Introduction: Simplify Your Space, Simplify Your Life
Bathrooms are one of the busiest areas of any home, whether shared or personal. As a high-traffic zone, they can quickly become cluttered, chaotic, and hard to maintain. From cosmetics to towels, every product and tool needs its own place. A decluttered bathroom will Simplify your life, reduce stress and help you reclaim your space. An organized bathroom not only leads to a simplified life but also makes your morning and evening routines more efficient. With a focus on intentional living, this guide will help you create a space that’s functional and beautiful, aligned with your personal aesthetic.
Whether you’re dealing with a community bathroom shared by several people or your own private bathroom sanctuary, these 10 steps will guide you through decluttering, organizing, and setting up storage solutions that maximize space. In just 1-2 days, with an additional day of planning, you can create a bathroom that promotes simple living and stays easy to maintain over time.
This is the third article in our “high-clutter zone series,” where we help you take problem areas and turn them into your personal oasis.
What Will You Learn?
By the end of this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to declutter and organize your bathroom for maximum efficiency.
- How to identify trouble spots and address high clutter zones.
- Effective ways to use vertical storage, shelves, and drawer dividers to save space.
- What should and should not be kept in an organized bathroom for easy maintenance.
- How to develop sustainable habits to maintain an organized, clutter-free bathroom.
Step 1: Empty All Cabinets, Drawers, and Surfaces
The first step to decluttered bathroom is to remove everything from cabinets, drawers, countertops, and shelves. This gives you a fresh slate and a chance to see everything you own. This serves two purposes: It clears the mess, and gives you a clean palette to visualize your future space. Similar to your closet, it’s a really good practice to take a “before” picture. This isn’t just for the instagram reveal, it’s to help you understand the pinch points where clutter gathers.
Identify High Clutter Zones
Notice which areas of your bathroom accumulated the most clutter—these will be your trouble spots to focus on. Common trouble zones include countertops, under-sink areas, and crowded shower caddies.
Start with a Clean Slate
After removing everything, wipe down all surfaces and vacuum or mop the floor. This ensures your newly organized space starts off fresh. If it needs it, this is a great time to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls. If you’re wanting to be thorough, start with a mildew resistant primer that will protect your walls for years to come. Typically, you want to stay away from flat, matte, or eggshell, but with modern paint technology, you don’t have to shy away from these options. Make sure you are purchasing a product that is designed for the bathroom.
Time Frame: 1-2 hours – 1/2 day – 1 day if painting.
Step 2: Declutter with the Keep, Donate, Toss Method
A decluttered bathroom is essential for simplifying your life. As you sort through your items, decide whether to keep, donate, or toss each one. Be ruthless with expired toiletries and makeup. There aren’t too many donating options in the bathroom, but maybe, just maybe, it’s time to let go of that crimper.
What Should and Should Not Be in a Bathroom
- Should be: Toiletries, skincare products, towels, cleaning supplies, and frequently used cosmetics.
- Should not be: Seasonal decorations, bulk storage items, or non-essentials that take up space. Bathrooms (especially shared) and hallway closets can become the catch all for homeless items. Forgive yourself for what you’ll find under the vanity.
Simplifying Life with Essentials Only
Only keep the products you frequently use. For example, limit your shower products to a few favorites rather than overcrowding the space with half-used bottles. If you find out you don’t prefer a face wash, get rid of it. Lastly, no bottles on the floor. Those are like Pringles, once you pop, you can’t stop. An organized bathroom should be efficient, and bring value to your life. Find the products that serve you well, and stay loyal.
Time Frame: 1-2 hours
Step 3: Group Items by Category
Grouping your items makes it easier to see what you have and store them efficiently.
Categories for Bathroom Organization
Create categories like skincare, haircare, oral hygiene, and first aid. For community bathrooms, use labeled bins for each person’s items to avoid mix-ups.
Group for Ease of Use
Place categories that you use together—like face wash and moisturizer—near each other to simplify your routine. This is not only convenient, but efficient. You’ll find yourself cutting minutes off of your morning with a few simple shifts.
Time Frame: 1 hour
Step 4: Assess Storage Needs and Solutions
Take a step back and evaluate your current storage system. Do you have enough space? Are your organizers effective? The key factor here is to accurately measure the space, and understand the specifications of the items you are purchasing, especially when buying online. Simplifying your life starts with specific intention. Start out with goal phrases like: The key to a decluttered bathroom is space. Space to move, space to get ready, space, for one, two, or three at a time. Make sure the systems you choose do not impede your movements or make you feel “closed in.” This will take effort and discipline, but once you have this value in place, you will never go back.
Custom Storage Systems for Efficiency
Consider investing in a vanity storage unit or under-counter storage bins to keep everything neat and accessible.
- Take a few minutes to check out what’s on Amazon.
Modular Storage Solutions
Stackable bins and drawer organizers can help maximize vertical space and fit neatly inside cabinets or drawers.
Time Frame: 1-2 hours
Step 5: Use Vertical Storage and Wall Space
Make the most of your bathroom’s vertical storage potential by installing shelves or using wall-mounted towel hangers.
Wall-Mounted Organizers for Small Spaces
If you’re working with a small bathroom, install floating shelves or over-the-door hooks to store extra towels and robes.
