In today’s world, small living spaces are becoming more common as people opt for urban living or downsize to more efficient homes. Whether you’re living in a compact apartment, a tiny house, or a minimalist space, organizing and utilizing every bit of available storage is essential. Cleaning supplies are one of those everyday necessities that can easily clutter up your living area if not stored properly, especially when space is limited. Fortunately, there are numerous strategies and creative solutions for storing cleaning supplies in small spaces without compromising convenience or accessibility.
In this article, we will explore various ways to store cleaning supplies in small spaces, offering practical tips and creative storage solutions that can help you make the most out of every inch of your home. We will look at efficient ways to organize cleaning tools, choose the right storage solutions, and even how to use your space creatively to avoid clutter and maximize functionality.
Assess Your Cleaning Supply Needs
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Before you begin looking for storage solutions, it’s important to take stock of the cleaning supplies you need to store. The type and quantity of cleaning supplies will determine the kind of storage solution you need. Common cleaning items include:
- Bottles of cleaning products (multi-surface cleaners, disinfectants, glass cleaners, etc.)
- Sponges and cleaning rags
- Scrub brushes, brooms, and mops
- Vacuum cleaners, dustpans, and other tools
- Gloves, brushes, and other accessories
By assessing your cleaning supplies, you’ll get a clear picture of what you need to store and can begin to think about how to fit these items into your limited space. You may realize you don’t need to keep every single item, and some may be dispensable or replaceable by multi-functional tools. Purging unnecessary items will make finding storage solutions much easier.
Prioritize Accessibility
In a small space, storage solutions should be as practical and efficient as possible. Accessibility is one of the most important factors to consider when storing cleaning supplies. While you want to keep your space neat and tidy, you also need to ensure that your cleaning supplies are easy to access whenever you need them.
When organizing your cleaning supplies, consider:
- How often you use each item: Store frequently used items at eye level or within easy reach. Items used less frequently can be placed higher up or further out of the way.
- Size and weight: Lighter items, such as cleaning cloths or spray bottles, can be stored in smaller, more compact spaces. Larger and heavier items, like mops or vacuum cleaners, may require more spacious storage solutions.
- Grouping similar items together: Store like items together, such as all of your floor cleaning products in one place or organizing sprays by their purpose (bathroom cleaners, glass cleaners, etc.).
By creating zones for each category of cleaning supplies, you can make sure you don’t waste time searching for specific tools or products when cleaning.
Utilize Vertical Space
When dealing with small spaces, one of the best ways to save room is by going vertical. In most homes, vertical space is underused, but your walls can provide the perfect storage solution for cleaning supplies. There are several strategies to store items vertically without cluttering up your floors:
3.1. Wall-Mounted Storage
Wall-mounted shelves, racks, or hooks can be an excellent solution for storing cleaning supplies, especially for lightweight items. You can install a few simple shelves or racks to hold spray bottles, sponges, gloves, or rags. If you need extra hanging space, install hooks for mops, brooms, and dustpans, allowing them to be hung vertically on the wall.
- Wall-Mounted Shelves: These shelves are ideal for storing smaller cleaning products and tools. Floating shelves or open shelving units can be installed in any small, unused area like a hallway, pantry, or closet. A narrow shelf above your sink or in a cupboard could hold spray bottles, cloths, and other essentials.
- Pegboards: Pegboards are highly versatile for small-space organization. You can add hooks, baskets, and pegs to hold cleaning brushes, rags, and even cleaning gloves. Pegboards also allow for flexibility, as you can adjust and rearrange the hooks as needed.
3.2. Over-the-Door Organizers
An often-overlooked area for storage is the back of doors. Over-the-door organizers come in various forms and can be used in closets, bathrooms, or even kitchen doors. These organizers often have pockets or hanging baskets that are perfect for storing cleaning cloths, spray bottles, and even larger items like brooms or mops. The back of a door is a perfect location because it’s out of sight but still easily accessible.
