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How to Organise a Small Bathroom: 8 Simple Steps
Struggling with a small bathroom? Here's how to maximise your space:
- Use Vertical Space: Install wall-mounted shelves and hooks to free up floor space.
- Choose Multi-functional Items: Opt for mirrored cabinets or storage ladders to double up on functionality.
- Divide Zones: Organise areas for grooming, cleaning supplies, and linens to save time and reduce clutter.
- Optimise Under-Sink Storage: Use tiered drawers, U-shaped dividers, and moisture-resistant containers.
- Add Door-Mounted Storage: Use over-the-door organisers for towels and toiletries.
- Organise Drawers: Use dividers and stackable trays to keep everything tidy.
- Incorporate Movable Storage: Rolling carts or slim towers can adapt to your needs.
- Upgrade Fixtures: Install smart vanities, medicine cabinets, or combination units to maximise space.
Quick Tip: Keep 25% of storage areas empty to avoid future clutter.
Genius Small Bathroom Organization Ideas
Step 1: Remove and Sort Bathroom Items
Start by clearing everything out - empty cabinets, drawers, and countertops. Did you know UK bathrooms often contain 5-7 expired products? That’s according to recent surveys[1].
Group Items into Three Categories
- Daily Essentials: Think toothbrushes, toothpaste, and hand soap - stuff you use every day.
- Weekly Items: These are your occasional-use products like hair masks or specialty skincare.
- Rarely Used: Things like guest toiletries or seasonal items.
"The most common mistake is keeping partially used products 'just in case'. If it's more than 75% empty or hasn't been touched in 6 months, it's time to let go", says professional organiser Sarah Thompson[3].
Check Expiration Dates
Toss anything past its prime - like that mascara from three months ago, prescription creams from last year, or hotel toiletries opened over six months ago[1][2]. Clearing these out frees up space for what you actually use.
Set Reasonable Limits
In a typical 3m² UK bathroom, aim for these quantities:
- One open product plus one backup for essentials
- Two towels per household member
- Travel-sized items only if you’ve got a trip planned[4][5]
Once sorted, store your essentials efficiently. Vertical storage solutions, like a wall-mounted bamboo cabinet, are perfect for saving space. Keep about 25% of your storage areas empty to avoid future clutter[6].
With everything streamlined, you're ready to move on to maximizing space with smart storage options (Step 2).
Step 2: Use Wall Space Effectively
Make the most of your wall space by organizing it into three zones: keep daily essentials at eye level (around 1.5m), place weekly-use items slightly higher (1.7m), and store less-used products above 1.8m[6]. This approach turns unused wall areas into practical storage.
Create Accessible Zones
"Corner shelves installed 20cm deep above toilets can store 12-15 rolled towels while maintaining a clean aesthetic. The key is choosing moisture-resistant materials and proper weight distribution", says Ben Soreff, a professional organizer[6].
Adhesive towel hooks (starting at £12.99) are a simple way to begin. Arrange them in a staggered pattern to fit 6-8 hooks per square metre while keeping everything easy to reach[7].
Installation Tips
Considering typical UK humidity:
- Install shelves at least 1m away from showers.
- Opt for shelf depths of 15-20cm.
- Space shelves 30cm apart for balance and accessibility.
Space-Saving Ideas:
- Magnetic strips for small items like razors or tweezers (£8-12).
- Clear acrylic containers for quick visibility.
- Removable adhesive solutions - perfect for renters.
Important Reminders:
- Avoid exceeding shelf weight limits.
- Keep frequently used items within a 60° eye-level range.
- Leave about 25% of shelf space empty for flexibility.
Next: Learn how to turn under-sink space into a functional storage area (Step 3).
Step 3: Set Up Under-Sink Storage
Make the most of your under-sink space with clever storage solutions that work around plumbing. Professional organizer Caroline Solomon says, "The key is to work around plumbing while maintaining easy access to daily essentials."
