Keeping small spaces clean can seem like a daunting task, but with some planning and the right tools, it can be quick and easy. As someone who lives in a small apartment, I’ve learned some helpful tips and tricks over the years. Here are my top suggestions for cleaning small spaces efficiently.
Declutter Regularly
The first step to cleaning small spaces is decluttering. When items are piled up, it’s much harder to clean around them. I try to declutter a little each day by:
- Taking 10 minutes to put away any items that are out of place
- Getting rid of things I no longer need
- Organizing clutter into bins and baskets
Regular decluttering prevents mess from building up and makes cleaning faster.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas
In a small home, high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom get dirty the fastest. I save time by focusing cleans in these spots.
- I wipe kitchen counters and appliances down daily
- The bathroom gets a quick scrub a few times a week
Targeting high-traffic zones means I only have to spot clean the rest of the space.
Use Cleaning Checklists
Checklists help me clean efficiently by:
- Ensuring I hit every needed task
- Helping me clean in a logical order
- Reminding me of any frequently forgotten spots
I have custom lists for daily cleans, weekly deep cleans, etc. Checklists save time by keeping me on track and systematic.
Invest in Quality Supplies
Having the right tools makes cleaning small spaces much easier. Some must-haves include:
- Microfiber cloths – Great for dusting and cleaning windows/mirrors
- Vacuum – A cordless stick vacuum is perfect for quick pick ups
- Multi-surface spray – One spray can be used throughout the entire home
The right supplies reduce the time spent cleaning. Lower quality tools require more scrubbing and frequent replacement.
Clean top to bottom
When cleaning a room, I always start at the top and work down. This method prevents having to redo spots.
- First I dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and tops of shelves
- Then I clean down walls, furniture, and floors last
Cleaning top-down is more efficient since dust falls as you clean. Rooms stay cleaner longer.
Make things accessible
I keep supplies organized and within reach so I don’t have to hunt for them when cleaning.
- Cleaning products are kept under the kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Vacuum and duster are out in the open, not tucked away
Easy access to supplies makes it faster to tidy up small messes.
Divide and conquer
No one wants to spend their whole day cleaning. To make it more manageable, I break the work into sections.
- On weekdays, I tackle one task like vacuuming or cleaning the bathroom
- My weekend clean tackles the whole home, but I focus on one room at a time
Dividing cleaning into smaller tasks prevents it from taking over my whole day.
Enlist help from others
Getting some help can make cleaning a small space much quicker. I have roommates chip in by:
- Wiping down surfaces they use like mirrors and kitchen appliances
- Putting their dishes directly in the dishwasher after meals
- Sweeping high traffic areas like the entryway
Having everyone tidy up after themselves reduces my workload significantly.
Make a schedule
Rather than cleaning randomly, a schedule helps me be consistent. I have set days for tasks like:
- Laundry
- Changing sheets
- Vacuuming
- Deep cleaning the bathroom
A routine keeps cleaning from being forgotten. It only takes a few minutes each day.
Cleaning a small space may feel challenging, but following these tips makes it quick, easy, and manageable. The key is staying organized, targeting key areas, and breaking cleaning down into simple daily and weekly tasks. With some dedication and planning, small spaces can stay neat and tidy.
