6 things to clear out for a less cluttered bathroom

We can all recognize a beautiful bathroom, but it can be difficult to tell what actually makes the space appealing. Some folks choose to incorporate bold, bright colors into their bathrooms, while others choose neutral tones and pops of fresh greenery. Your bathroom organization method should reflect how you want to feel when you're in it. If you'd like to refresh your space, consider what you don't find or see in organized, appealing bathrooms. Here are six things that you won't find in an organized bathroom.

Old skin care products

Toss any expired products and free up your vanity for fresh trends, or new versions of your favorite classics.

Most beauty products have a small symbol on the back indicating the product's shelf life in months. If you haven't used a certain concealer, eyeliner or eye shadow palette in six months, it's best to toss it. By going through your makeup kit regularly, you'll start to think about which products are the best fit for your lifestyle.

Duplicates

If you're getting close to the end of your moisturizer and decide to buy a new one, don't pull it out until you've finished the first bottle. Be sure to also throw out the old product before opening the new one.

Do you really need three sticks of deodorant? If you have backup products, keep them in a linen closet or tucked away in a bathroom cupboard until you're ready to use them. The same rule applies to other toiletries: if you've tried a product and don't like it, it most likely won't become part of your routine, so throw it out.

Random household items

Organized people don't keep empty cups, dirty towels and other random household items in their bathrooms. If an item doesn't have a use in your bathroom, put it back in its place (or create a more appropriate space for it). Bathrooms that appear messy or unorganized often have products in them that don't belong there.

General clutter

The less you have taking up storage space, the happier you'll be with the room and the more space you'll have for what's essential to your routine. If you have glass cabinets or shelves, be strategic about what you're displaying. Glass-front cupboards can magnify clutter if you're lining shelves with products and personal items, so consider minimizing the number of products, or finding storage containers that make them easier to pull out and stow away after use.

Cords

Have you noticed that the gorgeous bathrooms on social media aren't showing off straighteners or curling irons? Cords are an easy way to make a space look busy and unpolished, so stow corded items out of sight. If you use these tools daily, try a container that hangs on a towel rack, or place them in a cupboard.

Grime

Wiping down counters so that they're free of grime will instantly brighten up a space. You could have the most organized bathroom in the world, but if it's dirty, it won't look welcoming.

Wipe down the mirrors, run a vacuum or mop over the floors and scrub off dried toothpaste from inside the sink — your bathroom will immediately feel like the relaxing space it should be to start and end your day. If you're hoping to clean your bathroom and don't know where to start, grab an all-purpose cleaner for the counters and sink.