Every once in a while, people get their medicine cabinets in order, but they don’t. We’ve all searched a messy medicine cupboard for that ibuprofen or bandage. This is a stressful situation that can quickly increase a simple headache into a migraine. Plus, most of the things in your medicine box are probably not things you use very often. You may even buy a second bottle of Tums at the grocery store without realizing you already have two at the back of the cupboard.
For many reasons, your medicine cabinet deserves a thorough clean and a clearly organized system. Next time you need Tylenol, you’ll be glad you cleaned up.
What You’ll Need
- Cleaning cloths or wipes
- All-purpose cleaner
- Labels
- Storage bins or containers
- Under-shelf storage racks
- Catch-all tray or basket
- Sorting trays or dividers
How to Organize a Medicine Cabinet
Okay, let’s get started with your medicine cabinet makeover! Follow these instructions step-by-step to group the majority of your belongings, paying special attention to the ones that everyone uses.
Remove Everything
Start over to get a clear picture of what you own and how it should be put away. Begin by emptying the cabinet completely. Get everything out and put it on a nearby surface. This will help you see what you really need to keep by giving you a space to start over.
Wipe Down the Cabinet
Since the cabinet is empty right now, it’s a great time to clean it. A light all-purpose cleaner and a damp wash cloth are all you’ll need. This will make sure that your newly organized place starts out clean.
Toss Expired Products
Before you rush to put every bottle back in your cabinet, keep in mind that the purpose of this activity is to organize, not just clean. Medications, toiletries, and first-aid items have a shelf life, so don’t keep them “just in case.” Recycle or properly rid of these stuff to create way for the necessities. You may also find things that have just been misplaced or would be better stored elsewhere, such as hair accessories and shampoo.
Sort Products into Categories
Before putting everything back, take a moment to sort your items into logical categories. Some common categories could include:
- Pain relievers and fever reducers
- Cough, cold, and allergy medications
- First-aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic, etc.)
- Digestive aids
- Topical creams and ointments
- Personal care items (cotton balls, Q-tips, etc.)
- Beauty essentials
If you have children, you may want to create separate categories for adult and child items. Grouping like items together will make it a breeze to find what you need, when you need it.
Select Storage Bins and Tools
Now that you know what’s staying and what’s going, it’s time to select the best storage options for your medicine cabinet. You may already have plastic bins, lazy Susans, and other storage items to help you arrange your cabinet. If not, choose and buy storage solutions based on your categories and cabinet size. Find storage solutions like bins, baskets, or turntables that work with the room’s dimensions and can hold all of your belongings. Remember to label everything so it can be easily identified.
Include See-Through Containers
Knowing what’s in each storage jar or bin is important for keeping your medicine cabinet neat. That’s why we recommend investing in clear plastic bins and containers. For tiny products such as tablets, cotton balls, or bandages, store them in clear containers. They will let you view what’s inside at a glance, saving you valuable time and hassle.
Add Under-Shelf Storage
For extra storage space, don’t forget to use the bottom of medications cabinets. Install tension rods, simple stick-on hooks, or hanging rods to add another layer of storage for essentials such as toilet paper, hair products, and even small first aid kits. Hang things from these hooks along the sides of the cabinet so they don’t get in the way.
Create a Catch-All for Miscellaneous Items
No matter how organized you are, there will always be a few items that do not fall into a single category. Designate a particular container or tray to hold these various items, keeping them neatly confined and out of sight. Use appropriate containers to keep track of little items like bobby pins, barrettes, and cotton swabs.
Put It All Away
Finally, it’s time to restore your things to their right location. Then again, even this step needs some thought. Arrange your categories so that the most commonly used items are at eye level for quick access. One example is that the “Cold/Flu” bin might need to be easier to get to if you have young children and are about to start freshmen year. Move the “First Aid” container up if you live alone and rarely require Band-Aids and triple antibiotic ointment.
How to Keep Your Medicine Cabinet Organized Longer
Congratulations, you’ve effectively managed the chaos in your medicine cabinet! But the work doesn’t stop there; keeping an ordered area demands some continual effort. You can keep your medicine cabinet spotless by following these tips:
- Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Set a reminder to check your medicine cabinet every six months to a year. This will allow you to remove expired items, replace supplies, and make any necessary changes to your organization’s system.
- Stick to your categories: Resist the desire to throw items back in randomly. Commit to returning each item to its proper location.
- Clearly label: Those clear storage bins and cases are great, but you can make them even more organized by putting labels on them. Use a marker, sticker, or label maker to properly label the contents of each compartment. Help keep track of which products require replenishment.
- Embrace the Lazy Susan: If you frequently reach for goods, try purchasing a revolving turntable or Lazy Susan. This brilliant contraption allows you to easily access those back-of-cabinet treasures without having to rummage around.
- Don’t Overstock: While it may be tempting to buy toiletries and first-aid items in quantity, avoid the desire. To avoid excessive clutter, only keep items that you know you will use in the near future.
Final Thoughts
For those who want to finally stop looking through their medicine cabinet, this is it: a complete guide on how to do it. These simple procedures and ingenious storage solutions can help you organize and streamline your area and give you peace of mind that your healthcare supplies are always accessible.
Now, put on your work gloves, get your materials, and get ready to finally take on that medicine cabinet.
FAQs
A multi-user medicine cabinet isn’t doomed to be disorganized. Sort most items into categories, specifically the ones that are used communally. Then, designate a spot for the items used by each person. Tall, open jars can store the specific toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste tube for you, your partner, or the kids.
Open shelving above or below the mirror, installed in the shower, or as part of the bathroom wall offers a sleeker medicine cabinet alternative.
Keep frequently used supplies in the same drawer to reduce time opening and closing compartments. Separating drawers depending on function will also improve your ability to treat patients rapidly. For example, keep all pediatric supplies in one compartment so during an emergency you know exactly where they are stored.
You might find any number of misplaced items like an earring back, toothpaste cap, or buttons. To ensure that your medicine cabinet remains a functional space, be sure to remove any unnecessary items and get rid of expired medications.
Sources:
- How to Organize a Medicine Cabinet
- 12 Medicine Cabinet Organization Ideas to Streamline Your Daily Routine
- Organizing the Medicine Cabinet
- Medicine Cabinet Organization and Organized First Aid Supplies
- How to Organize Your Medicine Cabinet, According to The Home Edit
- Sprucing Up Our Linen Closet and Medicine Cabinet
- How I Organized the Medicine Cabinet
- How To Organize Your Medicine Cabinet
- Medicine Cabinet Organization
- Medicine Cabinet Organization Ideas
- 4 Smarter Ways to Organize Your Medicine Cabinet (With Stuff Around the House)
- How to Organize Your Medicine Cabinet in 6 Easy Steps
- Easy Tips for Medicine Cabinet Organization
- Organizing a medicine cabinet – 10 ways to keep medical supplies safe
- Three Tips for Medicine Cabinet Organization
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