6 Things You Should Toss from Your Bathroom to Make It Look Bigger, According to a Pro Organizer

Key Points

• Removing extra items from your bathroom is key to making it feel bigger and cleaner.

• Bulky items, overloaded linens, and extra products are common culprits eating up counter space.

• Decanting products into matching containers helps cut down on visual clutter.

As one of the most frequently used rooms in the home, it's easy for the bathroom to get a little cluttered and overcrowded . Not only does it need to function as a practical space for daily routines, but it's also tasked with storing a considerable amount of stuff .

However, there are a few items that people commonly store in the bathroom that don't need to be, according to professional organizers—here's what they are.

Meet the Expert

Christina Lee is the CEO and co-founder of luxury home organizing business Graceful Spaces.

Excess Decor

Finding the right balance between stylish and streamlined is no small task, but one that interior designers and professional organizers are well-versed in.

According to professional organizer Christina Lee, the key to striking this balance in small, utilitarian spaces, like the bathroom, is to stick to functional decor . 

When shopping for decor, opt for pieces that include storage, too. This ensures that what's visible is both beautiful and usable, eliminating excess items in the bathroom and reducing visual clutter.

Products in Original Packaging

If you're stuck in the age-old "to decant or not to decant" debate, here's the deal: Professional organizers will almost always recommend decanting your products into simple matching containers to create a space that feels organized and stylish. 

"Shampoos, soaps, and lotions in mismatched bottles create visual noise. Decanting into simple, cohesive containers instantly streamlines surfaces and makes the room feel lighter," on top of saving space, Lee says.

Glass containers are a reliable favorite that can be found at nearly any store (and any price point). They suit numerous design styles, lend a clean look, and make it easy to see what's stocked inside, often negating the need for labels.

Depending on the product, you can also use baskets, plastic bins, or plastic jars to decant products, too. The general rule of thumb is to choose simple containers that are functional, stylish, and match for a cohesive look.

Duplicate, Expired, or Unused Products

Declutter duplicate, expired, or unused products in your bathroom that take up unnecessary space. The same goes for backups or extra products that you've purchased in bulk.

Whenever possible, these items are best stored in a closet or in a separate storage area outside of the bathroom.

"Keep only what you use daily in the bathroom, and store backups elsewhere to free up space and create a more expansive feel," Lee says.

Bulky Storage Items

When square footage is limited, every inch counts, which is why Lee recommends keeping bulky storage items out of the bathroom.

"Oversized hampers, step stools, or organizers eat up valuable square footage. Moving them to a closet or laundry area opens up floor space and makes the room appear larger," she says.

A good rule of thumb is to keep only what you need and use daily in the bathroom. If an item like a step stool is required, opt for a smaller size or one that can fold up for easy storage.

Anything extra being stored in the bathroom should be easily tucked away and hidden out of sight when not in use.

Overloaded Linens

It's easy for the bathroom to become a landing pad for all the bathroom linens in the house, but it doesn't need to be. Large stacks of towels and other linens can make the bathroom feel crowded, messy, and chaotic, rather than clean and tranquil.

"Edit down to the daily essentials for a cleaner, more refined look that gives the bathroom breathing room," Lee says.

Try storing the extra towels and other linens in a closet outside the bathroom, or in another free area tucked away and out of sight.

Countertop Appliances

Just like in the kitchen, overloading your countertop with small appliances is a quick way to make your space feel cluttered and small. Hair tools, skincare devices, water flossers, and toothbrush chargers are common culprits.

"Storing them in drawers or cabinets keeps counters clear and makes the bathroom instantly feel more open," Lee says.

Read the original article on The Spruce