Easy Apartment Cleaning: Cleaning Habits for Small Spaces

There I was, in my cozy little apartment, sprawled on the couch in my favorite pajamas, coffee in one hand and a remote control in the other. Sunshine streamed through the window, pooling over my mismatched throw pillows, casting a perfect glow over the chaos that was my living room. To be honest, it looked like a small tornado had come through—there’s that stack of books balancing precariously on a wobbly side table, an empty cereal bowl sitting way too close to my laptop, and let’s not even talk about the sock that rolled under the couch.

Ah, the joys of small spaces, right? Living in a cozy apartment is all about maximizing every nook and cranny (and sometimes accepting that nooks and crannies might get a little… messy). But hey, small spaces can be conquered with a few easy cleaning habits! Let’s sip our coffee a bit more slowly and dive into some of these tips, shall we?

Embrace a Minimalist Mindset

Okay, confession time: I was a card-carrying member of the “I-must-keep-everything” club. Tchotchkes? Check. Old magazines? Check. That sad little potted plant that has long since turned to dust? You betcha! But when I finally embraced a minimalist mindset, my life changed.

• Assess Your Belongings: Start small. Pick a drawer or a shelf. Ask yourself if each item sparks joy or, you know, if it’s just taking up space and gathering dust…
• Donation Box: Place a donation box in your closet, and whenever you find something you no longer need, toss it in. Bonus points for spontaneity! I once found the perfect excuse to declutter while binge-watching a reality show. “Look, I don’t need this double candle holder set from that wedding in 2017!”
• One In, One Out: For every new item that enters, let go of another. It’s like a relationship: if it’s not serving you, it’s time to say goodbye!

Tackle Surfaces: The Quick Clean Magic

The best part? Surfaces are where the magic happens (and by magic, I mean the actual cleaning). Flat surfaces attract clutter like honey attracts bees. So, start here.

• Everyday Quick Wipe: Grab a microfiber cloth and a multi-surface cleaner. I love using Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day all-purpose cleaner—sage scent, anyone?—and wipe down surfaces each night before bed. It’s like a spell that transforms your apartment from “chaotic” to “chic” in 5 minutes.
• Visualize the Goal: Imagine that countertop sparkling like it’s auditioning for a spot in a home décor magazine. Not that I’d actually submit my kitchen for anything (trust me, the last time I did that, it resulted in a feature on “Keep It Real: The Beauty of Messy Lives”), but it gives you something to aspire to!

Simplify Your Cleaning Supplies

Let’s face it—cleaning products can take over an apartment faster than snacks in a movie binge! I used to hoard an array of cleaners like they were rare Pokémon cards. But then I did a little spring cleaning of my cleaning supplies.

• Limit to Essentials: Choose a few that do the job. Typically, a glass cleaner, a multi-surface cleaner, and your favorite wood polish are enough to keep the sparkle alive.
• Go Green: I dabble in natural approaches because, with this tiny space, I don’t want overwhelming scents. Vinegar and baking soda are superheroes—I mean, they can clean almost anything! Plus, I love the satisfaction of making my own “potions.” Call me a cleaning witch.

Create a Daily Cleaning Routine

The dreaded “C” word: cleaning. Fortunately, making a daily routine helps to sneak it in without feeling like I just signed up for an extreme boot camp. Here’s what works for me:

• Ten-Minute Tidy-Up: Set a timer for 10 minutes each day. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you feel the pressure of time! Suddenly, folding blankets and clearing coffee mugs feels like a mini sprint.
• Daily Chores List: You can make it a fun challenge! Each day, tackle one bigger cleaning task. Monday? Vacuum the floors (more like “search for loose change,” if we’re being honest). Tuesday? Dust (which also doubles as your chance to rediscover random items).
• Reward Yourself: After a week of sticking to your routine, reward yourself with something fun—maybe a nice coffee or a candle that smells like success.

Organize Your Space According to Use

It took me a while, but I finally realized that organizing doesn’t have to be a puzzle. I mean, how many times have I opened a group of drawers to find I’m discovering my fifth pair of chopsticks without a single clue as to where the laundry detergent went?

• Designate Zones: Create zones in your apartment based on activities. A cooking zone (i.e., that corner of the counter that’s always a mess). A relaxation zone (where that old blanket lives).
• Baskets and Bins: Get storage bins that match your décor. Yes, I’m talking about a chic basket for all those random cables and chargers! Not only do they serve a purpose, but they also add a touch of finesse (my college roommate would argue I should’ve also added a plant, but let’s take baby steps here).

Clean as You Go

You know that saying, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”? Well, in cleaning small spaces, it often starts with your feet moving.

• In the Kitchen: If you’re cooking, clean as you go to avoid an overwhelming mess. Chop veggies, wipe the counter. Make that pancake batter? Wipe the mixing bowl once done. It all adds up to a small miracle by dinnertime!
• Post-Activity Clean-up: Whether it’s wrapping up a Netflix binge or finishing a craft project, take a moment to put things back in their happy place. I was awful at this until I realized I could be both lazy and tidy at the same time. It’s an art form!

Invest in Vertical Storage

Listen, if there’s one thing I’ve discovered during my small space saga, it’s that vertical storage is truly a game-changer. We often forget about how much space we have upward!

• Shelving Units: A good shelving unit can work wonders. I snatched one up from IKEA (shoutout to their endless aisles of brilliance!). Now I can display my favorite books while keeping extra towels up top, out of sight and out of mind.
• Hooks and Wall Space: Use hooks for bags and coats near your front door. Not only does it save space, but it also saves me from that chaotic bag pile that inevitably happens when I come home.

Finding Your Groove in a Small Space

As I sip my coffee (which is now probably cold, let’s be real) and reflect on my cleaning habits, they’ve become less of a chore and more of a cozy ritual. With just a little creativity and some easy apartment cleaning strategies, my small space doesn’t just feel cozier; it feels like a home!

Remember, it’s not just about tidying up; it’s about embracing your space and creating an environment that feels welcoming, even while living alongside the chaos of your life. And as you establish these habits, you might just find a little magic in the mundane.

So, toss on those trusty pajamas, fill that coffee cup (again), and dive into the delightful world of easy apartment cleaning. I promise you won’t regret it!