This article on Home Living Handbook might contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through a link on the site, we may earn a commission.
Bathroom organization can bring calm to your morning routine. Most bathrooms hold dozens of products but lack floor space. If you're like us, you'll appreciate leaning into smart storage. Done right, you can maximize what you have and makes the room look better too.
1. Use Your Walls
Install shelves or cabinets on empty wall space. Over-the-toilet units work well for:
- Toilet paper rolls
- Extra towels
- Tissue boxes
- Guest supplies
Wall-mounted bathroom cabinets keep items accessible but hidden. If you have space next to your sink cabinet, add a narrow cart. Pedestal sinks become way more functional once you add a small rack around the base. Both types of systems help fill awkward gaps and turn wasted space into storage.
Vertical storage space helps in small bathrooms where floor space is limited. Think upward instead of outward. The vertical space above your toilet often goes unused; however, it's prime real estate for shelving. The same goes for corners... corner shelves fit where standard furniture won't.
3. Add Floating Shelves
Mount shelves near your vanity for daily products or above the tub for extras. Floating shelves offer storage without taking up floor space. They work well in bathrooms of any size. Contain items in:
- Shower caddies
- Wire baskets
- Decorative trays
- Small stackable bins
- Transparent boxes
These containers prevent shelves from looking messy. They also make it easy to grab the bathroom accessories you need. Hide bulky tools like hair dryers and curling irons in baskets while keeping bath oils and bath salts together in another.
Style your shelves with a mix of functional and decorative items. Add a small plant or candle alongside your everyday products. This makes storage feel intentional rather than cluttered.
4. Organize Under the Sink
Deep baskets or tiered organizers stop the under-sink black hole. Without organization, items get shoved to the back and forgotten. Group similar items:
- Extra towels
- Cleaning supplies
- Backup toiletries
- Bath toys
Label baskets for quick finding; finally a chance to use that label maker. Pull-out drawers or sliding organizers make it easier to reach items in the back. Measure your under-sink space before buying organization systems. Account for pipes that might limit what fits.
Stack items vertically with shelf risers. This doubles your storage capacity in the same footprint. Store frequently used items at the front and backups toward the rear.
5. Try Tiered Trays on Counters
Place cake stands or tiered trays on your vanity for daily essentials. They add height and style while keeping products in reach. The vertical levels let you see everything at once instead of items hiding behind each other.
Keep them minimal (think: makeup brushes and morning skincare only). Overloaded trays create clutter instead of solving it. If your counter space is limited, skip this option and put those items in a drawer instead.
Choose trays that match your bathroom style. Metal trays suit modern bathrooms while ceramic or marble fits traditional spaces. Wooden trays bring warmth to any style.
6. Sort by Activity
Divide your bathroom into task areas. This organizing principle makes sense for how you actually use the space.
- Put morning routine items near the mirror: tooth brushes, face wash, moisturizer, makeup.
- Store bath accessories by the tub or shower: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, loofahs.
- Keep cleaning supplies under the sink where they're out of sight but accessible.
7. Hide Hair Tools
Ugh, I dread tangled cords. Plus, these tools take up so much space on the counter.
Mount a holder inside a cabinet door or use a heat-resistant basket. Wall-mounted holsters keep cords untangled and tools off the counter. Some holders include heat-resistant pockets for storing tools immediately after use.
If you have multiple hot tools, give each one a spot. This prevents the tangled cord mess that happens when you toss them all in a drawer.
8. Make Use of Door Space
The back of your bathroom door offers storage potential. Over-the-door organizers hold:
- Hair products
- Styling tools
- Extra washcloths
- Cleaning supplies
Choose organizers with pockets or hooks. Clear pockets let you see what's inside. This storage method works well for renters who can't install permanent fixtures.
Tension rods inside cabinets create hanging space for spray bottles. They keep bottles upright and prevent leaks from pooling at the bottom of cabinets.
FAQ
How do I organize a bathroom with no storage?
Add storage instead of relying on what's there. Over-the-toilet shelving, wall-mounted cabinets, and slim rolling carts fit in tight spaces. Hanging organizers on the back of the door work for small items. Look for vertical solutions that don't require floor space.
What's the best way to store bathroom products I don't use daily?
Keep them in labeled storage bins under the sink or in a linen closet outside the bathroom. Rotate seasonal items like sunscreen and bring them out when needed. This frees up prime storage for things you reach for every day.
How can I make my bathroom look less cluttered?
Put away everything except 3-5 daily items. Use matching storage containers for products you keep visible. Clear off counter space by moving items into drawers or cabinets. Edit down to what you actually use. Expired products and old samples just take up room.
