Low-ish effort, high impact projects | Bathroom organization

Here we go again… another low-ish effort, high impact project (the other two posts in this series are here + here). This time, it’s bathroom organization. Nothing glamorous, per usual. But having a tidy under-sink space is quite lovely and helpful (Can you tell pandemic isolation is really getting to me?).

BATHROOM ORGANIZATION

The before is atrocious, and a result of me deciding I wanted everything off the counter one day… and simply jamming it all under the sink. As one does (and nearly immediately regrets, and then goes about one’s day). But as always, I’m here with a heaping dose of real life.

The first step, as with all of these low-ish effort, high impact projects was to take everything out. Once I was surrounded by a sea of contact lens boxes and hand soap, I cleaned the space and took stock of what I had to contend with. I grouped like items, tossed/recycled empties, and returned a few things to their rightful homes.

The humidifier got a quick clean and is back at my bedside… truthfully I don’t remember how, when, or why it ended up under the sink. The mug precariously hanging on for dear life went directly into the dishwasher. And the old lady hot water bottle that I treated myself to last winter, whose cap promptly broke and the water (which, mercifully, was warm by then) exploded all over me? It got pitched. Why did I keep it? To remind myself that things can go terribly wrong? Not sure. (I stand by how amazing and comforting a functioning hot water bottle is, though.)

Once everything was sorted and organized, I started to contain everything. You can’t see it (what, for all the crap spilling forth), but there is a lazy Susan (poor Susan getting a bad rap) containing the toiletries I use infrequently, but that I like having readily accessible. When I can see it (lol help), it’s great. The only new purchases were two bins (one small, one medium) that I ordered alongside the large bins for our laundry area. Rather than cap them both, I ordered one wooden lid and opted to keep the smaller bin open.

Ready to cleanse your spirit with the “after”? Me too.

On the left is the aforementioned lazy (Hardworking?) Susan. It holds:

• My super-sophisticated mouthwash regimen (jk it’s just Listerine in the AM and ACT in the PM)
• Aura Cacia aromatherapy mists (I love spraying these in the shower)
• Blemish patches (self explanatory)
• Hair products
• And an extra hand soap and deodorant… because I’m trying to not run out of either

In the top (open) bin, you’ll find:

• This Scout bag, which I bring to the Cape (i.e. the only non-hockey place we go) with us. I like having it there to easily pack with the necessities that I bring back and forth (namely, my glasses for nighttime, CBD drops + soft gels, extra contacts, etc.).
• A pouch contains a week or so of daily contacts for easy grabbing. While they’re not the most sustainable option, your girl became highly allergic to contact solution back in the mid-00’s, so it’s been dailies ever since.

In the bottom bin, you’ll find:

• The rest of my contacts. I’m trying to be a better person, the kind that doesn’t panic order from 1 800 CONTACTS with just a single, sad pair of contacts left… while wondering how I’ll safely navigate the next 48 hours wearing glasses whose prescription is older than both my children… combined. That’s a longwinded way of patting myself on the back for having 6 months of contacts neatly tucked away.
• Period care products. (Related: Here’s a good explanation on inclusive language and the case against calling it “feminine products”) I have a quarterly subscription with CORA, so as with the contacts, I don’t run out. Their organic products are fantastic, and their impact in ending period poverty is significant. Pre-pandemic, I was buying their products at Target, but I deeply appreciate being able to have them arrive at home on a set delivery schedule. You can click here to get your first month of CORA products for free.
• A silicon makeup brush cleaning mat. During normal times, I was cleaning my brushes weekly (and wearing makeup daily)– during pandemic times, both are happening much less frequently.

And tucked behind it all is (a pipe… and) a my lighted, magnifying mirror— which I fully admit is the devil’s work. No one needs that view. But I can’t help occasionally getting pore curious… so it stays. Looking for similar projects? Here is my laundry area and our mask organization/back door drop zone. Coming soon in this series is my favorite: the skincare shelf. It’s as unnecessary as it sounds, but makes me oh, so happy.

So there you have it. Some bathroom organization with a side of tampon talk. 😉

Also On Tap for Today:

• If you’re looking for true organizing help, the Grid + Glam membership is open (today only) — save $10 on your first month with code Elizabeth10. I’ve been a member for a little over a year and have truly benefitted from Corinne’s process (especially when it comes to purging, sentimental items included).
• Setting up my February calendar + PowerSheets
• Trying to catch up on a few podcasts

Do you subscribe to any monthly/quarterly beauty or personal care boxes?