Small Bathroom Organizing and Storage Ideas: Maximize Space with Simple Solutions

Small bathrooms can easily become cluttered, making it challenging to find what you need when you’re in a rush. With the right organizing and storage ideas, you can maximize your space and create a bathroom that feels more open and functional. Whether it’s clever storage solutions or simple organization hacks, you’ll discover ways to transform your small bathroom into an oasis of order.

From using vertical space to selecting multi-functional furniture, plenty of creative strategies exist to make the most of your limited square footage. You don’t need a complete renovation to bring some organization into your bathroom; sometimes, all it takes is a few smart adjustments.

Embracing these ideas can lead to not only a tidier space but also a more enjoyable daily routine.

cabinet over the toilet for bathroom storage

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Maximizing Space with Creative Storage Solutions

When you’re working with a small bathroom, finding ways to optimize your space is key. Innovative storage solutions can make a big difference, allowing you to keep your essentials organized and easily accessible. Check out these practical ideas to make the most of your space.

Bathroom Wall Storage Ideas

Floating shelves are an excellent way to utilize vertical space. You can install them above the toilet, next to the sink, or on an open wall to hold toiletries, decorative items, or towels.

Materials: Opt for wood or metal, depending on your style.
Arrangement: Consider staggered placement for visual interest.
Accessories: Use baskets or decorative boxes on shelves to keep smaller items contained.

Wall-mounted cabinets offer additional storage. This is the option we used over our toilets. It gave us the greatest bathroom storage bang for our buck.

DIY Options: If you’re handy, consider building a custom unit that fits perfectly in your bathroom.

One of the first things I did in the upstairs bathroom was to have “Handy” build me a linen closet-type cabinet.

It goes from floor to ceiling (using that vertical space). It’s directly across from the toilet and close to the tub.

It’s not terribly deep or wide. It doesn’t take up much floor space but it is a great way to add lots of extra storage to a small bathroom space.

There are doors on the top and the bottom open shelving in between.

Adding a decorative ladder can also be an elegant way to hang towels while saving space. Make sure it contrasts with the wall color for added depth.

Hidden Spots and Corner Units

Don’t overlook hidden small bathroom storage spots. Under-sink cabinets can be tricky, but organizing them well maximizes their potential. Use stacking bins or pull-out drawers to keep your cleaning products and personal items tidy.

Corner Units: Corner shelves utilize oft-neglected space. A corner cabinet can hold extra toiletries or linens without overwhelming the room.
Over-the-Door Organizers: Perfect for holding items like toilet paper, this strategy frees up floor space while being efficiently accessible.
Rolling Carts: Consider using a rolling cart to stow items elsewhere when not in use, then roll it out when needed. I’m a huge fan of rolling carts as they are available in a variety of sizes to fit your space.

Getting creative with storage solutions helps your small bathroom feel functional and organized.

Organizer Essentials for Clutter Control

Keeping a small bathroom organized can be a challenge, but having the right tools makes a significant difference. Focus on efficient storage solutions to maximize your space and maintain order.

Top view of a drawer expertly organized with hair accessories. The drawer contains brushes, combs, scrunchies, and hair clips in various compartments. Some hairpins and a string of pearls are also visible. Perfect for anyone into bathroom organizing, the background features a blue and white checkered lining.

Drawer Dividers and Vanity Organizers

Drawer dividers are a simple yet effective means to tackle clutter in your bathroom. They help keep your items separate and easy to access.

Consider using adjustable dividers to customize the layout based on your specific needs. I love both clear plastic drawer organizers and the white plastic ones from Target (find links below). These are essential for me to keep my drawers organized.

Glass Jars & Containers

Pretty glass jars make a space feel elegant while housing things like cotton balls, extra soap bars, Q-Tips, Bath Salts, and makeup supplies.

inside cabinet in small bathroom which houses extra toilet paper, toiletries and cleaning supplies

Vanity organizers can take various forms, such as tiered trays or compartmentalized boxes. Place frequently used items like skincare products and cosmetics within easy reach.

Utilize clear containers to create a visual inventory of your items, making it easier to restock or find essentials when needed.

Door Hooks and Hanging Baskets

In small bathrooms, every inch counts. Door hooks are an excellent way to utilize vertical space. You can hang towels, robes, or even small bags without compromising floor space.

A set of sturdy hooks can keep commonly used items within reach while also adding a decorative touch.

Hanging baskets can also be a game-changer. Mount them on walls or the inside of cabinet doors to store items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, or extra toilet paper.

Using labeled baskets helps you quickly locate items. This method prevents clutter from accumulating on counters. With these solutions, your small bathroom can feel more organized and efficient.

