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!
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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!
Ultimate Guide to Downsizing Your Home in Canada
Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team Announce Strategic Merger
Two of the most respected names in real estate, Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team, are excited to announce a strategic merger that will combine their expertise, resources, and market reach. This partnership of Regan Irish & Associates brings together the strengths of both firms, offering an enhanced real estate experience for clients across Southern Ontario, including expanding into new regions like Collingwood and Muskoka. The merger reflects both brokerages’ long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, relationship-focused service while leveraging new technologies and business strategies to ensure their clients receive unparalleled support.
“Alex is the consummate professional,” said Matthew Regan, CEO of The Regan Team. “She embodies the qualities of a person I would trust with my own home sale, and I am excited to partner with her to combine the best of both our brokerages. Our goal is to create a work culture that allows our agents to thrive, while being confident and equipped to provide the service our clients deserve. Our clients are going to benefit immensely with a wider and deeper net of potential buyers and an even further reach in marketing and advertising.”
Alex Irish, Founder of Alex Irish & Associates, emphasized that this partnership is the next natural step for her business. “By combining our resources and efforts we knew we’d be able to create a better real estate experience for our clients, our agents and business partners.” she explained. “This merger allows me to focus more on client relationships while also mentoring our agents who can continue to offer that same high level of service. Matthew has built a business model that aligns with my long-term vision, allowing us to scale while still maintaining the personal touch. Simply put, we are better together.”
Alex has built her brand over decades, particularly in the Oakville area, where her name is synonymous with excellence in real estate. Her personal approach, based on referrals and repeat business, has earned her a loyal clientele. Matthew has focused on recruiting top agents and scaling his business, growing The Regan Team to one of the top brokerages in Canada. This merger offers an exciting opportunity to grow into new territories. Together, the merged brokerage will have 15 offices spanning from Niagara to Toronto to Muskoka. This expanded presence means more resources for clients, from enhanced marketing capabilities to a wider net of potential buyers.
The merger will officially take effect on October 31, 2024, and the new branding and operations will be rolled out in the coming months.
About Alex Irish & Associates
Alex Irish & Associates, led by Alex Irish, is a highly respected name in Oakville, known for its personalized, referral-based business model and long-standing relationships with clients. Alex has built her brand on trust, excellence, and attention to detail, qualities that will remain at the forefront of the merged firm.
About The Regan Team
The Regan Team has a long-standing reputation for innovation, process-driven operations, and a focus on agent recruitment and development to provide the highest level of service for their clients. Under Matthew’s leadership, the brokerage has expanded its presence across Ontario, providing agents with the tools and support needed to succeed in a competitive market. For more information on this exciting merger, please contact Matthew Regan.