We’re baaaaccckkk. And we’re on our next-to-last-week on all things spaces in the home. It’s been eleven weeks, y’all! Whether you’ve stayed with us and used this as your weekly accountability post {major pat on the back}, or you’re just joining in, {let’s get ’em, tiger} we’re thrilled to have you with us today.
Today’s topic? Purging the bathroom.
These posts are all about simplifying our homes and keeping things manageable, so we’re super excited to tackle this little doozy of a space.
Bathrooms are a high functioning room, especially if used regularly by more than two people. Ever since we gave ours a little revamp, we were thrilled to have something bright and clean and wanted to keep it that way, beyond the surface.
Of course it doesn’t always stay that way in the simplification department
Why yes, I do have some clutter and need to clean out my brush.
Shhh. No judging.
We’ve shared a little on surface cleaning of the bathroom, but today wanted to dig a little deeper into those problem areas. You know which ones I’m talking about… the areas you may stuff when you’re handling surfaces, in an effort to clear it all off.
Guilty. Forever guilty.
We feel like we’ve included the basics for all our spaces now, and while it’s always good to get a grasp on cleaning it all out, we’re sharing a few tips and tricks that have worked for us.
1. Keep surfaces clean.
I know. I know. It’s like a no-brainer. But while we have another bathroom in our home, our kiddos are always in ours, smearing toothpaste, opening drawers and just being kids {the very idea} and leaving things out. From straighteners to razors and makeup, {and that’s basically just me} it’s easy to have things a constant mess. Cleaning off those surfaces are the quickest way to feel better, instantly. And that includes the floors. All things visible from laundry dropped on the spot to beauty jazz all over the counter, just cleaning them regularly {even if it’s a quick daily sweep} makes a big difference.
Though that brings me to what lies beneath…
2. Assign spaces
If you’re anything like us, you probably have a your side and your side his side and her side. But we suggest you take it farther. Assign similar objects permanent homes {even though I did it above, we’re clearly overdue for a purge in that photo} and work on your organization from there. It makes things easier to find when you’re in a hurry and need something fast. It also helps if you can try to keep it that way {I’m totally side eyeing myself right now} and strive to simplify it all.
3. Divide and conquer
Cabinets are great for storage. But not organized storage. Especially if you’re a stuffer like me. So literally divide your spaces, assign them spots, and contain it all once inside. I have a big tub from Ikea where all things hair stuff sits, small containers for items like nail clippers, etc. Jamin even has one with drawers for all of his little things he likes to use, {don’t be fooled y’all, he’s a little high maintenance sometimes} underneath.
Keep it contained and you won’t have major problems later.
4. It’s okay to be picky.
During beercanmoldpocalypse we were {five of us} using our narrow hallway bathroom for oh, about nine months. I wanted to pull my hair out. But we learned quickly what we did and didn’t need. I think we ended up purging half of our belongings before moving back in, because we automatically edited as we went. {Goodbye, fifty makeup freebies and old nail polish}
Here’s a little experiment to try that doesn’t require a complete overhaul: Remove everything from your space, and then slowly bring it back in. Relocate some stuff to a hallway closet, and when you need it {beyond the basics} go and grab it. You’ll be astounded by how quickly junk can accumulate, and how long it takes you to notice you weren’t even using it.
Toss the stuff that’s old and out of date, too. It’s super easy to hold on to old neosporin and crusty lipsticks without even realizing it.
Ew.
That’s also for my hairy brush.
5. Allow a little room for luxury
We shared a little bit about it here with all things bath organization, but I think it’s important to make room for the good stuff. Your bathroom {even if your kids are also insistent on using your tub} should feel like your haven. If you allow yourself a little space when it comes to things that are considered luxurious and even impractical, but it’s organized well… why not? {See bath cart, magazine rack and random pretty ladder} It inspires you to keep it that way.
Give yourself a daily gift with your own personal escape, and you won’t regret it. Especially when escaping your clutter.
Pssst: to see all the sources for our bathroom, be sure to check out our reveal post + sources, here!
If you’re like us and love lists, we have our free printable up this week {and we’re keeping it simple} with a blank donation sheet so you can keep up with it all! {donation sheet}
This goes really well with our free 2015 planner, so check it out!
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We hope that helps a little with all things simplifying and bathrooms. We’d love to hear some of your favorite recommendations that have worked for you. Have an inspired day!
Bethany says
Can you please share with us about that giant painting on the wall? I LOVE it.
Did you make it or buy it?
Jennifer says
I have truly loved this series- it really helped me kick my own rear into gear- thank you so much for all your hard work!