Living in a small space can be both cozy and challenging. One of the biggest challenges of small-space living is keeping your home clean and organized. With limited space and storage, it’s important to find ways to maximize your space and keep your home tidy. In this blog post, we’ll share some cleaning tips and tricks for apartments and tiny homes.
Start with a Decluttering Session
It’s the ultimate first step to achieving a clean and organized home, especially in small spaces. When you live in a tiny apartment or home, every inch of space counts, and decluttering is the key to freeing up space and simplifying your life.
Start by going through your belongings and getting rid of anything you don’t need or use. This can be a difficult process, but it’s important to be honest with yourself and let go of items that are taking up precious space. Consider donating or selling items that are in good condition, and recycle or toss items that are no longer usable.
Not only does decluttering free up space, but it also makes it easier to keep your home organized. With fewer items to keep track of, you’ll be able to find what you need more easily, and it will be easier to put things away when you’re done using them.
If you’re not sure where to start, try the “KonMari” method, which involves going through your belongings by category and keeping only the items that “spark joy.” This approach can be transformative, helping you let go of items that no longer serve a purpose and freeing up space for the things that truly matter to you.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
In small spaces, keeping your home clean and organized can be a real challenge. But with a little planning and effort, you can stay on top of cleaning tasks and prevent clutter and messes from accumulating. The key is to create a cleaning schedule that works for you and stick to it.
Start by identifying the cleaning tasks that need to be done on a regular basis, such as dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning the bathroom. Then, create a schedule that outlines when each task will be done. Be sure to break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable tasks that can be completed in a shorter amount of time.
Once you’ve created your cleaning schedule, make it a priority to stick to it. Set reminders on your phone or calendar to help you remember when it’s time to clean. And don’t forget to give yourself credit for the hard work you’re doing – completing a task on your cleaning schedule is a small but important victory that should be celebrated.
In addition to creating a cleaning schedule, it’s important to stay organized and keep your space clutter-free. Invest in storage solutions like shelves, baskets, and under-bed storage containers to make the most of your space. And don’t be afraid to enlist the help of friends and family to keep your space clean and organized – a little teamwork can go a long way.
Use Multi-functional Furniture
Living in a small space can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or functionality. In fact, it’s possible to have both – you just need to be a little creative when it comes to choosing furniture. One of the best ways to maximize your space and reduce clutter is to look for furniture that can serve multiple purposes.
For example, a sofa bed is a great investment for small spaces. During the day, it can serve as a comfortable place to sit and relax. And at night, it can be transformed into a cozy bed for you or your guests. Or, consider a storage ottoman that can be used as a coffee table, extra seating, and storage all in one.
When choosing furniture for a small space, think about how it can serve multiple purposes. A dining table with drop-down leaves can be used for meals and then folded down to save space when not in use. A bookshelf can be used to store books, decorative items, and even as a room divider to create a sense of separation between different areas of your space.
Don’t forget about vertical space, too. Look for tall bookshelves, storage units, or even a loft bed to make use of the height of your space. These pieces of furniture can help you maximize your space and keep your home organized.
Embrace Vertical Space
One of the best ways to maximize your space is to make use of your vertical space – that is, the walls! By installing shelves or storage units on the walls, you can free up valuable floor space and keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.
There are many different types of wall storage solutions to choose from, depending on your style and storage needs. Floating shelves are a popular option that can be installed easily and quickly. These shelves can be used to store books, plants, decorative items, and more.
Another option is to install storage cubes or modular units that can be stacked and rearranged to fit your space. These units can be used to store clothing, shoes, or even office supplies, depending on your needs.
Don’t forget about vertical storage solutions for the bathroom and kitchen, too! Install shelving or hanging baskets on the walls to store toiletries or kitchen supplies. This will free up counter space and keep your bathroom or kitchen organized and tidy.
Opt for Small Cleaning Tools
Living in a small space can mean sacrificing some of the luxuries of larger homes, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on cleanliness. When it comes to cleaning, it’s important to have the right tools to keep your home looking and feeling fresh. However, in a small space, you don’t need large cleaning tools that take up valuable space.
Instead, opt for small, handheld tools that are easy to store and take up less space. A handheld vacuum is a great investment for small spaces. It’s perfect for cleaning up crumbs, dust, and debris from floors, upholstery, and tight spaces. It’s also lightweight and easy to store in a closet or cabinet.
A small dustpan and brush is another must-have cleaning tool for small spaces. It’s perfect for quickly cleaning up small messes and doesn’t take up much space. Plus, it’s easy to store in a small drawer or even on a hook on the wall.
Other small cleaning tools to consider include microfiber cloths, which are great for cleaning surfaces without leaving streaks, and a small squeegee, which is perfect for cleaning windows and mirrors.
Keep Cleaning Supplies in One Place
When it comes to keeping a small space clean, organization is key. And one of the best ways to stay organized is to designate a specific area for your cleaning supplies. This will not only help you keep track of your supplies but also make it easier to find what you need when it’s time to clean.
A common place to store cleaning supplies is under the sink, but depending on the size of your space, this may not be an option. If you don’t have much space under your sink, consider using a small closet or cabinet to store your cleaning supplies. This will keep them out of sight but easily accessible when you need them.
To make the most of your storage space, invest in organizers like baskets or caddies to keep your cleaning supplies tidy and easy to find. You can also label your cleaning supplies to make it easier to find what you need quickly.
When storing your cleaning supplies, make sure to keep them away from food and other items that could be contaminated. And don’t forget to keep hazardous chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
Use Organizers
With a little bit of creativity and the right tools, you can make the most of your space and keep your belongings in order. One of the best ways to do this is to use organizers like drawer dividers or closet organizers.
Drawer dividers are a great way to keep small items organized and easily accessible. They’re perfect for organizing clothing, socks, and even kitchen utensils. By using drawer dividers, you can make the most of your space and keep your drawers clutter-free.
Closet organizers are another must-have for small spaces. They can help you make the most of your closet space and keep your clothing and accessories organized. Hanging organizers with multiple compartments are perfect for storing shoes, hats, and scarves, while stackable organizers can be used to store sweaters, t-shirts, and other clothing items.
If you don’t have much closet space, consider using a clothing rack or freestanding shelves to keep your clothing organized. This will help you save space and keep your clothing easily accessible.
Clean as You Go
One of the best ways to stay on top of it is to clean as you go. In other words, clean up messes and put things away as soon as you’re done using them.
One of the easiest ways to do this is by wiping down surfaces as soon as you’re done using them. For example, after cooking a meal, wipe down the countertops and stovetop to keep them clean and free of food debris. The same goes for the bathroom – wipe down the sink and shower after each use to prevent buildup of soap scum and mildew.
Another way to clean as you go is to put items back where they belong after using them. For example, after finishing a book, put it back on the shelf rather than leaving it on the coffee table. This will help prevent clutter from building up and make it easier to keep your space tidy.
In addition, it’s important to stay on top of small tasks like taking out the trash and doing the dishes. By taking care of these tasks as soon as possible, you’ll prevent them from turning into bigger messes that are harder to tackle.
In Conclusion…
Living in a small space doesn’t have to mean sacrificing a clean and organized home. By following these cleaning tips and tricks, you can keep your apartment or tiny home tidy and clutter-free. Remember to stay on top of cleaning tasks, make use of multi-functional furniture, and embrace vertical space to maximize your space. With a little creativity and effort, you can enjoy a clean and organized home, no matter how small it may be.
