When it comes to bathroom organization, the closet is often an overlooked space. But with the right tools and strategies, you can transform it into a functional and stylish storage area. In this article, we will explore 10 ways to maximize the potential of your bathroom closet and keep it neat.
Brenda Scott, a professional organizer, says that a well-organized bathroom closet can make it much easier to find what you need and keep the space looking pleasing to the eye. “When the contents of a bathroom closet are organized, it not only makes it easier to find items like towels, toiletries, and medication, but it also helps to create a sense of calm and order in the room,” she says.
So, where should you start? According to Lilian Bernstein, an expert from Better Homes and Gardens, the first step is to declutter your bathroom closet. “Take inventory of what you have and get rid of any expired or unused items,” she advises. “This will free up space and make it easier to store the essentials.” Once you’ve decluttered, you can then begin organizing the remaining items.
One popular strategy is to use baskets and bins: “Group like items together in baskets or bins and label them,” suggests Scott. “This not only keeps everything organized, but it also makes it easier to find what you need.” You can use baskets to store towels, toiletries, and other everyday items, while bins can be used for storing medication or as a designated space for kids’ bath toys.
Another idea is to use the doors and walls of your bathroom closet for storage. Lilian Bernstein recommends installing hooks or racks on the back of the closet door to hang towels or robes. You can also use adhesive hooks inside the closet to hang loofahs, shower caps, or other small items. Brenda Scott also suggests using a hanging organizer with pockets to store smaller items like makeup brushes or hair accessories.
If you have a smaller bathroom closet, consider using the inside of the door for storage, or install a built-in shelf above the toilet or countertop. This will help to maximize the vertical space and keep your bathroom essentials within easy reach. “When you have limited storage space, it’s important to think creatively and make the most of every inch,” says Lilian Bernstein.
In conclusion, organizing your bathroom closet is a worthwhile endeavor that will save you time and frustration in the long run. Whether you choose to use baskets, bins, hooks, or shelves, the key is to find a system that works for you and stick to it. With these 10 tips, you’ll have a well-organized and functional bathroom closet that will never leave you searching for that lost hand towel again.
Organizing a bathroom closet
When it comes to organizing your bathroom closet, maximizing the space and keeping it neat can be a challenge. However, with the right shelves and storage ideas, you can create a functional and organized space that will make it easier to find what you need.
Utilize the space with shelves
One of the best ways to maximize the potential of your bathroom closet is by installing shelves. They can help you take advantage of vertical space and provide a designated spot for smaller items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and extra toilet paper.
Get creative with storage ideas
If you’re looking for storage ideas that will make the most of your bathroom closet, think outside the box. Consider using baskets or bins to store items like towels, washcloths, or even medication. This will help keep everything organized and easy to access.
Keep like items together
When organizing your bathroom closet, it’s important to keep like items together. This will make it easier to find what you need and prevent you from losing track of certain items. For example, keep all of your towel sets together and store them on the same shelf. The same goes for cleaning supplies or toiletries.
Utilize built-in shelves or organizers
If your bathroom closet has built-in shelves or organizers, make sure to use them to your advantage. These can be great for storing smaller items like makeup or hair accessories. Take the time to arrange your items in a way that makes sense to you and makes them easy to grab when needed.
Consider using labels
If you have a tendency to forget where you’ve stored certain items, consider using labels to help you remember. This can be especially helpful if you have multiple people using the same bathroom closet. Labeling shelf space or storage bins will make it easy for everyone to locate what they need without rummaging through the entire closet.
Don’t forget about the back of the door
When organizing a bathroom closet, don’t overlook the back of the door as a potential storage solution. Installing hooks or racks can provide a convenient spot to hang towels or robes, while also making the most of unused space.
Get professional advice
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to best organize your bathroom closet, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. There are experts who specialize in organizing small spaces like closets, and they can provide valuable insight and guidance.
Stay on top of organization
Once you have your bathroom closet organized, it’s important to stay on top of maintaining it. Regularly go through the contents of your closet and make sure everything is in its proper place. This will help prevent the space from becoming cluttered and make it easier to find what you need.
