Tips for Organizing the Bathroom

How to Organize the Bathroom

Many of us live such busy, hectic lives that we barely have time to manage ourselves – let alone organize our homes. My morning beauty routine includes more than a few products. And it’s not just me that has to learn bathroom organizing; my husband has more than a few things that cram up valuable counter space, as well.

That being said – do we need to look at this mess day after day?

When it comes to organizing the bathroom, it’s easy to find an excuse not to. However, when you stop and think about it, you know what a big influence a cluttered bathroom can have on your life.

I know many bathrooms don’t have enough space (especially when there are a few kids sharing one) to either hang towels, find a place for hair and beauty products, bath and shower supplies, and so on.

Let’s take a look at some organizing tips that can make better use of your bathroom space, making it easier to keep things in the proper place and cut down on the mess.

Step by Step Bathroom Organizing Tips and Tricks

Using these tips as a guideline, you’ll be able to get the bathroom organized and make it easy for everyone to keep it that way.

Get Rid of the Garbage. When in Doubt, Throw it Out!

One of the first things to do before you start organizing is to take a little time and go through cabinets and counters and get rid of the extra clutter hiding in all the nooks and crannies. Keep only the essentials!

Keep these things in mind:

• Dispose of expired medications properly.
• Recycle empty bottles and containers.
• Get rid of items you know you and others in the family won’t be using (like the can of OFF bug spray that’s been untouched on the counter for months now).
• Now is also a good time to go through makeup and take a look at the shelf life on lipstick, mascara, eye shadows, etc.
• Toss out old bath scrubbers, mini soaps and shampoos you brought home from your last vacation, razors and so on.

Group Similar Items You are Keeping Together

At the same time you’re deciding what to throw out, start grouping together like items that you will be keeping. When you get to the point of being able to put things away, this step will help you finish up quickly.

Here’s an example:

• Shampoos and conditioners
• Personal care products
• Cosmetics
• Perfume
• First aid

Clean the Bathroom as You are Sorting Through its Contents

As you are going through the drawers and cupboards and determining what to keep and what to toss, clean each section as you have finished decluttering each area. Get your cleaning products and rags then clean:

• Sink
• Tub
• Shower
• Toilet
• Counters
• Lights (make sure they are cool before wiping them down)
• Medicine cabinet
• Fixtures
• Cabinets

Organizing Bathroom Contents

Now it’s finally time to get organized and put your belongings away.

The key here is to make the most of the space you have. It doesn’t matter if you have a large or small bathroom; utilize premium space, especially in small bathrooms.

There’s a million possible bathroom configurations, but it all comes down to you, the number of people in your household, the number of drawers and cabinets and how much “stuff” you have to put away.

If you don’t have enough space, then try to make more of it so you can organize and keep it as decluttered as possible.

How We Organized our Small Bathroom

The bathroom that the kids use in our house is not large – but there are shelves on either side of the sink so I utilize them the best I can by keeping bath towels on one shelf space and wash cloths and hand towels on the other side.

If you have multiple people sharing a bathroom, designate a drawer and a place on a shelf for each person. This helps cut down on the clutter and keeps the bathroom organized and comfortable.

Storing Hair Products and Makeup

My daughters keep their makeup in baskets on their shelves but keep curling irons, blow dryers, and brushes in a drawer.

Storing Personal Care Products

Once again we utilize baskets to be used in the drawers for personal care items. If you don’t have drawer space for each child, they can share a drawer and you can use different colored baskets for each of them.

Storing Toiletries/Q-Tips/Cotton Balls

Large glass containers hold community property items like soaps, Q-tips, cotton balls, and hair accessories. If you don’t have room on the counter maybe you have an extra shelf you can put these on.

Storing Items Under the Bathroom Sink

Under the sink we keep toilet paper, extra hair care products, cleaning supplies, and miscellaneous extras.

I use a small wire rack on both sides so we can stack and not waste valuable space under the sink.

On the inside of one of the doors, I attached a flat backed metal tin I found in a thrift store, to hold toothpaste and toothbrushes. Its deep, doesn’t stick out too far, it’s out of the way and off the counters. This is my thrifty and creative side coming out.

Storing Items in a Shower Caddy

In the shower we have a shower caddy for shampoo, conditioner, razors, and a squeegee to wipe down the walls after showering.

Door Hanging Rack

We use an over the door hanging rack for bath robes and pajamas.

Hanging Shelf with Hooks

I took down the towel rack in the bathroom. I’d rather be creative and use a nice shelf with hooks for hanging wet towels, it looks better. This is where the kids can hang their towels and we can put some pretty little things on the shelf.

Ideas for Making More Space

• Use racks under the sink to get more storage or stacking baskets.
• If you have a little extra counter space, think about adding a cabinet.
• If you have extra wall space, such as under the place you hang towels, add a decorative dresser or shelves with cubbies.
• If you have a large drawer, use a silverware tray for lipsticks, brushes, makeup, jewelry and more.
• If you still need more space, consider installing a bathroom storage shelf over the toilet. There are a variety of colors and styles to choose from.

I have a friend that hung a shelf above the door to hold supplies that she didn’t use that often because she had very limited bathroom space. It didn’t appeal to me because I don’t like the idea of having to climb on something to get what I need– But it might work well for you…

Keeping the Bathroom Clean and Organized

Keeping an orderly bathroom is not just a task for one person. If every member of your family doesn’t pick up after themselves, it’s hard to keep the bathroom clean.

To Help Keep Your Bathroom in Tip Top Shape:

• Keep it up! Put things back where they belong every time you use them. Every other day, give it the once-over to be sure things are not out of place. Taking a little extra time now and then helps keep your bathroom organized all the time!
• A good rule to follow is “when it doubt, throw it out” – especially with expiration dates on products that deteriorate and lose potency over time. (Old bottles of vitamins or first aid ointments fit this description.)
• Be responsible! Don’t shirk these responsibilities – after every use, return items to their respective places.

An organized and clean bathroom always smells fresh and looks inviting. It gives you a great feeling that lingers throughout the day.

When a place has been clearly designated for items that belong in the bathroom (like the hair dryer or makeup) it only takes seconds to put it back where it belongs when you are finished with it. Hope you enjoyed our bathroom organizing tips!