Self Help

Toiletries: The best way to organize toiletries is to go through your shelves and drawers one by one, removing all containers of makeup, skin and hair care products, and other toiletries. Then sort by categories, which might include nail care, makeup, dental care, skin care, hair care, perfumes and deodorants. Examine each item carefully. Discard old, sticky nail polishes, makeup that is more than six months to one year old, and any empty bottles or jars. Discard or give away items that you no longer like or use. They’re just taking up space that you can put to better use.

Where you store these things will depend on the set-up in your bathroom. How you store them may be as simple as grouping like items together on a shelf or in baskets or bins in a drawer. For a neat and uncluttered appearance, use same-size or same-style containers, especially if they will be placed on open shelves. When you store similar items together, it’s not only easier to locate what you’re looking for, but it also reduces the chance that you
will buy duplicate items. If you like to keep extra supplies on hand, store them in back of the opened items. Keep in mind that most toiletries should be stored away from direct sunlight and heat, which can shorten their life.

How you store makeup will depend on how you use it. If you use the same few items daily, keep these items in a small basket, bin, or bag that is easily accessible. Store less frequently used items in a separate container. If you use a variety of makeup on a regular basis, contain it all in a makeup box designed like a fishing tackle box, with individual compartments for smaller items and a large storage compartment for larger items. Find one that will hold all of your makeup and fit neatly in its storage place. Take it out when you need it and put it back when you’re done.

Medicine Cabinets: Empty your medicine cabinet and begin to sort through what you’ve got. Set aside expired prescription and nonprescription medicines, as well as antibiotics, regardless of expiration date. Also set aside any nonprescription medicines that are more than two years old or past their expiration date. Changes in makeup and sunscreens over time causes them to lose their potency and their effectiveness. Dispose of all old and outdated items properly.

Store the most frequently used items on the shelves that are easiest to reach, and store like items together. Group prescriptions and vitamins together by family member so that you don’t have to search through all the bottles to find yours. Other efficient groupings include cough and cold remedies, sunscreen and insect repellents, pain relievers, and first aid supplies.

Restock your medicine cabinet with labels facing outward. Use small plastic bins to contain small tubes and things you use together, such as antibiotic ointment and adhesive bandages. Consider labeling shelves so that you don’t have to think about what goes where. If your prescription plan requires you to bring refill labels to your pharmacist, keep them in the medicine cabinet along with your prescriptions. That way, when you need a refill, you know exactly where to find the label.