Best Ways to Clean and Organize Small Spaces
Living in a small space can be cozy and charming, but it also presents unique challenges when keeping everything clean and organized. Whether in a studio apartment or a compact home, maximizing every square inch is the key to maintaining your sanity.
Here are some practical tips for cleaning and organizing small spaces effectively, with a handy checklist included to help you get started.
Declutter Before You Clean
Decluttering is the first and most important step in organizing any small space. Small spaces can quickly become overwhelmed by excess items, so getting rid of what you no longer need is essential. Use the "one-year rule"—if you haven't used something in the past year, it's time to let it go. Create donations and sell piles of items still in good condition but no longer serving you. When sorting sentimental items, ask yourself if each one truly brings you joy or serves a purpose.
Checklist:
Apply the "one-year rule" to all items.
Create donations and sell piles.
Let go of sentimental clutter unless it truly serves a purpose.
Maximize Vertical Space
Maximizing vertical space is crucial when floor space is limited. Consider wall-mounted shelves for books, decorative items, or kitchen essentials. Pegboards are versatile options for hanging tools, kitchen utensils, or office supplies, while over-the-door organizers can hold shoes, cleaning supplies, or accessories.
Checklist:
Install wall-mounted shelves.
Use pegboards for versatile hanging.
Add over-the-door organizers for shoes, accessories, or supplies.
Invest in Dual-Purpose Furniture
Dual-purpose furniture can make a huge difference in a small space. Ottomans with built-in storage can serve as seating, a footrest, or a coffee table while holding blankets or books inside. Murphy or sofa beds are perfect for transforming a living area into a bedroom. Extendable tables are ideal for entertaining guests without taking up space when not in use.
Checklist:
Add storage ottomans for multi-functional seating.
Consider a Murphy bed or sofa bed.
Use extendable tables for flexible dining or workspaces.
Create Activity Zones
Creating distinct zones for different activities can help you stay organized and focused. Visual markers like rugs, dividers, or lighting can help define separate areas, even in a studio apartment. For example, set up a small desk or table dedicated to work or study, create a cosy corner for reading and relaxing, and organize a kitchen prep zone with countertop organizers to keep essentials within reach.
Checklist:
Use rugs or dividers to define spaces.
Designate a dedicated work or study area.
Create a cosy relaxation zone.
Organize a functional kitchen prep zone.
Use Clear Bins and Labels
Clear bins and labels can make it easy to find what you need quickly. Transparent containers let you see the contents at a glance, preventing items from getting lost in the back of closets or cabinets. Labelling bins and containers reduces clutter and helps ensure everything stays in its designated place.
Checklist:
Store items in clear bins.
Label containers to designate contents.
Prevent clutter by returning items to their labelled bins.
Follow the "One In, One Out" Rule
Adopting a "one in, one out" rule is a great habit to prevent clutter from building up again. For every new item you bring into your home, remove an old item to maintain balance. This rule can apply to clothing, kitchen gadgets, and home decor to keep your space manageable.
Checklist:
For every new item, remove an old one.
Apply this rule to clothing, decor, and kitchen gadgets.
Tidy Up Daily
Tidying up daily can make a big difference in maintaining cleanliness in a small space. Develop simple habits like making your bed each morning, wiping down countertops after cooking, and doing a quick five-minute reset at the end of the day to put everything back in place. These small actions can prevent clutter from piling up and make deep cleaning less overwhelming.
Checklist:
Make your bed each morning.
Wipe down countertops after cooking.
Do a five-minute end-of-day reset.
Optimize Closet and Storage Spaces
Optimizing your closet and storage spaces can help prevent them from becoming catch-alls. Use cascading hangers to save space, install shelf risers to create additional levels for folded clothes, and store seasonal items in under-bed storage containers or vacuum-sealed bags. Drawer dividers are also a great investment for keeping small items like socks, accessories, or kitchen utensils organized.
Checklist:
Use cascading hangers for clothing.
Install shelf risers to add more levels.
Store seasonal items in under-bed storage or vacuum-sealed bags.
Add drawer dividers for small items.
Embrace Minimalism
Embracing minimalism can make small-space living more enjoyable. Focus on quality over quantity and surround yourself with items you love and use. Choose decor pieces that serve a purpose, such as a stylish lamp that provides storage. Avoid excessive knick-knacks that can make a small room feel cluttered.
Checklist:
Focus on quality over quantity.
Choose a decor with dual purposes.
Avoid excess decorative items.
Use Clever Cleaning Techniques
Small spaces can quickly accumulate dust and grime, especially in tight corners. Use clever cleaning techniques, such as a handheld vacuum for quick cleanups and multi-surface cleaning wipes for a quick refresh. Clean one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Regular maintenance is key—a few minutes of cleaning each day can prevent bigger messes later.
Checklist:
Keep a handheld vacuum for quick cleanups.
Use multi-surface wipes for convenience.
Clean one area at a time to stay focused.
Brighten the Space with Light and Mirrors
Light and mirrors can make a small space feel bigger and more inviting. Soft, ambient lighting creates warmth, while LED light strips under cabinets or shelves can brighten dim corners. Avoid harsh overhead lights that can make a room feel smaller. Strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space—try putting a mirror across from a window to maximize natural light.
Checklist:
Add soft, ambient lighting.
Use LED light strips for dark areas.
Avoid harsh overhead lighting.
Place mirrors strategically to reflect light.
By following these steps and using the organized checklist as a guide, you can create a functional and beautiful home. Small spaces don't have to feel cramped or chaotic—with thoughtful organization and consistent upkeep, you can enjoy a living environment that brings peace and joy.