In conclusion, organizing a bathroom closet can be a challenge, but with proper planning and the right storage solutions, you can create a functional and organized space. Utilize shelves, get creative with storage ideas, keep like items together, and don’t forget about the back of the door. Consider using labels and seeking professional advice if needed. By staying on top of organization, you can ensure your bathroom closet remains neat and easy to navigate.
1 Decide what should be in the bathroom closet
Before organizing your bathroom closet, it’s important to decide what items should actually be stored in it. Lilian Scott, a professional organizer, suggests taking stock of the items you currently have in your bathroom and thinking about what should be kept in the closet. “Decide what items should be stored there and what items should be stored somewhere else,” she says. This will help you declutter and create a more organized space.
Brenda Bernstein, an expert in organizing, also advises checking the expiration dates on medication and other items stored in the bathroom. “We’ve all had the experience of reaching for medication only to find that it’s expired,” she says. “By regularly checking the expiration dates of the items stored in your bathroom closet, you can ensure that you have what you need and avoid wasting space on expired products.”
Janet Gardens, a professional organizer and author, recommends using baskets or dividers to categorize the items in your bathroom closet. “This makes it easier to find what you’re looking for and keeps everything neat and organized,” she says. “For example, you can use one basket to store towels, another for toiletries, and another for cleaning supplies.”
If you have a smaller bathroom closet, you might also consider storing some items on a built-in shelf or countertop. “This will help free up space in the closet and make it easier to reach the items you use most often,” says Janet.
In addition to organizing your bathroom closet, it’s also important to keep the contents aesthetically pleasing. Lilian Scott suggests using storage containers and organizers that match the overall theme and style of your bathroom. “This will make the space feel more cohesive and visually appealing,” she says.
When organizing your bathroom closet, it’s always helpful to seek advice from professionals like Lilian Scott, Brenda Bernstein, and Janet Gardens. They can provide expert tips and ideas that will help you maximize the potential of your bathroom closet and keep it neat and organized.
2 Create individual areas for family members
One of the best ways to keep your bathroom closet organized is to create individual areas for each family member. This makes it easier for everyone to find what they need and ensures that items don’t get mixed up with each other. With expert advice, we’ve come up with a few tips on how to create these individual areas:
- Decide on the organization system: Before you start organizing, decide on the best system for your family. That’s where an expert organizer or professional can come in handy. They should check what items you have on hand and give you advice on the best way to store them.
- Designate a space for each family member: Assign a specific shelf or section of the closet for each family member. This will help keep their items separate and easily accessible.
- Consider the needs of each family member: Think about what each family member uses most often in the bathroom. For example, if someone in your family takes medication regularly, you might want to assign them a space on an easily reachable shelf for medication storage. If someone loves taking long showers, make sure they have a spot for their shower essentials.
- Use labels or color-coded containers: To make it even easier to find items, consider using labels or color-coded containers for each family member. This way, everyone knows exactly where their items are stored.
- Built-in organization: If you’re remodeling your bathroom or building a new one, consider incorporating built-in organization into your design. This can include things like built-in shelves or cabinets specifically designed for storing bathroom items.
Following these tips will help you create individual areas for each family member in your bathroom closet, making it easier for everyone to find what they need and keeping the space organized and visually pleasing.
3 Organize towels
When it comes to organizing your bathroom closet, one important aspect to consider is how to efficiently organize your towels. Towels are an essential item to have in any bathroom, and having them properly organized can make accessing them much easier.
One way to organize your towels is to use an organizer or shelf specifically designed for storing towels. These organizers can be found in various sizes and styles, allowing you to choose one that fits your space and aesthetic preferences. Hanging towel racks are also a popular choice, as they provide easy access to towels and add a decorative touch to your bathroom.
If you have built-in closets or shelves in your bathroom, you can allocate a specific section for storing towels. It’s important to keep the towels neatly folded and stacked, so they don’t take up unnecessary space. This also makes it easier to find the towel you need when getting out of the shower.
