Organise my Bathroom

Most bathrooms are easy to declutter - and so are a good choice to start with, as they usually don't contain random items from around the house - they usually have an excess of bathroom products, but only bathroom products - so its easy to not get distracted by other things. Take a look at these great tips for ideas on how to get your bathroom looking as good as the day it was installed!

• To declutter a bathrooom, firstly take everything out of cupboards and drawers within the space and sort them thoroughly - getting rid of anything that has an expiry date that has passed

• If you have the luxury of a utility room, or extra storage somewhere else in the house, then make use of this for the extra shampoos, shower gels etc... - you only really need what you are using now in there - especially if you have no storage in the room itself

• If you only have one bathroom in the house, set up a rota for who uses it and when - to save queuing and arguments - especially useful in the mornings - make it easy to stick to by ensuring it fits with each persons schedules.
  

• You don't need to have 3 different types of shampo on show all the time - either get each member of the family to have a shelf of storage in the room, or a basket with their toiletries in, that can be brought out when they are in the room.
  

• Ideally get some storage for the space, so that even the very few items you have in there will be kept hidden away - use storage that you like best - whether it be standalone peices of furniture, shelving, or specific bathroom furniture (that can be bought as part of the bathroom, i.e. cupboards around th sink and toilet area)

• When you are running low on a product, simply go to the storage area and get a new one (this also makes shopping easier as you can see at a glance in the storage area as to what you will be running out of soon (labelling the shelves will also help as then you know what you have already run out of!

• For each member of the family, have a small basket or container that they can bring to and from their rooms to the bathroom - this will not only make the bathroom less cluttered, but in families with older children will help to stop arguing about who used the last of that special shampoo etc....

• If you do have enough storage within the room to have everything stored there, then thats great as it saves the most amount of time by not having to go far to get the new conditioner etc... - but you need to organise the storage - so try having small boxes/baskets in the space that have certain items within them - keep like with like then you won't lose anything

• Place frequently used items in the space that they are needed - and get storage to match their size - i.e. you need a shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in the shower so hang a caddy there - and you need your toothbrush and toothepaste by the sink - so have a small container by the sink for these.

• Always remember to keep the storage the same size as what you are storing, as it makes it easier to find items, and less time consuming

• Try and keep your laundry out of the bathroom if possible - as this can get very damp in the environment. It is also easier for all members of the family to put items in the laundry when it is in an accessible place (not behind a locked door in the morning for example)

•  For larger bathrooms, a coat rack would make a perfect and sophisticated alternative to a towel rail, a perfect place to hang dressing gowns or towels.

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• Give each member of the family a colour - and give them each a set of towels and toiletries that are that colour - then it will be easy to spot who is leaving items hanging around - this works especially well with smaller children who like to know what is theirs and it also means they are getting a feel for a little independance

• Childrens bath toys are best stored in a basket right next to the bath - easy to find when needed, and the basket will help air get to them to dry more quickly

• Give each member of the family a designated time to use the bathroom in the morning - this will save on queues, and works well if you ensure that the time given to each person is the most suitable (theres no point giving a 15 year old the slot from 6am-6.15am if he doesn't need to get up until 8am)

• Keep on top of cleaning - the bathroom really needs to be wiped over quickly every day to keep it looking tidy and clean - with a deep clean each week - if you do a quick wipe every day when everyone has finished in the bathroom then you will find that the weekly clean is far quicker as a result

•  If you have a guest bathroom then it is always good to have sets of all toiletries and towels ready to go - always have a set ready to be put out - make your guest feel that they are welcome and that they are at home

• Have a set of toiletries in a plastic see through zipped bag that can be easily grabbed when heading away for the weekend, or to the gym etc..... - a great time saver! (and for when you run out at home - I didn't say that though!!!)

• Keep all personal items out of sight - remember that you don't know when someone may have to use your bathroom - make it GUEST READY whenever possible.
  

•  If you have the storage, then have a set of cleaning products in each bathroom/toilet - this will save time when it comes to cleaning, and you will also have the products on hand should you need them quickly

• Learn the way to fold towels like the shops do it - that way you will get a much more pleasing look to any piles of towels around, but also it will be easier to find what you need and only get one at a time

• Safety is of paramount importance in this room, as there are so many items that can cause damage if in the wrong hands. Have razors, medicine etc.. all behind a locked door if possible, or out of reach from small hands

• Use lots of plastic containers for each different type of product you want to have in the bathroom - this makes it so much easier when it comes to finding what you need

• To help with cleaning, ensure every member of the family wipes down the bathroom, opens a window or turns the fan on, and tidies up after themselves every use - this only takes seconds but makes cleaning easier and it will be a nicer place for the next person to go into as well.

• The ideal bathroom is a sanctuary - if you have some luxury products, don't hide them away - use a shelf or the top of a peice of furniture to create a display of them. This will also add colour to the space - but fundamentally make it feel more of a luxurious place to be (think bath, candles etc...- you don't want to be relaxing in the bath looking at smelly socks on the towel rail!) - Enjoy your bathroom

• MEDICINE CABINET
  • Ensure all medications in here are in date
  • Always keep a basic first aid kit for emergencies
  • If you need to take medication every day, consider putting in specialist organising items so that you know where you are and when you will run out (daily vitamins could go in these too) - add a reminder to your diary NOW a few days before you need more prescription so that you never run out
  • Ensure the cabinet / drawer is locked AND out of the reach of children
  • Keep all the basics in here and ensure it is well stocked:-
    • Pain relief / Colds or Flu / Allergies / Cuts and Burns / Bites / Baby Items / Thermometer / Tweezers / etc...