Items IHeart: Linen & Loo Storage

Last month I really enjoyed taking a moment to not only reflect on the bad {what isn't working}, but also focus on the good {what is}, when it came to storage in the ktichen.  Over the years we have put a few systems in place around here that have actually stuck and still help us day after day here at the Jones abode.  And hey, we are human, so we have swung and missed a few times too, but we will address those problem areas oh so soon.  It is linen and loo {bathroom} month, so here are the things that have gotten the Jones approved thumbs up!

{ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 }

1.  Our lower level didn't come equipped with any kind of linen closet, so, we just popped in a linen cabinet and now we have all sorts of storage that we totally adore!

Bonus points, I added in his and hers toiletry baskets and they have been working so well at keeping our individual clutter off of the counter!

2.  Over the door hooks.  Or any hooks really.  We use hooks instead of towel bars in our bathrooms, as I find they are much simpler than nicely folding and hanging the towels everyday.  Especially when the kids are involved.  In our bathroom we save space and use an over the door hook, it not only holds our towels, but our robes.  In the kid's bathroom, we use wall hooks and it works great for them, but I am still thinking of sewing small ribbon loops to each towel to prevent them from slipping off of the hooks.

3.  Two towels per person.  It's a little rule we have adapted.  Each family member has two sets of towels, that way, when the first batch is sent to the laundry, there is a second one waiting.  But it also ensures we are always keeping up with our linen washing, and that we don't over fill our cabinets with unnecessary stacks of towels.

4.  Drawer dividers, the stackable options are even better.  They work great for dividing cosmetics and toiletries so that you are not rummaging and digging each day.  It also keeps things a bit more sanitary vs. just tossing them haphazardly into a drawer.  Although I keep my beauty supplies in our dressing room, the dividers are a sanity saver!

5.  Toiletry tote.  I used one of these for the longest time and looooved it.  It was a super compact way for me to store my hair tools, makeup and supplies, and carry it in-between bathrooms {when my kiddos were younger I would use their bathroom more often to get ready}.  Everything just stayed stored within the bag and hung on a hook.  It is a really great option for individuals who don't have a lot of cabinet and drawer space.

6.  A hamper.  If you have the space for a hamper in the loo, it just makes sense.  Think about it, it's where people tend to undress {OK, you can stop thinking about that now, it's getting a bit creepy}.  We have a hamper in our master bath and use it daily.  The kid's don't have one in their bathroom, and it's no surprise I find their clothes behind the bathroom door or right outside the bathroom in a pile in the hall....

7.  Baskets.  Obvious right.  I say, "Hurray!" to baskets in the linen closet for sheets {folding a perfect sheet is a pain right?}.  They work great for corralling and hiding everything and anything really.  Not only do we have a two towel rule, we also have a two sets of sheets rule.  Each bed has two sets of sheets only, and we rotate them weekly.  Since we use our linen cabinet for medication, we opt to store the bedding right within each room, and it works so well!

8.  Nail caddy.  OK girly girls, this one is for you!  I have been using my nail caddy for years now, and I totally dig it.  It is so nice to be able to grab the entire stash of nail grooming supplies and take it anywhere, use them while I relax, and easily transport it back.

 
A few other things that have been working well for us:

• We keep a small bin of cleaning supplies under each sink, so we can wipe up the bathroom frequently without needing to head to the kitchen for our household cleaning caddy.  It holds some disinfecting wipes, toilet bowl cleaner and sponges.
• Candle votives make super star storage for Q-tips, cotton and other itty bitties such as bobby pins.

• We like to keep our toothbrushes stored in a concealed area.  The bathroom can be a very germy place!

• We don't store medications in the bathroom.  We use our hall linen closet for that instead since it is important to find a place within your home that keeps your medications stored at room temp, away from humidity and heat {it causes the medications to lose their effectiveness}.

 Tag, you're it!  Time for you to spill your favorite linen and loo organizing tips!