5 Steps to organize your bathroom cabinets and under-the-sink Bathroom cabinet

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Is your bathroom cabinet a chaotic mess of half-empty bottles, expired products, and tangled cords? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of organizing your bathroom cabinets step by step.

Many people struggle to keep their bathroom cabinets organized, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you can transform your cluttered cabinet into a tidy and functional space.

Whether you’re dealing with a small cabinet in a shared bathroom or a spacious vanity in your master bath, these tips will help you make the most of your storage space and streamline your morning routine.

Step 1: Declutter

Decluttering your bathroom cabinet can be daunting, especially when faced with the challenge of letting go of items you’ve spent money on or believe you might use someday. But fear not! With a few simple strategies, you can tackle decluttering like a pro and create a more organized space that truly serves your needs.

Tip 1: Set Clear Goals

Before diving into decluttering, take a moment to set clear goals for what you want to achieve. Are you looking to minimize clutter, streamline your morning routine, or create more space for essentials? Having a clear vision of your end goal will help guide your decluttering decisions and keep you focused throughout the process.

Tip 2: Start Small

Decluttering an entire bathroom cabinet can feel overwhelming, so start small by tackling one shelf or section at a time. Breaking the task into smaller, more manageable chunks will make it feel less daunting and help you stay motivated as you progress.

Tip 3: Use the Three-Box Method

As you declutter, use the three-box method to categorize items into three groups: keep, donate/sell, and toss. Ask yourself if you truly need or use each item, and be honest with yourself about whether it serves a purpose in your daily life. If you haven’t used it in the past six months to a year, it’s probably time to let it go.

Tip 4: Be Ruthless (But Mindful)

When decluttering, it’s important to be ruthless in your decision-making but also mindful of your attachment to certain items. Remember that letting go of things doesn’t diminish their value or the memories associated with them. If you’re struggling to part with something, ask yourself if it aligns with your current lifestyle and if holding onto it brings you joy or serves a practical purpose.

Tip 5: Consider the KonMari Method

If you struggle with letting go of items, consider applying the KonMari Method, popularized by Marie Kondo. Her method encourages you to keep only items that “spark joy” and thank them for their service before letting them go. By focusing on what truly brings you happiness and serves a purpose in your life, you can create a more intentional and clutter-free space.

Tip 6: Donate or Recycle Unwanted Items

Instead of throwing away items that are still in good condition, consider donating them to charity or recycling them if possible. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also gives unwanted items a second chance to bring joy to someone else’s life.

Tip 7: Celebrate Your Progress

Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your progress as you declutter! Whether you’ve cleared out an entire shelf or pared down your skincare collection, every small victory brings you one step closer to your goal of a more organized and functional bathroom cabinet.

Following these tips and strategies, you can overcome common decluttering obstacles and create a space that brings you peace and joy every time you open your bathroom cabinet.

Step 2: Clean and Assess

Once you’ve decluttered your cabinet, take the time to give it a good cleaning. Wipe down the shelves, walls, and doors to remove accumulated dust or grime. While you’re cleaning, note any damage or areas that need repair.

Now, it’s time to assess your storage needs and determine the best way to organize your remaining items. Paying attention to key factors such as height, volume, and frequency of use will help you optimize your storage space and create a system that works for you.

Tip 1: Consider Height and Accessibility

When organizing your bathroom cabinet, take into account the height of your shelves and the accessibility of items.

Store frequently used items within easy reach, placing them on lower shelves or in drawers where they’re easily accessible. Less frequently used items can be stored on higher shelves or less accessible areas to free up prime real estate for everyday essentials.

Tip 2: Evaluate Volume and Storage Containers

Assess the volume of your items and choose appropriate storage containers to accommodate them. For smaller items like cotton balls, Q-tips, and hair ties, opt for small bins or jars that can be easily tucked away on shelves or in drawers.

Larger items, such as shampoo, conditioner, and lotion bottles, may require larger bins or baskets to keep them organized and accessible.

Tip 3: Prioritize Frequently Used Items

Take note of which items you use most frequently and prioritize them in your organization system.

Keep everyday essentials like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and face wash front and center for easy access while relegating less frequently used items to secondary storage areas.

This will streamline your morning routine and ensure you can quickly find what you need when needed.