Use Vertical Space
Add instant levels with a tiered drawer unit like the IKEA VARIERA (£12). For areas obstructed by pipes, U-shaped dividers (£9.99 at Lakeland) are a great option. Since most UK bathroom sinks have a depth clearance of 25-35cm, be sure to measure before buying any storage items.
Smart Storage Containers
Keep your daily essentials organized with front-facing containers that match the accessibility zones you set up in Step 2:
- Really Useful Boxes (from £5) for cleaning supplies
- Clear stackable bins like IKEA SKUBB boxes (£6/pack) or ventilated plastic bins (£3-£8 at B&Q)
Protect Against Moisture
To keep items safe from moisture damage, install a wire shelf (£15 at Bathroom Storage Solutions) to lift items off the cabinet floor. Add silica gel packs (£2 for 10) to manage humidity. For extra protection, check out Bathroom Cabinet Liners, which are specifically designed for damp spaces.
Improve Accessibility
Make everything easy to reach with these tools:
- Pull-out wire baskets (£22-£35) with smooth-glide mechanisms
- Turntables (£8-£15) for hard-to-reach corners
- Door-mounted storage (£4.50 at Cabinet Organisers)
Expert Tips
- Group similar items in clear containers and label them for quick identification.
- Use a tension rod to hang spray bottles, saving floor space.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading your storage - stick to 75% capacity.
- Using mismatched containers that create clutter.
- Blocking access to plumbing, which can cause unnecessary hassle.
Check your under-sink storage every few months to keep everything organized and easy to access. Once that's sorted, it's time to explore vertical storage options in Step 4.
Step 4: Add Door-Mounted Storage
Turn your bathroom door into a handy storage area with clever door-mounted solutions. This builds on Step 2's vertical storage idea while taking advantage of the often-overlooked door space.
Top Door Storage Options
Looking for ideas? The Door Storage Collection has some great picks for small bathrooms:
- Multi-Pocket Organisers: The Dunelm Mesh Over-Door Organiser (£12.99) comes with 8 clear compartments, making it easy to find and grab what you need.
- Towel Storage: John Lewis offers a bamboo towel rack (£45) that holds up to 4 towels without taking up much space. For a shower-friendly option, the IKEA TISKEN Storage Caddy (£9) is made from rust-proof steel, perfect for damp conditions.
Installation Tips
Before installing, measure your door's thickness (most UK doors are 35-40mm). Use protective pads to avoid scratching and keep the total weight under 5kg to prevent damage.
Organising Smartly
The mDesign Over Door Bathroom Storage Organiser (£24.99) is a great choice for keeping things tidy. It features:
- 24 pockets in various sizes
- Durable, reinforced seams
- Shower-safe materials
- Non-slip grips to keep it secure
To make the most of it, group items by how often you use them. Use clear pockets for daily essentials and distribute the weight evenly to avoid straining the door.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Stuffing pockets beyond their limit
- Blocking the door from closing properly
- Using materials that aren't waterproof near the shower
- Opting for opaque organisers that make it hard to see what's inside
Once you've maximized your vertical surfaces, it's time to tackle drawer organisation next.
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Step 5: Organize Drawers with Compartments
Now that you’ve optimized your vertical surfaces and doors, it’s time to tackle the drawers. Keep skincare tools in one section and makeup applicators in another to avoid cross-contamination and make everything easier to find.
Smart Drawer Solutions
Look for organizers that combine storage and sorting. Stackable trays are a great choice. Check out these options:
- The Range's acrylic cosmetic organizers (£6.99): Adjustable compartments measuring 30x15cm.
- Dunelm's bamboo drawer dividers (£12): Perfect for creating flexible sections.
- IKEA's SKÅDIS pegboard accessories (£8-£15): Ideal for shallow drawers, around 10cm deep.
Professional Tips
Ben Soreff suggests stackable jewelry trays for small items like hairpins and cotton buds [6]. To make your drawers work more efficiently:
- Keep compartments no more than 75% full [5].
