Are you constantly struggling to keep your bathroom organized and free from clutter? If your answer is in the affirmative, you’re not alone! Even the most organized homeowners grapple with keeping their bathrooms neat, tidy, and clutter-free.
Unfortunately, clutter always seems to pull a comeback into our shower spaces, whether it’s in the form of make-up sponges, empty bottles, or even soap packages.
The good news?
We have finally discovered the secret of beating clutter off your bathroom space for good. And get this: The secret to winning this battle isn’t about doing more but rather about adopting simple and effective bathroom decluttering habits.
Let’s dive into the top 15 things you can do to declutter your bathroom for that clean, calm, and organized space you’ve always dreamed of.
1. Dedicate Time For Decluttering Regularly
Do you know why you always find your bathroom cluttered after every few weeks or so? It’s because you haven’t dedicated time to decluttering and reorganizing your bathroom regularly.
The clutter you see in your bathroom doesn’t just appear magically. It takes time to pile up, and you will often not notice the growth process until it becomes too overwhelming.
So, don’t overlook the importance of spending time regularly to set things back in order. And you don’t need to spend the whole afternoon doing it. 15 minutes every 3 to 4 days should be more than enough to keep your bathroom clutter-free. If you can make it even more often, the better!
2. Throw Out Trash
Do you see the empty shampoo bottles that have been lingering in your bathroom for weeks now? How about the used make-up sponges that you’ve been meaning to throw out? It’s now time to bid them farewell.
If you want to keep your bathroom space looking tidy and free from clutter, one secret is to toss out any trash as soon as it comes. Otherwise, it will accumulate really fast, and by the time you realize it, your bathroom is already in a very chaotic state.
3. Maximize Storage
Sometimes, your bathroom will appear cluttered not because you have many items but because you lack space for them. Unless you have enough storage space for your bathroom supplies, then most of the items will be freelancing in your place without a specific spot to call home.
So, think about installing more shelves, towel racks, storage baskets, and other important storage features that can come in handy in your bathroom. It may mean spending some bucks on installation and acquiring some storage equipment, but the results will be worth it.
4. Divide Items into Categories
How have you been keeping your bathroom accessories? Are you one of the many people who store them randomly, or do you have a well-defined systematic way of organizing them? If it’s the latter, then congratulations! You’re doing great!
However, if you’re among the homeowners who use any space in the bathroom for any item, then that’s one area you’re messing big. There’s always some degree of chaos when you don’t organize your stuff well.
So, take time and organize your bathroom stuff. Doing this will bring more sanity into your bathroom and give you greater efficiency — you don’t have to knock down everything in the way the next time you’re trying to get your lotion from the storage basket.
5. Sequester Donations
Are you one of the people with a big heart for giving out things you don’t need to those who have use for them?
If yes, then that’s great! There’s joy and satisfaction that’s only found in giving. However, unless you handle your charitable work with some level of care, it could be one of the reasons you’ve been struggling to keep clutter at bay.
How? Do you see those extra toiletries or bath products that you’re planning to give out in your next charity project but still have them in your shower room? Well, that’s one of the reasons your bathroom looks cluttered!
So, find a nice place to keep all the bathroom supplies that you intend to share. If you’re into charitable work so much, you can dedicate a place in your home where all your donations can be stored temporarily before you make the trip to your preferred charity organization.
6. Keep Items You Regularly Don’t Use Away
Why would you still be keeping that blow dryer in the bathroom if you only use it once every two weeks or so? I mean, why would you need to navigate it every day while trying to get to other things you frequently use?
Let’s be honest: It just doesn’t deserve to be there. At least not in the same spot where you keep your daily essentials.
For such items, how about finding them a new storage spot, one that’s preferably in the hardest-to-reach spots in your bathroom? They will enjoy the peace they need there, and you’ll enjoy less clutter in your bathroom’s frequently used areas.
7. Get Rid of Expired Products
Do you know chances are that some of the items you’re keeping in your bathroom are out of date? In the 15-minute decluttering time that we suggested, dedicate several sessions to see what’s still good for use and what needs to go through your bathroom door.
Most shower accessories have an expiry date indicated on the packaging. So, check to see if there are any products that have overstayed their welcome. You don’t want to be using expired makeup, lotions, or other personal care products, so why would you keep them around?
8. Buy Only What You Need
If you have an abundance mentality, then this might not sound like a very good suggestion. But let’s face it: Why would you need a dozen of the same product when a single piece of the same can serve you for a month or so?
I mean, it’s okay to take advantage of the cost savings that come with buying in bulk. But if you have to outwit clutter and keep your space looking just as you’ve always loved it, then you might need to reconsider your buying habits.
