December 18, 2023

8 Tips to Declutter Your Bathroom

About Nicole Pajer

Nicole Pajer is a Los Angeles-based freelance published in The New York Times, Woman's Day, AARP, Parade, Wired, Glamour, People and more.

It’s where you get ready for the day in the morning, wash your face and put on your nighttime lotions, and unwind with a nice hot shower. Any time that you’re in your bathroom, you’re likely using a plethora of products—everything from a hair dryer to face wash, body lotion, soap, toothpaste, towels, and dental floss. All these items can easily pile up on top of your vanity, leading to clutter, clutter, and more clutter! But that doesn’t mean that your bathroom has to stay that way. Here are some tips and tricks for getting your bathroom looking its best.

Tip 1: Assess the Situation

“The first step in any decluttering journey is taking stock of what you have,” says Heather Aiello, CEO and founder of The Organized You. She suggests beginning by emptying out cabinets, drawers, and any other storage spaces in your bathroom. Lay everything out where you can see it. Pile it on top of your vanity so it’s easier to view. “This process not only helps you see what you have but also allows you to evaluate what you truly need,” says Aiello.

Tip 2: Categorize and Conquer

Once everything is laid out, start categorizing items. Group similar items together – toiletries, medications, cleansers, lotions, hair supplies, etc.. This categorization will provide clarity on the types of storage solutions you might need and might help to make it easier to find things in the future. It can also help you to see what you have duplicates of that you don’t need. For instance, maybe you have two tubes of mascara, and one is really old. Toss the old one and keep the new one. If you are ready to buy new toothbrushes, check to see if you already have a pack under your sink, etc.

Tip 3: Purge Unwanted and Expired Items

“Be ruthless in letting go of items you no longer need or that have expired,” says Aiello. She suggests checking the expiration dates on medications and skincare products and disposing of them appropriately. Also, bid farewell to that half-empty shampoo bottle you haven’t touched in months or that lotion which has a scent you do not care for. “Decluttering is not just about organization; it's also about creating space for what truly matters,” adds Aiello.

Tip 4: Optimize Storage Space

Now that you know what you're keeping, it's time to optimize your storage space. Invest in clear containers or drawer dividers to keep items separated and visible. Turntables also work well under the sink to keep items contained. “Utilize vertical space with shelves or cabinets to free up valuable countertop space,” Aiello says. “Consider the back of the cabinet door for items like your hairdryer.” Try to not just toss a bunch of loose things haphazardly in your drawers. Really think through how you’d like to organize them so that you can easily see what you have every time you open a drawer or cabinet.

Tip 5: Don’t Forget About Your Shower

If you have a rubber, anti-slip tub mat, double-check if it’s time for a replacement. “These mats are great for preventing falls in the shower, however, over time they can collect mold in between the suction cups,” says Amelia Pleasant Kennedy, a life and clutter coach in Detroit, Michigan. Toss the mat when signs of mold appear and replace it. Repeat this process by taking a quick look at your shower curtain liner. Mold tends to collect along the bottom edges. Next, look at how much stuff you have sitting in your shower. You may want to toss empty shampoo bottles, replace old razors, and store your soap on top of a soap holder so it doesn’t dirty up your shower as easily.

Tip 6: Create Daily Habits for Maintenance

Maintaining a clutter-free bathroom is an ongoing process. Aiello challenges her clients to establish daily habits to keep your newly organized space in check. For instance, take 5 minutes at the end of every day to put away anything you may have left out on the counter like your hairbrush or a bottle of lotion. And if you live with others, get them on board with the process. “Encourage family members, roommates and friends to put things back in their designated places and commit a few minutes each day to a quick tidy-up,” she says.

Tip 7: Personal Touch

A bathroom doesn’t have to be a boring space. “Encourage personalization with a few select items that bring joy and comfort, like a favorite soap or a small plant, making the space more welcoming,” says Lina DaSilva, founder of Toronto Shine Cleaning. Place framed photos on a shelf, put a decorative catch-all tray on top of your vanity, and add a soap dispenser or hand towels that bring some color into the room. Get rid of or rehome anything that isn’t adding to the aesthetic of the space and is just collecting dust by sitting on top of your vanity.

Tip 8: Donate or Dispose

“If you find items that are in good condition but no longer needed, consider donating them,” says Eryn Donaldson, CEO of home organization company The Model Home. Try placing these items up for grabs on your local Buy Nothing Group or neighborhood forum. Dispose of expired or unusable items responsibly – for instance, ask your local pharmacy about how to get rid of unused medications, as it can be dangerous to flush them down the toilet or toss them in the trash. And recycle anything you can instead of simply throwing it away.