Tips for Simplifying and Decluttering Your Bathroom

Clutter in our home is not conducive to the relaxing safe space we so desperately need in our modern, hectic lives. It’s not just about the physical space – when we clear the clutter in our homes, it allows us to carve out more space for the good. We breathe easier, feel lighter, and experience a gratifying sense of completion. However, although decluttering takes almost zero skill, it can still feel overwhelming. The answer is to start small and tackle one space at a time, and a bathroom is an excellent place to begin!

Your bathroom is a space that won’t require a huge investment of time but creates huge results. It’s one intimate space where you can demonstrate just how much you care about yourself—by making it more beautiful, you can begin to make yourself start to feel the same.

Imagine stepping into your bathroom and feeling an instant sense of calm and tranquillity. No more rummaging through overflowing drawers or battling with cluttered countertops. Decluttering your bathroom not only transforms it into a more functional space but also creates a serene sanctuary where you can unwind and pamper yourself.

Here are 7 favorite tips and strategies to simplify and declutter your bathroom, once and for all.

Declutter by Category

For decluttering bathroom drawers and cabinets, Marie Kondo has great advice in her book ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up’. She recommends tidying up by category. If you organize and declutter by category, it’s not only more efficient, but also gets rid of unused items. For example, if you have a couple of makeup drawers, clear out everything from those first, and then sort through them. Check for expiration dates (more on that later), and throw away anything that's past its prime or that you no longer use. Then put back only the items that you want and need right now.

Start with your makeup, skincare products, and toiletries. You can also use this strategy for your medicine, hair products, and first-aid supplies. Additionally, you may want to invest in drawer organizers with compartments to keep things tidy and easily accessible.

Remove Visible Objects

One of the easiest ways to give your bathroom an instant facelift is to remove visible clutter. Clear the countertops of unnecessary items like toothbrush holders, soap dishes, and random trinkets. Afterwards, walk back into the bathroom and assess it with fresh eyes. Emptying the space creates breathing room, and gives you a way to look at the space as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Then go through each object with your fresh eyes, and decide whether or not the item is still important to you. Keep only the essentials out in the open to create a clean and streamlined look. This will not only make your bathroom look more organized but also make cleaning a breeze.

Set Expiration Dates

If you’re having a hard time letting something go, you can try a couple of things. You can give the item a 6-month (no more than one year) ‘expiration date’. If you haven’t touched the item for at least 6 months, it’s unlikely that you ever will. Next, keep only those things that make you smile. Ask yourself, “Does this item give me joy? Does this help to make my life easier or better? Would I purchase this item again if I saw it today?” Listen to your gut instinct, try not to overthink it, and trust yourself.

Remain Organized

As a preventive and as a way to sustain a clutter-free zone, make a commitment to put things back in their designated spots immediately. Don’t let yourself misplace items or randomly leave things scattered about. Instead, catch yourself and mindfully put the item back in its proper place—this will save you time and energy you might otherwise waste looking for the “lost” item in the future. It’s simple to do, but it does require a shift in awareness and habit. Try it for a week; you’ll be surprised at the difference it will make in your space and in your life.

To help you, invest in some organizers. Drawer dividers, clear acrylic containers, and cabinet shelves can help maximize your space and keep everything in its place. Organizers not only make it easier to find what you need but also prevent clutter from accumulating in the future.

Keep Counters Clear

A bathroom counter can often be a catch-all clutter space. But this is really prime real estate that should be kept clean and minimal so you’ll have space to use when you need it the most. A clear countertop can instantly make your bathroom feel more spacious and inviting. Try to store away as many items as possible, and only keep essential items like hand soap, a toothbrush, and a few decorative items on display. Depending on how much counter space you have, keep your decorative items sparse and limited to just the ones you truly love.

Maximize Storage

If you have a small bathroom, it’s especially important to keep your bathroom clutter-free in order to maximize your space. Find clever and creative ways to store and organize your items by storing things vertically. For example, you can add a bin under your sink, or attach a shelf above your bathroom door. You can also attach a file organizer or magazine rack to the side of your bathroom sink, inside a cabinet door, or on the wall to help keep dryers, curlers, and other items neatly arranged. Consider installing hooks or racks for towels and bathrobes. Utilizing vertical space not only declutters your bathroom but also adds a touch of elegance to the decor.

Family Participation

Finally, try to get every family member involved. Having each member contribute to a clutter-free home not only makes the process easier, but it can even be fun! In children’s bathrooms, give each child their own cabinet with an organizer. For girls, this is a great way to keep track of all hair bands, clips, and accessories. Help kids to get in the habit of putting their own items away in their designated spots each day instead of leaving brushes, mirrors, and other articles on the counters.

Decluttering your bathroom is a small step that can lead to big changes in your daily life. A clutter-free bathroom not only looks more appealing but also makes your daily routine smoother and more enjoyable. Your bathroom will become a haven of tranquillity and a reflection of your care for yourself and your home.