De-Cluttering and Organizing The Bathroom

There tend to be two consistent issues when talking about bathrooms; clutter and storage. It probably goes without saying that a problem with the former makes the latter even more difficult! So, take the time to de-clutter first, then deal with your storage issues.

Here are a few ideas to jump-start you in this room.

*Cabinets and drawers.
If you have any are you using them effectively? Why or why not? If you don’t have cabinets do you need to get creative and create some cabinet type storage?

*Now, as to the bathroom as a whole…when you first enter this room what really bugs you? What would you like to change? Why would you like to make this change? Take the time to focus on changes that not only help with storage and visual appeal but also help with cleaning issues. Then figure out if the changes you want are short-term, medium-term, or long-term goals. Write them down if you need to. Many of us are more productive with a check-list!

*Have you considered using pump soaps in place of bar soap? Bars can be messy and difficult to use.

*Can you hang an organizer over the shower head to provide a place to keep shampoo, conditioner, etc.? Suction hooks to hold brushes and sponges?

*Do you need to place racks, hooks, shelves, or containers in the cabinets to expand storage?

*How do you store your towels, wash cloths, etc.? Would you like to change it? Could a decorative basket or box be used to hold your towels? Or perhaps you could use an over-the-door rack?

*Pay attention when re-organizing items so they are user friendly. Place items you use together in the same area (such as your hairdryer and make-up).

*Clean out your medicine cabinet. Discard and old medications and make sure any areas that contain dangerous items are child-proof. And remember, under the bathroom cabinet isn’t really the best place for cleaning products to be stored!!

*What type waste basket are you using? Does it have a lid? Do you need one? Often when pets or small children are in the home it’s best to have a trashcan with a lid.

*Do towel racks/rods/hooks need to be removed? Replaced? Moved to a new area of the bathroom?

*When picking out floor mats consider ones with non-skid backing. You can also check into non-skid appliqués for the tub.

*Keeping extra rolls of toilet paper in each bathroom is very helpful and much appreciated by guests.

*Many bath stores now carry disposable hand towels you can use when entertaining guests.

*The new wipe packs are very useful for cleaning. You can get basic cleaning products in wipe form; they’re great for touching up areas in between cleaning days.

*If you have small children that use toys in the tub, devise a system for dealing with this. Perhaps you allow the toys to drain in the sink after use and when dry have a special container they stay in?
And remember…just because they’re tub toys doesn’t mean they stay cleaner than other toys! Take the time to regularly clean and disinfect them. Some can be run through the dishwasher, others can be cleaned with a diluted bleach solution and allowed to completely air dry before using them again.