- The sky is the limit with shelving. Check out a few ideas at Lowe’s.
Shower Organization Ideas
Install a wall-mounted caddy or hanging basket to store shower essentials, keeping them within reach and remember, nothing on the floor.
- Not all shower accessories are created equal. Make sure you read the reviews and understand what is needed to ensure a secure mount.
Time Frame: 1-2 hours
Step 6: Optimize Cabinets and Drawers with Dividers
Drawer dividers are essential for keeping small items organized. They prevent clutter and make it easier to find what you need.
Under-Counter Storage Ideas
Critical in simplifying your life, use pull-out bins or baskets under the sink to organize larger items like hair dryers or cleaning supplies. I have found that mountable, stackable solutions work the best, the last thing you need when rushing out of the house is a yard sale of bathroom items all over the bathroom floor. If there are littles in the house, I promise you, they will find a way to spill it if they can. stick down, screw down. keep them secure.
Vanity Storage Tips
If your bathroom has a vanity, use shelving systems and drawer organizers to store makeup and toiletries neatly.
Time Frame: 1-2 hours
Step 7: Tidy Countertops with Trays for Small Items
A decluttered bathroom countertop creates a sense of order and calm. Use small trays or containers to corral frequently used items.
Simplify Countertop Storage
Store everyday essentials—like hand soap, lotion, or toothbrushes—on a decorative tray to keep them contained but accessible. Less is more.
Limit Items on Display
Only keep what you use daily on the countertop. Everything else should be stored in cabinets or drawers to maintain a clean look. This should not include valuables like rings and delicate chains. Cracking open the plumbing under the sink is a lot more involved than you might think. The goal is a simplified life, and this includes not having to move eight items just to brush your teeth.
Time Frame: 1 hour
Step 8: Incorporate Decorative Touches for Aesthetic Appeal
bathroom organization can still reflect your personal style. Incorporate small decorative elements like plants, candles, or framed prints to enhance the space. Use 3M strips to mount the frames. Don’t be afraid to change these pictures out regularly to keep things fresh for you and your guests.
Match Your Storage to Your Aesthetic
Choose storage containers and baskets that complement your bathroom design—whether modern, rustic, or minimalist. This is highly important. You don’t want aesthetic chaos. Variety is welcome, just make sure it flows. This is another space in the house where I say steal, steal, steal. Legitimately copy magazine spreads and TV shows. no one will put it together and they’ll chalk it up to you having a good eye for design. Simplifying your life doesn’t mean bland or mismatched aesthetic. The more you make it you, the more likely you are to stick to your plan.
Lighting Matters
Update your bathroom’s lighting with soft, warm bulbs to create a relaxing atmosphere. Consider adding a new lighting fixture. If you don’t have an electrician handy, grow a little courage and learn a new skill.
- this one is for the brave souls.
Time Frame: 1 hour – 2-3 if changing a fixture.
Step 9: Maintain the Organization with a Simple System
The key to maintaining your newly organized and decluttered bathroom is to develop sustainable habits. Regular maintenance prevents clutter from building up again.
Weekly 10-Minute Cleanups
Spend a few minutes each week wiping down surfaces and putting items back in their place.
Seasonal Refreshes
Plan a quarterly review of your products to remove expired items and adjust your storage system as needed.
Time Frame: Ongoing
Step 10: Develop a Maintenance Routine for Long-Term Success
Establishing a routine will help you keep your bathroom organized and clutter-free. The more you stick to these routines, the more you simplify your life.
One-In, One-Out Rule
Whenever you buy a new product, toss or donate an old one to avoid accumulating clutter.
Encourage Shared Responsibility in Community Bathrooms
If you share the bathroom, assign maintenance tasks to each user to keep the space organized. Use a family chore chart, or put it on the calendar. A decluttered bathroom takes teamwork.
Time Frame: Ongoing
FAQ: Creating an Efficient and Aesthetic Bathroom
Q: How long does it take to organize a bathroom?
A: This guide breaks the process into 3-4 days, with an additional 1-2 days for planning if needed.
Q: What are the best storage solutions for small bathrooms?
A: Use vertical storage, over-the-door hooks, and under-sink organizers to maximize space.
Q: How do I keep a shared bathroom organized?
A: Use labeled bins or baskets for each person’s items and assign weekly tasks to share maintenance responsibilities.
Q: Should I keep cleaning supplies in the bathroom?
A: Yes, store essential cleaning supplies under the sink for easy access.
Q: How do I prevent clutter from returning?
A: Develop habits like weekly cleanups and use the one-in, one-out rule for new purchases.
Summary: A Bathroom That Works for You
By following these 10 steps, you’ll transform your bathroom into a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you’re organizing a community bathroom or your personal oasis, this process will help you simplify home life and keep clutter at bay. With just a few days of effort and the right storage solutions, your bathroom can become an organized, stress-free zone that supports your daily routines.
Simplify your life through embracing intentional living, maintaining your new system with small, regular habits. A well-organized and decluttered bathroom not only saves time but also creates a calm, beautiful environment—perfect for starting and ending your day on the right note.
Embrace the decluttering lifestyle today and enjoy the benefits of a bathroom that makes getting ready a joy, not a chore.
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