Earlier in the Challenge we worked under the kitchen sink. Today we’ll use a similar approach in the bathroom.
THE TASK
The cabinet under a bathroom sink tends to be a repository for many items: paper supplies, cleaning solutions, first-aid, and beauty products just to name a few. Especially in cases where there are no drawers, this space can quickly get crowded and disorganized. Therefore, it makes sense to periodically clear it out so that you are only storing what is useful.
Begin by emptying the space and wiping it clean. Group like items, and throw away anything that is expired, broken, or no longer being used by a family member. Also, remember that because this is readily accessible space, you want to avoid filling it up with rarely used supplies . For instance, the blood pressure pump you are holding onto “just in case” might be better stored in the top/back of an extra closet, in a bedroom drawer, or in an attic.
When it comes time to reload, here are a few tips:
- Place bottles of cleaning products into plastic dish pans to catch spills and leaks.
- Consider installing large adhesive pockets on the inside of the cabinet to hold any paperwork you need in this room (e.g. appliance paperwork or instructions.)
- Place similar, small supplies into labeled boxes. You might have one called “First Aid” or “Hairbands.”
- If you can, add some structure to take advantage of the vertical space. This can be anything from custom drawers or shelving to free standing racks to stacked plastic bins or even a milk crate on its side.
Hang a tension rod across the top front of the space from which you can hang lightweight objects, such as washcloths.
Consider if any items kept under the sink could be better stored elsewhere in the bathroom. For example, install a hook or mesh metal basket from which to hang a hair dryer.
- Hang hooks on the inside of the doors from which you can hang rubber gloves, a hairbrush or anything else.
- If you find the space overcome with spare rolls of toilet paper, think about storing extras rolls on a decorative storage device.
Was this a tough one for you? What do you struggle to store in the bathroom?
* * * * *
If you are new to the challenge, here’s a review of the process we are using all month:
THE PROCESS
1. Gather your supplies: (you can reuse these same supplies each day)
- Boxes or bags labeled with “Donate”, “Elsewhere” and “Store”
- Trash can and recycle bin
- Damp rag/wet wipe
2. Remove everything from the area (yes, everything) and wipe it clean with a damp rag.
3. Sort the items into these categories: (The Seana Method’s R.E.D.D.S. system)
- R- Restore: these are the items going back in
- E- Elsewhere: these are items to keep, but that don’t belong in this space
- D- Donate
- D- Dispose: trash or recycle
- S- Store: items you want to keep for sentimental reasons, or perhaps for a long-term future use, but which you don’t regularly use. These items will eventually need to go into a bin/box in an attic, basement, or closet.
4. Keeping the “Restore” items out, and put all other items into the boxes/bags you prepared.
5. Move items to their final destination:
- Put the “Restore” items back into your designated area.
- Carry the “Elsewhere” box/bag around your house and redistribute its contents.
- Move the “Donate” box/bag to the car to be donated.
- Trash/recycle the “Dispose” items.
- Put the “Store” items into a container and move it to a remote location for future access.
I love the storage ideas here for this space and totally got me thinking about what I can do in out bathroom now too;)
Janine Huldie recently posted…Stuck In the Middle
A professional organizer’s idea of “eye candy” Janine. There are so many great options for how we set up and use space, right? This is why I love Pinterest:)
I actually have this one down! (For the most part..) I just need some little baskets to hold the looser things together, I always end up knocking everything over! – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Gingi recently posted…15 Valentines Day Gift Ideas for Geek Girls
Yes, a bit of structure is key for holding small items. It is when they got tossed into a cavernous space that the mess begins. Good for you having a head start on this one!!
I love the fun toilet paper holders. Who said organizing can’t be fun!!
Jill Robson recently posted…Is it time for you to create a new filing stystem?
I thought they were cute too, and not everyone has a big cabinet in their bathroom, so this can be a truly functional solution! I certainly would NEVER say that organizing isn’t fun – I think it is the best:)
Yes! I’m going to get this done!
Susannah recently posted…Tips for Organizing Your Linen Closet
Yay! I can’t wait to hear how it goes… let me know:) I hope you feel fabulous!
ha, this is one department we’re horrible in. Everything else has been a work in progress. Our bathroom sink just gets worse!! I’m going to work on getting organizers and toilet paper holders.
Tamara recently posted…Discovery.
I thought the toilet paper holders were adorable! Not necessary, but a nice option if you don’t have much space under the sink. It’s worth the effort.. can get scary under there:)
My side is so small that I think only that metal organizing basket would work. That’s why I steal half of my husband’s side! 😉 I do store my TP on a rod next to the toilet and luckily we have a nice towel closet for everything else.
Autumn Leopold recently posted…Evernote: What it is and Why You Need It
Gotta work with what you’ve got, right Autumn? Having a linen closet close by can be a terrific alternative. A few well placed bins on the shelf and you’ve got a highly functional solution:)
Great list of suggestions! I love the idea of storing the manuals under the sink. =)
Thanks, Sabrina. I found when something broke I just wanted to have quick access.. not have to go digging. And it takes up pretty much no space, so a win-win:)
We have a fair bit of storage space in the bathroom, but I put a three-drawer plastic unit under the sink to contain smaller items such as make-up, deodorant, tweezers, etc. One drawer for my husband and two for me (because he doesn’t wear make-up LOL).
Janet Barclay recently posted…How to start a professional organizing business
Oh yes – I love those 3 drawer organizers. A perfect solution for make-up and also for hairbands and bows. I should have mentioned that – thanks Janet!
My bathroom cabinets are on my to-do list for January but there are only a few days left and I’m still procrastinating!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Joanne Palumbo, Allied ASID
Joanne Palumbo recently posted…What Size Rug Should I Buy for My Master Bedroom?
It’s never too late! It will be rewarding to get it done, whether this month or next. Good luck:)
Hi Seana,
Great advice! I have a tiny bathroom in a one-bedroom apartment in a very old building. I need one of those shelf genies. Brilliant idea!
Laurel Bern recently posted…The Little Known Secret About Gustavian Swedish Style
I love what Shelf Genie can do in a cabinet. Being able to pull out the drawers means you can actually see what you’ve got under there! And the tinier space you have, the more important it is how you design it. Thanks for reading:)
Some great ideas here!! I have a fairly small bathroom, no cupboards, pedestal sink and also no linen closet for towels. I have a small shelf beside the sink that has three shelves and holds two baskets. Works well but would love a bigger bathroom!!
Kim recently posted…Clearing Clutter Support Groups Work
That’s a tough setup, Kim. You may want to think about how to add more storage… like a shelf over the bathroom door, or adding a cabinet over the toilet? I have a few ideas on my Pinterest page, if you are a Pinterest fan. Keeping your belongings to the bare minimum is probably your best bet. If you have floorspace, you could add a free standing cart with drawers. Thanks for reading — and good luck!!!