You’d rather get a few pieces of every product when you need them rather than stacking your bathroom drawers with an abundance of supplies that will take you ages to use up. Trust me; the latter option is only fun for a while.
If you must get your bathroom supplies in bulk, then at least find a spot where you can keep them out of sight the entire time they’re not needed. This way, you’ll get the best of both worlds: convenience and a clutter-free bathroom.
9. Invest in Multi-Functional Products
Take a look around your bathroom. If every product you have serves only one purpose, then that’s one of the reasons your bathroom may always seem cluttered.
Maybe you need shampoo and body wash, but how about finding a twofer that serves the same purpose? Or, instead of getting a toilet paper holder and a separate toilet brush holder, how about getting a toilet paper holder that comes with a spot for the toilet brush at the bottom?
I mean, if you can think creatively and do your research well, you’ll realize that it’s possible to cut your current bathroom supplies by half and still maintain the same level of functionality. Plus, you’ll have less clutter in your bathroom to deal with.
10. Avoid “Just-In-Case” Supplies
So you went out shopping and stumbled upon some interesting bathroom supplies that you very well know you don’t need currently. But hey, something told you to buy them just in case you might need them in the future.
Well, guess what? Those “just-in-case” supplies will most likely end up cluttering your bathroom for a long time before they eventually get used (if at all).
So, unless it’s an absolute necessity or something you know for sure you’ll use within the next month or two, avoid buying “just-in-case” supplies. They only add to the clutter and make it harder for you to keep your bathroom space tidy.
11. Embrace the One-In-One Out Rule
This rule is simply what it says: For every single item that enters your bathroom, ensure there’s one taking the opposite route.
So, if you choose to bring in a new set of towels, ensure that you get rid of the old ones you no longer use. If a new batch of skincare products, throw away the expired or unused ones to make room.
And, of course, this rule doesn’t need to only apply to the consumables. If you already have adequate storage space in your bathroom, for instance, ensure that as you bring that fancy and more contemporary toothbrush holder, you are taking out the clunky old one that’s been occupying space.
With this rule, you’ll always have a tidy bathroom with enough room for your essentials and no excess clutter to deal with.
12. Use Wall Space
Have you been overlooking the potential of your bathroom walls? Well, it’s time that you start utilizing that space for storage.
How about installing hanging shelves or racks for extra towels, toiletries, or even cleaning supplies? Won’t that free up space and keep your space looking better? It definitely will!
You can also consider using wall-mounted baskets or bins to store smaller items like hair products, makeup, or shaving supplies. It won’t just save you space: It will also make these items easily accessible.
Additionally, you can think of installing a shower caddy or corner shelf in the shower area. These are perfect for storing shampoos, conditioners, and other shower essentials, keeping them off the edges of your tub or shower floor.
13. Take Out-Of-Place Items Into Your Home
How likely are you to return that hair conditioner to its original spot after using it? I won’t lie; I have this problem, and I believe that’s the case with most homeowners.
But did you know that returning every item to its original “home” can go a long way to avoid clutter in your space? That’s right!
You see, unless you learn to put back every item where it needs to be, chances are you end up piling up items in the most convenient and easiest-to-reach areas in your bathroom.
The repercussions? Your guess is as good as mine: Clutter and disorganization. So, train yourself to return items to their designated spots after use. It might take time to develop this habit, but it’s definitely worth it in the long run.
14. Involve The Right Persons
If you have a family or share your space with someone else, decluttering your bathroom shouldn’t be a one-person affair. You need the input and support of everyone using the bathroom.
Otherwise, no matter how much effort and time you put into keeping your bathroom free from clutter, expect to always come to a cluttered space, at least most of the time.
So, involve the pertinent persons in keeping the bathroom tidy. You want to make sure that everyone understands their role in maintaining an organized bathroom and encourage them to keep up with it.
If you have youngsters, for instance, ensure they know where things are meant to be kept and how to safely put them back after use. You won’t just be making your bathroom look better; you will also have imparted a good practice that your kids will take with them as they grow up.
15. Cut On What You Use
Most of the items we’re housing in our bathrooms play little to no task in our daily routines. But we still want to keep them lingering in our spaces for one reason or another.
Why would you need to have a dozen toothbrushes in your bathroom while you only use one or two? Why the excess makeup products that you barely use?
Reducing the number of items we keep in our bathrooms can help free up space and reduce clutter. So, be honest with yourself about what you need and what you can do without.
Additionally, try to stick to using only the necessary amount of each product to avoid hoarding half-used bottles and containers that will only take up space.
