Apartment living is all about maximizing your space, especially when it comes to the bathroom. Whether you’re a cosmetics collector or a makeup minimalist, mastering small bathroom storage presents challenges for renters of all lifestyles.
The key to conquering apartment bathroom storage is to find effective space-saving solutions. From decluttering your counter to organizing your drawers, organizing a small bathroom is simple if you have the right tools and methods. So, if you’re tired of wasting time rummaging through bathroom drawers or cabinets, we’re here to help! Below, we’ve compiled a list of bathroom organization ideas to help you conquer apartment storage once and for all.
Understanding Your Space and Inventory
Organizing a bathroom isn’t rocket science. However, it can be difficult for renters with product excess. This is why it’s important to understand your inventory and available space before you begin organizing. Perhaps you’re someone with a 15-step skincare routine or more haircare products than you can count. In these instances, it’s important to evaluate your current setup to determine what’s working for you, what isn’t, and how this can guide your organization strategy moving forward.
Below, we’ve outlined steps for evaluating your apartment bathroom’s space and inventory to unlock its storage potential.
Measure the space
Measuring should always be your first step in the organization process. With a tape measure in hand, go around your bathroom and find dimensions for your floor space, wall space, cabinet space, and any other storage areas. Take note of these measurements when you’re compiling your storage supplies. You won’t want to make the mistake of buying an item that doesn’t fit!
Do some decluttering
Have you ever opened your bathroom drawer to find not one, not two, but three versions of the same product? If this is you, it’s time to declutter. Before you begin organizing, take time to discard any bathroom products you don’t need. Ask yourself, “What purpose does this item serve?” or “When was the last time I used this item?” If your answers indicate little purpose or usage, that item should be donated or thrown away. Your goal is to eliminate product excess and start fresh before investing in storage solutions.
Identify your needs
Once decluttering is done, look at the remaining items to determine your storage needs. If you’re a skincare fanatic, maybe you’ll need a shelf completely dedicated to face products. Or, if you often have guests, perhaps you’ll need a roomy storage cabinet for extra towels and linens. Understanding your needs will help you maximize your space’s potential and make informed decisions about storage solutions.
Consider accessibility
You should also consider accessibility when identifying your needs. Think about who will be using the bathroom and what they’ll need to access regularly. For example, a guest room might have an accessible shelf for fresh towels and linens. Meanwhile, a master bath might have his and hers toothbrush holders and skincare drawers. Consider who uses the items and how often they will use them to avoid misplacing products in hard-to-reach areas.
Finding Storage Solutions
Now, on to the fun part! It’s time to start organizing. During this step, you’ll have the opportunity to get creative and completely transform your space. Think drawer dividers, floating shelves, shower hooks --- bathroom storage galore! Keep reading to explore different tools and methods for elevating your apartment bathroom storage.
Cabinets
Apartment bathrooms come in many different sizes. However, they all typically have one thing in common: cabinets. Renters will find under-the-sink cabinets in almost every bathroom, from half-baths to masters. Built-in cabinets often become a catch-all for bathroom storage, making them quickly susceptible to clutter and disorganization. However, you can avoid this by trying out the following cabinet storage solutions:
- Stackable bins/baskets
- Shelf risers
- Lazy Susans
- Over-the-door cabinet bins/baskets
- Under-the-sink tension rods
- Additional stand-alone storage cabinets
- Cabinet door magnets
Drawers
Drawers are another storage tool you’ll find in almost any bathroom. But, like cabinets, they can get cluttered quickly. We’ve all had moments of rummaging through a drawer, digging and digging until we can find one specific product. This can be very frustrating, especially if you’re running out the door. To end the frustration and get back those minutes wasted, consider some of the following drawer cabinet storage solutions:
- Drawer dividers
- Acrylic trays
- Designated drawers, such as a makeup drawer, a hair tool drawer, etc.
- Countertop mini drawers
- Magnetic drawer strips
Wall space
Renters sometimes forget about a wall’s storage potential. When cabinets and drawers are stuffed, implementing wall storage solutions can help with excess. Wall storage is also a great way to keep products easily accessible without cluttering the counter. Consider some of the following vertical storage solutions to achieve ultimate bathroom organization:
- Floating shelves
- Wall-mounted storage cabinets
- Over-the-door organizers
- Wall hooks for towels, bath robes, etc.
- Mirror medicine cabinets
- Ladder towel racks
- Over-the-toilet storage
- Wall shower caddies
Combining Style and Function
For many renters, organizing an apartment bathroom is more about function. It’s also an opportunity to enhance apartment aesthetics! Whether installing a sleek acrylic skincare shelf or draping bath towels on a rustic ladder, take this opportunity to infuse your personal style into your bathroom organization. Check out some of our tips for combining style and function for bathroom storage.
Choose Stylish Storage Solutions
Choosing stylish storage solutions is a great way to add a personal touch to your apartment bathroom. From sleek glass jars on your countertop to textured wicker baskets for your cabinets, your bathroom styling is completely up to you! Whether your vibe is boho, modern, or retro, find ways to make your bathroom truly feel like yours with stylish storage solutions.
Coordinate Colors
Another great way to combine style and functionality is to coordinate colors. For a cohesive look, try to match your storage solutions with the color scheme of your bathroom. Perhaps your shower curtain and bath towels are the same color. In this case, consider embellishing your bathroom with matching storage solutions, like baskets, shelving, or over-the-counter organizers.
Add Embellishments
Don’t be afraid to add some flair to your storage! Adding embellishments can really enhance your space and transform organizers into décor pieces. For example, hanging shelves are a great vessel for bathroom décor. These are perfect for adding additional embellishments like potted plants, light fixtures, candles, and more.
Maintaining Your Organized Space
Organizing is the easy part. Maintaining organization is the challenge. While getting your bathroom into tip-top shape feels rewarding, this feeling won’t last if you can’t maintain the space. This can be challenging for those who are not naturally tidy. However, there are strategies you can implement to maintain storage upkeep and keep your apartment bathroom tidy and functional year-round.
Create a Cleaning Routine
The best tip for apartment bathroom upkeep is to create a cleaning routine. Choose a time once a week to clean and declutter your bathroom where you can scrub surfaces and put away left-out products. During this time, you can also survey your cosmetics and throw out empties or unused products. Doing so will help you maintain your space and minimize excess.
Keep Daily Essentials Accessible
Having easy access to your daily essentials will minimize messes. This could include items like your toothbrush, contact lenses, face wash, and moisturizer. When organizing, create a designated place for these daily essentials so you can always have them on hand. This will make your daily routine easier and prevent clutter from forming on your counter or in your drawers.
Adapt and Adjust
Your bathroom storage needs might change over time, and that’s okay! Don’t be afraid to pivot and change up your storage setup. Whether you need to make room for a significant other’s toiletries or some additional products of your own, you can always add new storage solutions and reorganize your items.
Remember, effective apartment bathroom organization hinges on understanding your space, utilizing space-saving solutions that combine function and style, and maintaining organization with regular cleaning. With these tips and strategies, you can transform your small apartment bathroom into an organized oasis.
