Step 1: The Gentle Edit – Decluttering with Purpose
Before you can organize, you must declutter. This step isn’t about restriction; it’s about freedom. It’s about clearing out the expired, the unused, and the unnecessary to make room for what you actually use and need. A cluttered space is not only stressful, but it can also be unsafe, hiding expired medications or creating tripping hazards.
Set yourself up for success. Grab a few boxes or bags and a marker. We will use the simple “4-Pile Method.” Label your containers:
1. Keep: These are the items you use regularly, value, and that are in good condition.
2. Donate/Give Away: Unopened lotions, extra baskets in good shape, or tools you have duplicates of can find a new home.
3. Recycle: Empty plastic bottles, cardboard packaging, and other recyclables go here. Check your local guidelines.
4. Trash: This is for anything expired, broken, or unusable.
Now, pick your starting point. Let’s say it’s the medicine cabinet. Take everything out. Yes, everything. It’s the only way to see what you truly have. Wipe the shelves clean. Then, pick up one item at a time and ask yourself a few simple questions to decide which pile it belongs in. The goal is to make a quick, confident decision and move on.
For medications and cosmetics: Is it expired? The answer is simple. If yes, it goes in the Trash pile. If you’re unsure, it’s safest to discard it. Many beauty products have a small symbol of an open jar with a number like “12M,” meaning it’s good for 12 months after opening.
For towels and linens: Are they stained, frayed, or scratchy? You deserve to use towels that feel good. Old towels can be donated to an animal shelter or cut up for cleaning rags.
For tools and supplies: Do I have duplicates? You probably don’t need three pairs of nail clippers. Keep the best one and donate the others. Use the 90/90 Rule for items you’re unsure about: Have I used this in the last 90 days? Will I use it in the next 90 days? If the answer to both is no, it’s a good candidate for donation.
It’s okay to feel sentimental about certain items, like a gift set of lotions you’ve never opened. But remember, the purpose of a gift is in the giving. If you aren’t using it, it’s not serving you. Let it go so someone else can enjoy it, and you can enjoy the clear space.
A Mini-Example: The Medicine Cabinet Edit
Let’s walk through editing a typical medicine cabinet. You’ve emptied it onto a towel on the counter. Here’s what you find:
An expired bottle of prescription medication. Decision: Trash pile. But wait! Never flush prescriptions unless specifically instructed. For safe disposal, you can find information about national prescription drug take-back days or local authorized collectors. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) provides resources to find a collection site near you.
A bottle of aspirin, expiring next month. Decision: Keep pile. Make a mental note to use it soon or place it at the very front of the shelf so it’s used first.
Three nearly empty tubes of toothpaste. Decision: Recycle/Trash. Squeeze the last bits into one tube if you can, and recycle the empty containers if possible.
A fancy face cream you tried once and disliked. Decision: Give Away pile. If it’s barely used, a friend might love it. Otherwise, it’s trash.
A box of adhesive bandages. Decision: Keep pile. Check to make sure the wrappers are still sealed and the box isn’t crushed.
By the end, your “Keep” pile should be significantly smaller than what you started with. This is progress! You’ve already created more space and improved the safety of your bathroom. The next step is to give these “Keep” items a proper home.
