Decluttering Dilemmas and the Tidy Toss Method
If you’ve ever attempted to declutter and reorganize your whole home, then you know it’s never a one-size-fits-all situation. While certain methods may work wonders in one area, another zone might call for a completely different approach. That’s exactly what I discovered when I tried out the ‘tidy toss’ technique from professional organizer Holly Blakey.
I first heard about this method and was eager to give it a go. But after watching Blakey’s video, I realized I needed to figure out where exactly it would work best for my own home. As you can see from Blakey’s demonstrations, the tidy toss is as easy and breezy as it sounds – you simply tidy up your space by tossing items into your containers of choice. Unlike other decluttering methods that might involve intricate folding, decanting, or labeling, this one is all about keeping your visual clutter to a minimum.
The Spruce highlighted my dilemma perfectly: “While I love some great organizers and storage bins, the ones in my closets are pretty carefully packed because they tend to hold all my off-season items. That ruled out my attempts to try Blakey’s system in these areas as well as my kids’ wardrobes.” Instead, I decided to give it a shot in my bathroom – an area that desperately needed some organizational love.
Our primary bathroom doesn’t have any built-in storage, so when we first moved in, I nabbed a slim IKEA Billy bookcase in a natural oak finish. I debated extensively over whether I should get a glass front door or a solid paneled version, and in the end, I went with one that’s glass on the top half only. In my mind, this option would keep the already small space from feeling even smaller. In reality, it very easily becomes a showcase of my mess.
Taming the Bathroom Chaos with Tidy Toss
The tidy toss method showed up at the perfect time for me. I’d just done a re-stock of my go-to products ahead of some upcoming travel, and after a recent spa visit, I was flush with an excess of tiny samples. These are lovely problems to have, but my cabinet was looking particularly messy and out of sorts.
While I’m all for the idea of storage baskets and bins in theory, I also know how easily beauty products can move into “out of sight, out of mind” territory. I like to keep a lot of my extra make-up easily visible in acrylic storage drawers, but this wouldn’t quite work for the tidy toss method.
I decided instead to move a few of my favorite MUJI bins into this space. They’re more translucent than transparent, so while you can get an idea of what’s in each one, the mess feels slightly muted compared to clear containers. The important thing to note about Blakey’s system is that getting started does require more thought than simply tossing items into bins. I needed to make sure I had my categories sorted out and could figure out what exactly I wanted in each container.
In the end, I kept pretty much all of my cosmetics in their original acrylic home, but I reorganized the drawers a little, breaking things down by categories. I grouped together all my eye makeup, lip colors, and tools like nail clippers, tweezers, and scissors. For the translucent containers – which will be my ‘toss zones’ moving forward – I put things that I don’t use daily, like medicines, extra products, sunscreen, and bandages.
The True Test of Tidy Toss
The truest test of a great organizational system is how well it works in the long run, and while it’s only been a week, it’s been a successful week so far. I’ve definitely tossed things into the containers rather than just popping them into the free space in the top half of the cabinet, and it’s kept everything much more orderly and aesthetically pleasing than before.
I will say, I think part of the beauty of it is that this is my closet, so only I use this space. If it was an area I share with anyone else in my family, I could imagine things getting easily tossed into the wrong spot. As a result, I’d say the tidy toss method is the perfect solution for a low-pressure, low-maintenance area like this.
Bathroom Storage Trends and Techniques
Now, let’s dive deeper into the world of captivating bathroom storage. As we’ve seen, finding the right organizational system can be a game-changer, but there are also plenty of other trends and techniques worth exploring.
ABC Home is a leading provider of bathroom fitting services, and they’ve seen firsthand how homeowners are getting creative with their storage solutions. One popular trend is the use of multifunctional furniture, like vanities with built-in drawers and shelves. This helps maximize every inch of space while keeping essentials within easy reach.
Another standout technique is the strategic use of wall-mounted storage. Floating shelves, recessed medicine cabinets, and even hanging baskets can transform a cramped bathroom into a spa-like oasis. The key is to think vertically and utilize the often-overlooked wall space.
For those with a bit more square footage, freestanding storage pieces can be a game-changer. Tall linen towers, rolling carts, and even repurposed vintage pieces can add a touch of personality while keeping everything organized. The beauty of these solutions is that they can be easily rearranged or swapped out as your needs evolve.
Decluttering and Minimalist Bathroom Design
Of course, no discussion of captivating bathroom storage would be complete without touching on the decluttering and minimalist design trends. As Buzzfeed has noted, older adults are often wary of open, airy designs that can be tough on aging joints. But when it comes to the bathroom, the minimalist approach can be incredibly freeing.
By paring down to only the essentials and finding clever ways to stash the rest, you can create a spa-like sanctuary that feels both serene and functional. Think sleek, built-in cabinetry, discreet storage niches, and carefully curated decor. The goal is to have everything you need within easy reach, without the visual clutter that can make a small space feel even more cramped.
Of course, the path to a minimalist bathroom isn’t always smooth sailing. As the Spruce discovered, even a quick 5×5 cleaning method can uncover unexpected pockets of chaos. But with a little bit of strategic planning and a willingness to let go of the non-essentials, you can transform your bathroom into a serene, clutter-free retreat.
Embracing the Unexpected in Bathroom Storage
At the end of the day, the key to captivating bathroom storage is to embrace the unexpected. Maybe that means repurposing a vintage armoire or finding ingenious ways to stash your hair tools. Or perhaps it’s as simple as giving the tidy toss method a try and seeing how it can revolutionize your daily routine.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to bathroom organization. What works wonders for one person might be a complete disaster for another. But by staying open-minded, experimenting with different techniques, and finding creative ways to maximize every inch of space, you can transform your bathroom into a true oasis of calm in the midst of the everyday chaos.
So why not take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to explore the captivating world of bathroom storage? With a little bit of imagination and a whole lot of determination, the possibilities are truly endless.
