7 Things You Can Declutter from Your Bathroom in Minutes

Your bathroom might not seem like the most cluttered space in your home, but take a closer look! Over time, medicine cabinets, shower caddies, and countertops can become overwhelmed with expired products, unused toiletries, and forgotten beauty samples. Before you know it, your peaceful retreat feels more like a chaotic storage room.

The good news? Decluttering your bathroom is quick and easy! Most items aren’t sentimental, and many even come with expiration dates, making decisions a breeze. Here are seven things you can clear out in minutes to reclaim your bathroom space. You need to practice and stick to the routine to achieve consistent result.

1. Expired Medicine

Start with your medicine cabinet, this is one of the easiest things to declutter.

• Sort everything into categories (pain relief, cold/flu, allergies, etc.).

• Check expiration dates- Most expired medicine loses effectiveness and can even be unsafe.

• Proper disposal is key- Gather and take expired medicine to a local pharmacy instead of tossing it in the trash.

• Organize what's left by arranging items from oldest to newest so you use them in the right order.

2. Old Makeup

It’s hard to let go of a favorite lipstick or mascara, but makeup does expire!

• Look for the "Period after Opening" symbol (a tiny open jar with a number indicating shelf life in months).

• If you can’t remember when you opened it, it’s probably time to toss it.

• Expired makeup can cause skin irritation and infections, so it’s best to replace it.

• Recycle empty makeup containers at Boots or Superdrug.

3. Countertop Clutter

Your bathroom countertops should only hold daily essentials like hand was, , toothpaste, and shower gel.

• Unused gifts or beauty products gathering dust? If you haven’t opened them in months, you probably never will.

• Donate, sell, or offer them to family & friends before they expire.

• Use organizers to keep essentials neat and accessible.

4. Expired Sunscreen

It’s easy to accumulate multiple bottles of sunscreen, but expired sunscreen won’t protect you properly and can irritate your skin.

• Check for the open pot symbol (usually 6-12 months after opening).

• Mark the opening date on the bottle to track its lifespan.

• Tip: Keep a travel-sized sunscreen in your bag to avoid buying unnecessary extras.

5. Perfume Past Its Prime

Perfume doesn’t last forever, over time, its scent changes and can even become unpleasant.

• Signs it’s expired: A vinegary smell, a darker color, or skin irritation after application.

• Keep perfumes away from heat and sunlight to prolong their lifespan (usually 3-5 years).

• If you no longer like a fragrance, gift it to a friend before it goes to waste.

6. Unused Travel Bottles & Hotel Soaps

Do you really need that growing collection of mini hotel shampoos?

• If you plan to use them, rotate them into your routine (oldest first).

• If they’re just taking up space, offer them to guests or donate them.

• Opened travel-size products also have expiration dates, so check before use.

7. Product Samples

Free samples are tempting, but they pile up fast if you don’t actually use them.

• Keep only what you’ll realistically try and place them in visible spots (next to your daily skincare, in the shower, etc.).

• Sort and categorize them, tossing anything old or unnecessary.

• Offer extras to friends before they expire.

A Clutter-Free Bathroom in Minutes

By tackling these seven areas, you’ll free up space and create a cleaner, more relaxing bathroom. The best part? None of these items require difficult decisions—just check expiration dates, let go of what you don’t use, and enjoy a refreshed space!

Ready to declutter? Start with one category and see how much space you can reclaim!