Blog

How to Organize Your Bathroom Vanity, Counter, and Cabinets

A messy, unorganized bathroom can make it difficult when getting ready. A missing tweezer or eyeshadow can be frustrating in the a.m. And where’s the hand lotion?

Here are a few ideas and tips on how to organize your bathroom vanity, and keep bath and beauty essentials organized. No more digging through drawers!

Free Counter Space- Organize Your Bathroom Vanity Top

An open, clutter-free bath countertop is the ultimate goal. Any items not used on a daily basis should be off the counter and stored in drawers or cabinets.

And every item on the counter should be in a container, with the possible exception of your toothbrush.

Organizing With Boxes

Organize your bathroom vanity using chic boxes with lids. These are great for small odds and ends like travel kits, feminine items or extra makeup- those items aren’t used daily. And they look good to boot.

Pretty boxes can be stacked on the countertop or tucked away in a cabinet.

Organizing With Trays & Dishes

If you remove your jewelry when washing your hands, or jumping in the shower, it’s a good idea to keep a small trinket dish or pretty jewelry holder next to the sink. No more lost rings or bracelets.

Corral those numerous bottles of lotions, fragrances and body sprays by setting them on a pretty tray. Grouped together, they’ll naturally look more organized.

If there’s room, add a plant for natural flair.

Are you a makeup junkie? If you have an extensive collection of lipstick, mascara, and eyeshadow, an acrylic makeup organizer might be just the trick.

These handy see-through wonders have spaces uniquely shaped to fit most any type of glam essential. Acrylic makeup organizers are available in two versions- a countertop version and one that fits neatly in a cabinet drawer.

Organizing With Jars & Cups

Protect beauty items such as bath salts, cotton balls, and bar soaps from moisture. Stash them in a decorative jar with a tightly sealed lid. Most any type of decorative jar will do- ceramic, glass, apothecary, etc.

Another great option is creating your own DIY bathroom organizer! Learn how to make it with our easy step-by-step tutorial here.

Pencil cups work great to hold small beauty items such as bobby pins, makeup brushes or Q-tips – things that you use daily.

Tip: If your cup is too tall for some essentials, pour a layer of uncooked rice in the bottom of the cup. This will “lift” shorter items higher, putting them within reach.

Go Up!

If you have extra wall space, you can store items up and out of the way, but easily within arm’s reach. Purchase shelving or pre-made hanging organizers available at home improvement or big box stores.

Or, if you’re a creative DIYer, fashion your own wall organizer from mason jars, a plank of wood and metal hose clamps (found in the plumbing section of hardware stores and home centers). See the handy wall organizer how-to here.

Organize Your Bathroom Cabinet

Step 1- Clean Out the Old and Forgotten

Look under the sink. Is there an old, half-empty bottle of shampoo that has seen its younger days? How about that bargain curling iron that refused to heat properly? It’s time to throw them out.

Find multiples of the same product? Out they go! Any small beauty appliances you no longer need can be given to friends or donated to charity.

Some rarely used items you wish to keep can be moved to a more out-of-the-way spot, elsewhere. When you’ve emptied the shelves and cabinets, wipe them clean with a soft, damp cloth.

Step 2- Group Together Like Items

Separate and group all items you intend to keep by category:

• Haircare products
• Hair accessories
• Small appliances
• Nail care items and nail polish
• Makeup
• Dental products/items
• Feminine products
• Razors and shaving products

Each item should have a drawer, bin, or container-a place to call home.

Stylish Storage Options

Open metal or woven baskets and bins are great for storing often-used items like hairdryers, or over-sized items that won’t fit in a drawer. Also, use open-top baskets to store extra towels or extra toilet tissue.

Not enough storage containers? Pick up a few plastic drawer dividers or drawer bins at a container or big box store.

Use inexpensive makeup bags to store small hair items like headbands, ponytail holders, and bobby pins. This keeps them from getting ‘lost’ in the bath drawer.

Your rushed mornings spent searching through your vanity for the right lipstick are no longer! These organizing techniques for your bathroom vanity or cabinet make everyday life so much easier.

Want to learn more home organization tips? Click here.

Interested in home décor how to’s? Click here.