How to Save Room in a Small Condo
If you live in a small condo—especially if you’ve just downsized—you may be having trouble figuring out how to store things and manage your living space effectively. Here’s what you need to know to make your space look and feel less cluttered.
De-Clutter
First things first—you likely have too much stuff! Take a weekend and go through it all and toss what you no longer need, like, or use. Do you need four frying pans? Are you really going to re-read all those books you’re keeping? Can you even tell the difference between those five black sweaters you have? Get rid of everything you can.
Keep Surfaces Uncluttered
When you live in a small space, clutter becomes more obvious. Plus, you just have fewer flat spaces to work with. When these spaces are loaded with “stuff”, your home will look messy and smaller than it is.
This is especially important in the kitchen. People tend to put all their appliances on the counter—and then you need to work around them every time you want to cook something. So, if you only use your toaster oven twice a week, tuck it under the counter and utilize that counter space. And that bread maker you haven’t used in the past year—it’s time to get rid of it completely.
Even appliances you use regularly, such as a coffee maker, don’t necessarily have to take up room in the kitchen. Maybe you can move it into the dining room or living room if you have more room in there.
Consider Getting New Furniture
Take a good look at the furniture you have. Your couch may be great, but it may take up too much space. You likely don’t need a large dining room table when a four-seat table would do—or maybe you don’t even need a table. Instead, get a few stools to place at your counter. And don’t forget about your bedroom. Do you really need that king-sized bed which is taking up the whole room? Don’t worry about having to buy cheaper “first apartment-type” pieces. Quite a few furniture manufacturers now make designer pieces that are stylish and functional for smaller spaces.
You could also consider folding furniture. You’ve likely seen murphy beds that fold down from the wall, but they also make tables and desks as well.
Now, if buying new furniture isn’t in your budget, simply try looking around to see what you can get rid of. Donate or sell that extra chair in your living room or the long coffee table you keep bumping into and enjoy the extra space.
Make Good Use of Your Wall Space
Getting a few floor-to-ceiling bookshelves instead of a bunch of regular-sized ones will give you just as much storage space, but it won’t take up as much room or make your room look as cluttered.
Consider hanging some hooks in your kitchen or dining room for your pots and pans. This space-saving trick will free up some cupboard space.
Look Around for Hidden Storage
Chances are you have space underneath your couch, chairs, or bed. Get some flat storage boxes to make your organizing even easier.
Don’t overlook your doors either! You can find all different types of over the door storage hangers to store just about anything from socks to spices.
Get Some Mirrors
Strategically placing mirrors around your home can reflect light and space and make your room look bigger. The best place to place mirrors is across from windows which let in natural light and at the end of hallways.
Choose Your Lighting Wisely
Having adequate lighting is important to brighten up any room, and it helps make the space appear larger. You can always remove existing window covering to let in as much natural light as possible.
And if you must buy lights, skip the floor lamps which will just take up more room. Get hanging lights or track lighting on the ceiling.
Use Closet Organizers
It’s amazing how much you can fit into a closet when you organize it correctly! If you can, get custom-made units to fit your closets. But if you can’t, buy the pieces which will fit in your closets and best allow you to organize your space.
If you’re looking for a real estate agent, or if you are interested in finding out more about houses, townhouses, or luxury condos for sale in Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, or Hamilton, contact us today at Alex Irish!
Alex Irish
CEO & Team Leader - Sales Representative
Alex Irish has been a leading force in real estate for over thirty years, establishing a reputation as one of Oakville’s most respected and successful realtors. Known for her unwavering work ethic and ethical approach, Alex consistently ranks among the top producers in the industry.
Her commitment to client satisfaction is unparalleled, exemplified by her signature concierge service that ensures each client receives personalized and dedicated attention. In late 2016, Alex embraced a new chapter as the Team Leader of Alex Irish & Associates, where she could uphold the high standards of service that have defined her career.
In 2024, Alex expanded her team’s reach by merging with the Regan team to create Regan Irish & Associates, forming a dynamic new firm that blends the strengths of both businesses. This partnership not only enhances their services but also provides clients with greater resources and an expanded network, all while preserving the personal, relationship-driven approach that clients have come to trust.
Alex’s insights on real estate trends are highly sought after, and she has been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times and Globe & Mail. A certified luxury marketing specialist, she has received numerous accolades throughout her career and frequently speaks at industry conferences.
Every February, Alex and her team at Regan Irish & Associates participate in the Kindness Tour, a tradition launched in 2017. During this month-long initiative, the entire team supports 28 local charities, embodying the company’s commitment to community. In recognition of their efforts, they were nominated for a Community Spirit Award.