Another great option for organizing towels is to use baskets or bins. These can be placed on the shelves or in the closet, and towels can be neatly folded and stored within them. This not only keeps the towels organized but also adds a pleasing visual appeal to the space.
If you have kids in the house, it’s important to think about their needs when organizing towels. Consider using lower shelves or baskets that are within their reach, so they can easily access their own towels. Labeling the shelves or baskets with their names can also help them keep their towels separate and organized.
Professional organizer Janet Bernstein suggests storing the towels closest to where you use them. For example, if you have a countertop close to the shower, you could store a few towels there for easy access. This saves time and eliminates the need to run back to the bathroom closet while you’re still wet.
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to check the contents of your towel collection and decide if there are any towels that can be donated or repurposed. Brenda Scott, a professional organizer, advises keeping only the towels that are in good condition and getting rid of ones that are worn out or no longer used. This helps free up space in your bathroom closet and keeps only the essentials.
4 Be aware of frequent organizing errors
When it comes to organizing a bathroom closet, there are some common mistakes that people often make. These errors can lead to a cluttered and inefficient space, making it difficult to find and access the items you need. Here are a few organizing errors to be aware of:
1. Not using an organizer
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not using an organizer. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, organizers can significantly improve the functionality of your closet. They help you categorize items, maximize storage space, and keep everything in its place.
2. Forgetting about frequently used items
When organizing your bathroom closet, it’s important to keep frequently used items within reach. For example, towels should be stored on shelves or in baskets near the shower or bath. Medication should be kept in an easily accessible spot, but out of reach of children.
3. Overloading shelves and drawers
It can be tempting to cram as much as possible onto your shelves and into your drawers. However, this can lead to a cluttered and disorganized space. Instead, only store items that you actually use and need. If you find yourself constantly struggling to keep your closet organized, it might be time to declutter and get rid of unnecessary items.
4. Neglecting to check expiration dates
Every now and then, it’s important to go through your closet and check the expiration dates of medications, beauty products, and other items. This will help you get rid of anything that is expired or no longer safe to use. It’s also a good idea to regularly check for any leaking or damaged containers that could cause a mess.
By avoiding these common organizing errors, you’ll be able to create a well-organized bathroom closet that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
5 Think like a stylist
When organizing your bathroom closet, it’s important to think like a stylist. A stylist is someone who has an eye for aesthetics and can create visually pleasing arrangements. By applying this mindset to your closet, you can transform an organized space into a stylish and inviting room.
One of the first things to consider is how to decide what items should be kept in the closet. Built-in shelves and baskets are great solutions for storing smaller items, such as toiletries and cleaning supplies. This will help keep the countertop clutter-free and make it easier to find what you need.
It’s also important to keep the overall aesthetic of the bathroom in mind when organizing the closet. If your bathroom has a more traditional or vintage feel, consider using aged wood or metal baskets/shelves to store items. For more modern or contemporary bathrooms, sleek and minimalist organizers will blend well with the overall design.
Brenda Bernstein, a professional organizer and stylist, suggests using clear acrylic or glass organizers for items like cotton balls, Q-tips, and small accessories. This allows you to easily see what’s stored inside and adds a touch of elegance to the closet.
If you have limited space, consider utilizing the back of the closet door. Lilian Scott, a stylist and organization expert, recommends installing hooks or an over-the-door organizer to hold towels, robes, or shower caddies. This maximizes the space within the closet and keeps frequently used items within reach.
When it comes to storing toilet paper, think outside the box. Scott advises using a decorative basket or a toilet paper stand to store extra rolls in a visually appealing way. This not only adds a touch of style to the bathroom but also ensures that you never run out of toilet paper.
6 Deal with deep shelves
If your bathroom closet has deep shelves, it can be tempting to just shove everything to the back and forget about it. But we’ve got some tips to help you make the most of those deep shelves and keep them organized.
- Use a shelf organizer: A shelf organizer will help you maximize the vertical space on your deep shelves. You can stack items on top of each other and still be able to see and access everything easily. Look for organizers with multiple compartments and adjustable dividers to customize the storage space.
