A cluttered and disorganized bathroom can be stressful and make it difficult to find items when you need them. Decluttering and organizing your bathroom is an easy way to create a calming oasis and make your daily routine run more smoothly. With some simple tips and tricks, you can transform your bathroom into a serene, spa-like space.
Do a Deep Clean
Before organizing, it’s important to fully clean your bathroom. Remove everything from cabinets, drawers and off of countertops. Wipe down all surfaces and scrub the tub, shower, sink and toilet. This will allow you to declutter more effectively by getting rid of items you no longer need or use. Be sure to clean behind and underneath larger objects too.
Declutter
Go through all of your bathroom items and get rid of anything you don’t use on a regular basis. Some things to look for:
- Old makeup and beauty products that are expired or dried out
- Medications that are expired or old prescriptions you no longer need
- Half-used bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc.
- Tools and accessories that are broken or missing pieces
- Washcloths, towels and rugs that are stained, torn or frayed
- Extra toilet paper rolls and soap bars that won’t get used
- Old magazines and reading materials
If you’re having trouble parting with items, ask yourself these questions:
- Have I used this in the past year?
- Do I have more than one or two of these items?
- Does this still work properly or serve its intended purpose?
If the answer is no, recycle, donate or trash the item. For partially used products, decant them into smaller travel bottles before getting rid of the original container.
Categorize
Group together items that serve the same purpose, such as all your hair care products or all your medications and first aid supplies. This makes it easier to organize them together later. Some common bathroom categories include:
- Hair care – shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, brushes, accessories
- Skin care – cleansers, moisturizers, masks, anti-aging creams
- Makeup – foundation, eye shadow, lip products, tools
- Dental care – toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, whitening products
- Shaving – razors, shaving cream, aftershave
- First aid – bandages, antiseptic, thermometer, medications
- Towels – bath towels, hand towels, washcloths
- Cleaning supplies – disinfecting wipes, sponges, toilet cleaner
Group together items in bins or bags before putting them away to keep like items together. This also makes cleaning and reorganizing easier down the road.
Purchase Organizing Tools
Invest in some storage containers, bins, holders and dispensers to keep your bathroom organized. Here are some worthwhile purchases:
- Matching bins or canisters for cotton balls, q-tips, makeup brushes
- Clear acrylic organizers for skincare and cosmetics
- Drawer organizers for hair accessories, dental floss, razors
- Hanging shower caddy for shampoos, soaps, loofahs
- Under-sink organizers for cleaning supplies, extra toiletries
- Over-the-door hooks for robes, towels or accessories
- Wall-mounted dispensers for tissues, soap, toothbrushes
- Matching pump bottles for decanted hair and skin products
Look for organizing tools in bathroom aisles, office supply stores, online retailers and even craft stores for affordable options.
Invest in Storage Solutions
Take advantage of all possible storage spaces with these ideas:
Medicine Cabinet
Use the medicine cabinet to store daily essentials like:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deodorant, perfumes, colognes
- Contact lens solution
- Prescription medications
- Bandages, first aid ointments
Use organizers or tiered shelves to maximize vertical storage space.
Under the Sink
Use this prime real estate to neatly store:
- Hair products and styling tools
- Skin care products like moisturizers and cleansers
- Extra soap, shampoo, razors
- Cleaning supplies and trash bags
Install slide-out drawers or use removable bins and organizers to neatly arrange items.
Drawers
Use drawers to store items you use less frequently like:
- Makeup palettes, brushes and accessories
- Hair brushes, heat protective products
- Sunscreens, lotions
- Extra packages of replacement razor blades
- Nail files, clippers, polish
Use drawer organizers to neatly divide up spaces.
Shelves
Install extra shelving in the shower or next to the sink for:
- Shampoos, conditioners, shower gels
- Exfoliating accessories like loofahs
- Shaving creams, razors
- Decorative candles, plants or baskets
Get moisture-resistant shelves for the shower.
Cabinets
Use cabinets for storing overflow items:
- Extra toilet paper, paper towels
- Hair products, appliances
- Backup skin care products
- Cleaning supplies like disinfecting wipes
Use lazy susans or turntables to easily access items in back corners.
