Kimberly Chan has been struggling to sell her five-room flat since her grandmother passed away six months ago. Potential buyers are put off by the clutter in the corridor opposite her unit, which spills into the lift lobby. This issue has persisted for about eight or nine years, creating inconvenience and safety hazards for residents.
When Kimberly’s grandmother was alive, her family reported the clutter through the OneService platform due to concerns about hygiene and fire safety. The mess had piled up close to the lift entrance, making it difficult to navigate with a wheelchair. While counsellors and volunteers helped clear the clutter temporarily, it quickly returned, causing frustration and challenges for residents.
In Singapore, a minimum of 1.2 meters of clear space is required along common corridors to ensure safety during medical emergencies and fire evacuations. Despite this regulation, cluttered corridors are a common sight in HDB blocks across the country. A survey by Talking Point revealed that nearly 60% of respondents faced similar issues, highlighting the widespread nature of this problem.
The root of the clutter issue lies in the emotional attachment people have to their belongings. Many struggle to let go of items due to a fear of the future or sentimental value attached to them. This emotional connection often outweighs the practical considerations of safety and cleanliness.
The clutter in HDB corridors poses significant risks, as evidenced by a fire incident in Block 287A Jurong East Street 21. Items obstructing the corridor made it challenging for residents to evacuate during the emergency. Paramedics also faced difficulties maneuvering stretchers through cluttered corridors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clear pathways for emergencies.
Despite the safety concerns and potential fines for corridor clutter, some residents resist decluttering efforts. Marine Parade Town Council has seen an increase in complaints about bulky obstructions in corridors, indicating a persistent challenge in enforcing regulations. Repeat offenders can face fines starting at S$100, escalating to S$200 and S$400 for subsequent violations.
To address the clutter issue, experts recommend several strategies to help residents declutter and organize their common spaces effectively. These include choosing plants suitable for corridor environments, arranging them strategically to optimize space, and advocating for community gardens for larger plants. Residents are also encouraged to assess the frequency of item use, digitize sentimental items like photographs, and limit belongings to dedicated storage boxes.
Compact storage solutions, such as transparent boxes and slim shoe racks, can help optimize space and create a more organized environment. By implementing these strategies, residents like Kimberly Chan and Candy Cheng have successfully decluttered their corridors, creating safer and more pleasant living spaces for themselves and their neighbors.
In conclusion, addressing corridor clutter in HDB blocks requires a combination of enforcement, education, and community engagement. By understanding the emotional reasons behind clutter accumulation and providing practical solutions for organization, residents can create a more harmonious living environment for everyone.