- Consider storing items in bins: Bins are a great way to corral smaller items and keep them together. Use clear bins so you can easily see what’s inside without having to dig around. Label the bins to make it even easier to find what you’re looking for.
- Group similar items together: When dealing with deep shelves, it’s important to think about how you organize your items. Group similar items together, such as toiletries or cleaning supplies, so you can easily find what you need without having to search through the entire shelf.
- Use containers for loose items: If you have loose items that tend to get lost in the deep shelves, use containers or small baskets to keep them contained. This can include things like hair accessories, makeup, or medication.
- Utilize the space on the doors: Don’t forget about the space on the doors of your bathroom closet. You can hang over-the-door organizers or hooks to store towels, robes, or other items. This will free up space on the shelves and make everything more accessible.
- Consider built-in shelves: If you have the budget and space, consider installing built-in shelves inside your bathroom closet. This will help you maximize the available space and keep everything organized. You can have custom shelves that perfectly fit your needs and make the most of the deep shelves.
When organizing deep shelves in your bathroom closet, keep in mind that it’s important to regularly check the contents and decide if there are any items you no longer need or use. Brenda Lilian Bernstein, a professional organizer, advises, “Don’t keep items just because you think you might need them someday. Be ruthless and only keep what you truly need and use.”
7 Consider allocating space for other linens
When organizing your bathroom closet, it’s important to not only think about towels and toiletries, but also other linens that you might have in your home. Janet Scott, a professional organizer from Lilian Gardens, suggests allocating space within your bathroom closet for storing these items.
Scott advises, “If you have other linens such as bedding or tablecloths, it can be very helpful to have a designated space in your bathroom closet to store them. This will not only make it easier to find these linens when you need them, but it will also keep them organized and prevent them from getting lost or damaged in other areas of your home.”
One idea is to create shelves or use a built-in organizer within your bathroom closet specifically for these linens. Scott explains, “You can use baskets or bins to separate different types of linens and keep them neatly arranged. This way, when you need a tablecloth for a dinner party or fresh sheets for your guest bedroom, you’ll know exactly where to look.”
When allocating space for other linens, it’s important to keep the size of these items in mind. Scott advises, “If you have large, bulky items like comforters or quilts, you may need to adjust the shelving or consider storing them in a different area of your home. However, smaller items like pillowcases and napkins can easily fit on a shelf or in a designated basket within the bathroom closet.”
Janet Scott adds, “Remember to always think about the contents of your bathroom closet, not just the towels and toiletries. Allocating space for other linens will help you stay organized and make your bathroom closet a functional and pleasing space.”
8 Keep track of small items
When organizing your bathroom closet, it’s important to have a designated space for smaller items. These items can easily get lost in the clutter, so having a system in place to keep them organized is key.
One idea is to use small baskets or bins to group similar items together. For example, you could use a basket to store cotton balls and another one for hair ties and bobby pins. This not only helps to keep everything together, but it also makes it easier to find what you need when you’re in a rush.
You should also think about utilizing the space on the inside of the doors. Hanging organizers with pockets are perfect for storing smaller items like makeup brushes or toothbrushes. They’re convenient because they’re easily accessible and they don’t take up valuable shelf or countertop space.
If you have kids, it’s especially important to have a system for keeping track of their smaller items. Brenda Bernstein, a professional organizer and owner of The Organizing Council, says, “Kids tend to lose things like small toys or jewelry, so having a designated spot for them will help to minimize the clutter and prevent items from getting lost.”
Another tip is to use clear containers or bins to store items like medication or first aid supplies. This not only keeps them organized, but it also allows you to easily see the contents without having to search through multiple containers. Plus, it’s important to keep medication out of reach of young children, so storing them in a labeled container on a higher shelf is a good idea.
For smaller items that can easily get lost, like rubber bands or paper clips, consider using a small drawer organizer. These can be placed on shelves or in built-in drawers, providing a designated spot for these small items.