- Use non-slip liners to keep everything in place.
- Add temporary labels during setup to guide family members.
Space-Saving Tricks
Use tiered risers to store folded washcloths vertically - this keeps them easy to grab while saving space. For shallow drawers, try the Magnetic Storage Collection to add vertical layers for items like tweezers and nail clippers.
Make a habit of checking your drawers monthly. Toss expired products, reorganize misplaced items, and give everything a quick clean.
Next, we’ll dive into flexible storage options in Step 6.
Step 6: Add Movable Storage Units
After setting up fixed storage areas, it's time to bring in movable storage solutions. These portable units can adjust to your bathroom's changing needs. According to UK organizers, movable units can improve storage efficiency by up to 40% in bathrooms smaller than 4m²[1].
Popular Mobile Storage Options
- RÅSKOG Cart: This three-tier cart (£35-45) is perfect for vertically storing daily essentials, linens, and cleaning supplies[9].
- Premium Bamboo Storage Tower: Priced at £89.99, this slim-profile unit features adjustable shelves, ideal for corners and tight spaces.
Smart Placement Strategies
Place rolling units in 45cm gaps between fixtures. Use anti-slip matting to keep them stable. Store frequently used items on the middle shelves for quick and easy access.
Protect Against Moisture
To combat humidity, opt for ventilated storage units and wipe them down weekly with anti-mould wipes. Keep a 5cm gap between the unit and the wall to allow proper airflow.
Budget-Friendly Storage Ideas
Everyday items can double as budget-friendly bathroom storage:
| Solution | Description |
|---|---|
| Kitchen utility cart | Repurpose a £20 kitchen cart with a waterproof spray for bathroom use. |
| Plastic stackable drawers | Costing £15-25, these are great for organizing makeup and smaller items. |
| Over-toilet unit | A £30-45 option for maximizing vertical space above the toilet. |
Another great option is the Compact Rolling Organiser (£24.99). It’s designed for narrow spaces (as small as 15cm) and includes built-in hooks for hanging items like hairdryers and straighteners, along with three tiers of storage.
Once you've set up flexible storage, the next step is to maintain order through consistent habits (Step 7).
Step 7: Keep Up with Regular Organization
Movable units (from Step 6) can help, but sticking to consistent habits is what really keeps clutter at bay. In fact, studies show that bathrooms with regular upkeep are 65% more likely to stay tidy over time[1].
Daily Maintenance Routine
These simple tasks take just 5 minutes and go a long way:
- Wipe down surfaces with a microfiber cloth to keep things clean.
- Hang towels properly to dry and avoid musty smells.
- Do a quick evening tidy-up to reset the space for the next day.
Monthly Deep Clean Schedule
The Bathroom Organisation Calendar (£12.99) is a handy tool to keep track of monthly cleaning tasks[5]:
- Week 1: Scrub grout and tiles thoroughly.
- Week 2: Check and restock your cleaning supplies.
- Week 3: Wash bath mats, shower curtains, and other textiles.
- Week 4: Declutter shelves, drawers, and storage areas.
Quarterly Organization Check-In
Every three months, take a closer look at your under-sink (Step 3) and door storage (Step 4) setups[1]. This is a good time to adjust your systems to match any changes in your habits or storage needs.
Smart Storage Solutions
Adding the right tools can make your systems even better. For example, the Smart Bathroom Organiser (£45.99) comes with built-in humidity sensors and inventory tracking. It’s designed to help you stay on top of clutter before it even starts[10].
Once you’ve got these daily and periodic routines down, you’ll be ready to move on to the final touches in Step 8.
Step 8: Install Storage-Smart Fixtures
With daily routines now in place (Step 7), it's time to make lasting improvements by adding fixtures that maximize vertical storage, as outlined in Steps 2-4. Surveys reveal that smart storage solutions can boost usable space by up to 30% in bathrooms smaller than 5 square meters[8].