Tip 4: Group Similar Items Together

Group similar items together to create a more cohesive and organized space.

Store toiletries, skincare products, hair care products, and other items in designated areas to make it easier to find what you need.

Consider using drawer dividers or separate bins to keep categories of items separated and prevent them from getting jumbled together.

Tip 5: Maximize Vertical Space

Making the most of vertical space in your bathroom cabinet using stackable shelves, risers, or tiered organizers is a secret weapon in every organizing project we tend to overlook.

These storage solutions allow you to take advantage of unused vertical space and create additional storage tiers for smaller items or products that would otherwise get lost in the shuffle.

STACKABLE STORAGE

Tip 6: Be Flexible and Adapt as Needed

Finally, be flexible and willing to adapt your organization system as needed. As your storage needs change over time, don’t be afraid to rearrange shelves, switch out storage containers, or try new organizational strategies. The key is to create a system that evolves with you and meets your changing needs.

By paying attention to height, volume, frequency of use, and other key factors when assessing your storage needs, you can create an organized and functional bathroom cabinet that makes your daily routine a breeze.

Step 3: Group Like Items Together

Next, group similar items together to create a more cohesive and organized space and to make them easier to find and access. Separate your toiletries, skincare products, hair care products, and other items into categories, and designate a specific area of your cabinet for each category.

Remember, everybody has a family, and every family has a home. By keeping like items together, you’re giving each item a “home” within your cabinet, making it easier to locate what you need when you need it.

While there are many categories, I’m sure there are products you use daily, and you can place them in a drawer, tray, or bin that you can easily access without having to open multiple drawers because they’re with their “family.” For example, your daily skincare routine items can have their designated tray or bin, making your morning routine smoother and more efficient.

Consider using drawer dividers or separate bins to keep categories of items separated and prevent them from getting jumbled together. This will help you keep similar items together and prevent them from getting lost or buried in the back of the cabinet.

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

Step 4: Use Storage Solutions for Maximum Organization

Investing in the right storage solutions can be the difference between a cluttered mess and a beautifully organized bathroom cabinet. While I’ve emphasized the importance of decluttering and grouping like items together, utilizing storage solutions takes your organization to the next level.

Consider using bins, baskets, or drawer organizers to corral small items like hair accessories, makeup brushes, and travel-sized toiletries. These containers keep items neatly contained and make it easier to access what you need when you need it.

In addition to containers, stackable shelves or risers are excellent tools for maximizing vertical space and creating additional storage tiers. They allow you to see and access items stored in the back of the cabinet without rummaging through product layers.

STORAGE FOR HAIR CARE ITEMS

Opt for wall-mounted holders or over-the-door organizers for specialty items like hair dryers, curling irons, and brushes. These solutions keep these bulky items easily accessible without taking up valuable shelf space, ensuring that your cabinet remains tidy and functional.

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

Incorporating these storage solutions into your organization system maximizes your cabinet space and maintains a clutter-free and visually appealing environment that makes your daily routine a breeze.

Step 5: Label Everything

Labeling is not just an extra step in the organization process—it’s crucial for maintaining an organized space in your bathroom cabinet. Clear and concise labels can help you and your family members quickly locate items, saving time and reducing frustration.

But what should you label, and how can you do it effectively? Let’s explore some examples and uses:

1. Bins and Baskets: Label bins and baskets according to their contents, such as “Hair Accessories,” “Skincare,” “First Aid,” or “Travel Essentials.” This lets you quickly identify where specific items are stored without rummaging through each container.
2. Containers: If you use opaque containers for items like Q-tips or cotton balls and opaque bottles for lotions and serums, labeling them ensures that everyone knows what’s inside. Consider labeling with both the item’s name and expiration date for skincare and medication products.
3. Drawer Dividers: If you have drawer dividers separating different categories of items, label each section accordingly. For example, you might have sections for “Hair Care,” “Oral Care,” “Makeup,” and “Miscellaneous.” Clear labels make it easy to keep these sections organized and prevent items from getting mixed up.
4. Shelves: If your bathroom cabinet has multiple shelves, consider labeling each shelf with the types of items it contains. For example, you might label one shelf “Everyday Essentials” for items used daily and another “Guest Supplies” for extra toiletries for visitors.
5. Medication and Toiletry Cabinets: If you have a separate cabinet for medications or toiletries, labeling shelves or sections with specific categories like “Cold & Flu,” “Pain Relief,” “Dental Care,” or “Hair Care” can help you quickly find what you need during times of illness or when preparing for a trip.

