How to Unclutter a Bathroom

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By Virginia Allain
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Tidy counters in the bathroom

If every surface in your bathroom overflows with toiletries and the drawers are a jumbled mess, then it's time to unclutter your bathroom. Here are some guidelines to make it happen.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Collect up all the half-empty bottles of cosmetics, creams, and shampoos that you tried but just don't like. If you're sure you won't use them, then put them in the trash or pass them along to a friend who might like to try them. Whatever you do, take them out of the bathroom. Shampoos can be used in the laundry as spot cleaners or to remove ring-around-the-collar.
Step 2

If you travel a lot and bring home all those tiny bottles of shampoo and hand lotion from the hotel, they become clutter. If you're really going to use them, then corral them in boxes and start systematically using them up. You can donate these to a homeless shelter and gain some drawer space.
Step 3

If you're lucky enough to have drawers, sort the remaining products by purpose. Put all the hair removal products (razors, shaving cream, waxes, tweezers) in one place, dental products (toothbrushes, floss, tootpaste, whiteners) in another, and group other similar things. Now you won't buy a new tube of toothpaste when you already have three lurking in various obscure spots. If you don't have drawers, then group the items into small baskets or areas on the counter.
Another option is to get compartmented hanging storage for the back of the door. They make these for travelers or you can convert a hanging shoe tote to hold toiletries.
Step 4

I recommend putting in sliding drawers under the sink area to double the useable space there and for easier access. It's too easy for items to hide in a jumble under the sink. You won't use things that you can't find.
Step 5

If you don't have enough storage space in the bathroom, look for small cabinets, wall units, or an over-the-toilet cupboard. The small cabinet pictured here works wonderfully to conceal the supply of toilet paper, soap, tissues, and towels for a half-bath.
Step 6

If many people use the same bathroom, have each one keep their toiletries in a tote like a small bucket or basket with a handle. They can store these in their own room, and bring it to the bathroom when they're getting ready each day. There are handy, compartmented totes at Wal-Mart for crafts, but they would work well for cosmetics and toiletries too.
Step 7

Divide up drawers with small boxes or plastic containers to hold small tubes and cosmetic brushes. This is a good way to make use of plastic kitchen storage pieces that are missing their lids. Look around the house for these and don't run out to buy dividers. I used the boxes and lids that golf balls came in. They were perfect for a shallow drawer.
Step 8

Relocate the pills

Since bathrooms tend to steaminess, it's not the best place to keep pills. For this reason, we moved our vitamins and prescription pills to a cupboard in the kitchen. That also relieves some of the crowding and clutter in the bathroom.

Comments

Gottaloveit said

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on 3/31/2009 Great tips on decluttering the bathroom. I actually believe you've inspired me to get on this TODAY! Thanks.

callylilly said

on 3/25/2009 I love ideas on uncluttering. I picked up a tip or two that I will use.

LisaBud said

on 3/23/2009 Great advice on getting rid of clutter in the bathroom. I know I have to work on this...especially trashing old makeup and perfumes. Thanks for the motivation!