Bathroom Organizing:
6 Easy Tips

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Bathroom Organizing: 6 Easy Tips for Getting This Busy Little Room Shipshape.

Because the biggest challenge here is that it is a small space, keeping it all organized goes a long way toward keeping it clean.

Bath essentials have a tendency to overrun a tub or shower, especially when women are involved. Add a kid or three and things can get messy.

The key? Divide this tiny room into the following 6 activity areas:

1 The tub and shower area.

-- Plastic dispensers in the shower for soap and shampoo eliminate a bottle or three.

-- Racks or hooks for washcloths and the essential post-scrub wipe down of shower and tub surfaces keep these items from cluttering tight spaces.

-- A suction-cup net or plastic tray across the tub keeps toddlers' bath toys tidy.

2 Taming the toilet area.

-- Keep extra rolls of toilet paper next to the toilet. I keep mine in a covered woven basket stashed between the wall and the porcelain potty so hands in need of washing don't go wandering and contaminating cabinets beneath the sink and other surfaces.

-- This is also a good place to keep a bowl or a basket of sanitary supplies or individually wrapped hand wipes.

-- Station a magazine or book rack near the potty to keep big and little hands occupied.

3 Deck out the dressing area.

Since we not only bathe and pamper here, we often dress here as well.

-- Place a small hamper near the tub or shower so kids taking off clothes can bypass the floor for the hamper.

-- Clothing hooks are a good investment for both grownups' and kids' bathrooms. If you've ever set the silk camisole you were planning to wear on a wet counter (or worse, a dirty one), you know why.

-- A chair or stool creates a relaxing nook on which to sit to put on socks or apply makeup. And, it's a great place for kids to sit while doing their hair, having Mom or Dad do it for them.

4 Salvage your sink area.

5 Master the medicine cabinet.

6 Add storage.

-- Use a wicker or wrought-iron wine rack to store rolled washcloths and towels. This is not only a way to put extra storage and spare towels at the ready, but rolled towels can also provide a colorful accent, especially in a child's bathroom.

-- Add over- and above-toilet shelving. Put wooden shelves alone one wall or add an over-the-commode unit with shelves. Here you can place those little knickknacks you can't live without and keep a small clock to keep you and the kids on schedule in the morning.

-- Forgo the traditional towel bars altogether in favor of antique or whimsical drawer pulls. You'll find these at flea markets or garages sales for a song. Connect them to the wall with screws. Two or three together give a collected look. Hang a towel through each of the pulls for a finished look.

-- Recycle a few pieces from other rooms in your home. An antique armoire, cupboard, chest or table gives a bathroom more space as well a delightfully elegant touch.