Cleaning & Organizing

7 Smart Ways To Maximize Your Bathroom Storage

written by HAILEY BOUCHE

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Source: Harlowe James
Source: Harlowe James

Is it just me or is bathroom storage impossible to figure out? There are either too many cabinets and not enough drawers or vice versa, and I can never figure out what the heck to do with my makeup brushes. Bathroom storage ideas are endless, which is great news because I thrive on an organized and functional space, but choosing which strategies to implement is no easy feat.

Whether you are looking to maximize the little bathroom storage you have or simply make your bathroom storage work better for you and your items, let’s not forget what we’ve learned from The Home Edit: start small and trust the process. With that said, we’ve compiled some of the best bathroom storage ideas to help you finally make sense of storing everything from tampons to toothpaste.

 

1. Edit the stuff you’re storing.

Is storage space the problem, or is it the amount of stuff you’re trying to store? The first step in maximizing your bathroom storage is to edit down your stuff. Go through all your beauty products and toiletries and discard anything that’s basically empty, expired, or no longer a part of your routine. Then, look through the rest of the stuff in your bathroom and consider which items could be stored elsewhere. How many rolls of toilet paper do you really need to keep under the sink? Could you store your extra towels in a closet instead? By moving some things to a different spot, you can organize what you actually need much more efficiently.

 

2. Utilize the space above your toilet.

If you have an empty wall above your toilet (like most people do), opt for an over-the-toilet shelving unit or cabinet to add more storage. These storage solutions can hold anything that doesn’t fit in your vanity—think extra hand towels, toilet paper, and feminine care products. Just promise you’ll learn from my mistakes and not drop anything in the toilet when you go to snag something you need.

West Elm
Deco Curve Metal Wall Shelves

5 colors available

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Urban Outfitters
Lauren Wall Shelf

2 colors available

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Wayfair
Removable Bathroom Cabinet
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Wayfair
Wall Storage Organizer
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Threshold
Wood Space Saver Etagere
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Opalhouse
Rattan Etagere
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Wayfair
Over-The-Toilet Storage Unit
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3. Add a shelf.

Add style and storage with shelves to hold the items that you don’t necessarily want on your vanity but don’t mind displaying. Skincare products and tools, perfumes, and everyday products like mascara, brow gel, and chapstick make open shelving both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Urban Outfitters
Carrie Wall Shelf
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CB2
Brass Wall Shelf
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World Market
Marble Wall Shelf
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Etsy | NeartoHome
Shelf with Hooks
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4. Look for creative space to add storage.

With a little creativity, small spaces can become prime real estate for your bathroom essentials. Look for ways you can add storage (even if it is just a little) to maximize your space and minimize chaos. Things like nail polishes, travel-size items, and products you don’t use as often but refuse to part with are perfect for these tucked-away storage spots. Is there an empty corner you could fill? Maybe some over-the-door storage containers? Small spaces are an opportunity to flex your creativity and hack your space.

The Container Store
Over The Door Towel Rack
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Brightroom
Over the Cabinet Storage

3 colors available

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Yamazaki
Bath Linen Rack

2 colors available

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Yamazaki
Toilet Paper Stand & Tray

2 colors available

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Wayfair
Slim Rolling Cart
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Wayfair
Over The Door Organizer
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Anthropologie
Stackable Storage Bin
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5. Organize the space you have.

If you are lucky enough to have a linen closet or drawers, make the most of them with bins, baskets, and/or acrylic organizers. These places are meant to be functional, but you have to figure out how to make them work for you—no matter their size. Otherwise, you will end up with catch-all spaces that are impossible to find anything in. When items are strategically arranged, you will be surprised at what you can fit and how nice it is to be able to actually locate what you need. 

Brightroom
Stackable Organizer
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Brightroom
Bathroom Spinning Turntable
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The Container Store
Vanity Organizer
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Threshold
Accent Vanity Organizer

2 colors available

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The Container Store
Under Cabinet Storage
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Walmart
Stackable Under Sink Drawer

3 colors available

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Brightroom
Bathroom Organizer Bin

2 colors available

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The Container Store
Storage Baskets

5 colors available

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6. Add shower storage.

Source: Target

Do yourself a favor and invest in some shower storage. Sure, you can leave your shampoo bottles on the corner of your tub, but why would you do that when you can keep them from constantly falling over? Personally, I have had the exact shower caddy shown above for years (which I love), but depending on the size of your shower and the items you need to store, there are dozens to choose from.

Room Essentials
Metal Shower Storage
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Made by Design
Bathroom Shower Caddy

4 colors available

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Made by Design
Shower Storage Tower

2 colors available

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Room Essentials
Corner Storage Caddy
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Amazon
Acrylic Shower Shelves
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The Container Store
Power Suction Hooks
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7. Use hooks.

No spot to hang your towel? No problem. Hooks are one of the easiest (and least expensive) additions, and they make a huge difference in the overall functionality of your bathroom. Add a few hooks for hand towels, your coziest robe, and your bath towels, and your bathroom will instantly feel more put together and organized. Plus, you won’t ever have to worry about accidentally warping the wood of your door because of the wet towel you constantly have hanging over it.

Project 62
Brass Accordion Rack
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Amazon
Beachwood Accordion Rack
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West Elm
Brass Hook Set
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Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
Bath Hook

2 colors available

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Rejuvenation
Massey Double Hook

6 colors available

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Anthropologie
Medallion Hook
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