Introduction
Moving into a small home or apartment can be an exciting new chapter! However, keeping a small space clean and organized can also be a challenge. As someone who has lived in tiny homes and apartments for years, I’ve learned some great tips and tricks for keeping these spaces sparkling from top to bottom efficiently.
In this article, I’ll share my top cleaning tips to help you keep your small home or apartment fresh and tidy. From doing dishes to deep cleaning the bathroom, these cleaning hacks will help you stay on top of chores in compact living spaces.
Make the Most of Your Limited Storage
Storage space is limited in small homes, so you have to maximize what you do have. Here are some of my favorite storage solutions for tiny homes:
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Use under-bed storage containers – Slide plastic bins under your bed to stash extra linens, off-season clothing, or other items you don’t need regular access to.
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Install wall-mounted organizers – Wall-mounted bins, shelves, and racks can hold cleaning supplies, toiletries, dishes, cookware, and more.
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Opt for a vertical storage rack – Pots and pans take up a lot of cabinet space. A vertical rack mounts them on the wall to free up room.
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Hang a shoe organizer over the door – Hanging a shoe organizer over the bathroom or closet door creates more space for toiletries, accessories, or cleaning supplies.
Tackle Small Cleaning Tasks Daily
Don’t let chores pile up. Stay on top of small cleaning tasks each day to prevent messes in compact spaces.
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Wash dishes after each meal – Leaving dirty dishes in the sink takes up precious space. Get in the habit of washing as you cook and cleaning up after eating.
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Wipe kitchen surfaces daily – Quickly wipe down counters and appliances every evening to keep kitchens looking tidy.
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Make the bed every morning – Making the bed immediately makes bedrooms look neater.
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Clean the bathroom sink and toilet daily – Spray and wipe the sink, mirror, and toilet every night to avoid buildup.
Deep Clean Your Home Thoroughly and Strategically
While daily tidying keeps small homes looking presentable, you still need to deep clean regularly. Be strategic about intense cleaning sessions.
Focus on One Area at a Time
Don’t try to deep clean your entire home in one day. Space out intensive cleaning by focusing on one room, like the kitchen or bathroom, at a time.
Schedule Seasonal Deep Cleans
Do a deep clean of each room on a seasonal basis. For example, scrub kitchen cabinets and appliances thoroughly each spring and fall.
Enlist Help from Friends or Family
Recruit friends or family members to help with deep cleaning days. Many hands make light work, and you can finish cleaning faster.
Knock Out Tasks Room by Room
Create a detailed cleaning list for each room. Check tasks off the list as you systematically work through the home.
Embrace Multipurpose Furniture and Products
Look for furniture and cleaning products that serve multiple purposes to maximize functionality in tight spaces.
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Choose furniture with built-in storage, like ottomans with lift tops, beds with drawers, and sofas with hidden compartments.
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Use 2-in-1 cleaning products to save cabinet space. Opt for cleaners that work on multiple surfaces.
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Install folding furniture, like a Murphy bed or drop-leaf table. These pieces fold up and create more room when not in use.
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Hang cleaning tools, like brooms and mops, on the wall or back of a door when not using them. Mounted tools are out of the way but easily accessible.
Maintain Clutter-Free Surfaces
Small homes have limited surfaces like countertops and tables. Keep them free of clutter so you can actually use the space.
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Designate baskets or bins for accumulating mail, keys, and other objects that can pile up. Store them out of sight.
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Minimize small appliances left out. Only keep essentials like a coffeemaker on the counter.
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Empty the dish rack frequently so dishes don’t crowd the counter as they dry.
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Add shelving above sinks or toilets to hold frequently used items. Keep counter space below clear.
Conclusion
While living in a compact home does present some cleaning challenges, implementing organization hacks and efficient routines makes tidying manageable. Focus on quickly tackling small tasks daily, schedule deep cleans strategically, and embrace multifunctional products to keep your tiny house organized. Proper storage and regular upkeep will help you maintain a spotless small space.
