Extreme Bathroom Declutter – A Step Towards Minimalism
Why Decluttering Matters
A clutter-free bathroom isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about simplifying your daily routine and reducing stress. When every item has a place and you only keep what you truly need and use, you eliminate decision fatigue and start your day feeling more in control.
As a new mum, I’ve realized that clutter adds to my mental load. I want my space to feel light and easy to navigate, so I’m making intentional choices about what stays and what goes. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your own space, join me in decluttering—one small step at a time.
Step 1: Acknowledging the Clutter
Before I could start decluttering, I had to face the reality of my space. My bathroom drawers were packed with products, many of which I hadn’t used in ages. From half-used skincare bottles to old makeup and random personal care items, it was all mixed together in a chaotic mess.
If your bathroom looks anything like mine did, don’t panic! The first step is simply acknowledging that things have gotten out of hand. No judgment—just an opportunity to create a space that works better for you.
Takeaway for you: Look at your bathroom and identify one small area that feels overwhelming. That’s where you’ll start.
Step 2: Empty Everything Out
To get a true sense of what I owned, I took everything out of my drawers and cabinets and placed it on the floor. Let me tell you—I was shocked. Seeing everything in one place made me realize just how much I had accumulated over time.
If you’ve never done this before, I highly recommend it. When you see all your items together, it’s easier to spot duplicates, expired products, and things you no longer need.
Try this: Take everything out of one drawer or shelf in your bathroom. Lay it out and ask yourself, “Do I really use and need all of this?”
Step 3: Categorizing for Clarity
Once everything was out, I started sorting my items into categories:
• Makeup – I used to be a makeup artist, so I had way more than I needed.
• Skincare – This was a big one for me since I love skincare.
• Personal care – Everything from deodorant to body lotions.
• Haircare – Brushes, styling products, and tools.
• Nail care – Nail polishes, files, and hand creams.
• Cleaning products – Items I use to keep my bathroom fresh.
• Dental care – Toothbrushes, floss, and mouthwash.
• Medical & first aid – Band-aids, pain relievers, and other essentials.
• Travel items – Small bottles and pouches for when I’m on the go.
By grouping items together, I could see exactly how much I had in each category. And let’s just say—I had WAY too much of some things!
Your turn: Sort your items into categories. It makes decluttering so much easier when you can see what you have.
Step 4: Letting Go with Intention
Now came the hardest part: deciding what to keep and what to let go of.
I had to be brutally honest with myself. If I hadn’t used a product in months (or even years!), it needed to go. I also checked expiration dates—especially for skincare and makeup, which don’t last forever.
Some guiding questions I used:
• Do I use this regularly?
• Does this product work well for me, or am I holding onto it just in case?
• Is it expired or nearing the end of its shelf life?
• Do I have duplicates that I can consolidate?
I also reminded myself that keeping things “just in case” often leads to unnecessary clutter. If I truly needed something in the future, I could always replace it.
Try this: Pick up each item and ask yourself, “Would I buy this again today?” If not, let it go.
Step 5: Organizing What Remains
With the excess gone, it was time to put everything back in an organized way.
I used simple containers (borrowed from my kitchen!) to separate my items within the drawers. This helped keep everything in its place so I could easily find what I needed.
Here’s how I arranged things:
• Everyday essentials in the top drawer for easy access.
• Less frequently used items in lower drawers.
• Backstock items stored neatly in a separate area.
I also made sure to wipe down all my drawers with a natural cleaner (tea tree oil and eucalyptus) before putting things back. A fresh start feels even better when everything is clean!
Your turn: Use small boxes or dividers to keep your drawers organized. It makes a huge difference!
Step 6: Making the System Work for Me
A few days later, I checked in on my bathroom to see if my new system was holding up—and it was! That’s the sign of a good decluttering system: if your space stays tidy without constant effort, you know it’s working.
Here’s what I learned from this process:
• Decluttering is ongoing – It’s not a one-time task. I’ll need to check in regularly to keep things under control.
• A little each day makes a big impact – Even if I only declutter one drawer at a time, it adds up.
• My needs have changed – As a new mum, I don’t need as many products as I used to. Keeping only what serves my current lifestyle feels freeing.
Your Turn: Declutter with Me!
Now, I want to challenge you! Take 10 minutes today to declutter one small area of your bathroom. It doesn’t have to be the whole thing—just one drawer, one shelf, or even just your makeup bag.
Here’s your step-by-step guide:
1. Choose a small area to declutter.
2. Take everything out and sort into categories.
3. Let go of anything you don’t use, need, or love.
4. Organize what remains in a way that makes sense for you.
5. Enjoy your refreshed space!
Let me know in the comments—what’s the one area of your bathroom you’re decluttering today? I’d love to hear about your progress!