How to organize a small bathroom

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Introduction

Trying to organize a small bathroom can feel like solving a puzzle — limited space, too many items, and nowhere to put them. But with the right strategies, you can turn even the tiniest bathroom into a clean, efficient, and functional space. This guide on how to organize a small bathroom walks you through smart, space-saving ideas that bring order, style, and ease to your daily routine.

Why Organizing a Small Bathroom Matters

In a small bathroom, clutter accumulates quickly. Toiletries spill over counters, cabinets get jammed, and it’s hard to find what you need — especially during busy mornings. Organizing your space boosts efficiency, improves hygiene, and even makes your bathroom feel bigger and calmer.

With a little planning and some clever organizing tools, you can transform your bathroom from crowded chaos into a minimalist haven.

Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing a Small Bathroom

1. Declutter First

Before you can organize, you need to clear out the clutter. Take everything out of drawers, shelves, baskets, and under-sink storage.

Sort items into categories:

  • Daily use (toothpaste, face wash, deodorant)
  • Weekly use (face masks, razors, hair tools)
  • Rarely used (seasonal or backstock)
  • Expired or empty (toss these!)

Be honest with yourself about what you actually use. If you haven’t touched it in months and it’s not essential, it doesn’t belong in a small bathroom.

Bathroom Tip: Use this moment to wipe down shelves, counters, and drawers so you’re working with a clean slate.

2. Maximize Vertical Space

In small bathrooms, wall space is gold. Free up counter and floor space by installing vertical storage options:

  • Floating shelves above the toilet or beside the mirror
  • Wall-mounted baskets or bins for toiletries and towels
  • Over-the-door racks for robes, towels, or organizers
  • Tall, slim storage towers to fit between toilet and wall

These vertical additions can store a surprising amount without crowding the floor.

3. Use the Back of Cabinet and Closet Doors

Take advantage of every square inch — including the inside of doors:

  • Hang adhesive hooks or over-the-door organizers to hold brushes, hair tools, or spare toilet paper
  • Use small adhesive bins to store cotton pads, floss, or skincare
  • Hang a slim caddy inside your vanity door for cleaning supplies or extra toiletries

Hack: Label each hook or bin to keep everything in its place.

4. Use Drawer Dividers and Small Trays

In small bathrooms, drawers become black holes unless you divide and conquer.

Use:

  • Drawer organizers or trays for makeup, grooming tools, and first aid
  • Small baskets to group similar items (like all dental products)
  • Acrylic dividers so you can still see everything clearly

Keeping drawers compartmentalized helps prevent clutter from creeping back in.

5. Use Clear Containers or Labeled Bins

For items you need to group together — like skincare, hair products, or backup supplies — store them in clear bins or labeled baskets. This makes it easy to grab what you need and keep similar products together.

Some helpful categories:

  • “Haircare”
  • “Skin Routine”
  • “Everyday Use”
  • “Extras” or “Backstock”
  • “First Aid” or “Medications”

If you use opaque baskets, labels become even more important.

6. Optimize Under-the-Sink Space

The cabinet under the sink is prime storage space — if used wisely.

Best tools for under-sink organization:

  • Stackable bins to separate categories and double the space
  • Pull-out drawers or sliding trays for easy access
  • Tiered organizers to make use of vertical space
  • Tension rods to hang spray bottles or cleaning tools

Avoid tossing everything under the sink loosely — it’ll get lost and messy fast.

7. Use Corner Space

Don’t ignore corners — they can store more than you think.

  • Add a corner shelf to hold candles, tissues, or decor
  • Use a corner shower caddy to store body wash, shampoo, and razors
  • Install a corner cabinet for bonus enclosed storage

Corner units help you make use of every inch while maintaining an open floor area.

8. Choose Multi-Use or Slim Furniture

In small spaces, every item should serve a purpose (or two).

  • Use a mirrored medicine cabinet instead of a flat mirror for hidden storage
  • Choose a slim rolling cart to store and move items where needed
  • Use a stool with built-in storage for a dual-purpose seating option

Multi-functional pieces keep your bathroom organized without sacrificing design or space.

9. Minimize Countertop Clutter

In a small bathroom, less on the counter = more peace of mind. Only keep daily essentials out.

Tips for tidy counters:

  • Use a tray or small basket to corral your most-used items
  • Store tools like toothbrushes or razors upright in a cup or organizer
  • Hang a wall-mounted holder for hair tools or makeup brushes
  • Keep backup or bulky items hidden in drawers or under-sink storage

Visual Tip: Stick to neutral or matching containers for a cleaner, more cohesive look.

10. Maintain Your System Weekly

The key to keeping your small bathroom organized long-term is consistency.

  • Do a quick 5-minute reset each week
  • Refill containers (like cotton swabs, tissues, or soap)
  • Toss empties and expired products
  • Reorganize any “junk zones” before they get out of hand

This weekly habit ensures your bathroom stays clean, organized, and functional — even in the busiest households.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to keep your small bathroom truly organized:

  • Mistake: Storing everything in the bathroom
    Solution: Keep only the essentials inside. Store bulk or extra products elsewhere.
  • Mistake: Not measuring before buying baskets or organizers
    Solution: Always measure drawers, cabinets, and shelf space first to avoid poor fit.
  • Mistake: Ignoring vertical and door space
    Solution: Walls, backs of doors, and inside cabinet doors offer untapped storage.
  • Mistake: Over-decorating
    Solution: A small bathroom needs breathing room — keep decor minimal and purposeful.
  • Mistake: Mixing everything together
    Solution: Categorize and label to make finding and returning items effortless.

Extra Tips & Bathroom Hacks

  • Add a magnetic strip inside a cabinet door to store tweezers, bobby pins, and small tools
  • Keep a donation bin nearby to regularly toss products you don’t use
  • Use stackable bins in linen closets for organized towel and toiletry storage
  • Hang a pocket organizer on the door for makeup, cleaning supplies, or grooming tools

👉 Looking to upgrade your storage style? Check out our guide on how to use baskets for bathroom storage for more functional (and beautiful) ideas!

Conclusion

Organizing a small bathroom doesn’t mean you need a massive renovation — just smart storage solutions, a decluttered mindset, and a bit of creativity. By using vertical space, labeling your items, and sticking to consistent systems, you can make even the smallest bathroom feel roomy, calm, and effortlessly functional.

Bookmark this guide and come back whenever your bathroom needs a reset — simple changes today lead to lasting order tomorrow.