Organize and Simplify the Bathroom, Inside Out

You decluttered...

You cleaned...

Now it's time

to Simplify the Bathroom!

You can now organize and simplify the bathroom by adding back the things you and your family members love, use often, and are practical or necessary.

Also consider feng shui-ing your bathroom before you start putting things back in it. The location of the bathroom in the home can often affect the flow of energy in the home and the people who live there. Water is often an over-abundant element in the bathroom, so either tame it down with Feng Shui cures or "destructive elements" for water, or utilize other Feng Shui tips and techniques to optimize the flow of energy in your home.

Now you can start adding back in your bathroom items. The challenge is to find bathroom storage space for each item. It's easiest to have individual storage containers for each person and also to have shared storage areas such as the medicine cabinet and a small bookshelf.

Individual Items:

If you have an under-the-sink cabinet or linen closet storage, it may be easiest for each person to have their own storage containers or baskets with their individual items such as make-up, creams, lotions, brushes, combs, razors, hair dryers, etc. When you get ready each day, just take your container with you into the bathroom, and when you're finished getting ready, make sure all of your items are back in the container and put it away.

This helps simplify the bathroom by keeping excess clutter and electrical cords to a minimum. NOTE: Always let curling irons cool off completely before storing.

Shared Items:

• For shared items like toothpaste or dental floss, these are best kept in a shared storage space such as the medicine cabinet or under the sink. It's beneficial to store toothbrushes this way so they are not being exposed to microbes in the open air all day.
• Towel storage: Have enough towels and washcloths so there are always clean ones available for family and guests, but not so many that you are washing a load of towels every day of the week. Have a place for towel storage in the linen closet, in a basket, or on a shelf. Put dirty towels in a designated space until washing time, such as a hamper in the bathroom or in each person's bedroom. If each person is going to re-use their towel, have a place in their bedroom to hang the towel to dry until the next time.
• A small bookshelf works well as a multi-purpose piece of furniture in the bathroom. It can hold reading material such as books and magazines, along with some towels, some extra rolls of toilet paper, a container with extra feminine hygiene products, and there may even be some space on top to put some scented candles or potpourri. Place the bookshelf within easy reach of the toilet.
• Finally, there needs to be storage space in the shower for things like shampoo, conditioner, and soap. There are numerous storage products available out there, so try to choose products that are practical, inexpensive, but built to last.

Next...

Linen Closet Organization: The linen closet is also a shared space, but it may be located outside of the bathroom. Get tips on how to use your linen closet storage to it's full, organized potential.