Bathroom Organization and Storage Solutions

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Every home has areas just waiting to be organized. Here are a few tips for creating order and finding storage solutions to foster an organized and liveable bathroom space that the whole family can enjoy.

Start by emptying out all cabinets, drawers, medicine chests and linen storage areas gathering together soaps, bath oils, shampoos, conditioners, razors and toys from the shower and tub areas.

As you remove items, take the time to sort through and evaluate whether or not you really need each item. Toss any threadbare or frayed towels and bathroom linens or put aside to use when it comes time to clean the bathroom. Take the time to review the relevancy of any decorative items you may keep in the bathroom. If you have outgrown your love for something replace it with something else (give it away or toss it altogether) to make room for something better.

Dispose of all expired, unused, leaking or empty medication bottles, lotions, perfumes, sample products and cosmetics that are old or the wrong colour. Out-of-date make-up products can grow bacteria’s that lead to eye and skin infections. As a guideline the usable life of some common cosmetics are:

• Mascara and liquid eyeliner - three months

• Cream eye shadows - three to four months

• Powder shadows - six months if you don't reuse the applicator; three to four when reusing applicators

• Liquid, cream or powder foundation - one year if regularly applied with a new sponge or puff; six months if applied with fingertips.

• Cream and gel blush - six months. Powder blushes - about a year

If you keep medications and vitamin supplements in the bathroom transfer them to another area of the home. Heat and moisture in a bathroom can degrade their medicinal and nutritional value.

Remove any shower curtains, window coverings and rugs. Place them in the wash or replace if mouldy. Curtains are notorious for growing mould. For a few dollars it is easier to replace them with new ones that match the bathroom décor.

Sort through the items you have collected in a way that makes sense to you. Start with the essential items used on a daily basis placing them in readily accessible locations within easy reach. Store what you can under the counter and in the counter drawers if you have them. Try to keep the actual counter top area clear if possible.

Next decide where you will keep your basic supply of spare towels, extra paper, feminine hygiene products, hair care and back-up supplies of soap and shampoo.

Here are a few ideas to help make your bathroom tidy and functional for all the family.

• Baskets are a popular and inexpensive way to add eye appeal. Give each household member a different coloured basket. Line “his” and “her” baskets with plastic coated material to store toiletries such as toothpaste, combs, brushes, shaving products, hair styling, makeup, nails, personal hygiene items etc.
• Wine racks are an excellent and chic way to accessorize the bathroom either free standing or wall mounted. Find a rack made to hold 8 to 10 bottles, spray paint it your favourite colour and fill it with rolled hand towels and washcloths.
• Wall mounted cabinets come in all shapes and sizes.
• Hooks on back of doors and cupboards.
• Wall mount hair driers etc.
• Shower and bath caddies keep shampoos and conditioners tidy.
• Wall mounted Soap and shampoo dispensers avoid bottles being left around.
• Under sink storage shelves (two tier storage shelves can double the space).
• Drawer dividers or cutlery tray to keep make-up and small items tidy.
• Carts on wheels.
• Small corner shelves that are meant to go on the wall fit into the corners of bathroom counters.
• Plastic colour coded bins for each family member in a different colour.
• Bath toys can be stored out of sight in plastic pails or bins or kept in a mesh shopping bag where toys can drip dry.
• Use hooks instead of towel racks for children placed at the right height where they will more likely make use of them.
• Small hamper or some sort of system for depositing used towels.

These are just some of the many ways available to help keep your bathroom tidy and well organized.

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