When it comes to bathroom products, are you a minimalist with a streamlined routine, or a maximalist with an extensive collection of lotions, potions, and tools? Whether your skincare regimen is a simple 4-step process or a meticulous 10-step affair, organizing your bathroom can transform chaos into calm.
As someone who identifies as a minimalist, I value simplicity and efficiency. With a modest vanity and a compact cabinet, I focus on the essentials and only introduce new products occasionally. Even if I don’t end up liking a new product, I use it until it’s gone (unless it's irritating my skin, of course). I believe less is more, but I understand that not everyone shares this approach. For those with a more extensive collection, here are some tips to help you achieve bathroom bliss, regardless of your product philosophy.
Empty and Assess
Start by emptying every drawer, cabinet, and closet in your bathroom. This step is crucial for understanding what you have and making informed decisions about what to keep. As you sift through your products, discard items that are old, expired, nearly empty, or simply unused. For items in good condition, consider donating them to organizations like Purple Cow, which supports those experiencing homelessness, or IRIS Domestic Abuse Shelter. This not only helps others but also clears space in your bathroom.
Pro-tip: Remember Peter Walsh’s wisdom: “Inexpensive is not a good reason to buy something and expensive is not a good reason to keep something.” Don’t hold on to products out of guilt. If you receive a gift you don’t like, pass it on to someone who might appreciate it. Free up your space and your mind!
Sort and Categorize
With your products now limited to the keepers, sort them into categories that make sense for your routine. Common categories include face, hair, body, menstrual, and shaving. This step helps you see what you have and where it should go, making the next steps in organizing much easier.
Create a Daily Drawer
Designate a drawer or a basket for daily use items. Gather all products you use regularly and place them together in this space. If you don’t have a drawer, consider purchasing a basket that you can pull out each morning and evening. Store this basket in a convenient spot, like under the sink or in a bathroom closet, to keep your counters clear and your routine efficient.
Invest in Organizing Products
Plastic or acrylic organizers are ideal for bathrooms due to their durability and ease of cleaning. Use acrylic drawer inserts and stackable bins to create designated zones for each category. For open shelving, baskets can help conceal clutter while providing a clean visual. Label each bin to maintain order and simplify retrieval.
Pro-tip: Always measure twice before buying organizing products. Bathrooms, especially under the sink, can be tricky spaces to navigate, so ensure your chosen products fit properly.
Avoid Bulk Buying
If space is limited, resist the urge to buy in bulk. I’ve learned the hard way that fitting more than 12 rolls of toilet paper into my small cabinet isn’t feasible. Buying in bulk can lead to clutter and chaos, so stick to what you can comfortably store. The peace of mind from an organized space is worth more than the savings from bulk purchases.
Designate a Travel Section
Create a dedicated area for travel-sized items, makeup bags, and product samples. This section ensures that when you’re ready for a trip, you can easily grab what you need without rummaging through your main supplies. Keeping your travel toiletry bag stocked and ready to go saves time and hassle for your next adventure.
Evaluate Your Buying Habits
If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed by bathroom clutter, take a closer look at your buying habits. Are you impulsively purchasing products online or in-store? Are you buying items you don’t need because they’re on sale? Reflect on these habits and aim to reduce clutter before it even enters your home.
Organizing your bathroom may seem like a daunting task, but with these tips, you can achieve a space that suits both minimalists and maximalists. Need more personalized advice on organizing your bathroom? Feel free to reach out with your questions or to schedule a consultation. Email me at sara@socoorganizers.com.
Happy organizing!
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