4 min readAbove: A Dallas powder room designed by Sara Johnson.
It’s always surprising how much stuff can accumulate inside small powder rooms. But since a quick surface clean and a closed vanity is usually sufficient before guests arrive, you probably haven’t decluttered this space in a while. That’s totally understandable—even the pros think so.
“Many powder rooms simply aren't set up with function in mind,” says Annie Schmidt, the owner of SOS Schmidt Organization Systems in Dallas, Texas. “When everything is tossed into one cabinet without zones or containers, it becomes difficult to maintain.”
Katrina Teeple, the founder of Operation Organization, a professional organizing company with locations in Dallas and Los Angeles, agrees. Besides storing soaps and hand towels for guests, Teeple adds that scant powder room drawers and surfaces tend to be used as a catch-all. “The biggest culprit of clutter in this room is when it’s full of items that don’t belong there, like a kid’s toothbrush left out from getting ready for school,” she notes.
If it’s been some time since your powder room’s storage has been streamlined, this could be the ideal moment to give it an edit: The guest-heavy summer rush is slowing, and the cocoon of fall is around the corner. “Even the smallest rooms can have a big impact on how your home feels,” Schmidt says. “When a powder room is thoughtfully organized, it's easier to maintain, more welcoming for guests, and one less space that causes daily stress.” Here’s what the pros would get rid of to boost your powder room’s potential.
How to Streamline Your Powder Room
Before you dive in, there are some suggestions you should follow to ensure long-term success — including keeping your cool as you go. Teeple has a system called the “Get It Framework,” which breaks the decluttering process down like this: Gather everything in one place, then reduce the pile down to what actually belongs. Toss or donate what doesn’t, and then organize everything into containers you can maintain easily. “I love open-front, stackable bins or stackable drawers under the sink for extras, like spare hand towels and backup toilet paper,” she says.
That said, Schmidt wouldn’t start this process by buying new storage bins. You want to make sure you know what you’re keeping, and exactly how it fits. “Oversized bins, bulky drawer organizers, and stackable containers often waste valuable room if they aren't sized specifically for the space,” she says. If you don’t have bins and baskets you can reuse in this project, then be sure to measure the dimensions of your storage before shopping.
“You may not even need anything new if you are only storing the basics,” Schmidt says. “I’d also recommend avoiding decorative baskets for everything. While they look beautiful, they often become dusty and a place where miscellaneous items collect. A few well-sized, labeled containers are much more functional.” Teeple similarly advises against purchasing an over-the-toilet organizational shelf, since those tend to collect dust and unnecessary overflow, too. Read on for what you should get rid of below.
Toilet Brush and Plunger
When it comes to what you should get rid of, Teeple would start with an unsightly essential: a toilet plunger and brush sitting out in the open. “Those should always be swapped for a beautiful covered container—nobody wants to see those fully,” she says.
Seasonal Soaps and Tired Towels
It’s common for a powder room to become a de facto hub for seasonal scents and decor that were likely picked up for a party. Lili Pettit, founder of Clutter Healing, would be realistic about any products that have been half used or forgotten after the festivities. “Toss anything moldy or covered in dust,” she says. “Unopened hand soap you know you won’t use can be donated to a local shelter.
If you have more than enough seasonal linens, like Christmas-themed hand towels that have seen merrier days, Petit would drop them off at a local animal shelter. All you need in a powder room is a simple soap dispenser—nothing fancy!
Extra Toiletries
Schmidt and Teeple don’t think that everything that constitutes clutter in your powder room is ultimately trash. Many things likely just need to be moved elsewhere, like extra toiletries. “Extra toiletries or personal care items that belong in a primary bathroom should be placed there, including medications,” Schmidt says as an example. Teeple notes that kid toothbrushes or hairbrushes should go back to their bathrooms as well.
Surplus Cleaning Products
You should think about moving cleaning products into one area, such as your kitchen, so everything is in one place. Plus, having a dedicated zone will likely keep you from accidentally buying duplicates. “Remember that guests may look in your drawers and cabinets, so keep it to the basics,” Schmidt says. “Once you know exactly what needs to stay in your powder room, you can create intentional zones.”
Knickknacks
Finally, Teeple would limit the amount of knickknacks on the vanity or surrounding surfaces. “People often overdo the amount of items put on the counter,” Teeple says. “Keep it simple. Soap, hand towels, room spray, a trash can, and a tissue box with a cover is all you need.”
