this to the next level and make your dining room feel more balanced and put together? Follow the simple design trick of 60/30/10:
- 60% of the room should be one main color (like your walls and big furniture).
- 30% of the room should be a secondary color (like your curtains or rug).
- 10% of the room should be a pop of color (like table decorations, flowers, or artwork).
This keeps the room looking clean and coordinated without feeling too busy. It also creates a great contract that leaves the space feeling simple and comfortable.
Step 5: Do a Quick Cleanup Every Week
Now… how to do I keep the space cleaning all the time?
The secret to keeping your dining room tidy? A five-minute weekly reset. Pick one day a week (Sunday works great!) to clear off the table, put things away, and wipe everything down.
A little upkeep prevents clutter from creeping back in and keeps your dining space feeling fresh.
Final Thoughts: Less Is More
If your dining room feels messy, the easiest way to fix it is to remove everything and build it back up from scratch. Start with the easy wins (like throwing away trash), then clear out as much as possible. When you put things back, be selective—only keep what makes the space functional and inviting.
Your dining room should be a place for enjoying meals and making memories—not a storage zone for random stuff. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a clean, clutter-free space that stays that way!
Need more home cleaning and organizing tips? Check out Tidy Casa for expert advice and professional cleaning services in Phoenix and Tucson!