Organizing the family’s medicine closet can be an exasperating and thankless task. Where to start, what to keep, and what to ditch? Having an organized plan of attack can help you get the job done quickly.
Tips for Organizing the Medicine Cabinet
To get started, find a flat space to organize the objects as you identify them. Begin by doing an inventory of the contents of your cabinet. As you work, consider using the following selection criteria:
- Does it have an expiration date? If it doesn’t, and you can’t remember when you bought it, toss it. If there’s no expiration date but you bought the item in recent memory, use a permanent marker to write the approximate date of purchase.
- Is it in good condition? Opened bandages, creams, and ointments should be discarded if you haven’t used them lately, as they may have collected bacteria and become unhygienic. Better not to risk it.
- Is this something I’ll use, or was it an impulse purchase? If you don’t think you’ll ever use that avocado-bergamot-pinot noir facial mask, toss it.
- Is it bad for you? If you have a cabinet full of creams that make your face sting, break out, or smell like wet sheep, get rid of them.
Next, make a pile of the objects you intend to keep. On your flat surface, begin placing items in categories such as the following:
- Beauty products (cosmetics, creams, exfoliants, waxes, toners, etc.)
- Medicinal products (pharmaceuticals, ointments, bandages)
- Hair products (shampoos, conditioners, gels, hairspray); and so on.
What Not to Put in the Medicine Cabinet
Pharmaceutical products, such as medications, should never be kept in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. Changes in humidity and temperature can cause pills to decompose more quickly. If you have small children who can access the cabinet, be sure to clear it of potentially hazardous substances, including cleaning products, Ipecac, or manicure scissors.
Organize Medicine Cabinet Contents
Before placing items back in the cabinet, consider these suggestions:
- If possible, store messy oils or creams in plastic bins where leakage won’t be a problem.
- Create “kits” by placing like objects in similar places: manicure kit, emergency kit (e.g. bandages, antibacterial ointments, etc.), beach kit (sunscreen, bug repellent, lip balm), and so on.
- Place small objects like hair accessories in Ziploc bags or small containers
Finally, clean the shelves with a disinfectant and line with paper towels to absorb spills. If you’re particularly meticulous, you can even label bins to help family members locate objects more easily. In another 6-12 months, repeat this process again—in other words: lather, rinse, repeat!
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