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

There are many label-making methods, depending on your preference and the aesthetic you want to give your space. A label maker provides a polished and uniform look, while handwritten labels with a permanent or chalk marker offer a personal touch. Alternatively, you can buy made for you labels and attach them to containers for a professional appearance.

By labeling everything in your bathroom cabinet, you create a system that will keep you organized in the short term and maintain order in the long run. Plus, it makes it easier for other family members or guests to find items when they need them, promoting a stress-free and efficient bathroom environment.

BATHROOM ORGANIZING LABELS

Step 6: Maintain It Regularly

Finally, make a commitment to maintaining your organized bathroom cabinet on a regular basis. Set aside a few minutes each week to tidy up and return items to their designated places.

This will help prevent clutter from building up again and ensure your bathroom cabinet stays organized and functional for the long haul.

With these simple steps, you can transform your cluttered bathroom cabinet into a streamlined and functional space that makes your morning routine a breeze. Happy organizing!

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New post How to Organize Your Bathroom Cabinets: A Step-by-Step Guide on A Personal Organizer by Helena Alkhas

Organizing The Bathroom And Simplifying Daily Life

Today, it’s time to organize the bathrooms. Guest baths, half baths, the kid’s bathroom. All of them. This week’s deep dive will have us working on the primary bathroom as we work our way through your house in our Home Organizing Challenge.

Organizing The Bathroom

1. Empty the drawers, cabinets, and any closets. Sort through everything and toss old lotions, dried-up nail polishes, and sample hotel products from your vacation years ago.
2. Create “families” – Use attractive containers or baskets to store items neatly, including extra toilet paper. There is no reason to have half-used rolls and plastic packaging just sitting under the sink. Put the rolls in a beautiful basket for yourself and for guests.
3. Then, take a few minutes to clean before you repeat this process as you organize the bathroom. There is no excuse for stuff to be left out. Even bath toys can be stored in a plastic container instead of just strewn in the bathtub.
4. Take this time to give the toilets a good scrubbing and maybe toss a product in the back of the tank that keeps them clean for the next 30 days. Staying clean and organized will make your life more comfortable in the long run. If you want, you can even treat yourself to some nice, new bath towels in a vibrant color to celebrate.

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

Deep Dive: Organizing The Master Bathroom

Now, we are going to organize the primary bath. If you don’t have one, pick the bathroom you use the most and start organizing.

• We are going to stick with the routine that works the best. Empty all the drawers, clear off the shelves, and drag stuff out from all the dark places where you have hidden it. Pile them all on the counter and in the sink.

• Take the time to clean the sticky residue from toothpaste, leaky shampoo bottles, and everything else that needs it.

• Toss any old items. Makeup only lasts 3-6 months—Unclog hairspray bottles. Throw out lotions and perfumes that only have a squirt or two left—no need to hang on to stuff like that, as it only clutters up your space. You can also see what you need and do not when you throw these things out.

• Use attractive baskets or smaller tubs to sort items into groupings. Put all the shampoos and conditioners in one. First aid gear into another. Bubble bath stuff in a third and repeat for all item categories. You can use a silverware caddy in the drawer to organize smaller items.

• When you are finished, you should have a clear counter. Every single item should have its own new spot. If you replace each item after every single use, it will stay looking clean and organized.

Now, wipe the counter and clean the mirror for a minute or two. Take another minute and admire your beautiful bathroom! Having an organized bathroom makes it so much easier to get ready in the morning and wind down at night.

Wrapping Up

Now that you have organized your bathroom don’t forget to grab your free printable checklist to keep you on track as you declutter, clean, and organize. It’s always great to have an accountability partner and community support when you are doing a challenge, so don’t forget to share this challenge with your friends.

Want more inspiration for organizing the bathroom? Check out these reader favorites:

New post How To Organize The Bathroom on A Personal Organizer by Helena Alkhas

How We Decorated & Organized Our Small Powder Room

Organizing a small space will give you a quick sense of accomplishment and energize you to tackle what’s next. With that in mind, when we first moved into our new home, organizing and decorating our small bathroom was one of the first items on my long to-do list.

