Everybody wants a bathroom that is clean and fresh. To achieve this, you might have framed a set of bathroom rules for guests to read, hung some scents, or placed a nice rug. And for good reasons: you want to maintain good hygiene and a pleasant ambience in your bathroom.
However, in a limited space, your bathroom likely ends up cluttered repeatedly. Toiletries may pile up unevenly, hair care or makeup products end up scattered, and cleaning tools always seem out of place. You find yourself tired as you need to keep reorganizing what to put where.
If you believe that all of your bathroom must be accessible but remain neat inside, don’t worry. There are space-saving hacks you can use for that. In this article, five bathroom storage hacks will help keep your space clean, functional, and visually appealing without major renovations.
So, are you ready to transform your bathroom into a tidy, clutter-free paradise? Dive into these creative bathroom storage ideas!
The challenges of bathroom storage
Before diving into storage hacks for your bathroom, you need to understand why bathroom storage is such a recurring challenge.
Bathroom storage tends to be overlooked because everything needs to be within arm’s reach when you shower, get ready for the day, or wind down in the evening. As a result, you place items out in the open “just for convenience,” but this easily clutters the space.
It’s not just that, either. You may have also experienced these challenges:
- Default storage setups aren’t always ideal. It’s easy to stick with whatever storage the bathroom originally came with, but not all bathrooms are created equal. Some may include a roomy vanity, while others offer little to no built-in storage. In those cases, you might need to limit what you store inside or get creative with extra storage solutions.
- Restrictions for renters. If you’re renting, you’re likely not allowed to make permanent changes like drilling. That means you’ll need to look for removable, damage-free storage options for your bathroom space.
- Shared bathroom challenges. A home with multiple residents may face challenges in storing personal belongings. The same goes when multiple people, whether roommates or family, share a bathroom. Keeping things organized can be tricky since everyone has their own preferences and different amounts of personal care items.
These are why space-saving bathroom storage is essential. It helps keep your floor and wall space organized, keeping your bathroom comfortable and relaxed. This also saves you a lot of time and effort from constant tidying.
Now that you understand the importance of bathroom storage, move on to the next part for the bathroom hacks!
Top 5 bathroom storage hacks
The easiest way to upgrade your bathroom storage with minimal effort is to make the most of the space you already have.
You can scan your bathroom for unused areas, such as a blank section of wall, the back of a door, or even the overlooked cabinet interiors. Once you’ve found your potential space, read below for the top bathroom storage hacks you can implement!
Use over-the-toilet shelving
The vertical area above your toilet is typically underused in a bathroom. But this space can be maximized with stylish and functional shelves to add more storage.
Use them to store toiletries like soap, toilet paper, or even bulkier items like towels. You can also add decorative elements, such as your favorite potted plant or scented candles.
Choose water-resistant materials, such as solid wood or stainless steel. These materials are also rust-resistant in humid environments and sturdy enough to hold your items in place.
Key tip: When choosing shelves, make sure that you still have access to the toilet handle or shutoff valve.
Install wall-mounted organizers
Add various wall-mounted organizers to make the most of your bathroom wall. In addition to holding everyday bathroom essentials, these are perfect for keeping items off your counter.
Whether it’s a rack, basket, or small shelf, wall-mounted storage ensures your bathroom items are neatly placed while still accessible.
Go for adhesive-mounted options for a damage-free way to install these organizers. These solutions offer a firm grip while being easy to remove without leaving marks or residue.
When selecting wall-mounted organizers, look for options that offer durability in humid environments while also enhancing the bathroom’s overall look. Here are a few tips you can consider:
- Stainless steel. Pick this for its rust-resistant and low-maintenance qualities. It often comes in chrome or matte black finishes, which easily create a sleek and modern bathroom style.
- Brass. Opt for brass if you’re looking for durability and corrosion resistance. Finishes such as brushed brass and antique brass add a touch of traditional or luxurious elegance to the bathroom.
- Glass. Go with this for a shatter-resistant, easy-to-clean option. It brings a clean, minimalist feel to modern bathrooms.
