Bathroom Storage & Organization Guide
Bathrooms are often the smallest rooms with the most stuff. Learn how to maximize every inch of storage while keeping toiletries, towels, and essentials organized and accessible.
Quick Answer
The key to bathroom storage is using vertical space and door backs. Add an over-toilet cabinet or shelving, use cabinet door organizers, and invest in drawer dividers. In small bathrooms, floating shelves and tension rods create storage without taking floor space.
In This Guide
1. Under-Sink Cabinet Organization
The cabinet under the bathroom sink is often a black hole of products. Here's how to tame it:
Work Around the Pipes
- Stackable bins: Create layers around plumbing
- U-shaped shelves: Designed to fit around pipes
- Pull-out drawers: Retrofit kits make access easy
- Door-mounted organizers: Use the inside of cabinet doors
What to Store Under the Sink
- Cleaning supplies (in a caddy for easy removal)
- Extra toiletries and refills
- Hair tools (with heat-resistant holder)
- Feminine hygiene products
- First aid supplies
Pro tip: Line cabinet floors with a waterproof mat or shelf liner. It protects against leaks and makes cleanup easier.
2. Medicine Cabinet & Mirror Storage
Medicine cabinets are prime real estate for daily essentials:
- Adjust shelves: Customize heights for your products
- Magnetic strips: Hold bobby pins, tweezers, nail clippers
- Small containers: Group like items (medications, dental, skincare)
- Door organizers: Acrylic pockets for small items
- Purge expired items: Check medications and makeup regularly
No Medicine Cabinet?
If you don't have a built-in medicine cabinet, consider:
- Recessed medicine cabinet (requires wall installation)
- Surface-mount cabinet over sink
- Mirror with hidden storage behind
- Wall-mounted shelves with baskets
3. Over-Toilet Storage
The wall above the toilet is often wasted space. Put it to work:
Options
Étagère/Ladder Shelf
Freestanding, no installation required. $30-100
Wall Cabinet
Enclosed storage, hides clutter. $50-200
Floating Shelves
Open, modern look. $20-60
Tension Pole Caddy
No drilling, renter-friendly. $25-50
4. Shower & Tub Organization
Keep shower products organized and off the tub edge:
- Tension rod caddy: Corner pole with shelves, no drilling
- Suction cup organizers: Movable, no installation
- Hanging shower caddy: Hooks over showerhead
- Built-in niche: Recessed shelf in shower wall (remodel)
- Rust-proof materials: Look for stainless steel or plastic
Reduce products: The fewer bottles in your shower, the easier to keep clean. Aim for 3-5 products max per person.
5. Towel Storage Solutions
Towels take up significant space. Here's where to store them:
- Towel bars: For drying, not bulk storage
- Open shelves: Rolled towels look spa-like
- Ladder rack: Lean against wall, hang towels on rungs
- Over-door hooks: Hang behind bathroom door
- Basket storage: Roll towels in decorative basket
- Linen closet: If you have one nearby, use it!
How Many Towels Do You Need?
Most people have too many towels. A good rule: 2-3 bath towels per person, plus 1-2 for guests.
6. Small Bathroom Strategies
When your bathroom is tiny, every inch matters:
- Pedestal sink skirt: Add fabric skirt to hide storage underneath
- Corner shelves: Utilize awkward corners
- Recessed storage: Built into walls between studs
- Door-back storage: Maximize unused door space
- Magnetic containers: Attach to metal surfaces
- Wall-mount everything: Toothbrush holder, soap dispenser, cup
For Renters
- Command hooks and strips (damage-free)
- Tension rods in cabinets for hanging spray bottles
- Freestanding furniture (no wall mounting)
- Suction cup organizers
7. Organizing by Category
Group bathroom items by category for easy finding:
💊 Medications
Medicine cabinet or high shelf (away from humidity)
🦷 Dental
Toothbrush holder, drawer with floss/mouthwash
💇 Hair
Under-sink with heat tool storage
🧴 Skincare
Medicine cabinet or vanity drawer
🧹 Cleaning
Under-sink caddy, door-mounted
🧻 Supplies
TP, tissues in basket or over-toilet storage
8. Best Bathroom Organization Products
These essentials maximize bathroom storage:
Over-Toilet Storage Shelf
Freestanding shelving unit that fits over standard toilets
Best for: Towels, toilet paper, toiletries
Under-Sink Organizer (2-Tier)
Stackable drawers that work around pipes
Best for: Cleaning supplies, extra products
Shower Caddy (Tension Pole)
Floor-to-ceiling pole with shelves for shower items
Best for: Shampoo, soap, razors
Medicine Cabinet Organizer
Clear bins and risers for inside cabinets
Best for: Medications, skincare, small items
Over-Door Organizer
Pockets or baskets that hang on bathroom door
Best for: Hair tools, brushes, products
Towel Hooks (Adhesive)
No-drill hooks for towels and robes
Best for: Towels, robes, loofahs
💡 Complete Bathroom Organization Bundle
Start with: over-toilet shelf + under-sink organizer + shower caddy. Budget around $75-150 for a complete transformation.
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