Organizing Bathroom Time

There is a saying that goes something like this: "How long is a minute? That all depends on which side of the bathroom door you are!" There are times that a minute may seem like forever, especially if you are late for work and the line outside the door is getting longer as everyone is waiting impatiently for his or her turn with the family bathroom.

Common sense and logic would have us think ahead: the first person who needs to leave is the first person to use the bathroom. Unfortunately common sense and logic just don't seem to always work. To prevent a full-blown catastrophe a family schedule can work, allowing for tradeoffs with the schedule.

When making a schedule figure on how much time each person requires in the bathroom. The time needed would vary for different individuals and what their basic needs are. Accommodate them and their needs. If you don't they will take the time anyway and you will still be in the same mess.

After you have come up with a schedule that works for everyone, but there still isn't enough time for everyone, then think creatively. Maybe mom can put her make-up on in the bedroom or have someone take their shower or bath the night before.

Place a clock in the bathroom so that everyone has an idea of how long they have been in the room, which helps to keep them aware of when their time is up.

Have a back-up plan by having an emergency supply of essentials stored outside the bathroom. This can help with any tension that could build up. In the emergency supply store:

• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Disposable cups
• Razors
• First-aid kit
• Hair brush
• Combs

If you have two bathrooms, consider stocking duplicate sets of supplies in each bathroom. Mark all the supplies in one bathroom so that they don't all end up in the second bathroom. The plan won't work if you end up with eight toothbrushes in the downstairs bathroom and none upstairs. Have the toothbrushes that belong to the same person be the same color, and then mark all the toothbrushes that belong in one bathroom. (This can be done with nail polish, magic marker, or tape.)

With the new schedule and plan put into action this also makes a great time to teach everyone to pick up after themselves. Teach them to put their towels away, toss their clothes into the hamper, and put away the combs, toothbrushes, and razors. You want them to leave the bathroom clean for the next person who needs the facilities.

This will keep your bathroom organized and help keep your morning time organized.