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Unique Bathroom Closet Organization Ideas to Try
I have a tiny bathroom closet, and organizing it is a little bit challenging. I’ve been working on reorganizing it lately, and I’m going to share some experiments I’ve tried.
So this won’t be the usual bathroom closet advice, which is typically bins, labels, repeat. Sure, that’s useful, but if your closet is small, awkward, or already pretty well organized but still not working for you, you need something more specific.
These tips focus on how you actually use the space, not how it looks in photos.
These bathroom closet organization ideas will help you make the most use of a small bathroom closet. Your linen closet can store your towels, toiletries, toilet paper and more.
There are several big advantages to organizing a bathroom closet well. First, you’ll be able to put more in it. Bathroom storage is often at a premium, so you want to use the space the best way you can.
Second, you’ll be able to see at a glance what you’re out of and need to buy. This makes it easy to know when you need to restock items like toothpaste, shampoo, lotions, etc.
This can be a surprisingly fun and rewarding home organization project. With just a few storage solutions, you can turn a jumbled closet into a real asset.
Organize by Routine, Not by Category
Instead of grouping items by type, group them by when you use them.
Create zones like “weekday mornings,” “gym days,” or “going out.” A small basket for each routine holds only what you reach for during that moment.
Your daily basket might have deodorant, skincare basics, cosmetics and hair products. Your going out basket might hold extra cosmetics and hair products. This cuts down on digging and decision fatigue.
Create a Zone for Half‑Used Products
Most clutter comes from products that are not empty but not loved. Designate one small bin for these items. The rule is that when it’s full, you must finish something before adding another.
This keeps backups under control and forces products to earn their place. It’s not about being strict. It’s about stopping the slow creep of clutter.
Turn the Floor Into a Pull‑Out Pantry
If your closet has floor space, use low rolling bins or narrow carts. These slide out like drawers and are perfect for heavy items or items you don’t reach for that often – think extra shampoo, cleaning supplies, or bulk toilet paper.
For this, I use Iris Stacking Drawers. I have had these for over a decade. The drawers pull out smoothly and they stack easily. They’re sturdy and have held a lot of weight during long distance moves. They give you easy access to items inside.
You’re using depth instead of stacking, which makes everything easier to reach and easier to put back.
Store Things Backward on Purpose – at First
This one sounds strange, but it works. Place products with the label facing backward. When you use something, turn it forward.
Over time, the forward‑facing items show what you actually use. Anything still backward after a few months is a strong candidate for donating or tossing. No tracking apps needed.
Build a Dumping Ground Shelf
Reserve one shelf as a landing zone. This is where things go when you don’t have time to put them away properly.
The rule is simple: the reset shelf must be cleared once a week. It keeps the rest of the closet organized even on busy days, which is when systems usually fall apart.
Use Height for Mood, Not Storage
The highest shelf is annoying to access, so use it for special things you don’t reach for that often. Store things tied to mood or season, like spa supplies, bath salts, candles, or rarely used grooming tools.
When you reach for that shelf, it feels worth it, not inconvenient. It also keeps everyday items where your hands naturally go.
Need a Total Reorganization?
If it’s time for a total reorganization, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Bathroom closets don’t need to look like the cover of Pretentious Spa Magazine (not a real magazine). They just need to work on tired mornings and rushed evenings.
Decide How To Arrange
Are you using a zoning system like I described above? Or do you want toiletries all on one shelf and paper goods and towels on another?
Those are just two examples. Pick your method, and then get started!
Decluttering Is Always a Good Start
A total reorg is always the right time for a declutter.
First, get rid of anything you don’t need from your linen closet. Then you can really see how much space you have to work with, and what needs to be kept in it.
You might even find yourself with more room than you thought, and be able to put a few other items away!
Throw away any expired cosmetics
There aren’t a lot of hard and fast rules about products without expiration dates, but use your best judgment. If it looks or smells different than it used to, throw it out.
Get rid of anything you no longer use
So what if it’s a beautiful blush color if it didn’t look good on you and you can’t use it? Give it away if it’s in good shape. Otherwise, recycle or throw it away.
Consider getting rid of duplicate items
Do you have several nearly identical make up brushes, and always end up using the same one? Remember the 6 Month Decluttering Rule.
Arrange Items by Category
However you’ve decided to set up your “zones” or categories, it’s time to group them together. Take a look at how much room each category needs, and start thinking about how to make it work.
Also remember to think of anything you wish would fit in there, because maybe by the time you’re done organizing, it will!
Gather your Bins, Drawers and Baskets
At this point, you might need some containers to maximize your storage space and keep things from falling over or through. Especially if you’re dealing with a small bathroom closet.
Now, if you’re on a budget, you can make your own bins – sort of. Sturdy shoe boxes, parcel boxes, etc., make decent ad hoc shelving bins that can last for years. But they don’t clean up or handle spills as well as plastic.
In my opinion, clear (see-through) plastic storage bins are worth buying. They hold things upright and they’re easy to clean. And because they’re clear, you can see what you have – and don’t have – at a glance.
Some great bins I’ve used:
Open Plastic Bins
These clear bins aren’t enclosed in a frame like the drawers, so they’re super easy to pull out, grab what you need, and slide back into place. They clean up easily, and being clear shows what’s inside so you don’t have to hunt around.
Woven Storage Baskets
Baskets look beautiful and they’re great for holding hand towels or bedsheets. You might think they wouldn’t hold up, but they last for ages.
The storage baskets are also great for holding jars. You can buy a jar for cotton balls or swabs, or you can repurpose a condiment jar and even decorate it to make it pretty.
I don’t recommend them for liquid products. It’s so much easier to clean leaked conditioned from a plastic bin than a basket.
Over the Door Shelves
Shelving that attaches to the bathroom closet door can maximize your storage and put often-used items right where you need them.
What have you found that works for your bathroom closet organization?
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