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This small bathroom is located on our first floor, next door to the laundry and adjacent to the living room. This powder room also serves as a guest room and holds our utility closet in what will eventually become a shower.

As we plan to fully renovate that bathroom and make it into a “real” guest bathroom with a shower stall, I initially wanted to keep that closet empty to avoid moving things around over and over.

However, where should we place everything that we frequently use if the laundry room next door doesn’t have adequate storage for bulky items like vacuum cleaners, brooms, or tall cleaning product bottles?

I didn’t want to store these items in the basement—too far! nor in the garage—too cold! As we didn’t have the budget to renovate the laundry room/mudroom right away, this future shower was the most convenient place to store all cleaning supplies, tools, and other items I’ll show you soon.

Another important consideration is that this is the official “powder room” of the house, and I wanted to tie it in with the living areas. So, the least costly and quickest way to do it was with a can of paint and some small changes.

Powder Room Color Selection

As I shared in this post, we wanted to try something completely different from our previous home in San Diego. That house was beige with white trim from head to toe, and we were ready to try something more exciting. We decided to use Indigo Batik as the main color in some areas and as an accent color in the adjacent rooms.

Considering that this is such a tiny bathroom, only 24 square feet, I thought any choice would be low-risk and easy to change if we didn’t like it. So, we went for it!

We had the wall painted in Indigo Batik, a dark but rich, almost velvety blue. We paired it with pure white trim and the ceiling in Simple White.

Another important decision was regarding the hardware. The original hardware was all gold or brown, including the door handle, the faucet, the toilet flush handle, the towel holder, the door stopper, the hinges, and the air vent. It was also old, and in many cases, it was chipped or rusted. It was time for a change!

We decided to go with rubbed oil fixtures; the contrast between the white and the blue is gorgeous.

To carry the colors in the decor in the living areas of the first floor, I used a metal candle holder with delicate, small gold dots, a beautiful trash can, and a gray hand towel—all from Target. When we have guests, I light the candle, and it looks so delicate!

The framed art is another great find from Home Goods.

There are many rubbed oil bronze fixtures on the market these days. Research a style that matches your taste, but also consider the quality and budget. If you plan on renovating anytime soon—even if it’s two years from now—don’t invest in the most expensive ones, as you may decide to change the sink or toilet, and the fixtures may not match the new ones.

In our case, changing the sink and toilet didn’t make sense as we will renovate this bathroom down the road, so we just wanted to spruce it up.

Accessorizing The Guest Bathroom – Less is More

I tend to hang less stuff on the wall and have less decor around the house these days.

Maybe it’s a change in taste, as I enjoy having “white space” in our home, or maybe it’s wisdom -I know how much work it takes to keep everything clean. The fact is that I haven’t felt the need to add anything above the toilet tank, as you’ll usually see in other homes.

I also skipped changing the mirror because I haven’t found anything striking, and I know that down the road, we’ll renovate the space to include a vanity and a new mirror.

So, I’m keeping it simple with the abovementioned items.

Organizing The Utility Closet

The space for the future shower is small, and we hope to find more space in an enclosed area next to it. We have a small closet with wire shelving and good lighting for now.

It has 2 feet 6″ x 3 feet, so it works quite well for a utility closet.

However, because it’s located in our powder room, I wanted to make sure it’s not screaming “cleaning supplies” when guests open that door.

Again, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money here, so I invested in these gorgeous baskets by The Container Store to store cleaning supplies and bathroom items like extra hand towels, toilet paper, and a basket with convenience items I keep for our guests.

I used Elfa shelf liners to line the floor and protect it from spills or scratches.

I still have to install wall hooks to hold the broom, mop, and other items, but that’s coming soon.

Here is a list of what this small bathroom closet holds. As you can see, it has an important function in our home!

I couldn’t be happier with the transformation of our powder room. It’s a pleasure to walk by it and see the beautiful colors and details, and it’s also a pleasure to find everything we need for cleaning and maintaining our home here. I love this mighty space!

Want to organize your bathroom? Download this checklist and get started!

Do you have a bathroom that needs a little TLC? Have you recently organized your small bathroom? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!

New post Organizing A Small Bathroom Packed With Function on A Personal Organizer by Helena Alkhas