Monthly Organizing Challenge: Organizing Under the Bathroom Sink

This month we have been organizing the bathroom and linen closet.  I was feeling pretty good about our systems for the most part since we organized them a few times over the previous years, but I still added some new labels to our first aid/medication closet and put together a travel toiletry bag.  And then it happened, I needed something in our lower level bathroom and was astonished at our under the sink situation....

Ooops, neglected space!  And then I decided since it was the month to tackle bathroom areas, that is exactly what I would do.  So I looked in the drawers of the cabinet right next to the sink....

I promised myself this year I was all about showing off my messes.  Because even though I adore organizing, not every space in our home is organized.  And our systems fail and our drawers get messy.  We. Are. Normal.

So here is what I did to get our bathroom back into shape.  It was pretty quick, simple and painless.  I started as I always do, and took everything out from under the sink and inside the drawers.

Next, I sorted and purged:

• Cleaning supplies were piling and collecting, so the overflow went back with the other excess and overflow items in the laundry room.
• Toiletry cases and products were moved to our suitcases so they wouldn't be forgotten during future travels.
• Expired items were tossed.
• Like items were combined into the same bottles.

I scoured my home for a few bins and containers to store what was left.  I also picked up a couple of containers for the rest. 

For my hair tools, I wanted to create holders that would withstand heat and keep them easy to grab and use.  I stole some paint cans from my oldest son's room {he once used them for coloring supplies, but I still have some final projects for his room and I will tackle his desk storage at that time}, and grabbed a large soup can from the recycling bin and gave it a good washing.

A little bit of contact paper later {contact paper in the bathroom always since it is waterproof and washable}, and the cans were a bit prettier.

I also cleaned out the pull-out drawers below the sink and added contact paper to those as well.  It's all about the small lovely details.

I lined the cans in the tall drawer of the bathroom cabinet, and I had instant hair tool storage.  The craft "paint" cans hold my curling iron, straightener and dryer.  The soup can is great for combs and brushes.

I even had room for my leave-in-conditioner and hair spritz.  Total win.

The drawer above held our toiletry bags {which were relocated}, and our charging docks for our electric toothbrushes.  I just wrangled the cords with some cable ties and the drawer was donzo.

Now, back to under the bathroom sink.  It is like a totally different place.  You wouldn't even recognize it, it makes me so happy {who knew under a bathroom sink could make anyone happy?}

Excess shampoos, conditioners and lotions were placed near the back and are no longer lost and buried in the cabinet drawer.  Girly products live in a tiered stand near the front. {The things we share for the sake of blogging...}  I used a stand that was originally intended for Kuerig cups.  Who knew it was really far more ideal for storing feminine products?  #newuseforeverydayitems

On the other side of cabinet, I added a few small bins to hold my whitening things and the few items I purchase in bulk when on sale.

To label the bins, I just used scrapbooking stickers.  I will probably use some clear packing tape over the top of them to ensure they have a long and happy life on the containers.

Cleaning supplies were placed back in, just much more condensed this time, and the bathroom organizing was a very happy ending!

It's always fun to check out before and after shots, so here is one for good sake of FUN:

Pretty sweet little bathroom success story.  Everything is in a place that now makes sense.  I was able to remove items that didn't and give everything a nice, clean look.  I am happy as a camper. 

How has your linen and loo organizing been going?  Stay tuned!  Coming up is a link party so you can show me first hand how awesome you are!