The bathroom is an area of the house that must tick many boxes. Whether it’s small or spacious, we tend to jam-pack it with a never-ending list of items. However, there are clear benefits to keeping your bathroom well-organized. Besides, a well-organized bathroom is also easier to clean and maintain.
There are different reasons why you might need some help organizing your bathroom: Maybe you need to organize a guest bathroom. Perhaps you’re moving into your first home and looking for ways to make your bathroom organized right from the start. Or maybe you have a tiny bathroom, and you need tips to help you store everything. Maybe you’re just tired of the clutter and want to maximize your bathroom storage space—making sure all your bathroom essentials are at hand.
Depending on your situation and preferences, you might find one strategy more effective than the other. Decluttering is the first step in any organizing project. When you get rid of all the extra items you don’t use, you create a calming, functional space. And who doesn’t want a spa-like bathroom that’s free of clutter? Use these designer-approved tips for decluttering and organizing your bathroom.
How to Declutter your Bathroom
The bathroom is such a multifunctional space. We end up storing a variety of products and items in there, from makeup and toiletries to cleaning tools and supplies. Inevitably, over time, the bathroom becomes home to things that are either unused, expired or don’t really belong there in the first place.
Decluttering is a great way to inspect each storage area, from bathroom wall cabinet and makeup table to over-the-toilet storage. This way, you ensure that your bathroom organization efforts aren’t wasted on merely moving around the same old mess.
A good way to start is by going through each bathroom storage area and separating all the products into one of the four following categories.
- 1
Items to keep
Only keep items you use on a regular basis and need to have in the bathroom. While medicine is essential, you don’t need to take it every day. Keep the stuff you use each day (like toothbrushes and shampoo) close by and remove the stuff you don’t (like perfume). You can make space in your closet or kitchen cabinet for the second group.
- 2
Items to toss, donate or recycle
Get rid of unused or expired items that have no business getting in your way. Toss these in the trash. Recycle things like shampoo bottles, shower gel bottles, and conditioner bottles to reduce your carbon footprint. If you think some of the items might be useful to someone else, pack them up and donate them.
- 3
Relocate and reorganize
Relocate items you still need that don’t belong in the bathroom. Dirty laundry should be kept in the bedroom or closet, not in the bathroom. The constantly changing temperature in a bathroom can also affect medicine, perfume, and makeup. Relocate the items then reorganize your bathroom.<br><br>In the next part of this article, we’ll discuss in detail what to keep, what to remove, and how to reorganize the bathroom after decluttering.
Note: Remember, when you’re decluttering your bathroom, it’s also a perfect time to dust and clean the room.
In the next part of this article, we’ll discuss in detail what to keep, what to remove, and how to reorganize the bathroom after decluttering.
Items to keep
There’s always a temptation to store as many often-used items in the bathroom as possible so they’re always at hand. However, not all products and supplies used in the bathroom can or should be stored there. As we mentioned, the first step in decluttering is deciding which items to keep. Here they are.
Toiletries
Toothpaste, mouthwash, eye cream, face wash, facial moisturizer, contact solution, et cetera all feel right at home in the bathroom. Normally, you’d want to keep these close to the sink with any extra supplies stored out of sight yet still within reach.
Here are some storage solutions on how to organize your toiletries to avoid clutter:
- Bathroom organizer
- Drawer divider
- Bathroom shelves
Shower supplies
Body wash, bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, razors, shaving cream, and other products that you use in the shower or tub can easily be stored in the bathroom to stay close at hand.
Here are some ideas on how to organize and store shower supplies:
- Shower caddy
- Shower corner shelf
- Shower curtain with pockets
Hot tools
Hairdryers, curling, and flat irons are usually used and stored in the bathroom. The trick is to store them, so they are easily accessible yet don’t get in the way at the same time. Keeping them in a drawer is one option. Another option is using a dedicated hot-tool organizer. These can be attached to a wall, on the side of sink storage, or inside the bathroom cabinet.
