Living in a small space presents storage challenges, especially in a cramped bathroom. As a home renovator and decor enthusiast in San Antonio, I’ve helped many clients transform cluttered, tiny bathrooms into organized oases.
In this article, I’ll share tips to maximize vertical space and multipurpose solutions for storage, decluttering, and maintaining order. With clever solutions and a minimalist mindset, even the smallest powder room can feel like a spa.
Start by decluttering ruthlessly.
Before storing, declutter. Make piles for keep, donate, or toss. Be decisive – if it’s expired, broken, or unused, let it go. Embrace minimalism to avoid clutter. Stick to essential toiletries.
Practical Tips
- Set a 15-minute timer and quickly sort through items. Don’t overthink it!
- Fill a box with expired products, empty containers, and broken items to toss.
- Donate quality used items to shelters, schools, or theater groups.
Utilize Every Inch of Space
Head Up – Install floating shelves or cabinets above the toilet or door to store extra toilet paper, towels, and cleaning supplies. Use over-door hangers.
Build Out – Consider corner shelves for shampoo or decorative items. Repurpose a wall-mounted sink or vanity to allow floor space for a slim shelving unit or cabinet for folded laundry.
Go Vertical – Save floor space in a small bathroom by installing built-in wall cabinets or high shelving for bins and baskets.
Practical Tips
- Measure vertical space for perfect-fit shelving and cabinets.
- Install pull-out drawer organizers under bathroom sinks.
- Use adjustable shower caddies for oddly-shaped corners.
Choose Multipurpose Furnishings
Furniture in a small bath must multitask. Choose items that do so:
Mirror Cabinets – Conceal toiletries and medicines behind the looking glass. Some have charging ports inside!
Shower Caddies – Keep shower essentials at your fingertips with caddies that have adjustable shelves and hooks for razors, loofahs, etc.
Drawer Organizers – Customize your storage with stackable trays and compartments for makeup, hair care items, or first aid supplies.
Corner Shelves – Tuck metal utility shelves into corners to display plants or store cleaning products.
Practical Tips
- Look for 2-in-1 pieces like a cabinet with a built-in laundry hamper.
- Choose furniture with hidden storage, like a bench ottoman with interior bins.
- Evaluate your routine to optimize placement of multi-use furnishings.
Clever solutions for small items
Small items like cotton swabs, hair ties, and bobby pins can easily clutter up surface areas. Stash them cleverly:
Glass Jars – Fill colored glass jars with cotton balls and Q-tips for a pretty, uniform look.
Magnetic Boards – Adhere metal hair clips, bobby pins, tweezers, etc. magnetically to painted metal boards inside cabinets.
Mail Organizers – Slot nail polish bottles into wall-mounted mail sorters for an instant polish library!
Rotating Trays – Spin lip balms and lipsticks on circular trays that pull out of drawers for easy viewing.
Practical Tips
- Group like items in matching containers for visual uniformity.
- Label everything clearly for household organization.
- Assign a “home” for tiny items near where they’ll be used.
- Create zones in drawers or trays.
Maintain Order with Pro Tips
Set yourself up for success with these proven methods:
Group Similar Items – Designate different drawers or bins for skin care, cosmetics, hair products, etc. Buy multiples of frequently used items, like toothpaste or cotton swabs, for dedicated storage for each household member.
See What You Store – Clear plastic bins let you peek inside without pulling everything out while searching. Labeling makes differentiating between bins easier.
Store Seasonally – Keep bulky sweatshirts and beach towels elsewhere and swap them with washcloths or flip flops to match the weather outside.
Clean as You Go – Wipe surfaces and put items back after use to avoid clutter. Use a daily squeegee to prevent shower mold and mildew.
Practical Tips
- Tidy for 5 minutes before bed each night.
- Set reminders to tidy, wipe surfaces and take out the trash or laundry.
- Store cleaning wipes and spray in the shower for easy wall cleaning.
- Use hanging shower caddies with quick-dry mesh pouches.
FAQ
What if I don’t want to make permanent changes?
Are there organization products that don’t require drilling or altering your space? Command strips mount shelves, caddies and storage without nails or residue. Over-the-door hangers create storage space too.
Any specific product recommendations?
I’m a big fan of Zenna Home’s over-the-toilet bathroom cabinets and mDesign’s stackable storage bins and trays. For budget-friendly options, Dollar Tree and IKEA have great organizational solutions. AmazonBasics offers very affordable clear storage cubes and canisters.
How can I prevent moisture damage to my belongings?
Store cotton swabs, cosmetics and medications in airtight containers to protect them from moisture and mildew. If the space lacks ventilation, install an exhaust fan. Use dehumidifying crystals in cabinets to soak up excess moisture.
Do you have advice for renters?
As a renter, I know the struggle! Avoid permanent changes like drilling into tile or fixtures. Use Command strip adhesives for removable storage solutions. Also utilize over-the-door organizers, tension curtain rods, and freestanding shelving on wheels.
I hope these tips help you with small bathrooms. Let me know if you have more questions – I’m happy to help!
Final Thoughts
With creativity and commitment, even the smallest bathroom can be a relaxing refuge. I hope these practical tips help you organize your tiny bath into a clutter-free oasis. Let me know your favorite space-saving solutions or organizing dilemma I can help with!
