Calling all bathrooms!

Bathrooms... everyone has them...everyone needs them...everyone uses them....everyone hates cleaning them.

Today I gave my bathroom a clean out. Since it's pretty well organized, it only took a few minutes, but made me feel great knowing what supplies I had on hand, that everything was clean and in it's place, and that next time I was getting ready in the morning.. it would be all ready for me. Once you get your bathroom organized, you'll find cleaning it takes less time and you'll enjoy your space more. After all, we spend quite a bit of our lives in there!

If you are ready to get your bathroom into shape, here are a few guidlines and ideas to get you started on your way.

Bathrooms are one of the most used rooms in your home, yet often the last to get any attention. By purging and organizing, you will be able to tame the clutter and speed up your morning routine.
First: empty out all your cupboards, take out everything, and I mean everything. Toss out any expired prescriptions, old nail polish, hair products you thought you’d use – but don’t, and any items that you haven’t used in the last 6 months. Wipe down all your shelving, cupboards, and cabinets.
Second:
Makeup tends to accumulate and never get tossed. For hygienic reasons, you need to purge items regularly. Powder products, lipstick, eyeliners and shadows are usually good for about 2 years. Mascara should be replaced every 6 months, concealer every 12-18 months, liquid eyeliners 3-6 months, and nail polish about 1 year. These are guidelines only, if your makeup has an odour or is discoloured, it should be discarded. If in doubt, toss it out. Any makeup you thought you would wear, but never do, should go.
Third:
Buy or find some under counter baskets/storage units to keep items together. Containerize items and label to make it easier to find items later. Think outside the box to find useful containers to sort and store items. Small tool kits or tackle boxes make great make up or hair accessory storage. Clear shoeboxes are great for sanitary items, extra supplies and bath products.
Fourth:
Bath toys should be kept contained, and limited. Toss out toys that have been used for a long time, bacteria and mould often start to grow in these damp spaces. Mesh bags with suction cups are great to keep the toys in the tub. What can fit in the bag stays, anything else, goes.
Fifth:
Medicine cabinets should be organized with safety in mind. If you have young children, consider keeping medications in a locked box or on the top shelf of your cabinet. Keep cold medications together, fever/pain, allergies etc. Group like items together. Keep your daily items such as hair products, toothbrushes, shaving supplies etc, in easy reach. Get in the habit of putting items away where they belong every day. There are many handy disinfectant wipes available, keep some in your washroom for quick wipe ups. Keep your counter as clear as possible. Only keep soap and daily necessities out in view.

If you can, paint and decorate your bathroom to be a peaceful serene space.

You will start your day more energized and go to bed more relaxed if you can calm the chaos.