14 Bathroom Items You Should Toss Right Now

For many people, the bathroom becomes a catch-all space where personal care items are stuffed into every available corner. While it may seem convenient at the moment, this clutter can actually increase stress and detract from your overall sense of well-being. A clutter-free bathroom, on the other hand, can feel refreshing and organized.

You might find yourself storing items in your bathroom that could easily be moved to a more suitable location. “You need to store items based on what you use most and what works best for your routine,” advises Monica Friel, chief executive organizer at Chaos to Order in Chicago. “Evaluating what you have from time to time is the best way to make sure the space in your bathroom is being used most efficiently for your particular needs.” Here are some expert recommendations on what to get rid of from your bathroom.

Hotel Toiletries
We’ve all taken those little shampoo and conditioner bottles from hotel rooms, thinking we’ll use them at home, pack them for another trip, or simply keep them as a reminder to buy the full-sized version. “But for many reasons, none of these scenarios usually happen,” says Nicole Anzia, owner of Neatnik, an organizing company based in Washington, D.C. To save yourself space, skip bringing them home altogether.

Clothes
Leaving dirty clothes in the bathroom—whether on the floor or hanging on hooks—can create unnecessary mess and pose a slipping hazard. “Get in the habit of picking things up promptly or just designate a space outside the bathroom for dirty clothing,” says Friel. This will keep the bathroom tidy and prevent clutter from building up.

Old Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are worn. If you’ve recently been sick, it’s also a good idea to toss your toothbrush. “It’s always a good idea to replace it after being ill,” says Ruthann Betz-Essinger, a certified professional organizer with Just Organized, LLC in Birmingham, Alabama. Make sure to regularly check and replace your toothbrush to maintain good oral hygiene.

Too Many Towels
Having an abundance of towels in the bathroom can quickly turn it into a cluttered space. “Keep only the towels you’re currently using in the bathroom—there’s no need to store a ton of towels, especially large bath towels,” advises Friel. Store extra towels in a linen closet instead. If you find you have too many, consider donating some or repurposing well-used towels into cleaning rags.

Kids’ Bath Toys
“If your kids have outgrown their bath toys, it is time for them to be tossed or donated,” says Betz-Essinger. Only donate bath toys that are in good condition and have all their pieces. Be sure to clean them with warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly before donation.

Jewelry
It’s common to keep jewelry in the bathroom, especially since we often put it on or take it off there. However, consistent exposure to humidity can damage jewelry. “It’s better to keep your rings, necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry somewhere dry—and away from bathroom drains,” says Anzia. A jewelry box or dresser drawer is a better place for your accessories.

Makeup and Lotions
While it’s common to store makeup and lotions in the bathroom, the high humidity can damage them over time. “Make sure to check for separation of ingredients and changes in color, smell, or consistency regularly,” suggests Betz-Essinger. If any products don’t look or smell like they did when you first bought them, toss them. You should also dispose of any products older than a year.

Expired Medicines
“Some people argue that you shouldn’t keep any medicine in your bathroom, but I think it’s fine to keep them there,” says Anzia. However, she stresses the importance of discarding expired medicines. “Go through your medicine supply at least twice a year to get rid of anything that’s expired or no longer needed.” And don’t forget that even sunscreen can expire, so make sure to check the dates on those items too.

Reading Materials
While it’s OK to read in the bathroom, your reading materials don’t need to be stored there. “If there’s a magazine you would like to read while taking a bath, by all means, bring it into the bathroom—but then take it out when you’re finished,” advises Anzia. This will help minimize clutter and prevent your reading materials from getting waterlogged.

Old Hair Tools
Old or unused hair tools can take up valuable bathroom space. “What typically happens is that you buy a new one and you keep the old one,” says Betz-Essinger. If your old hair tools still work, donate them. If they no longer serve a purpose, it’s time to let them go.

Decor
While bathroom decor can add a personal touch, it’s easy to go overboard. “The fewer unnecessary things you have in your bathroom, the less cleaning there is to do,” says Anzia. Avoid cluttering the vanity with excess baskets, bins, or plants that only collect dust. A simple candle and perhaps a plant can provide all the ambiance you need.

Harsh Cleaning Chemicals
Most bathroom surfaces can be cleaned with natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils. “Harsh cleaning chemicals have no place in bathrooms,” says Betz-Essinger. These natural alternatives are not only safer for the environment, but they can also help you avoid cluttering your bathroom with extra products. Friel also recommends storing cleaning products elsewhere to free up cabinet space.

Makeup Bags
If you have multiple toiletry or makeup bags, it’s time to assess how many you actually need. “Keep one or two in a drawer or bathroom cabinet, and store the rest with your luggage or purses,” says Anzia. This will prevent them from piling up under the sink and taking up unnecessary space.

Extra Anything
Finally, avoid storing extra bottles of shampoo, toothpaste, and other products in the bathroom. “There’s no need to keep five tubes of toothpaste in the drawer,” says Friel. “Keep one, use it fully, then replace it.” If you prefer to buy in bulk, consider keeping extra items in an “extras box” in a nearby storage space.

14 Bathroom Items You Should Toss Right Now
By getting rid of these unnecessary items, you can create a more organized, functional, and relaxing bathroom space.