Ideas For An Organized & Relaxing Bathroom
One of the most intimate areas of a woman's home is where? You guessed it, in her bathroom. Yes I know I'll have to add the closet to that list too, closets are equally important but we'll save that part of the home for another day.
Ladies, what is it about our bathroom that's so personal and private for us? Well, the most obvious is that this is where we shower. Even more important though are the other things we do there. It's the first place we go to early in the morning, we go tinkle, wash our hands and face, see how great or how terrible we look from the night before, get ready for the day doing hair and makeup.
It's also a place for private moments when we need a few minutes to ourselves away from the family and the kids. A little hideout to blow off steam, shed a few tears, regroup and get it together.
It can even become our conference room when we need to have a one on one conversation with a close friend, away from listening ears, or to step away from the drama and just talk.
Oh yeah, our bathrooms are very intimate and personal!
So let me ask..how is your bathroom holding up? Your little sanctuary that gets used and abused? Don't worry I'm not here to judge, I know how real things can be. I may be a professional organizer *but* nobody is perfect, and certainly not me!
As a busy woman myself, and as a professional who's seen many messy bathrooms, it brings me joy to share with you some of the tips I've learned along the way. Tips you can implement now that'll make a positive impact on the way you feel when you step into this intimate area of your home.
Organizing Your Bathroom
Now first things first, here are some essentials that you need to have in your bathroom to keep things clean, neat, and organized. Some of these may seem obvious but trust me, the obvious is different for everybody.
1. Trashcan ~ I think this is pretty self-explanatory but it's listed here because I have seen plenty of bathrooms without one. There're too many empty bottles, toilet paper rolls, Q-tips, feminine products, and other items that get used on a daily that require the use of a trashcan. This will help keep the mess at bay and assist in having an organized look. Plus when your guests need to use the bathroom, they won't be inconvenienced by having to put personal items in your kitchen trash.
2. Storage ~ Depending on the size of your home and space in your bathroom this is different for everyone. It could be an area under the sink, a built-in cupboard behind your mirror, and over toilet caddy or even some DIY shelves, you put in yourself. Having storage in your bathroom will save you time and frustration by not having to leave the room when you need some of those personal items. Keep them close by in one of these storage units. Also using multiple storage areas will help them not to become overloaded with stuff. Some well-proportioned personal items will give you that organized and clean look that you're striving for.
3. Separate the Daily From the Monthly ~ There are two categories here, one for things you use on a daily basis and one for things you use on a weekly or monthly basis. Keeping the daily items easily accessible makes getting ready in the morning a breeze. Make sure to separate the monthly items in their own compartment, keep them close by but store them either higher up on the shelf or farther in the back under the sink. This way you're not constantly reaching too far for something you use daily. I've fallen into this trap before and yes, it is frustrating, to say the least. Now when I reach high for something I only use once a month it's not irritating for me.
4. Purge Regularly ~ This one is so important, how many empty bottles of shampoo or makeup do you have lying around? Or is there just enough product in them to wash your hair one more time, but not enough to throw away? Do yourself a favor and use it or lose it. You're not a bad or wasteful person just because you didn't use 100% of the shampoo in the bottle. Actually, you did pretty well, you used 99% of it, I think you got your money's worth. I do realize purging is difficult for some, we do have emotional attachments to our things. Try just purging a few items at first, see how refreshing it feels! Not having to look at something you're not using, not adding another to-do list in your head with how you're going to use that item, no more guilty feelings.
Make It Relaxing
Now let's switch things up a bit, above are some things you can do to keep your bathroom clean, neat, and organized. What are some things you can do to make your bathroom a relaxing place for you to unwind at the end of your day?
1. Make It Personal ~ For starters, keep some personal items that take you to your happy place and give your *home spa* some personality. I like to keep a photo or two of family and friends, not to mention a simple houseplant or some foliage to bring the outdoors in. Plants are very relaxing, also the color green is very soothing. For those interested in color psychology, you know what I'm talking about.
2. Add Spa Essentials ~ Also good to have are your spa items and things to pamper yourself. If you're a bubble bath kinda lady, keep a stash of bubble soap and bath fizzies on hand. Add some candles for ambiance and a sweet scent. If you like to unwind with music keep a small portable speaker near. Personally, I love listening to old music while I unwind, singers like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Or especially something relaxing and more modern like Diana Krall or French music!
3. Something to Hold Those Essentials ~ Having a nice caddy for the bathtub to hold your glass of wine or reading material is great to keep your essentials right where you need them. Something just for *you*.
Being a woman is a difficult job these days, we work incredibly hard to take care of others at work and at home, with little to no time to care for ourselves. Remember that anyone who works as hard as *you* do deserves to treat themselves after a long and difficult day. Something as simple as walking into your little retreat, having everything you need in its place, and throwing in a bath fizzy for your *me* time can make all the difference!
