• Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Categories
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Media & Press

Smallish Home

Cleaning•Organization

How To Organize Cleaning Supplies

July 26, 2021

When organizing your home, don’t forget to organize your cleaning supplies!  Here are some simple tips for creating a tidy system that makes any clean-up job a snap!  

This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified purchases.

Does your under sink cabinet look like the cleaning aisle at your local grocery store? Bottles of cleaning sprays, foams, and aerosols crowding around your pipes and taking up valuable prime real estate?  It may be time to pull everything out, give it a good sort, and add a bit of organization so it’s easier to find exactly what you need to keep your home spick and span. 

As you probably already know, I keep a minimal supply of cleaning solutions under my kitchen sink.  I find this minimizes distraction and helps me keep the space clean and organized.

All other specialty cleaners are stored on a lightweight metal shelving rack that fits between my washing machine and my furnace in my garage.  It’s accessible enough that I can quickly grab my cleaning caddy AND it frees up my kitchen cabinets for items that are used more frequently. 

By adding a freestanding shelf, I was able to pack more storage into a sliver of garage that would otherwise be unused.  It’s been the perfect home for all the laundry and cleaning-related items that can be tough to store in a small home.

  Ikea Hyllis Shelf (painted with black spray paint)

Whether you have an entire closet, cabinet, or just a single shelf, here are some simple tips to help you organize cleaning supplies in any space:  

Use containers for holding different sized cleaning solutions

While it can be tempting to just place cleaning supplies on a shelf, containers are your friend when it comes to preventing spills and keeping your cabinets organized.  

My absolute favorite container for cleaning supplies is The Container Store’s Multi-Purpose Bins.  They come in a range of widths but are all the same height and depth.  This means that you can mix and match your cleaners to the perfect size container and still have them line up nicely on a shelf.  They are inexpensive and multi-use, which is a win-win in my book.  

Click here to see my other favorite budget organizers, all under $5!

Categorize and label your cleaning supplies

This can be done in many ways, but the goal is to create groups that make sense to you.  It could be by shape, purpose, or even by room.  

I created the following categories:

  • Soaps
  • Sprays
  • Bleach and Vinegar
  • Cleaners
  • Trash Bags

And of course, I added labels to each container so that everyone in my household knows where to find and return cleaning items.  

These labels were made with my Brother P-Touch PTD600 Label Maker and White on Black Tape in the 24mm size.  I love a large, easy to see label and the black color makes for a fun pop of contrast. 

Use Command Strips to hang your broom and mop

I find uses for 3M Command products all over the house, but the Broom and Mop Grippers just might be my favorite.  They are designed to attach to a wall and securely hold a broom or mop, all without leaving a mark if you choose to remove the holder at some point.

Previously my broom and mop leaned against a wall in my garage, looking messy and prone to falling over.  I used two of the Grippers to attach my mop and broom to the side of my cleaning shelving unit.  They hang nicely to the side and are no longer a tripping hazard in my garage.

As I’ve moved further through my organizational journey, I have come to understand that having a home for everything, including brooms, is the best way to maintain organizational systems.

Think outside the box

Do you have something unconventional you need to store? Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and use the space you have.  I literally had no space for a printer in my home but decided I still really needed to have one.  A wireless printer in the garage on my cleaning shelves solved my storage issue and is much less of an eyesore than if it was on a dresser or desk inside our house.

Simplify your cleaners

This can be a hard category to reduce since different cleaners can be useful in different situations!  However, I guarantee there are cleaners that you no longer use or that can be replaced by another cleaner.  

I found that I really only rely on 3-4 main cleaning solutions and then a handful of specialty cleaners.  All other cleaners were passed on to people who could use them, through our neighborhood Buy Nothing Group.  I felt good passing them on knowing they would be going to a home where they would be used, instead of taking up space in my own home.

cleaning supply shelfStore everything together

Centralize your cleaning supplies by dedicating a cabinet, closet, or shelf to the sole purpose of storing all of your cleaning supplies.  This eliminates confusion or searching for a specific cleaner when an urgent clean-up situation arises.  

When everything is organized by category on a shelf, it’s really easy for me to load a cleaning caddy with exactly the products I need.  This is so much easier than having to rummage through 7 cabinets to find the Windex and the toilet bowl cleaner. 

I’m really thrilled with how my cleaning shelves turned out.  The neat rows of categorized cleaners bring me a sense of calm that makes cleaning up household messes a much more enjoyable experience.  And as an added bonus, my kids and my husband are able to find things by looking at the labels instead of asking me where things are. 🙂 

If you would like to see my cleaning shelf in action, check out this 30-second video:

@smallishhome

As requested, here’s how I organize my cleaning supplies on my garage utility shelf. #organizing #organizedhome #cleaningsupplies #cleantok

♬ Saturday – twenty one pilots

And be sure to follow me on Tiktok and Instagram where I share organizing and cleaning tips to help you make your own home a clean, calm oasis.  