Finally, if you have limited space in your bathroom closet, Scott Gardens, an expert in bath trends, suggests using a towel bar to hang baskets or buckets. This way, you can store items like washcloths or hand towels within reach.
Overall, when organizing your bathroom closet, it’s important to have a plan for keeping track of small items. Using baskets, organizers, and clear containers can help to keep everything organized and easily accessible. Whether you’re storing medication, small toys, or everyday items like rubber bands, having a designated spot for them will help you find what you need when you need it.
9 Tidy away cleaning products
When organizing your bathroom closet, it’s important to find a dedicated space for your cleaning products. This will ensure that they don’t get lost in the mix and that you have enough room for all your other bathroom essentials.
To keep your bathroom closet looking pleasing and organized, here are some ideas for storing your cleaning products:
- Use a dedicated shelf or cabinet to store your cleaning products. This will make it easier to find them when you need them and will keep them separate from your other bathroom items.
- Consider using a built-in organizer with doors where you can store your smaller cleaning supplies. This will keep them hidden from view and free up space on your other shelves.
- If you have a larger bathroom closet, use a separate shelf or section to store your cleaning products. This will help you keep track of what you have and will make it easier to find them when you need them.
- Place your cleaning products on a higher shelf or in a container with a lid. This will ensure that they’re kept out of reach of children and pets.
- Check the expiration dates on your cleaning products regularly. If they’re past their prime, it’s time to toss them out and make room for new ones.
- Consider using an over-the-door organizer to store your cleaning products. This will free up space on your shelves and make it easier to access them when you need them.
- If you have a smaller bathroom closet, use baskets or bins to store your cleaning products. This will help to keep them organized and prevent them from getting lost in the mix.
- Keep your cleaning products separate from your bath and body items. This will prevent any cross-contamination and will ensure that your medication and other important items are stored separately.
- Consider using a professional organizer for your bathroom closet. They can help you maximize the potential of your space and come up with ideas that you might not have thought of.
Taking the time to organize your bathroom closet will not only make it easier to find your cleaning products when you need them, but it will also free up space on your countertop and make your bathroom feel more organized and put together.
So, take a minute to think about how you want your bathroom closet organized and decide which of these ideas will work best for you. With a little help from these expert tips, your bathroom closet will be neat, tidy, and ready to take on any cleaning task.
10 Create space for hair tools
When organizing your bathroom closet, it’s also important to consider where and how to store your hair tools. These items can take up a lot of space and can easily become tangled or lost if not properly organized. Here are some tips to help you create space for your hair tools:
- Decide on a designated spot: Choose a specific area within your bathroom closet that will be dedicated to storing your hair tools. This will ensure that they are always in the same place and easily accessible.
- Use a hair tool organizer: Invest in a hair tool organizer to keep all your tools together in one place. These organizers usually have compartments and slots specifically designed to hold different types of tools, such as hairdryers, curling irons, and flat irons.
- Consider built-in shelves: If your bathroom closet has built-in shelves, utilize them to store your hair tools. You can install hooks or holders on the shelves to keep the tools within reach.
- Utilize the back of the closet door: The back of the closet door is often an overlooked storage space. Install hooks or racks on the door to hang your hair tools, making them easily accessible while maximizing space.
- Think vertically: Use vertical space to your advantage by installing shelves or racks specifically for your hair tools. This allows you to store the tools without taking up valuable shelf or counter space.
- Consider wall-mounted holders: Wall-mounted holders can be a great space-saving solution for storing your hair tools. These holders can easily be attached to the wall, keeping your tools organized and within reach.
- Keep cords tidy: Use cord organizers or Velcro straps to keep the cords of your hair tools neatly wrapped and out of the way. This not only helps with organization but also prevents the cords from becoming tangled or damaged.
- Store hair tools separately from other items: It’s important to keep your hair tools separate from other items in your bathroom closet to avoid damage. Store them in a designated area or drawer to ensure they stay in good condition.
- Consider the needs of different household members: If you have kids or other family members who use hair tools, consider organizing a separate section or drawer for their tools. This will make it easier for everyone to find what they need.