3.3. High Shelves
If your small space has taller cupboards or closets, make use of the upper shelves. Items like spare rags, brushes, and bottles that aren’t used on a daily basis can be stored on high shelves. To access these items, you can use a small ladder or step stool, or simply place more frequently used items at lower levels.
Under-Sink Storage
The space under your kitchen or bathroom sink is one of the most valuable storage areas in a small space. It’s often overlooked but can be used effectively to store cleaning supplies. Depending on the size of your sink cabinet, you may be able to store various items, including bottles of cleaner, sponges, and even a small mop or broom.
4.1. Use Bins and Baskets
To keep everything organized under the sink, use bins, baskets, or storage containers to separate different types of cleaning supplies. Labeling the containers can also make it easier to find what you need quickly.
- Pull-Out Bins: If you have deeper cabinets, installing pull-out bins can make items easier to access. These bins allow you to store cleaning supplies on different levels, with larger items at the back and smaller bottles or cloths at the front.
- Drawer Dividers: If there are drawers under the sink, use dividers to organize cleaning supplies. You can keep cleaning rags, gloves, and small tools neatly organized.
4.2. Over-the-Sink Shelving
For small bathrooms or kitchens with limited cabinet space, over-the-sink shelving units can be an excellent way to add storage. These units allow you to keep items like soap, cleaning sprays, and paper towels within easy reach.
Hidden and Multipurpose Storage Solutions
When you have limited space, it’s essential to think creatively and use every possible area for storage. There are many hidden or multipurpose storage solutions that can maximize the space you have available.
5.1. Furniture with Built-in Storage
Many modern furniture pieces offer built-in storage, making them perfect for small spaces. For example, a coffee table with storage compartments or an ottoman with hidden space can be used to store cleaning supplies. These types of furniture provide additional storage without taking up more space, making them ideal for apartments or small homes.
5.2. Multi-Function Storage
Consider multi-purpose furniture or items that serve dual purposes. For example, a bench with storage underneath can double as both seating and a storage unit for cleaning supplies. Similarly, a storage ottoman can be used for both sitting and organizing items like rags and sprays.
5.3. Closet Organizers
If your home has a closet that’s dedicated to cleaning supplies, you can make the most out of the closet space with clever organizers. Use stackable baskets, bins, or clear containers to separate your supplies and make them easy to access. Closet organizers also allow you to make use of the vertical space and keep your cleaning supplies tidy.
Create a Cleaning Supply Station
If you have the space for it, you might consider setting up a designated cleaning supply station. This is especially helpful in a small home where you need to keep everything centralized for easy access. A small corner of a pantry, closet, or even the laundry room can be turned into a dedicated station where you store all your cleaning supplies.
For a cleaning station:
- Use a small rolling cart or trolley to hold your supplies. This can be moved around the house and stored in a closet or hidden corner when not in use.
- Install shelves or use storage bins to categorize and separate items like floor cleaners, bathroom supplies, or glass cleaners.
- Place cleaning cloths, rags, or sponges in containers, so they don’t become cluttered or difficult to find.
Stay Organized with Labels
Organization is key in small spaces. Once you have your cleaning supplies stored, consider labeling your containers, bins, or baskets. Labels make it easy to quickly find what you need and keep everything in its place. Whether you use adhesive labels, chalkboard labels, or printed tags, adding labels ensures that your cleaning supplies remain organized and easy to access.
Conclusion
Storing cleaning supplies in small spaces doesn’t have to be a challenge. By utilizing vertical space, making use of hidden areas like under the sink, and considering creative storage solutions such as multi-purpose furniture, you can keep your cleaning supplies neatly organized and easily accessible. With the right strategies and a little creativity, even the smallest spaces can accommodate all of your cleaning essentials.
Efficient storage is essential for maintaining a clean and organized home, especially when you are working with limited space. Keep in mind the key principles of maximizing your space and making cleaning tools easily accessible, and you’ll find that storing cleaning supplies in small spaces doesn’t have to be a daunting task.