You’re married. You have limited bathroom space. Your wife loves “product.” You also have three kids, including a tween” girl. Said kids have more product than you do (for some reason). Sure, you have more than one bathroom…but does that make a difference?? It’s a constant battle with me trying to fight for scraps! Boo-hoo, indeed. I just need a little corner, man!! The fight will continue on for my little slice o’ heaven!!
The good news for me (hey, it makes me feel better) is that apparently my family is not the only one vying for cabinet, counter, and sink-side bathroom space!! It’s an epidemic, LOL. Lubriderm conducted a study and found out that Americans are struggling to win the “Battle of the Medicine Cabinet”. There seems to be one major way to save on all that bathroom storage space, and it’s easy peasy! Use as many unisex products as you can find (next better, but whatever) – like Lubriderm!! This is a great way to make sure everyone’s needs are met while minimizing the amount of shelf space used. It’s a no-brainer!!
The struggle can be so overwhelming at times, that Vera and I decided to seek the help of an expert. Oh yes, we brought in the big guns. Enter Erica Domesek! She is launching a mini web series on TLC called “The Co-Habitation Diaries: Streamlining The Product Collection”. It focuses on how couples can organize their home to live together. Here’s a little taste of the show:
Vera and Bill: This interview couldn’t come at a better time. We are currently redoing our entire house! My husband and I work from home and we need a way to manage all the incoming mail for our business. We don’t have an enclosed office and have a pretty open floor plan. Any tips for managing shipments and regular mail? I really can’t stand to look at our chaos anymore.
Erica Domesek: First things first. If you can’t organize your mail, let you mail organize you! Find a storage solution, (think cubby, hanging mail organizer, wire baskets) where you can separate his/her mail into business, personal, magazines, bills, etc. Don’t worry about going though everything the second it arrives in the mail, but as long as you trash what doesn’t need to be kept (think grocery store circulars) and find a place to sort business and personal mail when you get a chance, it will make you feel more organized, rather than one giant pile of mail sitting on the kitchen table that keeps piling up.
Vera and Bill: My beauty products are taking over our small bathroom. This is the truth! I brought in a huge wicker basket piece and it is now full to the rim. I know the answer is to edit down, but do you have any other options for managing our beauty/grooming products and toiletries in the bathroom?
Erica Domesek: You are correct- you need to edit your beauty supplies first and foremost. We are all guilty, so just know you’re not alone. If you haven’t used a lipstick (etc.) in at least 6 months, then toss it! As soon as you free up space, highly recommend investing in some acrylic containers that will only allow a certain amount of space for products, so you won’t be able to hoard anymore. Sorry, Charlie! A basket allows you to throw in whatever you want and does not keep you organized. Clear containers are great because you can see through them, and don’t have to dig like you’re currently doing.
Vera and Bill: Toys. Toys. Toys. We have three children and I feel like they are taking over our entire space. Can you offer some advice for parents who are ready take control back of their homes?
Erica Domesek: Do not let your beautiful home turn into a Gymboree. You should dedicate a space, doesn’t necessarily have to be a separate playroom, but even a corner in the house, to housing all the toys. You should have three large baskets, one for each child. And when they are full, they are full. Meaning, no more toys. You can teach your kids that once their bin is full, if they want a new toy, they have to donate it to good will to get a new one. That not only teaches them the valuable lesson of charity, it helps you manage bringing any more stuff into the home. Having a place for the toys is necessary. Shelves get messy, but bins and baskets are great for this. I think these are great
Vera and Bill: Our line closets are always a mess. Our hallway closets are always a mess. Is it worth it to have them professional designed and configured? I just don’t feel like we are making the most use of what we have.
Erica Domesek: If you can’t seem to figure out a system and clothes are everywhere, sounds like you need reinforcement. It’s a small price to pay for a clear mind and a clear hallway. A lot of people do not realize that they are not utilizing the space in their closets efficiently until they get them professionally designed. Having double bars and shelving in a closet sounds just what the design Doctor ordered for ya! Trust me when I say, I have been there- when I moved into our house it was the very first project I ever did.
So there you have it, some really great ideas and advice for trying to tame and manage the inevitable wife, husband (I had to say that), and child mess. It can take over a house and make everyone crazy. Don’t let mess happen to you!
Now back to some of those easy steps in product management…
Vera and I both need our lotion. Dry skin is an uncomfortable reality of life for both of us. We have tried it all but seem to come back to one product. Lubriderm is a lightweight, non-greasy, everyday lotion that contains Vitamin B5 and skin essential moisturizers naturally found in healthy skin. It just works, and works well.
Now, I might have dry skin, but there are a number of skin issues people all over have to deal with on a daily basis, and they all have their own unique set of issues and possible treatments. Lucky for all of us, Lubriderm has it all covered. Which formula would work best for you??
- LUBRIDERM® Daily Moisture Lotion: Specially formulated, this lotion contains vitamin B5 and other skin essential moisturizers naturally found in healthy skin to improve the moisture barrier for visibly healthier skin. The lightweight formula helps relieve dry skin and prevents dryness from reoccurring throughout the day, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.
- LUBRIDERM® Daily Moisture Lotion Fragrance Free: An unscented version of the Daily Moisture Lotion, this formula provides optimal hydration while reducing the risk of skin irritation.
- LUBRIDERM® Daily Moisture with SPF 15 Lotion: A powerful two-in-one moisturizer and sunscreen that hydrates skin with essential moisturizing ingredients, while providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection with an SPF 15. This clean non-greasy lotion is perfect for everyday use to achieve smoother, healthier-looking skin.
- LUBRIDERM® Daily Moisture Lotion for Sensitive Skin: Specially formulated for sensitive skin. This gentle moisturizer is 100% fragrance-free, dye-free and lanolin-free, which helps to protect dry, sensitive skin. The non-irritating formula creates a protective moisture barrier on the skin’s surface, leaving skin smooth, comfortable and protected.
Well, what do you think? Dope? Indeed. What do you think about the org tips from Erica and the lotion tips from Lubriderm??? How do you manage living with your significant other? Do you have any tips or tricks that you’d like to share? What works well, what doesn’t work, and what did you learn here to you never thought of but think it could be a winner? Help us…please!
To find out more about how Lubriderm can help you get some space back, please check out:
This is a sponsored post in partnership with Lubriderm. All opinions are my own.