Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa-Like Sanctuary

What is so appealing about a spa? For most people, it's the promise of relaxation. You too can turn your bathroom into a relaxing spa-like sanctuary in 4 easy steps-- sort, purge, clean and beautify.

SORT everything in the room into like piles. For example, put all medicines together, as well as medicinal items such as cough drops and aspirin. Do the same for everything from bandaids to towels.

I have pretty lined baskets under my sink that keep similar items together, such as all bath care products in one basket, all cosmetics in another and all manicure and pedicure products in yet another.

This is especially important for things such as cosmetics. Consider corralling and containerizing such like items as nail polishes, hair accessories and grooming items.

When planning your organization and storage of items, keep in mind that it is highly recommended that you find another location besides the bathroom for most prescription and over the counter medications. They tend to be adversely affected by the heat and humidity of the average bathroom.

PURGE. Once you have all items sorted, you can begin to purge. Take each pile of items and first look for anything that is obviously trash. When dealing with your medicinal items, toss any products that are expired or that you have opened more than 12 months ago.

I glance through my baskets, medicine cabinet and towel closet once each week to be sure everything is current and will be used.

Look through your items such as towels. Are they nearing the end of their life span? Frayed towels aren't very spa-like. Consider treating yourself to a new set of matching bath linens. If you feel guilty about getting rid of the old ones, you might donate them to a local animal shelter where there is always a need for old towels.

CLEAN. Give the room a top to bottom cleaning. Nothing will help add to your feeling of relaxation more than having a clean, organized space.

Once you've done this, keeping everything clean is as easy as wiping down the bathroom counter and toilet every single night before you go to sleep. Shine those faucets. This always gives a clean, sharp appearance. In addition, the last person to take a shower each day should wipe down the shower tiles.

BEAUTIFY. Add beautiful items that make your bathroom feel spa-like. I have some lovely artwork (inexpensive, but pretty) hanging on my bathroom walls. Include pretty containers of bath beads, powders and soaps on soaker tub ledges. Strategically place some pretty candles in appropriate places. Install a few shelves (ours are glass) to hold pretty colognes and perfumes.

Pretty touches like those mentioned can transform an ordinary bathroom into a peaceful retreat--where you can unwind and relax in spa-like comfort.

Comments

[Stephanie LH Calahan]

As you are looking through all of your bath items to determine what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of, remember that makeup does not have a very long shelf life. In fact, some of the chemical components can break down after a while and they don't work in the same way.

I have found that many people I work with are reluctant to get rid of items that they paid a lot of money to purchase. I can appreciate it, but if your space is cluttered with products, do you have the spa feeling you are looking for? Consider giving it to a friend (if it is a type of product that is safe to do so...) The more open and clear space you have the more you will love being there! Only keep the products you actually use.
To your success!