Simplify Your Bathroom

The bathroom is one of those spots where clutter can accumulate quickly.

People tend to store too many things in their very small, often weirdly shaped, cabinets. Cabinets are also notorious for medicine and cures for ailments you don’t have and ‘try me’ items that linger after you decide you don’t like them or they don’t work for you. If you didn’t like the shampoo at the hotel, what makes you think it will be different at home?

I have seen toys, exercise equipment, reading materials, cleaning products, hardware, clothes, jewelry and even food stored in the bathroom while the toilet paper is stored in the garage or the floor of the entry hall because there wasn’t space in the bathroom.

Luckily, the bathroom is easy to organize. First, toss all expired and separated items; lotions and potions don’t last forever. Also, toss anything that smells off. Then group what is left by body part: hair, teeth, nails, face, body, feet, etc. Think through your morning and nighttime routines. What order do you do things? Keep items in that order. It’s okay to keep everyday items handy, but items used only occasionally are better stored out of the way.

Think of your cabinets as a mini store with similar things together. Then use them up before buying more. Stop saving soap for a special occasion ‘ it’s merely awaiting dirt to be useful. Create kits for nails, hair, body, shaving, makeup and first aid in decorative baskets, bins or boxes to help keep things neat and easy to reach.

  • These tips can help you keep your bathroom clutter in check:
  • Decide on your favorite products and stick with them.
  • Use all of a product before opening a new bottle or package.
  • Use multipurpose items.
  • Pick a signature scent.

Miriam Ortiz y Pino’s articles appear monthly in Sage Magazine, a publication of the Albuquerque Journal. Miriam is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and owner of More than Organized

She works with people who want to simplify their lives in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico
This article may be freely distributed if this resource box remains attached.

This article originally appeared in Sage, May 2009.