Smart Vanity Options
The Roper Rhodes Scheme 600mm Wall Mounted Vanity (£399) is a great choice for compact spaces. It features:
- Built-in drawer organizers
- Soft-close mechanisms
- Moisture-resistant materials
- Hidden storage compartments
This wall-mounted design not only complements the vertical storage strategies from Step 2 but also frees up floor space, making cleaning easier and giving the room a more open feel[1].
Upgraded Medicine Cabinets
The Smart Storage Medicine Cabinet (£175.99) is a practical addition, offering:
- Adjustable shelves with an anti-fog mirror
- Integrated lighting and charging ports
- Convenient storage for everyday items
Compact Combination Units
To save even more space, consider a toilet-sink combo. The Compact Plus Combined Unit (£449) reduces the overall footprint of fixtures, aligning with Step 1's focus on decluttering. These units can cut floor space usage by up to 50% compared to separate pieces[9].
| Fixture Type | Space Saved |
|---|---|
| Wall-Mounted Vanity | 15-20cm depth |
| Smart Medicine Cabinet | Utilizes vertical space |
| Toilet-Sink Combo | Up to 50% footprint |
Shower Storage Enhancements
Bring Step 4's door storage ideas into the shower with built-in solutions. The Rainfall Storage Shower Head (£129.99) combines functionality with style, offering:
- An integrated storage shelf
- Water-resistant compartments
- Anti-limescale nozzles
- A sleek chrome finish[7]
These fixtures not only improve storage but also help you maintain a clean, organized, and efficient bathroom space.
Making Your Small Bathroom Work Better
Bringing together vertical storage (Steps 2-4), smart fixtures (Step 8), and consistent maintenance habits (Step 7) can transform your bathroom into a more functional and pleasant space. Organized bathrooms, as highlighted in Steps 3 and 5, can cut cleaning time by up to 30% and positively impact the mood of 70% of homeowners[11].
Tracking Your Progress
Keep tabs on how well your changes are working with these measurable improvements:
| Metric | Expected Change | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Item Search Time | 50% quicker | 2-3 weeks |
| Cleaning Time | 30% faster | 1 month |
| Storage Efficiency | 40% better utilization | Immediate |
| Morning Routine | Save 15-20 minutes | 1 week |
Keeping It Organized
To maintain your results:
- Dedicate 5 minutes each night to putting items back where they belong (Step 7).
- Use the Bathroom Storage Checklist for guidance.
- Stick with Step 7's maintenance routine, reviewing your setup monthly.
Expert Advice
Experts agree: good storage systems can help prevent moisture damage, which can extend the lifespan of bathroom products by as much as 40%[12].
Staying organized in a small bathroom requires ongoing effort, but by following these eight steps and sticking to simple maintenance habits, you’ve set up a system that can keep your space efficient and enjoyable for years to come.
FAQs
How to organize a small bathroom without cabinets?
Make the most of vertical storage with these ideas:
- Add floating shelves above fixtures.
- Use wall-mounted baskets near the shower.
- Install corner shower caddies.
- Opt for over-the-door organizers.
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, these strategies can help optimize space in bathrooms smaller than 4m² [5]. Check out our bathroom storage collection for product suggestions.
How do you organize a small bathroom with no storage space?
Blend daily maintenance habits (Step 7) with practical space-saving solutions. The National Kitchen and Bath Association notes that 68% of small bathroom remodels in 2024 included smart storage fixtures from Step 8 [1].
Here are some effective ideas:
- Built-in wall niches (starting at £150) free up 37% of space by utilizing wall interiors.
- Slim mirror cabinets (starting at £80) reclaim 25% of vertical space.
- Door organizers for quick access to essentials.
- Custom under-sink systems to maximize unused areas (see Step 3).
For more tips, visit our DIY storage guide.
Stick to Step 7's daily habits and try the "one in, one out" rule to prevent clutter. This approach has been shown to improve organization success rates by 70% [2].