6 Easy Ways to Instantly Declutter Your Vanity

Utilize your drawers, but do so strategically. "I like to categorize the drawers, keeping [similar] items [in each] section," suggests Melissa Levy, founder of the professional organizing and design company Declutter and Design. "Lotions, soaps, makeup, ponytail holders. It's so much easier to keep track of what you have."

Also, make sure there are no stray products hanging out on top. "People like to keep things out so they remember to use them," Levy explains. "My general rule of thumb is if the counter surface is small to medium size, keep no more than five items out. If you have a huge bathroom with wall to wall counter space, you can keep things out but keep them in a closed container."

OK, if you have to keep some items out, make it look pretty. "If having everything put away is going to make things difficult for you, find a balance and keep the most frequently used items at your fingertips," adds professional organizer Barbara Reich. "Limit what you keep out to the things you use every day and place them on a tray. This makes it look more purposeful and neater."

Her favorite tray is the Two's Company python tray ($89 for set of three). "They look a lot more expensive than they are and they can get wet," she adds.

We know you don't like throwing things out since you're a collector, so we bet this hack will speak to you. Simply save empty jars (such as elegant candle cases) and reuse them to stash products. One of the best uses for this decorative cup is to house the products that you use all the time, such as concealer, mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick. Or use them for just about everything!

"I love apothecary jars in the bathroom," Reich says. "Keep one with elastics, one with Q-tips, another for cotton swabs, one with lip balms. Add a pretty candle or a picture frame next to the jars and the display suddenly becomes artful, instead of messy."

Use the space in your medicine cabinet, in your drawers, and under the sink wisely. "Put away as many things as you can in those places, but be strategic," Reich recommends. "When you look under the sink there is usually a pipe in the middle. You can max out that storage by using clear plastic drawers to put your sunscreen, cold medicines, and anything else you use on occasion. This makes space for the everyday items in your drawers and medicine cabinets."

If you're looking to free up more space, utilize the area behind the bathroom door. "There are over-the-door mirrored organizers that have a ton of storage but also look neat and clutter-free when they aren't in use," Levy says.

There are lots of things cluttering the vanity over time — gifts with purchase, goodie bags, little pick-me-ups. "Most often the things you get for free are not used," Reich states. "Start by purging all of the things that you don't use. If it's unopened, donate it; if opened, throw away; and don't look back," Reich says.

Beauty products should be the easiest to get rid of because they have an expiration date. "You have to throw it away. You need to be purely pragmatic about it and get rid of it," Levy adds.

In order to keep yourself clean, you have to change your habits and how you collect things. "Pause and take a moment to think before purchasing something or accepting a freebie," Levy advises. "Take control over your space and be mindful of what you are bringing into it."

Decluttering is a never-ending process, but it's also empowering. "Every transition in your life, you need to go through everything you have and move it forward. You gain control over your stuff and your space. You have a clear mind on what you need and don't need," Levy theorizes.