How to Declutter Your Bathroom (My 9 Secret Methods)

Ready to learn how to declutter your bathroom? A clutter-free bathroom isn’t just more aesthetically pleasing—it’s also practical, efficient, and easier to clean. Whether your bathroom is small or spacious, following these decluttering strategies can help you create a calm, organised space that works for your lifestyle. Here are 9 actionable tips to declutter your bathroom from chaotic to serene, as chosen by our team of experts.

My 9 Ways to Declutter Your Bathroom

1. Assess and Categorise

Decluttering starts with a fresh slate, so begin by completely emptying your bathroom cabinets, drawers, shelves, and even your shower or bathtub caddies.
Place everything onto a clean surface, like a countertop or a large towel spread out on the floor. Seeing everything in one place can be a powerful motivator to address the clutter.
Next, sort the items into clearly defined categories based on their purpose and use. Common categories include:

• Skincare: Cleansers, moisturisers, serums, and masks.
• Haircare: Shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and tools like brushes or straighteners.
• Oral hygiene: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, and mouthwash.
• Medications: Prescription and over-the-counter remedies, first aid items, and supplements.
• Makeup and beauty tools: Foundations, lipsticks, brushes, and applicators.
• Cleaning supplies: Bathroom cleaners, sponges, and cloths.

Once sorted, examine each category to identify unnecessary items. This could be:

• Multiple half-used bottles of identical shampoo. These can be consolidated if possible, or you might decide which to keep and which to discard if they’re different brands.
• Expired products. It’s important to check expiration dates when you go to use things in your bathroom, especially for makeup and medications. As well as being ineffective, expired products can be harmful.
• Things you don’t want or need anymore. Perhaps you suffered from dry skin or eczema and bought a steroid cream to help clear it up? Now the issue is resolved, the cream is simply taking up space and creating mess in your bathroom.

This process not only eliminates clutter but also gives you a clear understanding of what you own. It can prevent future over-purchasing by highlighting what you already have. A well-organised bathroom begins with this crucial step of cutting down, which sets the stage for a space that feels intentional and functional. Let’s continue learning How to Declutter Your Bathroom.

2. Eliminate Expired and Unused Products

One of the easiest ways to declutter your bathroom is by addressing expired and unused items. Start by carefully examining the expiration dates on all your products, paying special attention to cosmetics, skincare, medications, and sunscreens. Many of these items lose their effectiveness or can even become harmful after their expiration date.

Why Expiration Dates Matter

• Cosmetics: Expired makeup, such as mascara or foundation, can harbour bacteria, leading to skin irritation or infections. Each product typically has a “period after opening” symbol (a small jar icon with a number like 6M or 12M) indicating how many months it remains safe to use once opened.
• Skincare: Ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, or SPF can degrade over time, making the product ineffective.
• Medications: Expired medications may lose their potency or, in some cases, cause adverse effects.

Responsible Disposal
It’s not enough to simply toss these items in the bin. Proper disposal is essential for safety and environmental protection:

1. Medications: Many pharmacies offer take-back programs for unused or expired medications. Alternatively, check with your local council or waste management services for collection points. Avoid flushing medications, as this can harm aquatic ecosystems.
2. Cosmetics: Some beauty brands and stores, such as Lush or Boots, have recycling schemes for empty or expired cosmetics.
3. Hazardous Waste: Products like nail polish or aerosol sprays should be disposed of through hazardous waste services rather than in household bins.

Tackling Unused Products
Unused products—those you’ve bought but rarely or never used can contribute significantly to bathroom clutter. Evaluate each item honestly:

• Is it unopened and still in date? Donate these items to local shelters or charities that accept unused toiletries.
• Have you tried it and didn’t like it? Offer it to a friend or family member if it’s hygienic to share.

Proactive Measures for the Future
To prevent over-accumulation of products:

• Buy only what you genuinely need or use regularly.
• Try smaller sizes or samples before committing to full-sized products.
• Avoid falling into the trap of “special offers” unless you’re certain you’ll use the item.

