Tiny homes, much like they sound, are small, compact living spaces that are gaining popularity among minimalists, environmentalists, and people looking for a simpler way of life. While these homes are primarily in the USA, they are popping up across the globe. The UK, for example, has seen the rise of Tiny Eco Homes UK, which offers customizable tiny house models starting at £26,000.
However, tiny homes, while full of unique advantages like cost efficiency and low environmental impact, also come with their own set of challenges. Some of these include:
- Difficulty maintaining cleanliness.
- Struggle to find space for essential appliances and furniture.
- Lack of storage options.
If you’ve recently moved in or are thinking of downsizing to a tiny home, don’t worry! This guide will provide you with practical tips and tricks to maximize space and maintain cleanliness in your tiny living space.
How to Maintain Cleanliness
Take 20 minutes to Clean Your Home
Dedicating even just 20 minutes each day to clean your tiny home. According to domestic cleaning experts this short daily routine can help you keep on top of any mess and prevent dirt and clutter from accumulating. Here’s a simple routine you can follow:
- Surface Cleaning: Start by wiping down all surfaces, including countertops, tables, and shelves. This prevents dust and grime from building up.
- Floors: Sweep or vacuum the floors to remove any dirt or debris. For a more thorough clean, mop the floors once a week.
- Tidy Up: Put away any out-of-place items, such as dishes, clothes, and other personal items.
- Bathroom: Quickly clean the sink and toilet to keep them fresh and hygienic.
- Kitchen: Wipe down the stovetop, clean any dirty dishes, and take out the trash.
Remember that since it’s only 20 minutes, you won’t have time to do a deep clean. This routine is focused on maintaining cleanliness and preventing mess from piling up.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions
Are standard cleaning products like bleach and ammonia enough to clean your home? Absoluetely. However, these products can be harsh and not kind to the environment. They also omit harmful fumes that can affect your health. Alternatively, you can use eco-friendly cleaning solutions, such as vinegar and baking soda, to clean your tiny home.
Here’s a break down of a few uses of these ingredients:
- Vinegar: Mix equal parts vinegar and water to create an all-purpose cleaning solution. Use it to clean countertops, windows, mirrors, and other surfaces.
- Baking Soda: This ingredient has fine particles that act as an abrasive. Sprinkle baking soda on your bathtub or sink, add a little water to make a paste, and scrub away any stubborn dirt or grime.
You can also add essential oils like lemon or lavender for a refreshing scent in your home.
Perform a Deep Clean Once a Month
Even with regular cleans, your tiny home will eventually need a deep clean. This means thoroughly cleaning every nook and cranny, including baseboards, inside cabinets and appliances, and under furniture.
Deep cleaning helps improve indoor air quality, eliminates hidden allergens, and extends the lifespan of your surfaces and appliances. It’s also essential for maintaining a healthy living environment by removing dust, bacteria, and mold that regular cleaning might miss.
Hire a Professional Cleaning Service
If you simply lack the time, energy, or patience to do any of the tasks above, you can hire a professional cleaning service to do them for you. You can either opt for a regular cleaning, which can be done weekly, biweekly, or monthly, or choose a one-time deep clean.
How to Maximize Space in Tiny Homes
Invest in Multifunctional Furniture
Investing in multifunctional furniture is a game-changer for maximizing space in tiny homes. These pieces are designed to serve multiple purposes, saving valuable space and enhancing functionality.
For example:
- Sofa Beds: These can function as both a seating area during the day and a bed at night. Many also include storage compartments for bedding or other essentials.
- Folding Tables and Chairs: These can be easily stored away when not in use, freeing up floor space for other activities.
- Wall-Mounted Desks and Shelves: These provide workspace and storage without taking up floor space, making your home feel less cluttered.
- Murphy Beds: These beds can be folded up against the wall when not in use, creating more living space during the day.
Multifunctional furniture can help to optimize space and maintaining a tidy environment. When your furniture is spaced out, it’s easier to keep the entire clean and organized.
Use Vertical Space
Maximizing vertical space is crucial in a tiny home. Here are some ways to do it:
- Install Shelves: Use wall-mounted shelves to store books, decorations, and other items. This frees up floor space and keeps your belongings organized.
- Use Hooks and Pegboards: Install hooks and pegboards on walls to hang kitchen utensils, tools, and other items. This keeps them within easy reach and off countertops and tables.
- Tall Furniture: Opt for tall, narrow furniture like bookcases and cabinets to make the most of vertical space without taking up much floor area.
- Lofted Beds: If your ceiling height allows, consider a lofted bed with space underneath for a desk, seating area, or additional storage.
Utilizing vertical space helps keep your tiny home organized and allows for more floor space, making the area feel larger and more open.
Implement Smart Storage Solutions
Smart storage solutions are essential for keeping a tiny home clutter-free. Here are some ideas:
- Under-Bed Storage: Use bins or drawers to store items under the bed. This is a great way to keep seasonal clothes, shoes, and other items out of sight.
- Built-In Storage: Opt for built-in storage solutions like benches with storage compartments, built-in cabinets, and shelves. These can be customized to fit your space and needs perfectly.
- Furniture with Storage: Choose furniture that doubles as storage, such as ottomans with hidden compartments or coffee tables with shelves underneath.
- Over-Door Storage: Use over-the-door organizers for shoes, accessories, and other small items. This utilizes otherwise unused space and keeps items easily accessible.
Smart storage solutions help maximize every inch of your tiny home, ensuring everything has a place and reducing clutter.
Surface-mounted Access Doors – A Surface-Mounted Access Door helps keep your tiny home clutter-free by providing a sleek, unobtrusive way to access essential utilities or storage areas without taking up additional space. Its design integrates seamlessly with walls or floors, maintaining the minimalist aesthetic while ensuring easy access to critical components.
Final Thoughts
Living in a tiny home is ideal for minamalists but they also require a bit of creativity and organization. By following our practical tips and utilizing smart storage solutions, you can create a functional and stylish living space in your tiny home.
Remember to think vertically, utilize multi-functional furniture, and keep clutter at bay to make the most of your limited square footage. With some planning and creativity, you can turn even the tiniest space into a comfortable and practical home.
