Make a Resolution to Organize Your Bathroom

One of the most popular New Year's Resolutions is to get organized. Being organized has many benefits. Most obvious is that you will be able to spend less time trying to find things and more time on other things. Being organized will allow you to use your time efficiently: You will be more productive, more focused and able to do more in less time. Being organized can help you save money, accomplish your other goals, and give you the tools to do a job right.

One of the places in a home that can quickly become a clutter catcher is the bathroom. The average American spends around 2 hours a day in the bathroom getting ready to start their day, as well as end it, and other times in between. By bringing organization to the bathroom, we can create a stress free sanctuary.

No matter how cluttered your bathroom has become, organizational bliss is an attainable goal. Start by setting aside at least an hour of uninterrupted time and grab your wastebasket. It's time to sort and purge.

Sort and Purge
Your very first step in bathroom organization will be to empty out all your cupboards, drawers and medicine cabinets. Start with one drawer or cupboard at a time and you will not be as overwhelmed. Sort through each item and decide whether you will keep it or throw it out. Here are a few things you should throw out: Empty bottles or tubes, expired medication or creams, a toothbrush 3 months old or older. Sort things into common categories: nail polish and manicure supplies, makeup, shaving, oral health care and other categories as needed.

Clean
Before you put anything back, clean out your drawers and shelves using a mild cleanser. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment and crevice tool to reach into corners and remove hair.

Put Away
Put items you are keeping back into your drawers and cupboards. Medication should not be kept in a medicine cabinet because the bathroom is too hot and humid for proper storage. Instead, purchase a plastic storage container with a lid to keep medicine away from extra humidity. Drawer organizers will help to portion off your drawer into neat sections where like items can be kept together and easily located. To clear up the shower clutter, buy an inexpensive shower caddy, or for about $30, purchase a "Dispenser IV" which mounts directly to your shower wall and holds 4 liquids neatly for easy dispensing.

Keep items that are used every day in the main drawers and items that are used less often under the sink. More plastic storage bins could be used to keep track of first aid items, extra toothpaste and toothbrushes, or other items.

Don't use your counter for storage. Instead keep only a few items on your counter like hand soap or a jar for cotton balls. With less clutter, your bathroom will feel more calm and serene.

Extras
If you have children using the same bathroom, consider getting each child a different colored storage bin where they can keep every single one of their bathroom items. The bin can be kept in the child's room and brought to the bathroom as needed. Small children will be more likely to hang up their towels on a hook than a towel bar. Additionally, you can hang up more towels in less space using hooks.

"Less is more" should be your mantra as you clean your bathroom. With everything in it's place, you won't waste time searching for a tube of toothpaste or extra shampoo because you will know right where it is. While this kind of cleaning will probably take you several hours, it will ultimately save you time and reduce stress.