First-aid kit
A rule of thumb is to keep the first-aid kit in a place where anyone can easily find it. A good tip is to keep it in the bottom drawer. This way it can be easily found and not crowd the everyday stuff in the top drawer(s).
Toilet paper
Whether you are organizing a small bathroom or a larger one, aim to keep the extra rolls off the floor. In the case of a small bathroom, don’t try to store all the extra toilet paper in there. Just keep a couple of rolls on hand and move the rest to another area of the house, like the laundry room.
Non-skid bath mat
A rule of thumb is to keep the first-aid kit in a place where anyone can easily find it. A good tip is to keep it in the bottom drawer. This way it can be easily found and not crowd the everyday stuff in the top drawer(s).
Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths
Store unused towels outside the bathroom to keep away mold and mildew. Also, roll them as rolled towels take up less space than folded ones. It’s fine to hang one towel in the bathroom, just be sure to swap it out weekly. To show off your gorgeous towels, you can add affordable bathroom decor like towel hooks. This boosts the functionality and style of the room.
What not to keep
There are many things we all have in our bathrooms that shouldn’t be there. Hair products we tried once and didn’t like, makeup, perfumes–the list is endless. The heat and moisture in a bathroom can affect makeup products and perfume and make them go bad quickly. Still have toiletry products from your last five vacations? Toss them. When decluttering and organizing your bathroom, here’s what you should toss and not store.
Medication
Most medication and supplement manufacturers recommend storing their products in a cool dry place, which is as far as it gets from the conditions found in most bathrooms. Thus, ironically, storing medications in a bathroom medicine cabinet is to be avoided, since it may result in reducing their effectiveness or spoiling before the expiration date.
Jewelry
The reason is, again, humidity. It may result in some metals (sterling silver) becoming tarnished. While it may be fine to store a few items you use daily (e.g., earrings) in a small tray on the bathroom counter, make sure to store the rest of your jewelry in a cool, dry place away from the bathroom.
Perfume
Perfume doesn’t take heat very well. If constantly exposed to temperature fluctuations, fragrances may lose their character or sour.
Non-waterproof electronic equipment
As much as we are attached to our smart devices, carrying them with us everywhere we go, it is not advisable to keep your phone in the bathroom while taking a shower or a bath. Instead, you can use a waterproof wireless speaker or a shower radio to play tunes or catch up with a podcast while in the bathroom.
Books, magazines and other paperwork
The reason is simple – paper absorbs moisture, and you end up with warped pages and disfigured binding.
Make-up
Keeping make-up constantly exposed to humidity reduces its shelf life. Moreover, make-up might become contaminated with germs and bacteria living in the bathroom. This means you might be running the risk of using inferior-quality products on a sensitive area of your body like your face.
Razor blades
Feel free to keep your current razor in the bathroom. Keep spare blades outside the bathroom. Humidity can dull or rust them before you even put them to use.
Bathrobes & extra towels
Due to humidity and constant use, bathrooms are a hotbed for mold and bacteria. Bath towels and bathrobes happily absorb both moisture and fungi. Try to avoid storing extra towels in the bathroom, and make sure to dry any damp robes in your closet instead of the bathroom.
Nail Polish
Nail polishes have a two-year lifespan, but if you keep the bottles in the bathroom, their contents will go bad sooner. Heat and humidity affect nail polish and make it too thick or crumbly. Keep it in your bedroom in a makeup bag or in a cool, dark place away from humidity.
How to Reorganize your Bathroom Stuff
Once you’ve decided on the items that you intend to keep in your bathroom, think of how you want them to be organized. A rule of thumb is to keep the more frequently used items close by while placing the things you use only occasionally farther away.
Take note of whether you need any additional bathroom furniture or accessories to store the products you’re keeping there. If you add new items, try to make sure you bring in pieces that fit your bathroom style and your stored products.
This should all come together, whether you choose to add a new bathroom stand, wall-mounted vanity, upgrade the pedestal sink storage, or over-the-toilet cabinet. That goes double for any extra wall shelves installed or if you get a new bathroom-counter organizer and add a couple of extra towel baskets.
