Organization Tips

5 Things Organized People Would Never Keep in Their Bathrooms

Bathroom Organization Tips from Professional Organizers

Bathrooms are notorious for collecting clutter. There are a few reasons for this. It’s an easy place to leave clothes and jewelry after a shower, it might have enough storage space to harbor extra supplies, and it’s a seemingly logical spot to keep medicine.

While these items are fine for a limited time, the trick to getting bathroom organization down pat is weeding out the items that shouldn’t be there. To do so, we spoke to professional organizers, Lauren Saltman and Julie Leonard, who shared their insights on what to keep out of your bathroom if you’re trying to be more organized.

Makeup and Multiples

The bathroom may seem like a perfect place to store makeup and backups, but aside from the products you use daily, it’s better to keep makeup elsewhere.

“Organized people use all the toiletries they have or give them away,” says Leonard. “These items have a shelf life, and I encourage you to use them and enjoy them every day.”

Your daily foundation and mascara can stay, but specialty makeup items that you use infrequently should be kept out to extend their life. Stay on top of expiration dates, too!

Medicines

Despite the name “medicine cabinet,” this is not the place for medicines, according to Saltman and Leonard.

“Many medications specifically say to keep them in a cool and dry place,” says Saltman—and the bathroom certainly isn’t that.

The best spot for these items is the kitchen. Leonard suggests creating “a health shelf,” which will make it quick and easy to reach for what you need. In the bathroom, instead of stocking your drawers and cupboards with various tablets, pills, and vitamins, use this space for towels, toothpaste, and soap.

Books and Magazines

It’s not uncommon to see books and magazines stacked in a bathroom, but this isn’t the best place for them. Saltman explains that moisture and temperature changes will degrade the papers, so it’s best to steer clear of storing them here.

If it’s more for decorative reasons, there are alternatives to try. Look for framed artwork protected by glass and plants that thrive in humid environments for added flair instead. This saves you from having to replace your favorite canvases, novels, and papers over time.

Extra Stock

Organized people know that the bathroom isn’t the place to store extra rolls of toilet paper, cotton balls, and replacement body wash. Have a separate closet in a drier area of your home where you can keep all cleaning products and extra stock.

If you do set aside a special spot for inventory, make sure to stay on top of it.

“Organized people don’t run out of toilet paper or have seven shampoo bottles,” notes Leonard—maintaining balance is important.

Items Without a Permanent “Home”

This concept is a useful way to audit the items in your bathroom and make sure nothing is unintentionally causing clutter. Consider your toothbrush.

“In over 30 years, I think I have only come across one person who would misplace their toothbrush,” explains Leonard. “Organized people have a place for everything and don’t have things in their bathroom that don’t have a designated spot.”

In other words, if there’s a product in your bathroom that keeps hanging around but doesn’t have a permanent home like your toothbrush, it’s time to get it out for good. This could be piles of clothes, jewelry pieces, and hot tools.

Expert Tips for Keeping Your Bathroom Tidy

Saltman notes that it’s normal to use every square inch of space you have, including in the bathroom. But if you can help it, it’s better to find storage elsewhere.

“The constant change in humidity may be great for a houseplant or two but can easily damage some of your household items,” she says.

A good rule of thumb is if you’re not using the item in the bathroom, then it should not be stored in that space. There are a few more nuances to this, but it’s a great starting point for a bathroom declutter.

5 Big Mistakes You’re Making When Organizing Your Bathroom, Says a Pro

Avoid these common mistakes to keep your bathroom organized and clutter-free:

1. Keeping expired products. Check expiration dates regularly and discard anything that’s past its prime.
2. Storing items that don’t belong in the bathroom. This includes books, magazines, extra stock, and items without a permanent home.
3. Overcrowding your storage spaces. Don’t try to cram too much into your drawers, cupboards, and shelves.
4. Not cleaning regularly. A cluttered bathroom is often a dirty bathroom. Make sure to clean your bathroom regularly to keep it looking its best.
5. Ignoring the humidity. The bathroom is a humid environment, which can damage some items over time. Be mindful of what you store in your bathroom and take steps to protect your belongings from moisture.