6 spaces to keep clear even in a small home

Keeping six core areas in your home consistently clear not only expands living space but also reduces mental stress for residents.

When moving into a new home, many people tend to utilize every available space, from under the bed to balconies, for storage. However, these areas quickly become cluttered, hindering daily activities.

Instead of filling every nook and cranny, homeowners should maintain clear space in the following six areas:

**Under the bed:** Many families use the space under their beds to store bedding or clothes. Cramming items into this area obstructs air circulation and makes cleaning difficult. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high humidity and stagnant air create conditions for mold growth. Homeowners should only use wheeled storage boxes, keep them neatly organized, and leave gaps for ventilation.

**Entryway:** The area near the front door often becomes a dumping ground for shoes, bags, and mail. Homeowners should designate the lower part of a shoe cabinet for frequently worn pairs and only place keys on top of the cabinet. Keeping the entryway tidy creates a sense of cleanliness upon entering the home and reduces time spent searching for items.

**Balcony:** Old furniture and broken appliances are often relegated to the balcony, diminishing its function for natural light, ventilation, and relaxation. The WHO emphasizes that ventilation is vital for limiting microorganisms indoors. Therefore, homeowners should place a maximum of one small storage cabinet in a corner of the balcony.

**Kitchen countertop:** A kitchen countertop cluttered with appliances like air fryers and blenders can hinder cooking. A 2012 study by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) indicated that clutter tends to spread and overwhelm functional spaces. Homeowners should store spices, cutting boards, and infrequently used appliances in a cabinet, keeping only daily essentials on the countertop.

**Bathroom:** A bathroom floor covered with bottles and baskets obstructs movement and creates puddles. A 2020 study in the US revealed that clutter is a leading cause of falls among older adults. Homeowners should use mirror cabinets or wall-mounted shelves for storing small items.

**Dining table:** Dining tables are often used for documents, deliveries, or snacks. A UCLA research project found that time pressure leads many families to misuse a single space for multiple purposes. Homeowners need to establish rules to immediately put away papers, handle packages, and only place meals on the dining table.

Science has demonstrated that clutter directly impacts physical and mental well-being. A 2010 UCLA study noted that women living in cluttered homes had higher cortisol stress hormone levels and were more prone to depression than those living in tidy environments. In 2021, Leiden University in the Netherlands also confirmed that chaotic spaces increase alpha-amylase concentrations, a physiological marker closely linked to stress.