You know the saying, "A place for everything, everything in its place." Well, you don't need to be Ben Franklin to figure out that the place for everything is not under your bathroom sink.

Grab a couple of boxes or bags before you survey the chaos. Then be ruthless. Recycle the ancient plastic hair-color applicator, the jars of outdated vitamins and the bottles you were sure would come in handy one day.

Discard the cracked plastic cup and the rubber ducky that has been out of water since platform shoes were in style. (They're back?!) The dribs and drabs of conditioner and moisturizer can go, too.

Consolidate the things you really must keep into a shoebox or clear plastic container. Voila! You have room to store your bathroom-cleaning supplies right where you need them.

Keeping your bathroom cleaners and applicators tidy and together really pays off at chore time. It reduces stress and saves time. You can get right to the task without the delay and distraction of searching the cupboards and closets for what you need.

Use the space you've created for a bucket or caddy with a handle to hold all the cleaners you need for countertops, toilet, glass and mirrors, floor, tub and shower. Add brushes and squeegees. An attractive caddy or bucket can sit out under a pedestal sink or next to the tub. That might even tempt others to pitch in. Store machine washable sponges and rags in a nylon mesh bag. After use, zip them back in the bag and simply toss it in the washer with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach.*

If you buy economy-sized bottles, transfer the products into more manageable containers and store the jumbo jugs further out of the way. Be sure to label each bottle so you don't mix them up or mix the cleaners. Always follow instructions for use. Keep a waterproof marker in the bucket, too.

Figure out a clean routine that works for you and repeat it each time. Clockwise, counter clockwise, top to bottom—whatever works for you. The mental checklist will keep you from forgetting any area. Always finish with the floor.

*Use products as directed.