The bathroom may not be the biggest room in your house, but it’s one of the most important. In addition to handling bathing and grooming chores, the bathroom is sometimes the only room where you can escape for a moment’s peace. Get yours spiffed up and organized so it’s a haven of tranquility.

Steps

Empty out all the shelves, drawers and cabinets, and put back only what you currently use or need. Dispose of expired products properly (see Organize the Medicine Cabinet).

Eliminate countertop clutter. Choose a cosmetics organizer that’s suitable for your makeup needs—a cabinet, drawers or storage unit. If you’re a heavy-user, get a trunk-style case (similar to what makeup artists use) with foldout trays and dividers.

Separate your drawer space. Insert drawer organizers or sectioned trays to organize your makeup and grooming supplies. Don’t be afraid to use other things such as kitchen utensil holders to keep your beauty products in line.

Store shaving supplies in a cool, dry place. Keep cans of shaving cream away from extreme heat. Razors and scissors should be dried before storing and kept in sheaths for safety.

Make hard-to-corral items accessible. Use an attractive soap dish to store smaller items such as hair clips or ties.

Place a bathroom étagère or shelves over the toilet for extra storage space.


Tips
Opened cosmetics have a shorter shelf life than most products: mascara, three months; liquid eyeliners and eye shadows, three to six months; compact powder, eight months. If there’s a change in color, smell or consistency, get rid of the product.

Accept the fact that the bathroom is a good place to catch up on reading, and position a magazine rack near the toilet.


Warning
Store cosmetics away from light, humidity and extreme temperatures. Scent compounds in perfumes and colognes deteriorate in heat and sunlight.

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