Introduction
Sick of digging through messy bathroom drawers to find your razor, cotton swabs, or toothpaste? This guide on how to organize bathroom drawers will show you simple, effective ways to transform chaotic storage into a neat and functional space. With a few smart tricks and the right tools, you can save time, reduce stress, and keep your bathroom essentials right where you need them.
Why Organizing Bathroom Drawers Matters in the Bathroom
Bathroom drawers are often the most overlooked storage spaces. Over time, they become dumping grounds for half-used products, tangled cords, and random odds and ends. This clutter isn’t just inconvenient — it can also lead to waste, make cleaning more difficult, and even affect hygiene.
Well-organized drawers make your morning and evening routines smoother. You’ll be able to see everything you own, avoid buying duplicates, and keep your bathroom tidy with minimal effort. Proper drawer organization also protects your items from spills, contamination, or damage from moisture and heat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing Bathroom Drawers
1. Empty Every Drawer Completely
Start by removing everything from each drawer in your bathroom. Lay the contents out on a towel or countertop so you can see exactly what you’ve been storing.
Bathroom Tip: If you’re organizing multiple drawers, work one at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed.
2. Declutter Ruthlessly
Go through every item and ask yourself:
- Have I used this in the past 30–60 days?
- Is this product still good (not expired or dried out)?
- Do I really need duplicates of this item?
Toss anything expired, nearly empty, broken, or unused. This includes old makeup, rusted tweezers, dried nail polish, and mystery tubes of lotion.
3. Clean Out the Drawers
Wipe each drawer clean with a disinfecting wipe or damp cloth. Pay special attention to corners where dust, hair, and product residue collect. Let the drawers dry before putting anything back.
Bathroom Tip: Add a non-slip drawer liner to help organizers stay in place and protect the surface.
4. Group Items by Category
Organize your remaining items into logical groups. For example:
- Oral care: Toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, whitening strips
- Skincare: Moisturizer, cleanser, toner, face masks
- Hair tools: Brushes, combs, hair ties, clips
- Makeup: Lipsticks, foundations, eye products
- Daily use: Deodorant, razors, cotton swabs
- First aid/meds: Bandages, ointments, pills
Having a clear category system makes maintenance easier and reduces future clutter.
5. Choose the Right Drawer Organizers
Invest in a few drawer organizers or dividers to keep your items separated and easy to access. Options include:
- Modular trays: Fit together like puzzle pieces for a customized layout
- Clear acrylic containers: Easy to clean and great for visibility
- Small bins or cups: Ideal for vertical storage of brushes or tubes
- Expandable dividers: Great for wide or deep drawers
Choose containers that fit your drawer’s dimensions and match your toiletry categories.
6. Assign Items to Specific Drawers
If you have multiple drawers, give each one a purpose. For example:
- Top drawer: Daily essentials (toothbrush, deodorant, face cream)
- Middle drawer: Haircare or skincare
- Bottom drawer: Backstock, tools, or less-used products
This makes your system intuitive and easy to follow, even when you’re in a rush.
7. Label for Clarity
If you share a bathroom or just want an extra layer of organization, label each section or drawer. This is especially helpful for family bathrooms, where everyone has their own items. You can use sticker labels, chalk labels, or a label maker for a clean look.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some frequent missteps that can ruin even the best organizing plans:
- Mistake: Overstuffing drawers
Solution: Keep space between items for easier access and visual clarity. - Mistake: Skipping the decluttering step
Solution: Don’t organize junk — always toss what you don’t use first. - Mistake: Using mismatched containers
Solution: Stick to similar sizes and materials for a cohesive, clean look. - Mistake: Storing wet items
Solution: Dry toothbrushes, razors, and tools before putting them in drawers to prevent mold or residue. - Mistake: Forgetting to maintain
Solution: Do a quick drawer refresh every month to keep clutter from creeping back in.
Extra Tips & Bathroom Hacks
- Add vertical dividers: If your drawer is deep, try using small stacked trays or bins to separate layers.
- Repurpose old containers: Use empty candle jars, small bowls, or office trays for easy drawer storage.
- Store backups elsewhere: Keep overflow shampoo, toothpaste, or razors in a labeled bin under the sink or in a linen closet.
👉 Still battling clutter? Check out our guide on how to store toiletries neatly to complete your bathroom organization project!
Conclusion
Organizing your bathroom drawers is a simple project that pays off every single day. By decluttering, grouping items, and using well-fitted organizers, you’ll create a clean and efficient storage system that makes your routine smoother and your space more peaceful.
Bookmark this guide so you can keep your drawers neat, your mornings stress-free, and your bathroom looking its best — all year long.