Buzz
As autumn approaches, it’s not quite the start of a new year, but it feels like the right time to clear the clutter. Whether you're heading back to work or school, or simply feeling the seasonal change, tidying up your home can reduce chaos. Bathrooms, in particular, are notorious for accumulating things that we don’t need. Items get shoved into medicine cabinets and forgotten. If that sounds familiar, don’t worry—it’s an easy fix!
A well-organized bathroom helps you find everything you need quickly, saving you time (and maybe some skin, if you’re hunting for a razor). We’ve put together a list of items you can definitely part with, so it’s time to be decisive and let go.
Laurey Glenn, Stylist Zoë GowenExpired Medications
We’ve all experienced it. You go for a bandage or ointment only to realize it expired months ago. While using medications that have recently expired is generally safe, their effectiveness may diminish. Also, certain products, such as eye drops, can harbor bacteria on the tip if they've been left unused for years. To ensure your health and that medications work properly, it’s wise to sort through your medicine cabinet once a year and dispose of expired items. Be sure to restock your over-the-counter must-haves.
Expired Beauty Products
Yes, makeup has an expiration date. It’s tempting to hold on to old products (especially when you’ve spent a lot on them!), but using them could lead to skin irritation or breakouts, particularly if they're in open jars or tubs. No date on your product? Look for the symbol on the packaging that tells you how long it lasts after opening, such as six, nine, or twelve months. You can also check this guide to makeup expiration dates for more information.
Makeup Brushes
Makeup brushes face a lot of wear and tear, and if yours are just a little dusty, here's a guide on how to clean makeup brushes. But when the bristles are shedding, there's a foul odor, or stubborn residue that won’t come off even after a thorough wash, it's time to part ways with them.
Products You Tried Once and Didn’t Like
Do you recall buying that highly recommended moisturizer last month only for it to cause a breakout? We've all had our fair share of product mistakes. If you still have the receipt and it's within the return window, get your refund. If not, consider gifting it to a friend (it could work for their skin) or just dispose of it.
Alternatively, ask your friends if they have any products that didn’t work for them either. Why not make an evening of it and host a product exchange party?
Tiny Samples You’ll Never Use
If you're someone who’s been faithful to the same shampoo for years, chances are you won’t use that random sample from your last hotel stay. Either empty those small bottles and refill them with your favorite products for future trips, or discard them. You might also consider donating new, travel-sized toiletries to a local shelter.
Almost Empty Bottles
As much as you loved that pricey hair mask, a quarter-sized amount probably won’t suffice for another treatment. While a bottle or two might seem insignificant, once you accumulate three or four, they can occupy a lot of space in your bathtub or beneath the sink. So, either finish them or get rid of them before they expire.
Hair Accessories You Don't Touch
We’ve all ended up with the wrong-sized hair elastic at some point, and even if you have no intention of using that pack, it’s likely still sitting in your drawer, waiting for the right moment. If you have any unused items like clips or headbands, consider tossing them or passing them on to a friend or family member.
Bathroom Accessories That Are No Longer Functional
It may look nice, but if the soap dispenser is broken or the acrylic tray is cracked, it's time to let go. You can always replace them if you truly need to, but if it’s something you haven’t used in ages, perhaps it's time to acknowledge that you just don't need it!
Old, Stained, or Damaged Towels
Nothing feels less luxurious than a bath towel that’s stained or has holes. Repurpose old hand towels into cleaning rags, or use the larger ones for your pets or to dry your car. Alternatively, you could donate these items to a nearby animal shelter.
Gadgets You No Longer Use
Do you remember when you just had to own that red light face mask? Or the blackhead vacuum? Are you still using them? Do you even know where the charger is? If these items are just collecting dust or no longer work, they’re only taking up unnecessary space. It’s time to part with them.
Books and Papers
Books and magazines don’t fare well in the bathroom, thanks to the constant humidity, and they can easily become a hotspot for bacteria. Keep your reading materials outside of the bathroom, and if any have been in there too long, it’s time to let them go. What does thrive in humidity, however? Plants! Here are some of the best plants for your bathroom.
