Does this sounds familiar? Several half used bottles of shampoo sit under the sink. A cluttered countertop overrun with decorations, lotions and potions. An expensive beauty product that you did not like but felt wasteful throwing out. Bathroom clutter is actually pretty easy to take care of since many of the items are consumables. And yet, spaces like linen closets and cabinets are often filled to the brim.
If you wait long enough, these products expire. They become unusable. So, you’re delaying the inevitable. But what if we tried a different approach? What if you could see the pipes under the sink? Or easily find the make-up and toiletries you actually use each day? Think about how much simpler it would be to get out the door in the morning. And, you could create a real spa-like feeling in your bathroom.
It can be done, here’s how. Instead of adding more cabinets and lamenting that there is not enough storage in your small bathroom, commit to living within the space you have. Make these boundaries work for you.
Our master bathroom has just four drawers. One for my lotions and potions, one for my husband’s, one for towels and one for toilet paper and tissues. More importantly, the countertops are empty unless we are in the process of getting ready. Like I mentioned before, clean counters are easy to clean.
So for today’s challenge, let’s look at bathroom clutter.
Decluttering Challenge Day 24
Toiletries – Remove all the lotions, potions, make-up, saline solution etc. Throw out old expired items. If you have significant inventory, commit to not shopping until all those hotel shampoo bottles are used. If you have several partial bottles, combine them and see if you like the new shampoo you created. Use up your inventory and save money too. Yes, use all of it. Then, purchase judiciously what you really love in quantities that will fit in your storage space.
Hairdryers, curling irons and curlers – Take an inventory and keep only what you use several times a week. Recently my hair dryer broke but I use it so seldom that I have yet to replace it. Yes, the crimper can go. 🙂
Towels – Keep two towels per person. That’s 4 for our master bath and 6 in the hall bathroom which accounts for my son and two guests. That’s it.
Tissues and Toilet Paper – Before you buy the 50-pack of toilet paper, consider where you will store it. Often times, the grocery store brand or sale prices are better than bulk stores. And in a more reasonable quantity.
Medicine – Routinely review the medicines in your home and dispose of prescriptions properly. Securely store medicines in boxes like this. Check expiration dates on over the counter medications and vitamins. Establish a routine with the alarm setting on your phone to ensure medicine and vitamins are taken as prescribed.
Decorations – Minimal decorations make bathroom clean-up easier to do more often. The heat and humidity can ruin certain materials, so consider boxing up any extra decorations for a month. See how you like it. Is it easier to clean? Does it feel more like a spa? Do you miss any of the decorations?
What bathroom clutter is the biggest challenge for you?
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