Decluttering by eliminating expired and unused products not only frees up valuable space but also ensures your bathroom contains items that are safe and functional. This simple habit, when done regularly, can make a noticeable difference in maintaining an organised and stress-free space.

3. Optimise Storage Solutions

Efficient storage is the cornerstone of an organised and clutter-free bathroom. By thoughtfully arranging your belongings, you can maximise the use of your space while maintaining a clean and functional look. This principle can be applied throughout the property when executing home organising services. Here are some tips and ideas to help you optimise storage in your bathroom:

Clear, Stackable Containers

Clear, stackable containers are perfect for grouping similar items while keeping them visible and easily accessible. Use these for products like skincare, haircare, or grooming essentials.

• Why Clear Containers? They let you see what’s inside at a glance, reducing the time spent searching for items.
• Stackability: Vertical storage saves space in cupboards or under the sink, making it ideal for bathrooms with limited room.
• Tips: Label each container for added clarity, especially if the contents are not immediately obvious. For example, “Daily Skincare” or “Travel Essentials.”

Drawer Dividers

Drawers can quickly become chaotic if left unchecked. Incorporating dividers ensures everything has a designated place.

• Uses: Perfect for organising smaller items like makeup, razors, cotton buds, or nail clippers.
• Adjustable Options: Choose dividers that can be resized to fit your drawer dimensions and customise the compartments to suit your needs.
• DIY Hack: If you’re on a budget, use small boxes or upcycled containers as dividers.

Over-the-Door Organisers

Over-the-door organisers are an excellent way to utilise vertical space without cluttering your counters or cabinets.

• Features: These can include pockets, hooks, or shelving to store items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, or even towels.
• Space-Saving: Hang them on the back of your bathroom door, inside cupboard doors, or even on shower doors.
• Best For: Families or shared bathrooms where multiple people need accessible storage.

Under-Sink Storage

The area under the sink is often underutilised or left messy. Make it functional with tailored storage solutions:

• Pull-Out Drawers: Add sliding drawers to maximise depth and make it easier to reach items at the back.
• Tiered Shelving: Create levels to separate different types of products. For example, cleaning supplies on the bottom and daily essentials on the top.
• Lazy Susan: Add a small turntable to quickly access hard-to-reach items.

Wall-Mounted Shelving

When floor space is limited, making use of vertical storage can transform your bathroom’s organisation without adding bulk. Wall-mounted shelving is a practical way to keep your essentials accessible while maintaining a clean and clutter-free space.

If floor space is limited, turn to your walls for storage.

• Floating Shelves: Floating shelves are a sleek and modern solution that can be installed above the toilet, beside the sink, or even in the shower. They provide a convenient place to store toiletries, towels, or decorative items like candles or small plants. Opt for moisture-resistant materials such as treated wood, glass, or metal to ensure longevity in a humid environment.
• Mounted Baskets: For a more rustic and functional touch, consider using mounted baskets. Wire baskets provide a breathable storage solution, ideal for holding extra toilet rolls, washcloths, or bath products. Wicker baskets add warmth and texture while keeping toiletries neatly tucked away. Secure them to the wall with sturdy brackets or hooks to maximise storage without cluttering countertops.

Magnetic Strips

Magnetic strips are a game-changer for small items that often get lost.

• Placement: Install a magnetic strip inside a cupboard door, on the side of a vanity unit, or directly on the wall near your mirror. This discreet storage hack keeps frequently used items accessible without cluttering countertops or drawers.
• Uses: A magnetic strip is perfect for holding metal grooming tools such as tweezers, nail clippers, scissors, and bobby pins. It prevents these small items from getting lost in drawers and keeps them neatly displayed for quick access. For added organisation, consider using multiple strips for different categories of items, ensuring everything has its designated spot.

Baskets and Bins

Stylish baskets and bins keep your bathroom looking neat while offering practical storage.

