Many older apartments and homes have fewer bathrooms than today’s modern houses. Here are some ideas to help your family live in harmony with just one bathroom.
Organize time in the bathroom
Cut down on the conflict by creating a schedule for when different family members shower or bathe. This way others will know when the space is unavailable. If your children are younger, joint bath time will simplify your schedule.
Organize toiletries and space
Encourage family members to keep non-bathroom essentials elsewhere. Makeup, brushes and combs, hair dryers and curling irons, first aid items — all these can be stored in bedrooms or closets. To cut down clutter, kids can even keep shower caddies in their room with their shampoo, washcloths and other toiletries. Increase your bathroom’s storage capacity by recessing shelves between the wall studs and assign each family member their own dedicated shelf space.
Towel storage
Provide hooks either in a hallway or in children’s rooms for hanging their towels. With limited space, store extra towels elsewhere to free up space for the essentials and ensure towels are accessible for spills even when someone’s in the bathroom. Assign a different color towel to each person.
Altering one bathroom
If possible, wall off the toilet into a separate water closet. This will allow two people to use the bathroom at the same time while maintaining privacy for both. If your counter extends five feet in length, adding a second sink can expand functionality without using up precious space. Check into building codes to ensure sufficient spacing between the sink and toilet and the toilet and tub/shower, then ask a licensed contractor for ideas.
Alternate locations
If possible, assign one or more family members to brush teeth and wash hands or faces at a utility or kitchen sink. Though unconventional, this will take pressure off the one bathroom. Encourage your children to fix their hair and makeup in their rooms. Hang mirrors over low dressers or desks and provide a few baskets for organization.
Remove distractions
Remind family members that with just one bathroom, everyone needs to focus on efficiency: getting in and out of the lone space without dawdling. Remove magazines and other distractions to keep family members’ focused strictly on bathroom-related needs.
Related – Small Space, Big Style: Bathroom
