My Personal Hacks That Actually Work in Tiny Spaces
Living in a small apartment has taught me a lot about making every inch count—especially when it comes to storing cleaning supplies. As someone who takes pride in keeping my home clean and cozy, I used to struggle with where to keep my sprays, sponges, vacuum, and mop without cluttering the limited space I had. But over time, through a lot of trial and error, I figured out some smart, space-saving storage hacks that actually work.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the exact techniques I use to store my cleaning supplies neatly—even in my one-bedroom apartment. Whether you live in a studio, a compact condo, or just want to maximize underused space, these ideas will help you stay organized without compromising comfort.
1. The Power of Vertical Space: Over-the-Door and Hanging Racks
One of the first lessons I learned was to stop looking around and start looking up. I realized that vertical space, especially behind doors and inside closets, was my best friend.
I installed an over-the-door organizer behind my bathroom door and it instantly became my go-to cleaning supply spot. I keep my microfiber cloths, rubber gloves, and smaller bottles like glass cleaner and disinfectant spray there. The pockets are perfect for separating items and keeping them in reach.
In my cleaning closet (which is honestly just a repurposed coat closet), I use a hanging rack with hooks and mesh pockets to hold my dusters, mop heads, and even a small handheld vacuum. This method freed up the floor and made everything more visible and accessible.
2. Under-the-Sink Storage Solutions That Save the Day
The space under my kitchen and bathroom sinks used to be a chaotic mess—until I found the right system. I added a two-tier under-sink organizer with slide-out shelves, which made a huge difference.
Now, I keep all my frequently used items like dish soap, multi-purpose cleaner, and scrub brushes in the front row. In the back, I stash bulkier items like extra sponges, dishwasher pods, and bleach. I also use small labeled bins to keep things from tipping over and a tension rod to hang spray bottles.
Honestly, optimizing the under-sink area has been a game changer. It’s hidden, organized, and right where I need it.
3. Cleaning Caddy for Portability and Minimalism
Instead of scattering supplies in different rooms, I use a cleaning caddy that I carry around with me when it’s time to clean. This little trick helped me reduce duplicates and focus on essentials.
My caddy includes:
- All-purpose spray
- Glass cleaner
- Disinfectant wipes
- Microfiber cloths
- A pair of gloves
- A sponge and brush
I store this caddy on a shelf in my linen closet. When it’s time to clean, I just grab it and go. It’s convenient, tidy, and limits the temptation to hoard too many products.
4. Utilize Furniture with Hidden Storage
Multi-functional furniture is a lifesaver in a small apartment. I have a storage bench in my entryway that doubles as seating and cleaning product storage.
Inside the bench, I keep:
- My Swiffer mop and refills
- Floor cleaner bottles
- A collapsible bucket
I also use a small ottoman in the living room that opens up and holds a few extra supplies like air freshener and lint rollers. It’s amazing how much space you can create when your furniture works double duty.
5. Overhead Cabinet Space That Often Goes Unused
At first, I completely ignored the top shelf of my kitchen cabinets because they were hard to reach. But then I realized that’s the perfect spot to store items I don’t use every day.
I use labeled plastic containers to store rarely used cleaning supplies like oven cleaner, grout brush, carpet shampoo, and refill packs. I keep a foldable step stool in the closet for easy access when I need to grab them.
This way, my everyday cleaning essentials are stored low and reachable, and the backup supplies stay neatly hidden away up top.
6. Slim Rolling Carts for Narrow Spaces
I found an ultra-slim rolling cart that fits perfectly between my washer and dryer. It’s narrow—less than 6 inches wide—but has three sturdy tiers where I store:
- Laundry detergent and softener
- Fabric spray
- Cleaning sprays for appliances
- Extra rags and gloves
It rolls in and out effortlessly and keeps everything off the top of my machines. I also have a similar one in the bathroom between the toilet and sink. These slim carts are life-savers in tight spaces.
7. Inside Closet Doors: Hidden but Handy
One of my favorite tricks is using adhesive hooks and organizers on the inside of closet doors. In my hallway closet, I’ve added hooks that hold:
- A broom
- A dustpan
- A foldable mop
Above them, I attached a small shelf with command strips to hold lighter items like gloves and cleaning wipes. This setup gives me easy access without taking up floor space or creating visual clutter.
It’s like having a mini cleaning station hidden behind a door!
8. Use Wall Space Creatively with Pegboards
This one is both functional and aesthetic. I mounted a small white pegboard on the wall behind my bathroom door. With a few pegs and baskets, I store:
- My toilet cleaner
- Scrubbing brushes
- Small sprays
- Washable rags
It looks surprisingly neat and gives me a sense of control over the space. You can customize the layout as your needs change—and it works great in utility areas or behind pantry doors too.
9. Keep Supplies in Clear Containers and Label Everything
I used to lose track of what I had—and ended up buying duplicates. Then I started keeping everything in clear containers and labeled each one.
Now, I have bins for:
- “Floor Care”
- “Kitchen Cleaning”
- “Bathroom Cleaning”
- “Refills & Bulk”
These containers stack easily in my closet or cabinet. Seeing everything at a glance helps me clean faster and shop smarter.
It’s a little organizational trick that goes a long way in small homes.
For more ideas on container storage and decluttering tips, I recommend checking out The Container Store’s organization blog — their posts have inspired several of my own hacks.
10. Declutter and Use What You Have
Let’s be honest—we don’t need 10 types of cleaner for a 500-square-foot apartment. I went through a serious decluttering phase and decided to keep only what I really used.
I narrowed it down to:
- 1 All-purpose cleaner
- 1 glass cleaner
- 1 disinfectant
- 1 floor cleaner
- A few tools (sponges, brush, cloths)
This not only saved space but also made cleaning feel less overwhelming. Fewer products = faster routines and more storage options.
Bottom Line: It’s Not About Space, It’s About Smartness
Storing cleaning supplies in a small apartment used to feel impossible—until I changed my mindset. By getting creative with underused spaces, using vertical storage, and embracing minimalism, I created a system that’s both tidy and functional.
If I can do it in my cozy little apartment, so can you. Start small, organize by zone, and keep only what you truly need. Trust me, it makes cleaning feel a lot less like a chore—and a lot more like self-care.
