Clear Counters, Clear Mind A simple four-step bathroom reset to help reduce stress and welcome clarity.
By Elizabeth Liberatore, editor-in-chief
A cluttered space doesn’t just crowd your counters — it crowds your mind. Research suggests that women experience higher stress levels than men when their
cosmetics or hair tools. Store everyday essentials like toothpaste, a toothbrush, a hairbrush and claw clips neatly in drawers, placed in their designated containers.
homes feel messy or disorganized. Add in the invisible mental load so many women carry, and suddenly that pile of products or overstuffed drawer isn’t just “stuff.” It’s a to-do list. It’s unfinished business. It’s one more thing asking for attention. The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your entire home to feel a difference. Decluttering works best when you start small, with one space at a time. And what better place to begin than the room where most of us both start and end our days? The bathroom. It’s where we freshen up, wind down and move through our most personal routines. When this space feels calm and clear, it sets the tone for everything that follows. Step 1: Disinfect Before you declutter, deep clean. Wipe down every surface: counters, sink, faucets, cabinet fronts, door handles, shelves and the toilet, including the tank and base. Clean the mirror and polish the fixtures until they shine. Starting with a spotless space makes everything that follows feel simpler and far more satisfying. Step 2: Maintain Order Once everything is clean, give each item a defined home. Use clear acrylic bins or drawer organizers so essentials are easy to see and access. Remove products from bulky store packaging and transfer them into coordinated jars, baskets or containers for a more streamlined look. Designate concealed spaces, such as under the sink or in the linen closet, for items you don't use daily, including extra
Hot tip: A label maker is a small investment that makes a big difference. Clearly marked bins and drawers help maintain order and remove the guesswork, even for the roommates and family members who need a subtle nudge. Step 3: Finish Strong Now that your surfaces are clean and everything has a place, complete the reset. Sweep and mop the floors, paying attention to corners and around the base of the toilet where dust tends to collect. Wash or replace your shower curtain liner every three to six months to prevent buildup. Launder your towels and hang up a fresh set. Step 4: Build Small Habits Maintaining a decluttered bathroom doesn’t have to take hours. A few simple habits go a long way. Keep a laundry basket nearby, wipe down counters after brushing your teeth or washing your face and squeegee the shower walls or doors after each use. Just a few minutes a day keeps your bathroom calm, organized and stress-free — say goodbye to those extra cortisol spikes! Hot tip: Hang a squeegee from your showerhead and make it a simple house rule: whoever showers last is responsible for wiping down the walls and door. It’s an easy habit that keeps your shower looking as fresh as the day you moved in. Sources: “Good Housekeeping Home Skills,” UCLA Institute for Family Studies, Declutter Lover
Meet Declutter Pro, Caroline Balderson Northern Virgina- raised and now living in Kentucky, Caroline Hoy Balderson (Beta Mu-Alabama) is a professional organizer with Louisville-based Declutter Lover. A mom to three boys, Caroline knows firsthand how simple, functional systems can create a low-stress home. At Declutter Lover, Caroline and her teammates help clients bring calm and order to both their spaces and their lives. Discover more decluttering tips by the pros at Declutter Lover at www. declutterlover.com or on Instagram @declutterlover.
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