Finishing Phase|Step 27 of 27

Declutter & Organize

Clear surfaces make your bathroom feel larger and cleaner. The final polish on your refresh.

Time Required

30-60 minutes

Cost

$0-50 for organizers

Difficulty

Easy

The Declutter Process

1

Empty everything

Take everything out of cabinets, drawers, shower, and off counters. See what you actually have.

2

Sort into categories

Group similar items: skincare, haircare, dental, medications, cleaning supplies, etc.

3

Purge ruthlessly

Toss expired items, products you don't use, duplicates, and empty containers.

4

Clean storage areas

Wipe down shelves, drawers, and cabinet interiors before putting things back.

5

Organize by frequency

Daily items stay accessible. Weekly items in drawers. Rarely used items up high or in closet.

What to Toss

  • Expired products: Check sunscreen, medications, makeup for dates
  • Old mascara: Replace every 3 months (bacteria risk)
  • Hotel toiletries: If you haven't used them in a year, you won't
  • Empty bottles: No more "almost empty" bottles taking up space
  • Products you dislike: That moisturizer that made you break out? Gone.
  • Duplicates: You don't need 5 half-used shampoos
  • Old razors: Dull blades cause irritation

Organization Solutions

Under Sink

  • • Stackable bins or drawers
  • • Tension rod for spray bottles
  • • Door-mounted organizer
  • • Lazy Susan for cleaning supplies

Drawers

  • • Drawer dividers or organizers
  • • Small containers for categories
  • • Acrylic makeup organizers
  • • Expandable drawer trays

Shower/Tub

  • • Tension corner caddy
  • • Hanging shower organizer
  • • Suction cup shelves
  • • Over-showerhead caddy

Medicine Cabinet

  • • Magnetic strip for tweezers, nail clippers
  • • Small containers for pills/vitamins
  • • Door-mounted spice rack (small items)

Counter Rules

Ideal counter contents:

  • • Soap dispenser
  • • One small tray with daily essentials
  • • Maybe a small plant
  • • That's it.

Everything else should be stored away. Clear counters = clean-looking bathroom.

Pro Tips

  • One in, one out: When you buy a new product, finish or toss an old one.
  • Monthly mini-purge: Quick 5-minute check for expired or unused items monthly.
  • Decant products: Transfer to matching containers for a cohesive, clean look.
  • Backup storage elsewhere: Bulk toilet paper, extra toiletries can live in a closet.

Congratulations!

You've completed the Bathroom Refresh checklist. Time to take your "after" photos!

Take After Photos