You stumble into your bathroom early in the morning with one eye open. Time to get ready to start your day. You trip over a package of toilet paper that got left on the floor. You reach into your medicine cabinet for the toothpaste and two items fall out into the sink. This is not a terrific way to start your morning.
The bathroom is one of the smaller rooms in your house. It is also heavily used and often used by more than one person. For efficiency and good morning starts, it is important to have this space well organized. You want it so well organized it is easy to put your hands on what you want even with one sleepy eye shut. No one wants to have to hunt around for their deodorant amongst a pile of stuff on the vanity.
An organized bathroom is so much more relaxing. Instead of a shower where multiple shampoo bottles and soaps are overflowing on the small shelf imagine that shower with only the basics neatly arranged in a caddy. Instead of pawing through a drawer of all your makeup imagine one small container that holds just your basics that you use daily.
How do we change that bathroom from chaotic to organized?
1. The first step is to have a clear vision and plan as to the purpose of this room. Is it large enough to store bathroom linens? Is there room for backup rolls of toilet paper or paper towels? Is there a place for a basket with reading material? If not, then have a plan to put these items elsewhere rather than crowding your bathroom.
2. Plan out the available spaces. Think about what is used daily. Use the medicine cabinets, drawers, shelves, or space under your sink to only store the items that are used regularly. Find another location for backup supplies. Then store like items together.
3. Minimize what you have left. As you sort like items together, consolidate partial bottles and get rid of items that you no longer use or that have expired. Consider storing duplicates or backups in another location. As you organize be ruthless about throwing out items like that free sample in foil that came in the mail. You don’t need 5 partial bottles of shampoo, 6 sample soaps, or the items you took from hotels.
4. Remove any medicines from your cabinet as they are best not stored in hot, humid bathrooms. Consider where you take daily medicines and place them in a container in that spot. Rarely needed medicines or a first aid kit can be stored in a linen closet or shelf in the kitchen that is not so readily available. If you have little ones make sure all medical supplies are secure.
5. Keep the remaining like items together in baskets, bins, or caddies. For example, have a small basket or bin that holds everyday make-up. Grab that container and put it on the counter when making up and then return it to the drawer or shelf. Have one container for hair products and another one for lotions.
6. Clear the countertop. Keep only the very basics out – some soap might be all that you need. This makes for an easier clean up and slows down clutter buildup. We all know that clutter attracts clutter.
7. Develop and put on your calendar a maintenance plan. Daily do a sweep and put away all items. Weekly give the bathroom a good clean. Yearly do a reorganization plan and adjust anything that is no longer working for you.
When you have your bathroom organized and decluttered, it will be so much easier to clean and maintain. What you need will be readily assessable. You will enjoy the relaxed feel of your bathroom, especially on those early mornings.
If you want help or just some accountability in organizing your bathroom or any other space in your home, join Diane Quintana and me on our Clear Space For You clutter support group.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda do