The bathroom is often the most cluttered room in our homes, filled with an array of products, tools, and linens. From hair products and makeup to towels and cleaning supplies, it can quickly become a chaotic space. Having a clutter-free bathroom not only creates a more pleasant environment but also makes your daily routine easier and more efficient.
So, how can we achieve a clutter-free bathroom? Here are 15 proven steps to help you on your journey.
1. Start with a Deep Clean
Cleaning your bathroom is the first step towards reducing clutter. This doesn’t merely mean wiping down surfaces and scrubbing your toilet; it means taking everything out of the room and thoroughly cleaning each item. Dispose of any items that are expired, broken, or that you haven’t used in the past six months. Your bathroom will already look significantly less cluttered after this step.
This process might take a couple of hours, but it’s crucial for decluttering. Cleaning allows you to see exactly what you have and what you need to keep. It also encourages you to eliminate items you don’t use and create a more organized and efficient space. You’ll be surprised how much unnecessary stuff you kept in your bathroom.
2. Use Storage Solutions
Invest in some clever storage solutions to keep your bathroom organized. This could include drawer organizers, shower caddies, and over-the-door organizers. These tools can help you categorize your items and keep them in their designated places.
Drawer organizers are great for smaller items like makeup, razors, and hair accessories. Shower caddies can hold your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, while over-the-door organizers can store your towels and robes. By using these storage solutions, you’re not only decluttering your space but also ensuring that everything has its own place, making your bathroom routine more efficient.
3. Implement a One-In, One-Out Rule
The one-in, one-out rule is a simple yet effective strategy to maintain a clutter-free bathroom. The concept is simple: for every new item you bring into your bathroom, you must get rid of an existing one. This rule helps you avoid accumulating more items than you can handle.
For instance, if you buy a new shampoo, you should finish or discard your old one before using the new one. This rule is especially useful for items that tend to pile up, like makeup and skincare products. Not only does this rule keep your bathroom clutter-free, but it also prevents waste by encouraging you to use up products before purchasing new ones.
4. Keep Countertops Clear
Keeping your countertops clear is another effective way to maintain a clutter-free bathroom. This means storing your toiletries, makeup, and other items in drawers or cabinets instead of leaving them on your countertop.
Clear countertops create a sense of space and cleanliness in your bathroom. It also makes cleaning your bathroom easier as you won’t have to move items around to wipe down your surfaces. As a bonus, it will also make your bathroom look more elegant and inviting.
5. Utilize Wall Space
Don’t forget to use your wall space when decluttering your bathroom. Installing shelves and hooks on your walls can provide additional storage without taking up floor space.
For example, you can install a towel rack or hooks to hang your towels and robes. You could also put up a shelf to hold your toiletries or decor items. Using your wall space effectively can significantly reduce clutter and make your bathroom look more organized.
6. Categorize Your Items
Categorizing your items can make your bathroom much more organized. This involves grouping similar items together, making it easier to find what you need.
Categorize your items based on their type, functionality, or frequency of use. For example, you could group all your hair care products together, or you could separate your daily-use items from those you use less frequently. Categorizing your items can make your bathroom routine more efficient and help maintain a clutter-free space.
7. Regularly Declutter
Regularly decluttering your bathroom is crucial to maintaining a clutter-free space. This means going through your items every few months and getting rid of anything you no longer need or use.
Regular decluttering prevents items from piling up and taking over your space. It also allows you to reassess your storage solutions and make any necessary adjustments. By regularly decluttering, you can ensure your bathroom stays organized and clutter-free.
8. Limit Your Purchases
Limiting your purchases is an essential strategy for maintaining a clutter-free bathroom. This means only buying what you need and resisting the temptation to buy new products just because they’re on sale or look appealing.
This step requires some discipline, but it’s essential for maintaining a clutter-free bathroom. By limiting your purchases, you can avoid accumulating unnecessary items and keep your bathroom organized.
9. Use Multi-Purpose Products
Using multi-purpose products is another effective way to reduce clutter in your bathroom. This means choosing products that can serve multiple functions, reducing the number of items you need to store.
For example, you could use a shampoo that also works as a body wash, or a moisturizer that also provides sun protection. Using multi-purpose products can significantly reduce the number of items in your bathroom, making it easier to keep your space clutter-free.
10. Keep Only What You Love
Keeping only what you love is a great way to reduce clutter in your bathroom. This means getting rid of any items that don’t bring you joy or serve a purpose.
This step is inspired by Marie Kondo’s decluttering method, which encourages you to only keep items that “spark joy.” By keeping only what you love, you can create a bathroom that not only is clutter-free, but also reflects your personal style and preferences.
11. Use Vertical Storage
Vertical storage is another clever solution for a clutter-free bathroom. This involves using the height of your bathroom, not just the floor space, for storage.
For example, you could install a tall, narrow shelf unit that provides plenty of storage without taking up much floor space. You could also use over-the-door organizers or hanging baskets. By using vertical storage, you can maximize your space and reduce clutter.
12. Keep a Trash Bin Handy
Keeping a trash bin in your bathroom is a simple yet effective step towards maintaining a clutter-free space. This makes it easy to dispose of empty product containers, used tissues, and other waste.
Having a trash bin in your bathroom encourages you to dispose of waste immediately, instead of leaving it on your countertop or in a drawer. It’s a small step, but it can make a big difference in maintaining a clutter-free bathroom.
13. Use Clear Containers
Using clear containers for storage can help you keep your bathroom organized. This allows you to see what’s inside each container, making it easier to find what you need.
For example, you could use clear acrylic drawers for your makeup, or glass jars for your cotton balls and Q-tips. Using clear containers not only helps you stay organized, but it also creates a visually pleasing aesthetic in your bathroom.
14. Create a Daily Cleaning Routine
Creating a daily cleaning routine can help you maintain a clutter-free bathroom. This involves doing a quick clean-up of your bathroom every day to keep it tidy.
Your daily cleaning routine could include wiping down your countertop, putting items back in their designated places, and emptying your trash bin. By doing a little bit of cleaning every day, you can prevent clutter from building up and keep your bathroom looking its best.
15. Be Consistent
Being consistent is perhaps the most important step towards maintaining a clutter-free bathroom. This means sticking to your decluttering and cleaning routines, and not letting your bathroom get cluttered again.
Consistency is key to maintaining any habit, and it’s no different when it comes to decluttering. By being consistent, you can ensure your bathroom stays clutter-free and organized.