Read more: How to Organize Bathroom Items Using Colors
Add pull-out drawers to cabinets
If your bathroom already has cabinets, consider upgrading the fixed shelves to pull-out ones.
These drawers improve storage efficiency by using boxed compartments to hold your items securely and organize them. They also hide visual clutter while making it easier to access things stored at the back. There is no need to shuffle everything around just to reach one item.
You can find budget-friendly pull-out drawer kits or even build your own. If you want the DIY solution, it’s not too difficult to do on your own. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Saw
- Drill
- 2-Foot level
- Drawer slides
- Tape measure
- Safety gear (gloves and goggles)
Here are the steps you can follow:
- Remove existing shelves. Take the shelves out of your cabinet. If they’re screwed in, use a drill or screwdriver to remove them.
- Measure carefully. Use a tape measure to measure the width, depth, and height of the inside of your cabinet. Also, measure your drawer slides to ensure a proper fit.
- Cut the drawer base. If you’re reusing the old shelf, cut it to match your cabinet’s interior dimensions. This will become the base of your new pull-out drawer.
- Install the drawer slides. Attach one part of the slide to the side of the drawer base. Then attach the matching part inside the cabinet, at the same height and aligned correctly. Use a level to ensure everything is straight so that the drawer won’t tilt or stick.
- Insert the drawer. Slide the drawer base into place along the mounted slides. Push it in and pull it out to make sure it glides smoothly.
Make sure to avoid these common pitfalls:
- Not double-checking measurements. Measure twice, cut once, as the old adage says.
- Skipping the level. Always ensure you’re using and conforming to the measures at the level. A crooked drawer will not slide properly.
- Overloading the drawer. Make sure the weight of your items doesn’t exceed the capacity of the drawer slides.
Utilize the back of the door
Now that you’ve maximized your vertical and wall space, there’s one more you can look at: the back of the bathroom door! Though easy to forget, this underutilized area offers a clever way to store extra essentials.
You can treat this space like a vertical wall by installing hooks, slim racks, or hanging organizers such as a caddy or towel bars. In addition to hanging towels and clothing, you can use them to store medicine or cleaning supplies that don’t have a designated storage space elsewhere.
When selecting materials, opt for stainless steel, brass, or aluminum, as they are durable and resistant to humidity. If you prefer a drill-free option, choose adhesive or magnetic solutions.
Be sure only to choose organizers designed for door use. While bathroom doors are generally sturdy and can support between 50 and 100 pounds, each organizer has its own weight limit you need to consider.
Key tip: To get the most out of it, go for multi-tier racks or install several organizers to use the full height of the door. This also ensures you’re not overloading the organizers by distributing the weight across more tiers. Prioritize placing lighter items on the top tiers and heavier items on the bottom.
Opt for corner shelves or baskets
Bathroom corners can also offer valuable storage space. These corner storage options keep everything within easy reach but out of the way.
Here are some options you can try in your bathroom corners:
- Near the shower. Use a shower basket for storing shower essentials like shampoo bottles, body soap, or loofahs.
- By the sink. Use a tiered shelf for storing makeup products, grooming tools, or skincare items.
- Near the toilet. Use a basket hanger for storing spare toilet paper, air fresheners, or hygiene essentials.
For a cohesive look, choose finishes like chrome or brass, which can effortlessly match various bathroom styles, from modern to classic.
Read more: Less is More: How Minimalism Transforms Home Organization
In conclusion
Having a small bathroom doesn’t have to mean dealing with constant mess or the frustration of tidying up.
As you’ve seen, plenty of smart and stylish storage solutions are available. All require minimum effort and no major renovations. By making the most of your vertical space, adding clever organizers, and choosing multi-functional pieces, you can easily achieve a clean and clutter-free bathroom.
You’ve got everything you need, so why wait? Start with one or two of these hacks today and watch your bathroom transform into an organized, space-efficient sanctuary!
If you want to see more resources on bathroom organization, check out the Home Organization Science Labs. The lab uses the research of the Institute for Life Management Science to produce courses, certifications, podcasts, videos, and other tools. Visit the Home Organization Science Labs today.
Photo by Freepik
