It can be difficult to find the time and energy to declutter your house. But if you tackle one room at a time, letting go of the things you no longer use doesn’t have to be overwhelming. My bathroom was cleared out and I felt great. I finally got rid of that cucumber melon body spray I’ve had since the ‘90s and so many other items that no longer served a purpose in my life.
Decluttering is a great form of self-care, but it’s often forgotten about. It’s not difficult, we get it. These items might hold a nostalgic attachment (like my body spray) or you may feel a sense of security knowing you have certain items on hand, even if you don’t use them anymore.
However, clutter can negatively impact your happiness and well-being. So we’ve compiled a list of things to either get rid of altogether or store elsewhere to help make your bathroom a calmer, more functional space.
1. Expired Medications
While this might seem obvious, you need to ensure that expired medications are properly disposed of. Prescription medications may require that you find a drop-off place to dispose of them. It’s probably fine to throw other over-the-counter medications away in the trash, but you may want to conduct a quick Google search just to check.
You can also get rid of any old medication. It is possible to find a safer place to keep your medicine. Some medications can be affected by humidity in the bathroom. Plus, some meds have temperature requirements—they might need to be stored in the fridge or freezer. However, most medications must be kept dry and cool. You might want to store your medications in a locked container for safety reasons.
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2. Razor Blades
If you haven’t switched out your razor blade lately, it could be time to throw out the old one and grab a new one. If you notice any signs of rust, it’s time to replace your razor. You might also store this item in a place with lower humidity. Although it is not the most convenient option, keeping razors dry outside of the bathroom will extend their lives.
3. Old Loofahs and Sponges
Sponges and loofahs are a breeding ground to bacteria. Loofahs are meant to clean your body, but if they haven’t been changed in a few weeks, you could be defeating their whole purpose. Sponges can harbor bacteria, regardless of whether they are used to wipe down countertops or apply makeup.
Sponge cleaning requires that you rinse the sponges thoroughly and then squeeze out all excess water. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place and change them every other month. Makeup sponges need to be cleaned once a week and kept in their original container or in a special makeup sponge holder.
4. Cleaning supplies
If you didn’t know (I didn’t!Cleaners and disinfectants can be recalled at any time. They likely won’t be harmful after their expiration date, but they might not be as effective as they once were. If you do determine that they’re past their prime, you might need to call your local hazardous waste facility to find out the best disposal method.
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If you store chemicals in your bathroom, you’re definitely not alone. Many people store cleaning supplies in their bathroom cabinets or under the sink. These potentially dangerous products should not be shared with children or pets. It’s also best to keep your cleaning supplies together, preferably in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight.
5. Out-of-Date Beauty Products
Products like makeup, perfume and other beauty products may expire faster than you might think. Some products, such as lipstick, foundation, or blush, can last for two years. However, other makeup products may have a shorter shelf-life.
Eyeliner and mascara are generally only good for about a month. If you use them regularly, you probably won’t have any problem sticking to that timeframe. It can be hard to remember to dispose of unused makeup, especially when you use it for special occasions.
It might be worth purchasing smaller travel-sized perfumes and makeup. Decluttering your expired beauty products might give you a better idea of what you do and don’t use, which could allow you to shop smarter in the future.