Have you ever opened your bathroom cabinet only to be greeted by a hot mess? You know, the kind where products are spilling out, hair ties are scattered everywhere, and the only thing you can find is that ancient bottle of cologne your cousin gave you three Christmases ago? Yeah, me too.
Declutter First, Organize Later
Before we dive into some truly clever bathroom organization ideas, let’s start with the dreaded “D” word – decluttering. I know, I know, it’s not the most exciting part, but trust me, it’s essential. The first step is to pull everything out of your cabinets and drawers and take a good, hard look at what you’ve got.
Do you really need 17 half-used bottles of shampoo? Probably not. Start being honest with yourself – if you haven’t used it in the last year, it’s time to say goodbye. Toss anything that’s expired or that you know you’ll never use. I like to follow the “love it or leave it” rule. If it doesn’t make you happy or serve a purpose, it’s gotta go.
Divide and Conquer
Alright, now that you’ve got a clean slate, it’s time to get organized. The key is to group your items by category. Think hair products, nail care, cotton swabs, and so on. This way, you’ll know exactly where to find what you need, and you can utilize the space more efficiently.
One of my favorite tricks is to use clear, stackable bins or baskets to corral like items. Not only does it keep things tidy, but you can also easily see what’s in each one. Plus, you can label them with cute little tags for an extra touch of style.
Vertical Storage FTW
When it comes to small bathrooms, vertical space is your best friend. Instead of letting things get lost in the abyss of your cabinets, make the most of those unused nooks and crannies.
For example, try hanging a slim shelving unit over the toilet or installing a tension rod across the corner to hold extra toilet paper and toiletries. And don’t forget about the back of the door – that’s prime real estate for hanging baskets, bins, or even a cute over-the-door organizer.
Get Creative with Containers
Remember those vases and jars you’ve been holding onto “just in case”? Well, now’s the time to put them to good use! With a little bit of creativity, you can transform all sorts of household items into stylish bathroom storage solutions.
I recently turned a few thrifted vases into the most adorable tissue dispensers. [1] They add a pop of color and personality to my space, and they’re way more fun than that boring old cardboard box. Plus, it takes just a few seconds to refill them when I’m running low.
Another genius idea? Repurposing a vintage pitcher or ceramic bowl as a catchall for cotton swabs, makeup pads, or even extra toilet paper rolls. [2] The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to add a touch of personality to your bathroom.
Double-Duty Decor
While we’re on the topic of getting creative, let’s talk about double-duty decor. Why settle for boring, single-purpose organizers when you can have something that’s both practical and stylish?
One of my favorite tricks is to use decorative trays or bowls to corral smaller items like hair clips, bobby pins, and earrings. [3] Not only does it keep everything neat and tidy, but it also adds a touch of elegance to my vanity. Plus, it’s easy to grab what I need without rummaging through a drawer.
And let’s not forget about wall space! Hanging a few floating shelves or a sleek, minimalist ladder can provide ample storage for towels, plants, or even display your favorite bath products. [4] It’s a win-win – you get to declutter your countertops and add some style to your space.
Embrace the Power of Adhesive
Sometimes, the best organization solutions are the simplest ones. Case in point: adhesive hooks and command strips. These little guys are absolute game-changers when it comes to maximizing your bathroom’s potential.
I use them to hang baskets, bins, and even small shelves on the back of the door or the inside of the cabinet. [5] This way, I can store all sorts of items – from hair tools to cleaning supplies – without taking up any valuable counter or cabinet space.
And the best part? They’re super easy to install and remove, so you can rearrange things as needed without damaging your walls. It’s a bathroom organizer’s dream come true!
Bring in the Tiered Trays
If you’re like me and love having all your hair, skincare, and makeup products on display (because let’s be honest, they’re basically works of art), then tiered trays are where it’s at.
These clever little contraptions are perfect for keeping your most-used items front and center, while still allowing you to tuck away the less-frequent-flyers in the back. [6] Plus, the staggered shelves make it easy to see and access everything, which means no more digging through piles of products.
I found an acrylic tiered spice rack at Walmart that works like a charm, but you can also find similar options online or even DIY your own using reclaimed wood or vintage trays. [7] The key is finding a size and style that fits seamlessly into your bathroom’s layout.
Make it Pretty (and Functional)
Let’s be real, organization isn’t just about practicality – it’s also about creating a space that makes you smile every time you walk in. And what better way to do that than by adding a touch of personal style?
I’m a big believer in the power of pretty storage solutions. When I take the time to decorate my bathroom in a way that aligns with my aesthetic, I’m much more motivated to keep it tidy and organized. [8] It’s like I’ve created a little oasis that’s tailored just for me.
So, don’t be afraid to get creative with your containers, labels, and even the way you arrange your products. A few simple DIY touches can transform your once-cluttered chaos into a serene and stylish sanctuary.
At the end of the day, clever bathroom organization is all about finding solutions that work for your unique space and needs. With a little bit of decluttering, strategic thinking, and a dash of personal style, you can turn your bathroom into a functional, stress-free (and seriously Instagrammable) haven. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get organizing!
References
[1] Knowledge from https://redheadcandecorate.com/2021/04/clever-bathroom-tissue-dispenser-ideas/
[2] Knowledge from https://katieskottage.com/small-bathroom-organization-ideas-you-never-thought-of/
[3] Knowledge from https://www.polishedhabitat.com/bathroom-organization/
[4] Knowledge from https://balancinghome.com/small-bathroom-ideas-clever-organizing-and-design-ideas/
[5] Knowledge from https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2254191/any-clever-bathroom-storage-ideas
[6] Knowledge from https://www.reddit.com/r/homeassistant/comments/113acfr/what_do_you_use_nfc_tags_for/
[7] Knowledge from https://www.mydomaine.com/creative-bathroom-storage-ideas-4767639
[8] Knowledge from https://makelyhome.com/2015-hgtv-smart-home-part-1/