33 Small Bathroom Organization Tips
Small bathrooms can feel like a constant battle against clutter. Limited storage space leads to overflowing counters and cramped quarters. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed in a disorganized bathroom. The good news is that with creativity and planning, even the tiniest bathroom can become an oasis of order and efficiency.
You’re not alone in this struggle. Many people seek practical solutions to transform their small bathrooms into functional, serene spaces. Small bathroom organization is a common challenge, but it can be overcome with the right strategies. You want to maximize every inch of space, improve the overall functionality, and create a sense of calm and order. Let’s dive into some clever tips and tricks to help you achieve just that.
Maximizing Vertical Space
In a small bathroom, every inch counts. Look up and discover the potential for storage in the often-underutilized vertical space.
1. Install shelves
Make the most of wall space by adding shelves above the toilet, door, or vanity. Ladder-style shelves add a touch of visual interest while offering multiple tiers for storage. Floating shelves with hooks underneath combine open shelving with hanging storage for items like towels, or styling tools.
2. Utilize corner shelves
Corners are often dead space in bathrooms. Corner shelves are a fantastic way to utilize these areas efficiently, providing a home for toiletries, towels, or decorative items.
3. Hang organizers
Over-the-door organizers are a classic space-saver. Use them for towels, robes, or cleaning supplies. Suction cup hooks offer a damage-free way to hang items on walls, mirrors, or shower doors. For a more customizable solution, consider a pegboard with various hooks and baskets to store and display your essentials.
4. Add a tall, narrow cabinet or free-standing wardrobe/hutch
Consider adding a tall, narrow cabinet to store linens, cleaning supplies, or extra toiletries if floor space allows. In the absence of a linen closet, a free-standing wardrobe or hutch can be a stylish and functional alternative.
5. Extra shower curtain rod and expandable shower curtain rod
Install an additional tension rod below your shower curtain rod to create extra hanging space for towels, loofahs, or wet items. An expandable shower curtain rod can provide even more versatility for hanging and drying.
6. Over-the-toilet shelving units
Make the most of the often-wasted space above your toilet with an over-the-toilet shelving unit. These units offer additional storage for toiletries, towels, or decorative items without sacrificing valuable floor space.
Optimizing Storage Under the Sink
The area under the sink is prime real estate for bathroom storage, but it can quickly become a jumbled mess. You can transform this space into an organized haven with a few smart solutions.
7. Use stackable bins with dividers
Stackable bins are a great way to create compartments and maximize vertical space under the sink. Add dividers to separate items and keep everything tidy.
8. Install a pull-out drawer or slide-out shelves
Make it easy to access items stored at the back of the cabinet with a pull-out drawer or slide-out shelves. If you’re ambitious, consider adding toe-kick drawers for extra concealed storage.
9. Hang organizers on the door
The back of the cabinet door is often overlooked. Hang organizers to store small items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair accessories, or cleaning supplies.
10. Utilize a Lazy Susan
A Lazy Susan is a rotating tray that makes it easy to access items stored at the back of the cabinet without having to remove everything in front.
11. Turn False Drawers into a Tip-Out Tray
If your vanity has false drawers, consider converting them into tip-out trays. This clever solution creates hidden storage for frequently used items like hairbrushes or makeup.
Clever Storage Solutions
Think outside the box – or in this case, the cabinet – with these ingenious storage solutions for your small bathroom.
12. Magnetic strips
These aren’t just for the kitchen! Install magnetic strips on the wall or inside cabinets to hold metal tools like tweezers, nail clippers, and bobby pins.
13. Shower caddies and bathtub caddy
Keep your shower essentials within easy reach with a shower caddy. Opt for a corner shower caddy to maximize space or a hanging shower caddy if you have limited wall space.
A bathtub caddy not only organizes bathtime necessities but can also serve as extra counter space when needed. Popular brands include OXO Good Grips and Simplehuman.
14. Wall-mounted toothbrush holders and soap dispensers
Free up valuable counter space by mounting toothbrush holders and soap dispensers on the wall. Look for options with adhesive backing or suction cups for a renter-friendly solution.
15. Multi-tiered carts
Rolling carts provide versatile storage for towels, toiletries, or cleaning supplies. To maximize space within the cart, roll washcloths and use dividers like those from mDesign or The Container Store to keep items separated and organized.
16. Hidden storage
Look for opportunities to incorporate hidden storage. Mirrors with built-in cabinets offer a discreet way to store toiletries, while a repurposed dresser or nightstand can serve as a stylish vanity with ample storage.
17. Suction cup organizers
These versatile organizers can be mounted on walls, mirrors, or even inside the shower to hold toiletries, razors, or other small items.
18. Hang baskets from towel bars
Utilize unused towel bar space by hanging baskets to store washcloths, hand towels, or hair styling tools. Bamboo or woven baskets add a natural and stylish touch to your bathroom.
19. Window ledge
If you have a window ledge, put it to work! Use it to store decorative items, small plants, or even extra toiletries.
