Spring has sprung — or it will soon enough — and for many of us, that means it’s time for the annual ritual of deep cleaning and decluttering our homes. But if you live in a small space, the prospect of spring cleaning can feel especially daunting. Where do you even begin when every square foot counts?
Fear not, fellow small-space dwellers! With a little creativity and some smart storage solutions, you can maximize your home’s potential and create a more organized, serene living environment.
Did you know that the average North American home has tripled in size over the past 50 years? Yet, 80% of Canadians store unwanted items in their basement or garage. Whether you’re in a tiny apartment or condo or a cozy townhouse, these six tips can help you make the most of your space this spring:
- Start with a plan: Before diving in, take a moment to visualize your ideal space. What’s working well? What areas feel cluttered or underutilized? Make a list of priority projects and tackle them one at a time to avoid that overwhelming feeling.
- Embrace vertical space: When floor space is limited, think up! Install floating shelves to display books and decor, use over-the-door organizers for items like shoes and toiletries, and invest in tall, narrow storage pieces that make use of often-wasted vertical real estate.
- Get creative with hidden storage: Ottomans with removable tops, beds with built-in drawers, hollow coffee tables — there are countless ways to sneak extra storage into your existing furniture. Look for pieces that do double duty to get the most bang for your buck and square footage.
- Don’t forget about awkward spaces: Have an odd nook under the stairs or a sliver of wall between windows? Turn these often-overlooked areas into functional storage with custom-fit shelving, pegboard organizers, or even a cozy reading nook with built-in book storage.
- Curate your possessions: The hardest part of spring cleaning is often deciding what to keep and what to let go. Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and use. Donate or sell items that no longer serve you and be intentional about what you allow into your space moving forward.
- Make it a habit: Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a once-a-year ordeal. By developing regular decluttering habits — like the “one in, one out” rule for new purchases — you can maintain a more organized space all year round. Set aside just 10-15 minutes per day to tidy and put things away, and your next spring cleaning will be a breeze.
Remember, living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to feel cramped or cluttered. With a little ingenuity and these smart storage solutions, you can create a home that feels spacious, organized, and uniquely yours.
What are your go-to tips for maximizing space and keeping clutter at bay in a small home? Share your wisdom with the Shopper’s Voice community — we’d love to hear your creative solutions!
Did you know? The power of a tidy space
Studies show that cluttered environments can lead to increased stress, procrastination and difficulty focusing. On the flip side, organized spaces are linked with better sleep, healthier eating habits and greater productivity. Who knew spring cleaning could do so much good?