0
0 Leave a Comment

cleaning supplies garage organization laundry room organization

Previous Best Organizing Products Under $5
Next Double Your Closet Space With This Closet Hack

Related Posts

outdoor toybox

TAKE THOSE TOYS OUTSIDE!

organized mug cabinet

MAXIMIZING MUG STORAGE IN THE KITCHEN

christmas presents

WHERE DO YOU HIDE PRESENTS IN A SMALL HOUSE?

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

About

About

Hi! I’m Lisa and I dig smallish homes. I believe they bring families together and provide a constraint on the accumulation of stuff. I’m obsessed with rethinking room design and storage solutions in order to live the life I want in the house I have. I hope you stay a while!
read more

Editor’s Picks

  • Lifestyle

    Let’s Get Things Done This Su...

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Categories

  • Cleaning
  • Decluttering
  • Design
  • DIY
  • Lifestyle
  • Organization

Instagram

Only three more sleeps until Christmas and I’ve Only three more sleeps until Christmas and I’ve literally just crossed the last thing off my to-do list.  All the planning, shopping and prep work is done and I’m ready to enjoy the next few days.  If you need me I’ll be eating a gingerbread cookie (or two) while drinking cup after cup of coffee.

Before I go, I wanted to share a few pictures of our minimalist holiday decorations in our living room/ dining room. 

This year we tried something different and cut our own mountain grown tree and I’m LOVING the change.  Even though it’s real skinny, it has the nicest placement of branches and is truly a beautiful tree.

The delicate branches can’t hold heavy lights or ornaments, so I reused the white crocheted snowflakes  and matte black balls from last year, along with a single string of copper LED lights.  So simple, so easy, but still beautiful.  Just what I needed this year.

Wishing you a very happy holiday!
The crows are back! The best decorations are the o The crows are back!
The best decorations are the ones you are  EXCITED to see each year. The ones you instantly pull from the box and start placing in your home. They don’t need to be fancy, or new each year. They just need to bring joy to you and your family. ✨❤️
Surprise! We bought a new home!  And sold our ho Surprise!

We bought a new home!  And sold our home!  It’s been a whirlwind and I’m exhausted.

We are incredibly lucky to have bought our neighbor’s home FSBO.  It’s larger than our current home by ~700 square feet and is a split entry home with most of the living space upstairs and a bonus family room/bedroom in the basement.  

While the rooms (and closets!) are still small, there are more of them.  There will be room for office space for both my husband and myself, a bit more storage, and even a laundry room/mudroom (woo hoo! No more garage laundry for me!)

So what do you think? Do I need to change my name from smallishhome to sortofmidsizehome?  No matter what, I’ll continue to share how I maximize storage in small spaces, because, well, that’s my life and my passion!  

Be sure to check out my stories for a walk through of the new house.  Don’t miss the avocado green tub and original 1960’s kitchen cabinets. So many projects ahead of us!
Hey there! It’s been a while! I’ve had a lot Hey there! It’s been a while!

I’ve had a lot on my plate personally these last few weeks and have had to drop all social media as a way to stay sane and focused on the path ahead.  I love this community, but I just couldn’t give it the time it deserved, so I took a break.  Hopefully you understand. 

I’m trying to ramp back up but could use your help.  What spaces are you having trouble organizing?  What kind of videos would you like to see?  I appreciate each and every one of you and love hearing your suggestions.  It’s what keeps me going when I start to feel stuck!

Disclaimer

© Smallish Home, 2020. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Smallish Home with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Amazon Associates Disclosure

Smallish Home is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Archives

  • June 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • June 2020
Only three more sleeps until Christmas and I’ve Only three more sleeps until Christmas and I’ve literally just crossed the last thing off my to-do list.  All the planning, shopping and prep work is done and I’m ready to enjoy the next few days.  If you need me I’ll be eating a gingerbread cookie (or two) while drinking cup after cup of coffee.

Before I go, I wanted to share a few pictures of our minimalist holiday decorations in our living room/ dining room. 

This year we tried something different and cut our own mountain grown tree and I’m LOVING the change.  Even though it’s real skinny, it has the nicest placement of branches and is truly a beautiful tree.

The delicate branches can’t hold heavy lights or ornaments, so I reused the white crocheted snowflakes  and matte black balls from last year, along with a single string of copper LED lights.  So simple, so easy, but still beautiful.  Just what I needed this year.

Wishing you a very happy holiday!
The crows are back! The best decorations are the o The crows are back!
The best decorations are the ones you are  EXCITED to see each year. The ones you instantly pull from the box and start placing in your home. They don’t need to be fancy, or new each year. They just need to bring joy to you and your family. ✨❤️
Surprise! We bought a new home!  And sold our ho Surprise!

We bought a new home!  And sold our home!  It’s been a whirlwind and I’m exhausted.

We are incredibly lucky to have bought our neighbor’s home FSBO.  It’s larger than our current home by ~700 square feet and is a split entry home with most of the living space upstairs and a bonus family room/bedroom in the basement.  

