8 questions to ask before you clean your bathroom

Decluttering your bathroom may seem simple, but a strategic approach can save you time and ensure you only keep what you really need. Before you go in, it’s helpful to ask yourself a few key questions to understand how extensive the cleaning should be, what’s actually causing the mess, and how you can make lasting changes for a tidy, functional space.

These are the main questions to ask before you start cleaning your bathroom, according to experts.

Meet the expert

  • Erin Tannehill is the founder of The Tannehill Homestead blog, whose goal is to help homesteaders live simply and sustainably.
  • Tracy Lynn is the founder of Declutter in Minutes, a blog where readers learn to take on big, huge projects by breaking them down into small, actionable steps.

What is my cleaning goal in this bathroom?

Before you start removing items, take a moment to think about your ultimate goal. Do you want to free up more storage space, reduce clutter on your countertop, or simply make your bathroom more organized and peaceful?

“I personally prefer to feel like I can have a spa night whenever I want, so I follow my bathroom cleaning list like my health depends on it,” says Erin Tannehill of The Tannehill Homestead blog.

Understanding your “why” can help you decide how thorough the cleaning should be. If you’re trying to create a minimalist space, you might want to be more selective about what stays. If you just want to declutter, you may be able to keep more things as long as they are neatly organized.

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How often do I use each item?

One of the easiest ways to determine whether something should stay or go is to consider how often you use it.

Start with items you use every day, like toothbrushes and all your skin care essentials. They should have a designated place that is easily accessible. Then look at the products you use weekly, such as deep conditioners or face masks, and make sure they have a neat and proper place out of the way to stay.

Items that haven’t been touched in months are prime candidates for removal. If you’re keeping products “just in case” or because they were expensive, it’s worth asking yourself if they’re actually serving you or just taking up valuable space.

What causes disorder?

Before you start throwing things away, try to identify what is actually creating the clutter. Too many products on your desktop? Are the drawers cluttered with small, miscellaneous items? Maybe your storage space is underutilized, or maybe you simply have more product than you can realistically use. Knowing the root cause of clutter can guide you in finding effective solutions.

Do I hold on to expired or unused products?

There are often expired or forgotten products in the bathroom – take the time to check expiry dates, especially on skin care and make-up products, which can lose their effectiveness over time or even develop bacteria. As a general rule, discard anything that has a change in smell, texture or color, as it may be past its prime. Keeping only what you use and love will help your space feel fresher and more organized.

Do I have duplicates of any products?

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It’s easy to end up with multiple similar items, especially things like shampoo, toothpaste, or skin care products. Review your items to identify any duplicates.

A good rule of thumb is to keep one backup of essentials (like toilet paper or soap) while donating or discarding excess duplicates. Keeping track of your inventory will prevent you from repurchasing items you already own and will help you keep your bathroom clutter-free.

Can storage solutions help my de-cluttering efforts?

A common reason for clutter in the bathroom is the lack of efficient storage. Ask yourself if your current setup is working or if a few small adjustments could make a big difference.

“Remember, bathrooms are small and cramped spaces, especially family bathrooms, and that means your space is limited,” says Tracy Lynn, of the home organization blog Declutter in Minutes. “For this reason, you might want to consider having trinkets or other non-essential items in this space.”

Adding organizers to drawers, under-sink baskets or wall shelves can maximize your space and make it easier to find everything.

What is my routine and how can I simplify it?

Consider your daily and weekly bathroom routines, as this can help you prioritize which items should be most accessible. Think about what you use for your morning and evening routines, and focus on de-cluttering or moving anything outside of that core group; keep only what you regularly need on hand.

How will I keep this space clutter-free?

De-cluttering is only half the battle—maintaining a clutter-free bathroom requires consistent habits. Ask yourself what steps you can take to keep this space tidy in the long run. Maybe you need a monthly check-in to remove any products you no longer use, or a one-in, one-out rule will help you avoid excess in the future.

Tracy Lynn suggests giving your family a quick tour of the new bathroom so they too know where things should go from here.

“I’ve found that labels take up every space and it’s better not to distract you,” says Tannehill.

The more intentional you are about keeping things in their place, the less likely clutter will creep in.

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