• Best For: Towels, toilet rolls, or bulkier items that don’t fit in cabinets.
• Material Options: Choose water-resistant materials like woven plastic or coated metal to withstand bathroom humidity.

Aesthetic Considerations

Optimising storage doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Choose storage solutions that complement your bathroom’s design:

• Use matching baskets or bins for a cohesive look.
• Opt for sleek, modern shelves if you prefer a minimalist vibe.
• For a cosy feel, incorporate woven or fabric storage options.

4. Implement the ‘One In, One Out’ Rule

The ‘One In, One Out’ rule is a simple yet highly effective strategy to keep bathroom clutter at bay. Whenever you purchase a new item—whether it’s skincare, a shampoo bottle, or a towel—commit to removing a similar item that’s no longer needed.

This method not only prevents unnecessary accumulation but also encourages mindful purchasing habits. Before buying, ask yourself: Do I really need this? or What can this replace? Over time, this practice fosters a more intentional approach to what you bring into your bathroom, ensuring your space remains organised and clutter-free.

For best results, combine this rule with regular decluttering sessions to reassess and refine what you truly need.

5. Regular Maintenance Routine

A consistent maintenance routine is key to keeping your bathroom organised long-term. Set aside time each month to reassess your bathroom items. Check for products nearing their expiration dates, duplicates, or items you no longer use.

By regularly reviewing your space, you can ensure that only necessary and frequently used products remain. This proactive approach not only prevents clutter from building up but also makes cleaning and organising much more manageable. A quick monthly check-up keeps your bathroom functional, tidy, and stress-free.

6. Mindful Purchasing Habits

Adopting mindful purchasing habits can make a significant difference in maintaining an organised bathroom. Resist the temptation to stockpile products unless absolutely necessary. Instead, buy items as and when you need them, ensuring that everything you purchase has a specific purpose and will be used within its effective lifespan.

This approach not only helps to minimise clutter but also saves money by preventing wastage from expired or forgotten products. Focus on quality over quantity, and take a moment to consider whether a new purchase is truly essential before adding it to your space.

7. Streamline Shower Supplies

Creating an organised and visually calming shower space starts with limiting the number of products you keep in the shower. Stick to the essentials you use daily, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and perhaps a razor or loofah. By removing unnecessary items, you’ll not only declutter your shower but also make cleaning quicker and more efficient.

For a cohesive and stylish appearance, consider transferring your products into uniform, refillable bottles. This small change reduces visual clutter caused by mismatched packaging and labels, giving your shower a sleek, spa-like feel. Use waterproof labels to differentiate products, ensuring they’re easy to identify.

8. Work by Section

When it comes to decluttering and cleaning various areas in your home, tackling the bathroom can be particularly intimidating. A straightforward yet effective strategy to make it more manageable is to break the process down into smaller sections. For instance, start by focusing on the shelves and then move onto the shower once they have been sorted.

Taking it area by area also helps with categorising, as decluttering a section of the bathroom one at a time makes it easy to return items to their rightful place. If you take everything out of the bathroom, you’ll probably find it difficult to organise. Although this approach can be helpful if you want to rearrange the layout of your bathroom space entirely.

9. Use Height

Many bathrooms struggle with small floor space or a lack of built-in storage. Using the height of the room to your advantage is a creative solution to this problem, especially in the shower or bath. Investing in a rust-proof shower caddy or wall-mounted storage rack will keep everything off the floor and within easy reach. This setup keeps your essentials neatly organised and helps prevent the build-up of mould or grime. By streamlining your shower supplies, you’ll enjoy a more serene and functional space every day.

Final Thoughts

There are many extra steps you can take to further optimise your bathroom space and make it just how you want. Staying on top of your bathroom clutter doesn’t need to be a drag; taking even just 20 minutes each week to check through your supplies and wipe down surfaces will make a world of difference.
By following these tips, you can create a more organised, stylish, and stress-free decluttered bathroom. If you feel you could do with our help to declutter and reduce your stress levels, get in touch with my team below

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