Let’s delve into the final part of our guide on decluttering and organizing your bathroom. Whether you have a small bathroom or a spacious one, you’ll find our tips useful.
Use bathroom furniture to organize
A bathroom is a high-traffic area, so making the most of the space is key. Use smart storage solutions—shelving, cabinets, a shower caddy, or a utility cart—to organize essentials like toiletries. If you want to bring more order, these are our favorite ideas for organizing your bathroom.
Bathroom storage on wheels
While a stationary cabinet may be too bulky, especially when organizing a tiny bathroom, a rolling cart can be easily moved to suit your needs. Don’t want to invest in a new one? An older piece of furniture, like a bar cart, can be easily repurposed. Keep toiletries up top and arrange spare towels, washcloths, and toilet paper in baskets or containers in the bottom.
Storage ladder
Bathroom storage ladders come in different shapes and sizes and provide a great spot for hanging towels or bathroom storage baskets. Some models also work as slanted bathroom shelf units. Ladders can be placed anywhere in your bathroom, don’t require drilling, and don’t take too much room. This makes them a great option for slim spaces and small bathrooms.
Bathroom shelves
Shelves are one of most no-nonsense bathroom storage solutions. Options are seemingly endless, from modern and functional to vintage looking for a rustic touch to closely stacked and plush and ornate.
Under-sink storage
You can’t go wrong with extra under-sink storage space. Whether you have a wall-mounted sink or a pedestal sink, you can always add more shelving or a cabinet, under or around it, for your bathroom essentials.
Using bathroom accessories for organization
Bathroom accessories can bring style and elegance to a bathroom and enhance its functionality. Accessories can also contribute to the overall comfort and enjoyment of the room. It’s important to choose bathroom accessories with the right colors, shapes, and finishes that will enhance the room’s theme. These are the best bathroom accessories for organization.
Bathroom organizers
From countertop to floor-mounted, big to small, an organizer is a great way to save space and keep the clutter away.
Magnetic organizers
These can work well to help you store small, loose items like hair pins, nail clippers and makeup brushes. There are several options to consider: dedicated bathroom magnetic organizers, repurposing a magnetic knife rack, or adhesive magnetic strips. The nice thing about magnetic bathroom organizers is that they take little space and work just about anywhere:
- In a medicine cabinet
- In a drawer
- On a wall or any other surface you can think of
Hair-tool holder
Great for storing your curling iron, blow-drier, straightener and other hot tools. A dedicated hair-tool organizer can be attached to a wall, on the side of your bathroom cabinet, or inside the bathroom sink cabinet.
Hooks
No matter the size of your bathroom, there never seems to be enough storage space in the closet, on the counter, and on shelves. An easy solution is to add hooks to hang towels, robes and the like. These come in a variety of shapes and colors, and several no-drill options are available.
Hooks are usually more economical than bars, and if you fancy adding some character to your bathroom, you can experiment with some fun DIY ideas, like reusing vintage doorknobs as bathroom hooks.
Spray-bottle hanger
Stick an adhesive spray bottle hanger on a wall or on the inside of a bathroom floor cabinet and keep your most-used bathroom cleaners always at hand.
Lazy Susan
Continuing with the bathroom cleaning supplies, place these on a Lazy Susan and keep them in a convenient place like the cabinet.
Wall-outlet shelf
Available in different configurations, these compact bathroom wall shelves allow you to store electronics like razors, electric toothbrushes, speakers, home assistants, etc. This helps reduce the usual tangle of cords and plugs.
Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering how to organize your bathroom, start with decluttering. Check every storage spot in your bathroom—where you keep makeup, grooming tools, lotions, hair products, towels, cleaning supplies, and first-aid supplies. Decide which items to throw away, donate, relocate, and keep.
There are many customizable storage options you can use to declutter and organize your bathroom. And if you’d like to update the room, call Bath Fitter®. We’ll make your bathroom remodel quick and easy. Turn your bathroom into an oasis.