At the heart of Alex’s philosophy is the belief in “doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.” She is deeply committed to building lifelong client relationships and takes pride in mentoring a dedicated team of agents while continuing to actively sell real estate.
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FALL MARKET KICKOFF: September 2025 Real Estate Market Update
As summer winds down, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market is shifting once again—this time with an important boost from the Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate cut. On September 17, 2025, the Bank lowered its policy interest rate to 2.5%, marking a significant move that is expected to reinvigorate buying activity across the region.
Market Snapshot: August 2025 (TRREB) 
According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), August brought encouraging signs of stability:
- Sales: 6,232 transactions across the GTA, a 4.6% increase from August 2024.
- New Listings: 13,119, down slightly year-over-year, helping balance supply.
- Average Selling Price: $982,880, nearly flat compared to last year (+0.4%).
- Trend: Balanced conditions are giving both buyers and sellers room to maneuver, with the recent rate cut expected to stimulate fall demand.
City & Regional Highlights
Toronto 
Toronto continues to see steady demand for condos and townhomes, appealing to buyers looking for affordability in the core. Detached homes are moving more cautiously, but price stability suggests confidence returning to the market.
Mississauga 
Mississauga remains a buyer-friendly market, especially in the detached and semi-detached segments. With borrowing costs easing, families upsizing or relocating may find strong value in the fall.
Oakville 
Luxury demand in Oakville is regaining traction. The combination of limited inventory and lower financing costs positions this market for an active fall season, especially for executive homes and lakefront properties.
Burlington 
Burlington continues to attract buyers migrating west from Toronto. The city’s blend of affordability, lifestyle, and community feel has kept prices steady and competitive.
Muskoka 
Cottage country remains strong, with buyers eyeing investment properties and second homes. While activity softened slightly through the summer, the rate drop could encourage more buyers to act before year-end.
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
With interest rates now at their lowest level in two years, affordability is improving across the GTA and Muskoka. Buyers who were waiting on the sidelines are expected to re-enter the market this fall, while sellers may benefit from increased competition for well-priced homes.
At Regan Irish & Associates, we specialize in helping clients navigate market shifts with confidence. Whether you’re buying a luxury home, selling a family property, or investing in Muskoka, our market insight and negotiation expertise ensure you get the best results.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com——
August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update | Regan Irish
The August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update reflects renewed momentum and affordability in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Muskoka. Thanks to steady interest rates and appealing home prices, July proved surprisingly dynamic. Let’s dig into the numbers and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates Remain Stable — Affordability Fueling Activity
In July 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key rate at 2.75%, its third consecutive pause. With lower borrowing costs now more accessible, affordability is encouraging a wave of renewed buyer activity.
GTA Market Overview: Sales Surge, Prices Slightly Dip
- Home Sales: 6,100+ transactions region-wide, marking a 10.9% increase YoY and the strongest July since 2021.
- Month-over-Month: Seasonally adjusted sales rose 13% from June to approximately 5,744 units, the biggest monthly gain in nine months.
- New Listings: Up 5.7% YoY, totaling 17,613 new offers.
- Price Trends:
- The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark fell 5.4% YoY.
- The average GTA selling price dropped 5.5% YoY to around $1,051,719.
- Word on the street indicates the HPI drifted slightly lower—about $979,000, down 0.2% from June.
What It Adds Up To: Buyers are back in force—sales are outpacing new listings while prices softened, creating renewed market opportunities.
City Highlights
Toronto
A more balanced landscape—but some segments remain soft. Condos and detached homes see inventory rising; semis are steadier.
Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington & Muskoka
While TRREB doesn’t break down by city in these reports, regional trends suggest:
- Mississauga & Burlington: Strong rise in listings and dipping average prices give buyers leverage.
- Oakville: Stability in demand for luxury keeps discounts modest.
- Muskoka: Continued strong interest in sub-$2M waterfront properties should benefit from broader GTA momentum.
What This Means for You
- For Buyers:
Renewed affordability, rising inventory, and favorable interest rates make August a prime time to move. - For Sellers:
A more balanced market—strategic pricing and quick response will be key to success. - For Investors & Cottage Buyers:
Strong July sales in the GTA point to increasing investor interest; Muskoka remains a high-value lifestyle and investment destination.
Work With the GTA Real Estate Experts
Whether you’re planning to buy a Muskoka cottage, invest in a luxurious Oakville property, or explore options across Toronto, Mississauga, or Burlington, now is the time to act.
Regan Irish & Associates specializes in luxury, resale, and investment properties across the GTA and Muskoka. Our market insight and negotiation skills help you get the best results—whether buying, selling, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com
Let’s make today’s market your opportunity—contact us today!
