Phase 4: The Bathroom – Safety and Simplicity in a Small Space
Bathrooms are typically small spaces that have to work hard, storing a wide variety of items. Our goals are to maximize storage, streamline routines, and, most importantly, prioritize safety. A clutter-free bathroom is a safer bathroom.
The Medicine Cabinet: A Health and Safety Checkpoint
The medicine cabinet is often misused. Despite its name, the warm, humid environment of a bathroom is not the ideal place to store many medications. They are best kept in a cool, dry place like a linen closet or a kitchen cabinet away from the stove.
The Action Plan:
1. Empty and Sanitize: Take everything out of the cabinet and give it a thorough cleaning.
2. Check Expiration Dates: This is non-negotiable. Go through every single bottle of pills, tube of cream, and bottle of liquid. Expired medications can be ineffective or even harmful.
3. Safe Disposal: Do not simply throw old medications in the trash or flush them down the toilet. The best option is to use a local drug take-back program. You can find resources for this through the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). For specific guidance on what to do if a take-back program is not available, consult the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
4. Relocate and Organize: Move medications to a better location if needed. Keep daily medications in their original, clearly labeled bottles in an accessible spot. Use small, clear bins or a tiered shelf inside the cabinet to organize remaining items like bandages, ointments, and dental care products.
Linens and Toiletries: Taming the Excess
It’s easy to accumulate a surplus of towels, washcloths, and half-empty bottles of shampoo. Let’s apply our editing skills here.
The Action Plan:
1. The Linen Edit: How many towels does your household really need? A good rule of thumb is two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths per person, plus one or two extra sets for guests. Donate any excess towels that are still in good condition. Frayed or stained towels can be cut up and used as cleaning rags.
2. Consolidate Toiletries: Gather all your shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and soaps. Combine any half-empty bottles of the same product. Create a “use it up” basket for products you want to finish before opening anything new.
3. Smart Storage: Use clear acrylic drawer dividers for makeup and grooming tools. Under the sink, use stackable drawers to maximize vertical space. Put less-frequently used items (like extra soap) in the back and daily-use items in the front.
4. Critical Safety Measures: Ensure you have a non-slip mat both inside and outside the shower or tub. Keep the floor clear of any clutter to prevent trips and falls. If you have questions about accidental ingestion of any product, you can always contact Poison Control (U.S.) for guidance.
