11 Late Winter Bathroom Cabinet Clean Out Rules You Should Follow

A bathroom cabinet clean-out is the perfect project for late winter when you have a little extra time. It’s easy for products to accumulate, and before you know it, your cabinet becomes disorganized. Taking a few minutes to follow some helpful rules can save you time and stress down the road. With just a little sorting and decluttering, you’ll be able to easily access everything you need.

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Sort and Purge Expired Products

Start by checking the expiration dates on everything in your bathroom cabinet. Products such as medicines, skincare items, and toiletries can expire, and using them past their expiration date can be ineffective or even harmful. Group your products by category-like skincare, hair care, and medications-and check each label. Discard any items that are expired or nearly empty to free up valuable space. This step ensures you only keep what is safe and useful.

To apply this rule, remove everything from your cabinet and carefully examine each product. Dispose of any expired items, following the proper disposal methods. Make sure you also check for items that have lost their effectiveness. This process will not only create more space but will also make your cabinet more organized and functional.

Organize Products by Category

Next, categorize your products for easier access and organization. By grouping items like hair care, skincare, and cleaning supplies together, you make it easier to locate what you need quickly. It’s helpful to group similar products in bins or containers to avoid clutter. A well-organized cabinet makes your daily routine smoother and more efficient. You’ll also have a better sense of what you own and what might need replenishing.

After sorting, place your products in containers or baskets to keep them separated and accessible. Label each section so it’s clear where things go, which will save you time when you need to find something. This method also prevents products from getting lost in the back of the cabinet. By keeping things neatly arranged, you’ll be able to quickly grab what you need without unnecessary searching.

Declutter with Multi-Use Products

Consider simplifying your cabinet by using multi-purpose products. Many products, like combined shampoo and conditioner or a 2-in-1 face and body wash, can reduce the number of items you keep. Streamlining your collection not only saves space but also makes it easier to maintain. When you focus on versatile products, you won’t be overwhelmed by the clutter of unused items. A well-organized bathroom becomes easier to clean and more functional.

Take a look at the products you have and evaluate which ones could serve multiple purposes. Replace items that overlap with more efficient, multi-use versions. For instance, a moisturizer with built-in sunscreen can replace separate sunscreen and moisturizer bottles. Reducing redundancy will help create a more organized and manageable space in your cabinet.

Use Clear Storage Containers

Investing in clear storage containers is a simple way to organize your bathroom cabinet. These containers allow you to see exactly what’s inside, making it much easier to locate items without rummaging through the cabinet. Stackable bins help maximize vertical space, while drawer organizers keep small items neat. With clear containers, you no longer have to guess what’s at the back of the shelf. Everything will be visible, organized, and easily accessible.

To implement this, purchase clear storage bins that fit your cabinet. Group your products into categories and place them in these containers. Label each bin to specify what’s inside, such as haircare or skincare. This strategy helps maximize the space while ensuring your items are organized and easy to find when needed.

Store Items You Use Most at the Front

For convenience, store the products you use daily at the front of the cabinet. Frequently used items like toothpaste, deodorant, or daily skincare should be within easy reach. This way, you don’t have to dig through a pile of products to find the one you need. A system where your most-used items are front and center ensures efficiency in your daily routine. You’ll save time and energy by having quick access to the essentials.

To follow this rule, designate a specific area for the most frequently used items, whether it’s the front of a shelf or in a designated drawer. Place your daily essentials in the most accessible spots, so they are easy to grab. This simple adjustment ensures that your cabinet remains organized and functional, and everything you need is right at hand when you need it most.

Maximize Vertical Space

Don’t let your cabinet’s vertical space go to waste. You can use shelves or risers to store items at different levels, increasing storage capacity without crowding the space. Vertical organization allows you to store more items, keeping your cabinet looking tidy and functional. This is especially useful if you have a deep cabinet or one with high shelves. Maximizing vertical space ensures you can store more without overwhelming the area.

To apply this, add adjustable shelves or stackable bins to create multiple levels of storage. Place taller items in the back and smaller ones in the front for easy visibility. You can also use tension rods to create extra storage or section off areas for different products. This method allows you to use your cabinet more efficiently, avoiding wasted space.

Keep Cleaning Supplies Separate

It’s important to keep your cleaning supplies separate from personal care items. This avoids any accidental spills or contamination of products you use on your body. By keeping cleaners and disinfectants on a different shelf, you ensure safety and organization. You’ll also have more space in your cabinet to store products you actually use daily. Designating a specific section for cleaning supplies can prevent any unnecessary clutter in your personal care space.

To follow this rule, use a separate bin or shelf for your cleaning supplies. Consider storing them in a container with a lid for added safety. Keep items like bleach, toilet cleaner, and disinfecting wipes far from skincare or medicines. This simple change will help you keep your personal care products safe and organized.

Don’t Forget to Clean the Cabinet Itself

While sorting through your products, take the time to clean the cabinet itself. Dust, dirt, and product residue can accumulate on the shelves, making the space look messy. Cleaning your cabinet regularly will help maintain a fresh and organized environment. Wipe down the shelves with a damp cloth to remove any grime or spills. Doing this will help you keep everything hygienic and ready for use.

To maintain a clean cabinet, use a gentle cleaner or disinfectant to wipe down the surfaces. Pay attention to corners and hard-to-reach areas where dust can accumulate. Cleaning the cabinet will not only make it look better but also prevent any buildup that could affect your products. Make this a part of your routine every few months to keep your space in top shape.

Avoid Overpacking Your Cabinet

It’s easy to overstuff your bathroom cabinet with products you don’t really need. Avoid packing your cabinet too tightly, as this can make it difficult to find what you’re looking for. By limiting the number of items, you’ll have more space and keep things organized. Regularly evaluating what you use will prevent unnecessary clutter and keep your cabinet efficient. It’s essential to leave some room for new products or replacements.

To avoid overpacking, regularly go through your items and remove anything you don’t need. Donate products that are still in good condition but that you don’t use. This allows you to keep your cabinet functional while making sure you only store what’s essential. By keeping the space slightly open, you’ll also make it easier to access products without feeling overwhelmed.

Rotate Seasonal Products

Swap out seasonal products like winter skincare for lighter items as the weather changes. Rotating products helps keep your cabinet organized and relevant to the season. This simple step ensures you’re using the right products at the right time, preventing clutter from accumulating. You can easily store off-season products in bins or boxes and swap them out when needed. Rotating your products helps maintain a streamlined cabinet all year long.

To apply this rule, organize your products by season and move off-season items to the back or into a separate storage container. When the seasons change, bring forward the products you’ll need, such as sunscreen in summer or moisturizer in winter. This keeps your cabinet relevant and prevents clutter from building up with unused items. Regularly rotate your products to keep everything fresh and accessible.

Maintain Regular Clean-Outs

Finally, maintaining regular clean-outs is essential to keeping your bathroom cabinet organized. Set aside time every few months to assess your products and get rid of anything you no longer need. This helps keep the space fresh, organized, and functional. Regular clean-outs prevent expired products from building up and help you stay on top of what you use. By sticking to this habit, you can ensure your bathroom stays neat and clutter-free all year long.

Schedule a reminder to clean out your bathroom cabinet every 3-4 months. During this time, evaluate each product’s usefulness and condition. Remove expired or unused items, and organize the rest according to your preferred system. This regular maintenance will keep your bathroom cabinet clean, efficient, and ready for anything.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.