Advice For Making A Bathroom Work For Multiple People

Chances are that if you live in Boston, you don't live alone. Whether you are married and have a couple of children or single and have a couple of roommates, mornings can be hectic if you are all forced to share one bathroom. One toilet, one shower and one sink can make any one morning a complete disaster. Here are some tips on how you can help the bathroom system run more smoothly.

1. Set a schedule. It is very important to know which people need to use the bathroom at what times. If you are comfortable with one person showering while the other is brushing their teeth, that's great. But if you want some privacy, you'll need to figure out a schedule that works for everyone. Generally, the person who needs to be out of the house and at work or school first should get priority of the bathroom. Sit down with everyone who would be fighting for the space and work out a schedule. Write it out and tape it to the door if necessary. Try to keep in mind that even though you've all agreed on a schedule, things can still happen to mess it up. You still need to be mindful that you are living with other people and try to be patient and remain calm if something like this occurs. Bring a watch in the bathroom or even put a small clock in there. This will ensure that everyone is keeping an eye on the time and won't interfere with the schedule.

2. Keep it business only. There are only a few things that people need to do in the bathroom. Things like applying makeup, blow-drying hair and getting dressed can and should be done outside of the bathroom. Keep all of the items that you need for these activities in your bedroom so that you can keep your time in the bathroom "business only." Your goal is to get in and out of the bathroom in a timely manner so that the next person can do the same. It doesn't matter how good the lighting in the room is, you're going to have to sacrifice. There must be another place in the house where you can fix your tie.

3. Stay organized. Make sure each person has everything they need to use in the bathroom, ready to go. If this means you need to set up the night before, do so. A toothbrush, soap, shampoo and any other products you need should be in the bathroom in a place that is easily accessible. If there isn't enough room for all of your items in the bathroom, purchase a small shower caddy so that you can carry it in and out of the room each day. By being organized, you won't waste anyone's time, including your own.

The following local businesses may be able to help you get started.

Black Ink
101 Charles St
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 723-3883
blackinkboston.squarespace.com

At Black Ink, you can find cool ways to keep your bathroom organized. You may also find some really nice stationery for creating a schedule.

Deals & Discounts Department Store
39 Temple Place
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 956-9959
discountsboston.com

Deals & Discounts Department store will provide options for cheap shower caddies and/or other organizational needs. You may also be able to find a cheap watch or a small clock to put in your bathroom.

Phillips' Clock Shop
330 Essex St
Swampscott, MA 01907
(781) 593-1333
phillipsclockshop.com

If you want something a little more fancy for your bathroom, take a peek at what Phillips' Clock Shop has to offer. You may want to make your clock part of your bathroom's look rather than just a piece to keep everyone on time.

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For more great tricks, tips and advice about your home, visit CBSBoston.com/YourHome.

Boston-based writer Effie Orfanides keeps up with interior design trends. Effie draws on her Greek/Italian heritage for inspiration and shows a keen eye for little things that make a house a home. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.