Having an organized medicine cabinet in the home is so important. It enables us to locate what we need exactly when we need it. From a scraped knee to a lifesaving EpiPen®, an organized system ensures proper and timely care when your loved ones need it most.
5 Tips for Setting up a Functional Medicine Cabinet
1. Determine the Best Location
The medicine cabinet does not actually have to be in the bathroom! In fact, many of our clients prefer to use a kitchen cabinet or pantry area. Kitchen-based medicine cabinets are easily accessible and generally offer more storage space than a small bathroom vanity.
- Safety First: While you want supplies to be accessible to adults, ALL medicines should be stored out of the reach of children.
2. Start with a Clean Slate
As with any space you are going to organize, first pull everything out. This is the perfect time to check expiration dates, safely dispose of anything that is past its prime. Once the cabinet is empty, use disinfectant wipes or spray to wipe down and disinfect the surfaces.
3. Create Logical Categories
Start by grouping like items together. Your categories might include:
- Kid’s medicines
- Allergy relief
- Pain relievers & fever reducers
- Vitamins & supplements
- Ointments & creams
- First-aid supplies (bandages, gauze, antiseptic)
Depending on your family’s needs, it might even make sense to have separate bins for each person, and be sure to keep pet medications in their own separate spot. I also like to keep a first-aid kit in my medicine cabinet so I have all the supplies I might need for an emergency in one spot.
4. Use Small Storage Bins
We highly recommend using clear bins to hold each category or person’s medicines. Clear storage allows you to locate what you need at a glance. You’ll be able to see exactly what you have, which prevents you from purchasing duplicates and helps you see when you need to replenish a supply before you run out.
5. Label Each Bin
Labeling is a fundamental component of a smart home. Using durable labels helps every family member find what they need quickly. A clearly labeled system is also vital for babysitters, grandparents, or other caregivers who may need to locate items in an emergency when you aren’t home.
Peace of Mind Starts with Preparation
A thoughtfully arranged medicine cabinet is important for the safety and well-being of your family. Being prepared for emergencies before they happen allows you to act calmly and quickly when it matters most.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by a “junk cabinet” full of expired pills and tangled bandages, let us help you create a system that works. At Getting it Done Organizing, we specialize in creating beautiful, functional systems in your home, from medicine cabinets and pantries to playrooms and offices, so your house supports your life instead of complicating it.
Ready to move from chaos to calm in your home? Click here to book a consultation with our Dallas-based team, and let’s get your home organized for good!
