Ask Kathy: How do I organize my bathroom?
I’m sure you’d agree, the bathroom is one of the easiest rooms in your house to mess up! Between shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, soap, toothpaste, make-up, brushes, hair spray, razors, perfumes, not to mention washcloths and towels… that is a lot to organize in usually a small) space!
Here are some questions we get from clients and we thought we’ d share the answers with you:
I am not a morning person, so my mornings are always rushed. I wish I could enjoy my time in the shower more, but not when it is all cluttered up! How do I organize my shower, when I am in and out and on the go? -CL
The first suggestion I would make is to designate specific spaces for your things in the shower. To do this, look at your shower and decide what you use the most (if you see items you know you’ll never use – throw them way or give them to someone who’d like and extra bottle of shower gel). Put the things you use the most, in the most convenient place – use built-in niches or shelves or consider using a caddy.If you do like going back and forth between shampoos, consider keeping an additional caddy under your sink, so you can easily change out your bathing items – but only keep one in your shower.
How can I reduce the clutter in my bathroom? -TW
Organizing specific spaces to keep your things will help you keep clutter off of your counter – however, there is often a bigger problem: too much stuff! Even organized spaces can become over run with bottles and brushes when there are too many of them. If buy a new product to try, make sure you’ ve used up the old one first. (And don’ t forget to toss empty containers, which can quickly clutter up countertops, medicine cabinets or showers.)
What is the best thing to do with my towels?
Although towels may not be the main reasons bathrooms feel cluttery, they are a necessity and the right way to store towels is important to an uncluttered bathroom – sorry, over the shower curtain rod won’ t cut it!
Look for spaces in your bathroom that are out of the natural line of sight like behind doors or beside counters. Think about how you typically function. Installing towel racks isn’ t the best idea if you know you will never hang wet towels on it, consider hooks instead.
Remember, organizing is about creating a system that works for you – even in the bathroom!
If you have other questions about organizing your home, email us your question. You may find an answer from a professional organizer on our blog or newsletter.
Kathy Jenkins is the President of Come To Order, a Residential Professional Organizer, Student Organizer, Certified Family Manager Coach, Writer and Speaker based in Richmond, Virginia. She is a member of NAPO and ICD and is dedicated to helping her clients simplify their lives by reducing clutter, organizing their homes and offices, and managing their time. Kathy especially enjoys working with kids and their families to help them learn good organizational skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. Follow Kathy on Facebook.