20. Tiered tray or spice rack
Create vertical storage on your countertop or vanity with a tiered tray or repurposed spice rack. These are perfect for organizing small toiletries, makeup, or jewelry. Acrylic or metal tiered trays offer a modern and sleek look.
21. Tray on the back of the toilet
A tray on the back of the toilet provides a discreet spot to store extra toilet paper, hand towels, or decorative items.
22. Repurpose items
Get creative with storage solutions by repurposing everyday items. Use a vase for makeup brushes, decorative containers for cotton balls and swabs, or the inside of your medicine cabinet door for additional storage with magnetic strips or small bins.
23. Utilize closet space
If your bathroom happens to have a closet, like mine, you have a great opportunity for extra storage! Make the most of it with smart organization tools. I’ve found that the Rubbermaid FastTrack system with wood shelves from Lowe’s is fantastic for creating customized storage.
I installed six short shelves on the bottom, providing ample space for a clothes hamper to keep dirty laundry out of sight. Then, I added two longer shelves on top to store towels, extra toiletries, and other bathroom essentials.
This setup has transformed my closet into an organized and functional space, keeping everything I need within easy reach.
Remember, even small changes can make a big difference in a small bathroom. By implementing these clever storage solutions and choosing organizational tools that complement your bathroom’s aesthetic, you can create a space that’s both functional and visually pleasing.
24. Bold Moves for Maximum Storage
Sometimes, maximizing storage requires taking a bolder approach, and being willing to challenge conventional wisdom.
In my small bathroom, I made the unconventional choice to replace my small single-sink vanity with the largest one that would possibly fit in the space. In our tiny bathroom, a double sink would’ve been a luxury we couldn’t afford – we opted for a spacious single vanity instead, maximizing counter space and creating a more functional area.
While it meant sacrificing the ability to open the bathroom door when the drawers are open, the trade-off for having the maximum storage space possible has been absolutely worth it.
Ten years later, I still don’t regret this decision! The extra storage and counter space have made a world of difference in keeping our bathroom organized and functional.
Decluttering and Maintenance Tips
Maintaining an organized bathroom requires ongoing effort. These decluttering and maintenance tips will help you keep your space tidy and functional:
25. Edit ruthlessly
The key to an organized small bathroom is to keep only the essentials within reach. Relocate items you don’t use daily to a nearby linen closet, under-bed storage, or another designated area.
26. Categorize and contain
Group similar items together in bins, baskets, or drawers. This makes finding what you need easier and keeps everything neat.
27. Label everything
Use clear labels on bins, drawers, and shelves to identify their contents. This saves time and ensures that everything is returned to its proper place.
28. Regular maintenance
Set aside a few minutes each week to tidy up the bathroom. Put items back in their designated spots, wipe down surfaces, and quickly declutter any accumulating items.
By adopting these habits, you can ensure that your small bathroom remains organized and clutter-free, creating a peaceful and functional space for your daily routines.
Design Considerations for Small Bathrooms
Thoughtful design choices can significantly impact the perceived size and functionality of a small bathroom. Consider these tips:
29. Light colors
Opt for light-colored paint, tiles, and fixtures. Light colors reflect more light, making the space feel brighter and more open.
30. Mirrors
Strategically placed mirrors can create an illusion of depth and spaciousness. A large mirror above the vanity or a mirrored wall can visually double the size of the room.
31. Glass shower doors
Replace a shower curtain with a clear glass door. This allows light to flow through the entire space, making it feel less confined.
32. Minimalist decor
Avoid cluttering your bathroom with excessive decorations. Keep the décor simple and streamlined to create a sense of calm and spaciousness.
33. Good lighting
Ensure your bathroom has ample lighting. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s limited, install bright, energy-efficient lighting fixtures.
Your Bathroom Organization questions answered
What are some affordable storage solutions for small bathrooms?
Repurposing items like spice racks, hanging fruit baskets, or using over-the-door organizers are budget-friendly options. Dollar store baskets, magnetic strips, and tension rods are also affordable and versatile.
How can I organize my bathroom without drilling holes?
Utilize suction cup organizers, over-the-door hooks, adhesive hooks, and tension rods for damage-free storage solutions.
What are some ways to make my bathroom feel less cramped?
Opt for light colors, strategically placed mirrors, glass shower doors, minimalist décor, and ample lighting. Removing unnecessary items and keeping the countertops clear can also make a big difference.
How often should I declutter my bathroom?
To keep things tidy, aim for a quick decluttering session every week. Conduct a more thorough decluttering and reorganization every few months or seasonally.
What are some creative storage ideas for small items like makeup and hair accessories?
Use tiered trays, repurposed spice racks, drawer dividers, magnetic strips inside drawers, or decorative containers. Utilize vertical space with hanging organizers or wall-mounted solutions.
What things make my house look cluttered?
Clutter comes in many forms, from overflowing surfaces and too much furniture to piles of paper, unused appliances, and even digital clutter. Check out our “43 Things That Make Your Home Look Cluttered” post for a comprehensive list and practical solutions to reclaim your space.