I recently discovered wall-mount storage bins for the shower. You can get things off the tub surround and still have easy access to them

When our kids were little we used a three-tier vegetable basket in our tub area to put bath toys in. It was a great way to contain them and also allow them to dry out in between uses.

Baskets and Caddies

A white ladder shelf stands in a brightly lit room next to a window. The shelf, perfect for bathroom organizing, holds woven baskets filled with toiletries, towels, and various essentials. A wicker hamper and potted plant sit nearby, adding a natural touch to the space. — Photo Credit: Pottery Barn

Baskets can hold everything from towels to extra toilet paper and can be tucked next to the toilet or under a sink.

I love caddies for housing bath products, hair products, and personal products.

Smart Layouts and Fittings for Small Bathrooms

Maximizing space in a small bathroom involves strategic layouts and the right fixtures. Focus on space-saving options and functional furniture that suits your needs while keeping everything organized.

Space-Saving Fixtures

When dealing with a small bathroom, choose fixtures designed to save space. Consider wall-mounted sinks or corner vanities. These options free up valuable floor area and make the room feel larger. However, with both of these options, you give up the storage space a closed cabinet offers you.

Toilet designs like compact models and floating toilets are also great picks. They provide a streamlined look and don’t take up much space.

Additionally, look for shower units that integrate storage, such as built-in shelves or corner caddies. This not only keeps your essentials close but also reduces clutter. Ultimately, these fixtures aid in creating an open, airy feel in your small bathroom.

Choosing the Right Cabinets and Furniture

Cabinet selection plays a significant role in organizing your small bathroom. Opt for over-the-toilet storage to utilize that often-wasted vertical space. Consider cabinets or shelving units that fit snugly above the toilet for additional storage.

Your storage solutions should also cater to your style. Choose light-colored pieces to maintain a sense of lightness and openness.

Don’t forget about a medicine cabinet. The one we have is mirrored so it also enhances the sense of space while providing practical benefits. It opens up to provide great additional storage for bathroom organization.

If you have the space, using an ottoman can serve as storage for extra towels and also a place to sit.

In our bathroom, I still needed more storage so I purchased a small cabinet that fit in the hall right outside the bathroom. It’s perfect for the things that I don’t use every day. And so much better than what I was using.

Cleaning And Organizing Is A Practice, Not A Project.

– Meagan Francis

Innovative Accessory Ideas for Functionality

In a small bathroom, maximizing space is crucial for maintaining order and functionality. Innovative accessories can transform your bathroom experience, ensuring everything has its place while remaining easily accessible.

Magnetic Strips and Adhesive Hooks

Magnetic strips are a game changer when it comes to organization. Attach a strip inside your cabinet door to hold metal tools like tweezers, scissors, and nail clippers. This keeps them visible and accessible while freeing up drawer space.

Adhesive hooks are equally effective. Place these near your sink or shower for items like loofahs, towels, or bathrobes. They can hold up under moisture and are easy to reposition. Consider color-coded hooks to designate spaces for different family members, making it easy to keep track of personal items.

Maintaining Order with Routine and Habit

Establishing a routine is key for keeping your small bathroom organized. Simple habits can make a big difference in maintaining order.

picture of my hand cleaning the bathroom counter tops with a microfiber cloth

Daily Habits

Wipe Surfaces: Spend a minute each morning wiping down counters and sinks. This prevents grime buildup.
Hang Towels: Always hang towels immediately after use. A towel rack keeps them off the floor and looking neat.

Weekly Tasks

Declutter: Dedicate a few minutes each week to remove items you don’t use. Keep only essentials for an organized bathroom. Properly dispose of anything that is expired
Restock Supplies: Check your toiletries weekly. Ensure you have what you need and replace what’s low.

Routine Check-up

Set a monthly reminder to reevaluate your organization. Adjust as needed to suit your changing needs.

Creating and sticking to these habits makes organized bathroom living easy and stress-free. You’ll feel better knowing everything has its place. Plus, maintaining order becomes second nature. It definitely is for me. I put things back where they belong in my bathroom every day. The only area that seems to get out of order is my hairbrush drawer. I straighten it up once a week when I clean the bathroom.

Picture of client bathroom after organization. Vintage white tub with vintage subway tile. plants to freshen up the space and a tub tray with a candle, book and soaps on it. — Photo Credit: @mamademps

Living Large Organizers

In September and February, I organize with many of my readers. We spend the month working through our homes.

Week 1 – Kitchen – We start in the Heart of the Home
Week 2 – We work on our Bedroom Organization
Week 3 – Bathrooms Get Our Attention
Week 4 – We spend our time on Living Space Organization

When the spaces in my home are organized and decluttered, I’m a much happier person. The clean and organized spaces in my home allow me to have more mental space for work and creativity in my head.

Peace, Love, and Happy Organizing