How To Make Bathrooms Work For Multiple People In Your Pittsburgh Home

With so many older homes in Pittsburgh, so many locals share one bathroom with roommates, a spouse or multiple family members. Issues always arise when trying to share this intimate space, causing stress and tension people living in close quarters just don't need. A few simple steps can make sharing the throne a thousand times easier.

1. Create a schedule. This is crucial to avoid stress and fights over the bathroom. Let the other people sharing the bathroom know when you'll need the bathroom for long periods of time, such as when you need to get ready for work. If there's another area in the house you can utilize to take care of part of your morning routine, be considerate of others and free up the bathroom. Of course, emergencies will happen. Try to be as flexible as possible. There may come a time when you're running late for work or have a last-minute appointment and need to deviate from the assigned schedule. Your housemates will be more likely to let you jump ahead if you've been kind and courteous when they've needed a favor.

2. Clean. The cleaning duties should be shared among all the people who use the bathroom regularly. Again, create a schedule so there's no confusion as to who should be cleaning and when. Always remember to clean up after yourself as well. Don't leave your wet towels laying on the floor, don't leave gobs of toothpaste or shaving cream in the sink, and be sure to rinse out the tub or shower every time you use it. Always make sure to wipe up the bathroom floor after you've taken a shower or wipe up the bathroom counter after you've used the sink. Ideally, you'd put a towel or bath mat down before taking a shower to prevent puddles.

3. Organize. Keep your personal products organized and as neat as possible. Small plastic crates or wicker baskets that fit inside a bathroom cupboard, or that can be toted back to the bedroom, are ideal for this task. Find items like these at Home Organization Options, located in the North Hills. Don't leave your shampoos, hair products, shaving creams and makeup all over the bathroom counter or vanity. Counter space should always be kept clear or used for shared products. If organization and lack of space becomes a big problem, a professional organizer can give you tips on how to best utilize your space.

Below are some local businesses that may be able to help you get started.

Home Organization Options
300 Camp Horn Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15202
(412) 734-4663
orgoptions.com

Home Organizing Options offers custom closet organizers and organization solutions for all types of closets, as well as organization accessories, accents and supplies.

McKee Closet Organizing
308 Lavina Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 341-8754
pittsburghclosetorganizer.com

McKee Closet Organizing provides complete closet organizing systems that are both beautiful and efficient for all the closets in your home .

McKee Organizing Services Inc.
308 Lavina Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
412) 341 -8754
www.mckeeorganizingservices.com

McKee Organizing Services Inc. helps its clients function more effectively in less time through order and simplicity.

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

Yvone M. Kon has worked in sales, marketing/graphic design and the event planning fields in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for over 11 years. She is currently the Pittsburgh Event Planning Examiner and the Pittsburgh Animal Advocacy Examiner. While shes always enjoyed being creative and planning unique and exciting events for a variety of people and businesses in the Pittsburgh area, her true passion lies in promoting animal rescue, adoption and advocacy issues. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.