- Seek professional advice: If you’re unsure about the best way to organize your hair tools, consult a professional organizer. They can provide expert advice and help you find the most efficient and visually pleasing solution for your specific space.
By creating dedicated space for your hair tools in your bathroom closet, you can keep them organized, easily accessible, and in good condition. This can help streamline your daily routine and ensure that you always have your tools on hand when you need them.
What should I keep in my bathroom closet
When it comes to organizing your bathroom closet, it’s important to think about what items you use on a regular basis and what items might be better stored elsewhere. Keeping your bathroom closet organized can make your daily routine much easier and help you find everything you need with minimal effort.
Here are some suggestions for what you can keep in your bathroom closet:
Towels
- Keep a stack of clean towels on one shelf of your bathroom closet. This makes it easy to grab a fresh towel when you need one, and it helps keep your bathroom organized and clutter-free.
Toiletries
- Store your toiletries in small baskets or containers on a shelf in your bathroom closet. This will keep them organized and easy to find when you need them.
Cleaning supplies
- Keep your cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant wipes and bathroom cleaners, in a container or caddy on a shelf in your bathroom closet. This will make it easy to grab them when you need to clean your bathroom.
Medication
- If you have any medication that needs to be stored in a cool, dry place, your bathroom closet might be the perfect spot. Just make sure to keep your medication out of reach of children.
Toilet paper
- Keep a few extra rolls of toilet paper in your bathroom closet so you never run out. This way, you won’t have to make a trip to the store in the middle of the night when you run out.
Personal care items
- If you have any personal care items, such as hair dryers or electric razors, that you use on a regular basis, consider storing them in your bathroom closet. This will keep them easily accessible while keeping your bathroom countertop clear.
Extra bath products
- If you buy bath products in bulk or like to have extras on hand, your bathroom closet is a great place to store them. Just make sure to organize them in a way that makes it easy to find what you need.
Remember, the key to keeping your bathroom closet organized is to only keep items in there that you use on a regular basis. If you find that your bathroom closet is becoming cluttered with items you don’t need or use, it might be time to reorganize and declutter.
How should I organize my towel closet
When it comes to organizing your towel closet, there are a few key factors to consider. With the right strategies and tools, you can maximize your space and keep it neat and tidy.
Janet Scott, a professional organizer from Scott & Bernstein Gardens, says that it’s important to think about how you use your towels and what other items you might want to store in the closet. This will help you decide where to place them for easy access.
1. Utilize shelves and baskets
Having shelves and baskets in your towel closet is a great way to keep things organized. It allows you to separate different types of towels and keep smaller items together.
2. Consider using an organizer
An organizer can help divide your towel closet into sections, making it easier to find and reach for the items you need. There are a variety of organizers available, including ones specifically designed for storing towels.
3. Keep like items together
To make finding things easier, keep like items together. For example, store all bath towels on one shelf and hand towels on another.
4. Use a label system
Labeling shelves and baskets can help you and your family members know where things should go. This will make it easier to keep everything organized and in its proper place.
5. Take advantage of the back of the doors
If you have built-in shelves on the back of the closet doors, make use of them for storing smaller items like toilet paper or medications.
6. Store extra items elsewhere
If your towel closet is limited in space, consider storing extra items elsewhere. For example, you could use a linen closet or a nearby cabinet.
7. Keep kids’ items within reach
If you have young children, store their towels and washcloths within their reach. This will teach them to be more independent when getting ready for a bath or shower.
8. Follow the advice of experts
Experts like Janet Scott suggest organizing towels and other bathroom items by size and frequency of use. The most frequently used towels should be kept at eye level for easy access.
9. Check for expired medications
Regularly check your medication storage within your bathroom closet and dispose of any expired medications. Keeping them together will make it easier to find and remove any that have expired.
10. Keep an inventory of your towel closet
Create an inventory of what you have in your towel closet. This will help you keep track of what you have and avoid purchasing duplicate items.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your towel closet and keep it organized for years to come!