How to Declutter A Family Bathroom (and Keep It Clutter-Free!)

Are you looking for tips to achieve a clutter-free family bathroom?

It can be a challenge to declutter and keep your bathroom clutter-free because it is shared with other members of the family. Some members might have a lot more personal products stored in the bathroom than the others. And if you have little ones, they will need help keep the bathroom tidy.

In this guide, I will walk you through the steps to decluttering the family bathroom, and provide tips on how to keep it clutter-free, so all family members can comfortably prepare for the day and unwind in the evening.

Things to prepare Before you start

There are a few things you need to do before rolling up your sleeves and diving in. These preliminary steps can help you set the stage, get focused, and stay motivated throughout the process.

1. Set Clear Goals for Your Bathroom:

Visualized and write down what you want to achieve.

Do you want zero item on top of the bathroom counter and everything stored in the drawers when not using? Or is it ok to have some essential items on the counter? What goes in the medicine cabinet? How many sets of towels do you want to keep in linen closet?

When you face challenges along the way, your goal will help you stay focused and you’ll be less likely to give up.

2. Communicate with Family Members:

Since your bathroom is a shared space, communication is key.

Talk to your family members about your decluttering plans. Get their consent to declutter their personal possessions or decide to only declutter your own items. Ensuring everyone is on the same page can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.

3. Plan for Unwanted Items:

Before you start decluttering, think about what to do with items you no longer need but are still usable. For examples, old towels and bathrobes you no longer use, unopened bottles of shampoo from Costco that you know you won’t get to use before expiration dates.

It’s a good idea to decide in advance, so you have one fewer thing in mind when in the decluttering process.

4. Gather Your Supplies:

You’ll need trash bags for items to throw away or give away, bins or boxes for items to be transported and stored elsewhere in your house, and cleaning products to clean as you go.

You might also need storage containers for organizing, and labels for clear identification. But you don’t need to rush to get them ready right now. It can wait until you are done decluttering, when you have a better idea of the types of organization solutions you need.

Having all your supplies ready will keep you from running back and forth, making the task more efficient.

How to Declutter Your Bathroom in 4 Simple Steps

Let’s dive into the steps to declutter your bathroom.

Step 1: Get Rid of Any Obvious Trash

Grab a trash bag and start tossing anything that’s obviously trash. Empty bottles of shampoo or body wash, old toothpaste tubes, and dried-up makeup can go straight in. Pay attention to their expiration dates. Keep an eye out for expired medicines and first aid supplies, too.

Step 2: Declutter Your Bathroom By Sections

If you have a small bathroom, emptying everything onto the floor can create a sense of chaos and overwhelm.

To make the decluttering process more manageable, it’s best to divide the task into smaller, more easily manageable sections. This helps you focus on one area at a time, preventing the feeling of being overwhelmed.

This method also works great if your time is limited. You can spend just 20 minutes each day decluttering one specific area, whether it’s a drawer, a shelf, or a part of the cabinet.

Step 3: Sort Your Remaining Stuff By Like Items

After removing all the unwanted items, it’s time to sort remaining items into categories.

Put all your skincare products together, your hair products and hair accessories in one place, your makeup and nail polish in another. This helps you see what you have and avoid buying duplicates.

Step 4: Invest In Storage/Organizational Tools

After decluttering and organizing, if you feel the need to purchase additional storage/organization solutions, now is the time to do so.

For example, invest in a toothbrush holder, a towel bar, clear containers for loose items, drawer dividers, and wall shelves. These tools will make it easy to keep everything in its place.

Tips on Keeping Your Bathroom Clutter-Free

Keeping a clutter-free bathroom can be a bit challenging, especially if it’s a shared bathroom within your family. In the morning rush, when everyone is getting ready for their day, tidying up after using is probably the last thing on their mind.

Here are some tips to help you keep your bathroom clutter-free:

Tip #1: Communicate Openly

In a shared bathroom, each person has their own stuff, from toothbrushes to shampoos. To begin, have a candid conversation with your family members about the importance of keeping the bathroom clutter-free. Make sure everyone is on the same page.

Discuss the need for boundaries, respect for each other’s space, and being considerate about storage and the use of bathroom items. When everyone understands and respects the common goals, keeping the bathroom decluttered becomes a group effort rather than an individual chore.

Tip #2: Provide Storage for Everyone

If you have a large family, to prevent a jumble of items scattered all over the bathroom, it’s vital to establish proper storage spaces for each family member:

• Personal Baskets or Bins: Assign a basket or bin to each family member. This will be their specific area to store their daily essentials, keeping personal items neat and organized.
• Shower Caddies: If shower space is limited, consider using shower caddies with compartments for each person’s toiletries. This ensures everyone has their own space for shampoos, soaps, and other shower items.
• Drawer Organizers: Use drawer organizers for items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and cosmetics. These keep smaller items separated and easily accessible.
• Towel Hooks or Bars: Allocate specific hooks or bars for each family member’s towels. This prevents them from being strewn around or mixed up.

Tip #3: Establish Clear Rules

Rules play a crucial role in maintaining a clutter-free bathroom. Consider these simple yet effective rules:

• Regular Cleanouts: Set a schedule for periodic bathroom cleanouts. Every few months, go through the items in your storage spaces and discard anything that’s expired, empty, or no longer needed.
• Respect Shared Spaces: Emphasize the importance of keeping shared areas like the sink, counter, and shower clutter-free. Items should be returned to their designated storage spots after use.

Tip #4 Limit What’s on the Countertop

Clear countertops create a cleaner look. Only keep the essentials like hand soap and toothbrush holders on the countertop. Everything else should be stored in designated spaces.

Tip #5: Simplify Your Products

Try to streamline your toiletries. Use multipurpose products when possible, and avoid buying duplicates of the same item. Fewer products mean less clutter.

Tip #6: Avoid Impulse Purchases:

Before buying new bathroom products, think about whether you genuinely need them. Avoid impulse purchases that can lead to unnecessary clutter. If you do buy something new, make sure you have a plan for where it will be stored.

Tip #7: Use Up Products Before Buying New Ones

Before purchasing new toiletries or personal care items, make an effort to use up what you already have. This practice not only reduces clutter but also helps you save money and reduce waste. It ensures that products are not sitting around unused and taking up space in your bathroom.

Conclusion

By setting a clear goal, decluttering step by step, and effectively communicating with family members, you can achieve a clutter-free family bathroom.

When everyone is committed to creating a clutter-free bathroom, you can enjoy the benefits of a clean and tidy space that caters to the needs of every family member.