A medicine cabinet hides all sorts of clutter
It doesn't matter how large a bathroom you have--clutter seems to take over. Toiletries, gadgets, decorator items and what-nots multiply and leave you feeling frazzled just when you're trying to put yourself together for the day. A clutter-free bathroom can be a reality by giving your bathroom a much-needed storage overhaul. Does this Spark an idea?
Medicine Cabinet
Many homes and apartments are built with flat mirrors installed directly onto the wall. If your bathroom has one, replace it with a medicine cabinet. Let it do double duty by purchasing one with a mirrored door. The larger the cabinet, the better, as you can store more toiletries and keep the counters free of bottles and cans. Choose one with a beveled mirror for a more upscale look, and consider a cabinet with glass shelves, which are easier to keep clean than wood shelves.
Stacked Baskets
Baskets are a handy way to organize small items, such as brushes, hair bands and pins, lotions, soaps and nail polish. Stack them together on a shelf or in a cupboard. Use a larger basket to house extra toilet paper; keep it handy, next to the toilet. Be creative in your choice of trash bin. A woven basket, galvanized pail or wooden box can be interesting choices, and lining the trash bin with a plastic grocery sack makes it easy to clean up on trash day.
Over-the-Door Hangers
Use the space behind the door by hanging an over-the-door towel rack. Better Homes & Gardens suggests painting the back of the door with magnetic paint and hanging metal discs; buy magnetic tins to hold small items, such as rubber bands, hair clips and cotton balls.
Verticle Storage
A free-standing cabinet is a great way to get instant storage, but if space is at a premium, you can still get plenty of storage with a small footprint. Consider buying a narrow rolling cart that can fit between the toilet and the wall. Not enough space? Look for a narrow chrome tower with shelves to tuck in the corner behind the toilet. If floor space is nil, use the wall above the toilet (or any other viable wall space) by installing shelves or another (nonmirrored) cabinet. Just remember that if you choose open shelving, you will have to continually monitor what goes on the shelves in order to maintain the uncluttered look.
In the Shower
A metal or rubber-coated shower caddy keeps shampoo, conditioner, soap and bath oils within reach in the shower. Suction-cupped razor holders, radios and fog-free mirrors also keep the shower ledge from becoming a clutter zone.
Tags: items such, small items, small items such, your bathroom