While the rooms (and closets!) are still small, there are more of them.  There will be room for office space for both my husband and myself, a bit more storage, and even a laundry room/mudroom (woo hoo! No more garage laundry for me!)

So what do you think? Do I need to change my name from smallishhome to sortofmidsizehome?  No matter what, I’ll continue to share how I maximize storage in small spaces, because, well, that’s my life and my passion!  

Be sure to check out my stories for a walk through of the new house.  Don’t miss the avocado green tub and original 1960’s kitchen cabinets. So many projects ahead of us!
Hey there! It’s been a while! I’ve had a lot Hey there! It’s been a while!

I’ve had a lot on my plate personally these last few weeks and have had to drop all social media as a way to stay sane and focused on the path ahead.  I love this community, but I just couldn’t give it the time it deserved, so I took a break.  Hopefully you understand. 

I’m trying to ramp back up but could use your help.  What spaces are you having trouble organizing?  What kind of videos would you like to see?  I appreciate each and every one of you and love hearing your suggestions.  It’s what keeps me going when I start to feel stuck!
⁣I woke up today and saw it - 10K. I’m in sho ⁣I woke up today and saw it - 10K.  I’m in shock. ⠀
⠀
I’m so grateful for each and every one of you who chose to follow my account and watch me organize my smallish home. ⠀
⠀
My goal has always been to share my love of organization and design - while hopefully inspiring others to show their own home some love. ⠀
⠀
No matter how small or large your space may be, I hope you are able to walk away with a few ideas of ways to maximize the space you have.⠀
⠀
In the meantime, I’ll keep working space by space in my own home, adding functionality and order that fits the needs of my family and the space that I have.⠀
⠀
I’d love to know what you would all like to see more of - let me know in the comments what you’d like to see me tackle next!⠀
⠀
⠀
#10k #10kfollowers #organizationmotivation #motivation #simplifylife #simplify #organizedmom #organizing #homeorganization #declutter #diyorganizer #diyorganization #smallhomeliving #getorganized #stayorganized #letsgetorganized  #tidyhome #mysmallishhome #lessismore
⁣It’s a rainy Monday here and all I want to do ⁣It’s a rainy Monday here and all I want to do is drink mugs of hot tea nonstop.  But tea can be a tricky item to store!⠀
⠀
When it’s in the box, you never know how many tea bags are left.  But take them out of the box and they slide all over the shelf!⠀
⠀
Using some sort of small, clear, lidded container keeps the bags together and helps you see when it’s time to restock.  Bonus points if the containers can stack, allowing you to store multiple varieties in a small space. ⠀
⠀
These containers are from Target, but any food storage container will work. Even the cheap plastic food storage containers from the grocery store. ⠀
⠀
What is your favorite variety of tea?  I’m a big fan of English Breakfast if I need a little caffeine boost (which I’m definitely in need of today!)
⁣Do you ever have weeks where you just can’t g ⁣Do you ever have weeks where you just can’t get back on track?⠀
⠀
Where you feel tired, and all you see is work that needs to get done?⠀
⠀
It can be hard to figure out where to start.⠀
⠀
I’ve been struggling to get myself moving the last few weeks after experiencing a family emergency that knocked the wind out of my sails. ⠀
⠀
But I know it’s time to turn things around.  Here are my go-to steps for getting back on track: ⠀
⠀
1️⃣Get those machines working for me.  I always get the dishwasher running and then start a load of laundry.  It makes me feel productive and gets the momentum going for the rest of the day.⠀
⠀
⠀
2️⃣Grab a pen and a notebook, plus either a glass of water or a cup of coffee, and sit down.⠀
⠀
⠀
3️⃣Take everything in my head and write it down.  Everything that needs to be done, everything that needs to be bought, every card that needs to be written, bills that need to be paid, people I need to message back.  I write it down so it isn’t in my head.⠀
 ⠀
4️⃣Circle one thing that I can do now and finish.  Maybe I only have 10 minutes, but in those 10 minutes I can pick up a room, put away laundry, or go through a stack of paperwork.  Anything that will make progress on my list but Isn’t too big of a project that I can’t finish.⠀
⠀
⠀
5️⃣Once I’ve done just one thing, I try to reward myself with some sort of self care.  It can be anything that makes me feel good - going for a walk, stopping in at a store, looking at a magazine, or maybe just scrolling on my phone for a few minutes.⠀
⠀
⠀
6️⃣Then, I look back at my list and prioritize in order of importance.  I’ll choose the task with the highest priority and start working down. ⠀
⠀
While this process works, it sometimes takes a few days.  I just keep repeating it over and over until things start clicking again. ⠀
⠀
Getting outside helps too.  Fresh air and movement seem to do a world of good.⠀
⠀
How have you been feeling lately?  Are you crushing that to-do list or are you feeling like you need like 3 clones of yourself in order to get it all done?⠀
.⠀
.⠀
Photo by @callimechemphotography

ConvertKit Form

Copyright © 2022 Smallish Home · Theme by SheShoppes