Storage Baskets
Decorative baskets are ideal for storing hand towels, washcloths, bath mats and other items. Look for ones that fit with your bathroom’s style.
Label Everything
Labeling is crucial for maintaining organization. Some tips:
- Use removable vinyl labels on clear containers
- Stick on chalkboard labels for an elegant look
- Print and adhere typed labels for small drawers
- Hang pouches with grommets and tags for shower storage
- Write on jars with chalk markers or permanent markers
Matching containers with uniform labels creates visual harmony.
Store Daily Essentials Together
Keep items you use every day within arm’s reach:
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste near the sink
- Hand soap and lotion near sinks
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash in the shower
- Razors, shaving cream near the shower or sink
- Facial cleanser, makeup remover and cotton pads together
This prevents rummaging around for daily necessities.
Use Space Effectively
Look for wasted spaces that could be better utilized. Some ideas:
- Install over-the-door organizers on the back of doors
- Hang a shelf over the toilet for candles or décor
- Use wall-mounted dispensers for spare toilet paper
- Install racks, shelves or cubbies over unused sink space
- Mount a bath caddy with suction cups to the shower wall
- Add a tiered corner shelving unit for more storage space
Take measurements first and browse home improvement stores for solutions.
Maintain the System
An organized bathroom won’t stay that way on its own. Implement these habits:
- Put items back in their designated spaces after each use
- Group new products with their existing categories right away
- Replenish toiletries and supplies as soon as they run low
- Do a quick straightening session at the end of each day
- Do seasonal decluttering and take inventory of products
- Clean out old products and replace organizing tools periodically
Developing daily and weekly maintenance habits will make cleaning days easier.
Make It Functional and Pretty
An organized bathroom doesn’t have to look utilitarian. Some styling tips:
- Choose storage baskets and bins that match your decor
- Arrange items from tallest to shortest for better visual flow
- Display decorative bowls or trays for holding soaps and accessories
- Use an assortment of containers and bins for texture and color
- Add greenery like bamboo, ferns or eucalyptus in containers
- Include decorative elements like candles, framed photos or artwork
With some intentional styling, your newly organized bathroom can look like a spa!
Top Bathroom Organizing Tips
To recap, here are the best tips for organizing your bathroom:
- Declutter first before organizing anything
- Categorize like items together – medications, makeup, hair care, etc.
- Invest in bins, shelves, organizers and storage containers
- Determine the best spaces for different items – drawers for makeup, under sink for extra toiletries, etc.
- Label everything clearly so anyone can put items away
- Store daily essentials conveniently within reach
- Maximize every inch of space with shelves, caddies and other solutions
- Establish daily and weekly maintenance habits
- Incorporate your personal style with decor
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about decluttering and organizing your bathroom:
How often should I declutter my bathroom?
Aim to do a thorough decluttering of your bathroom every 6-12 months. Seasonal decluttering when you switch over products and tools is also recommended – for example, swapping heavier creams for lighter gels in summer.
What’s the best way to organize my makeup?
Store everyday makeup in a tray or organizer on the counter for easy access. Use clear acrylic drawers or stackable shelves inside cabinets to neatly organize the rest by category – palettes together, lip colors together, etc.
How should I store bathroom towels?
Use coordinated bins or baskets to hold folded towels of different sizes. Store extras under the sink or in cabinets. Hang hand towels and washcloths near sinks for convenient access.
What are some go-to bathroom organizing tools?
Lazy susans, drawer organizers, hanging wall shelves, over-the-door storage and plastic bins are all useful. Look for moisture-resistant options for the shower.
How do I make my bathroom look nice and organized?
Use matching containers, coordinated towels/baskets, and label everything neatly. Don’t forget the finishing touches like greenery, artwork and decorative trays. Maintaining your new system is key!
Conclusion
Decluttering and organizing your bathroom effectively takes some work upfront, but the benefits are plentiful. Your morning routine will be streamlined, you’ll reduce time looking for items, and you’ll have a tranquil, neat space. Use the tips in this article to tackle the key areas – storage, decluttering, categorizing, labeling and styling. Maintaining the system is important too. With a strategic approach and consistent maintenance, you can enjoy an organized, spa-like bathroom every day.