Bathroom decluttering: Simple steps that actually work

Bathrooms can be a massive source of clutter, from family toiletries, half used bottles, backups you forgot you had, and items that belong elsewhere, failing to do some bathroom decluttering can add stress to already busy mornings.

Learning how to declutter bathroom spaces in a simple, realistic way can make busy mornings feel much easier.

This post will guide you through the benefits of decluttering, how to start, some ideas of things you can declutter from your bathroom, and what to do with decluttered items.

Download your FREE declutter checklist with 100+ items to declutter here

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Why a bathroom declutter matters

A bathroom declutter matters because a cluttered bathroom often leads to rushed mornings, lost items, and unnecessary stress.

Here are some additional benefits of decluttering your bathroom:

• Saves time during busy mornings
• Reduces visual stress and overwhelm
• Makes cleaning quicker and easier
• Helps you use what you already own
• Creates a calmer start and end to the day
• It’s a fast decluttering job that can get you motivated to tackle larger areas

Your bathroom doesn’t need to be clutter free every day, that’s just not possible when you have a family, but getting it to a clutter free state as often as possible will help make daily family life run smoother.

How to declutter your bathroom

The key to any decluttering project is to keep it simple, and keeping it simple also helps you to get into a decluttering mindset, which you might need to tackle this area of your home.

Here are some simple steps you can take to declutter your bathroom.

Start small

Bathroom decluttering is much easier when you focus on one small area at a time.

Some small areas that you may like to start with include:

• Under the sink
• Skincare and makeup
• The medicine cabinet
• Shower shelves
• Top of the vanity unit

When you declutter bathroom areas in small sections, the process feels far more manageable, and setting a 15–20 minute timer while you declutter ensures you make the most of the time you’ve set.

Take everything out

Once you’ve chosen your section take everything out and make quick decisions on what to keep, and what to throw away.

Remove duplicates and unused items

One way to decide what to throw away is to throw away duplicates and items you don’t use, which are major causes of bathroom clutter.

Whether it’s a hair accessory you’ve never used, hair products you have duplicates of, or old towels, remove duplicates and items that you don’t use, or can’t be used.

Throw away expired products

Expired products may not work how they’re meant to, meaning they’re taking up space you could use for other items.

Throw away expired items, especially medication. Here’s a guide on how to dispose of medicines.

Group items by category

Whenever I do any bathroom decluttering, I put items away by category.

Here’s some categories you can group items into:

• Toiletries
• Dental items
• Haircare
• Make up and skincare
• Medicines and vitamins
• First aid items
• Cleaning products
• Backups

Use clever bathroom storage

The best way to maximise space in your bathroom is to seek out bathroom storage that helps keep items organised.

Some bathroom storage solutions I use include under sink organisers to store backups and vitamins.

I also use this makeup organiser for makeup and skincare, and a bathroom cabinet to store large items, as I don’t have shelves in my bathroom.

Keep everyday items within reach

A great way to minimise visual bathroom clutter is to keep everyday items within reach.

So items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair accessories, and soap are kept near to where you use them.

Things to declutter from your bathroom

Clearing expired products, duplicates, and unused items is key to transforming a cluttered bathroom into a functional, stress-free space.

Here’s a declutter checklist with some items you can declutter from your bathroom.

Toiletries

• Expired products
• Half used items you no longer like
• Products that don’t work
• Items bought on impulse and never used
• Duplicates
• Travel size products

Shower and bath products

• Empty or nearly empty bottles
• Old loofahs, sponges, and flannels
• Multiple products that do the same job

Beauty items

• Expired makeup
• Broken or unused tools
• Items that no longer suit your lifestyle

Medication

• Expired medication
• Empty packaging
• Duplicates of the same medication

Ensure you always dispose of medicines safely according to local guidelines.

Cleaning supplies

• Old or ineffective products
• Multiple cleaners for the same task
• Empty bottles

Textiles

• Towels that are worn, stained, or scratchy
• Excess linens
• Worn out bath mats

How to keep your bathroom clutter free

Once you declutter bathroom areas, maintaining it comes down to starting some decluttering habits, some of which include:

Keep counters clear

Keeping counters clear makes your bathroom feel instantly clutter free.

A great way to do this is to use bathroom organisers such as toothbrush holders, dispenser holders, and anything else that organises everyday toiletry items.

Use the “One In, One Out” rule

Whenever something new comes into your bathroom, take something old out.

Use what you already have

Before buying new products, make sure you use what you already have, which not only helps reduce clutter, but also helps you to save money on products you don’t need.

Keep backups in one designated spot

If like me you like having spares so you don’t panic when you’ve run out of something, then keep your backups in one spot so you can see what you already own, and you don’t end up overbuying.

Do regular resets

Once a week, or once a month, take five minutes to do a bathroom reset to keep your bathroom clutter free.

This can include:

• Throwing away empty containers
• Wiping down surfaces
• Putting items back where they belong

RELATED: How to do a weekly reset

What to do with decluttered items

Here are the options for bathroom items you want to declutter:

• Keep
• Donate / Sell
• Recycle / Throw out

If you decide to donate or sell an item, make sure it’s in working condition.

If you decide to sell it, list it as soon as you decide so it doesn’t continue to be clutter in your home.

When I sell decluttered items, I list the item straight away, and if it doesn’t sell within a week I remove the listing and donate it, so it doesn’t clutter up my home again.

How to do a bathroom declutter – a recap

For busy mums, bathroom decluttering works best when it’s done in short, manageable bursts, so you can create a bathroom that feels calmer, more functional, and easier to maintain.

Decluttering one small section at a time, being mindful of what you keep, and doing regular resets are small habits that help prevent bathroom clutter from building up.

Having a decluttered bathroom is about saving time during busy mornings, reducing stress, and making daily routines smoother.

When everything has a place, and you’re only keeping what you actually use, your bathroom becomes a space that helps better support family life.

In case you missed it, here’s your free printable declutter checklist to help you make decluttering your entire home easier.

Which small area could you declutter today to make mornings feel easier?

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