With flu season, you probably find yourself searching through your medicine cabinet trying to find some relief for your sniffles. Over the years we tend to collect a lot of medication that ends up in a cupboard, and over time it looks like a little pharmacy – except unorganised. Organizing your medicine cabinet can help you locate and access your medications and other healthcare products more easily.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you organize your medicine cabinet:
- Empty the cabinet: Start by taking out everything from your medicine cabinet. This will allow you to start with a clean slate and evaluate each item.
- Sort and categorize: Group similar items together to make it easier to find what you need. Some common categories include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, first aid supplies, oral hygiene products, skincare products, etc.
- Check expiration dates: Review each item and check the expiration dates. Dispose of any medications or products that have expired or are no longer needed. Remember to follow proper guidelines for safe medication disposal.
- Assess storage needs: Take a look at your remaining items and consider the best way to store them. Evaluate the available space in your medicine cabinet and think about what needs to be easily accessible and what can be stored elsewhere.
- Choose storage containers: Invest in small storage containers or baskets to help you keep things organized. Clear plastic containers or dividers work well, as they allow you to see the contents at a glance.
- Allocate shelves or sections: Assign specific shelves or sections of the cabinet to different categories. For example, reserve one shelf for prescription medications, another for over-the-counter medications, and another for first aid supplies. This will make it easier to locate items when needed.
- Arrange items: Place your categorized items back into the medicine cabinet in an organized manner. Consider storing frequently used items at eye level or within easy reach. Arrange items in a way that makes sense to you and your household.
- Label and categorize: If desired, label your storage containers or use clear bins to further distinguish between categories. This can help maintain organization in the long run.
- Regular maintenance: Regularly review the contents of your medicine cabinet and discard expired or unused items. This will help keep your cabinet organized and ensure that you only have what you need on hand.
Remember to store medications in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of the reach of children. If you have any specific storage requirements for certain medications, refer to their packaging or consult with your healthcare provider.