You know that moment when you open your bathroom cabinet and everything tumbles out like an avalanche of half-empty shampoo bottles and forgotten face creams? Yeah, we’ve all been there.
I spent years playing Jenga with my toiletries every morning until I finally decided enough was enough.Your bathroom cabinet doesn’t have to be a black hole where products go to die.
With a few clever tricks and maybe twenty bucks, you can transform that chaotic mess into an organized sanctuary that would make Marie Kondo proud.
Trust me, I’ve tried every Pinterest hack known to humanity, and I’m here to share the ones that actually work.
Tiered Shelf Bathroom Cabinet Hack
Let’s kick things off with my personal favorite – the tiered shelf system. Remember those expandable spice racks your grandma had in her kitchen? Same concept, but for your bathroom cabinet. I discovered this trick after knocking over my skincare bottles for the millionth time.
You can grab these expandable shelf risers for about $15 at any home goods store. They basically double your storage space by creating levels within your cabinet. Place taller items like mouthwash and body lotion on the bottom tier, then shorter items like face creams and deodorant on top. Suddenly, you can actually see everything you own!
Making It Work for Your Space
The beauty of tiered shelving lies in its adaptability. Measure your cabinet depth first – you want risers that leave about an inch of space in front. This prevents that annoying situation where you can’t close the door properly. I learned this the hard way when my first set stuck out too far.
Pro tip: Get risers with non-slip feet. Nothing ruins your morning faster than hearing a crash from the bathroom because your perfectly organized shelf decided to take a dive.
Clear Acrylic Organizer for Toiletries
Okay, let’s talk about clear acrylic organizers – the unsung heroes of bathroom organization. These transparent beauties let you see exactly what you have without playing hide-and-seek with your favorite lip balm. Plus, they look super sleek and professional, like you actually have your life together.
I started with one small organizer for my daily essentials and ended up buying five more. Why? Because they’re addictive once you see how much easier they make your morning routine. No more digging through a drawer wondering where you put that new mascara you just bought.
Choosing the Right Size
Here’s what works best:
- Small compartments for makeup and small items
- Medium sections for bottles and tubes
- Larger slots for hairbrushes and styling tools
The trick is mixing and matching sizes to fit your specific needs. Don’t buy a massive organizer thinking bigger is better – it’ll just become another junk collector. Start small and expand as needed.
DIY Pull-Out Drawer Dividers
Want to feel like you’re living in a fancy hotel every day? Install pull-out drawer dividers in your bathroom cabinet. I know “DIY” might sound intimidating, but hear me out – this project takes maybe an hour and requires zero power tools.
You can create these using simple drawer slides from the hardware store (about $20 per set) and some small plastic bins or wooden boxes. Mount the slides inside your cabinet, attach your containers, and boom – you’ve got drawers that slide out smoothly, giving you access to everything stored in the back.
Installation Made Simple
Here’s the basic process:
- Measure your cabinet width and depth
- Buy drawer slides that are 2 inches shorter than your cabinet depth
- Attach slides to cabinet walls using the provided screws
- Place bins or boxes on the slides
The hardest part? Deciding what goes where. I recommend keeping daily items in the top drawer and backup supplies below.
Minimalist Bathroom Cabinet Makeover
Sometimes the best organization strategy is having less stuff to organize. I know, revolutionary concept, right? But seriously, when did we decide we needed seventeen different face washes?
A minimalist approach doesn’t mean living like a monk. It means keeping only products you actually use and love. That fancy serum you bought six months ago and used twice? Time to let it go. The three identical moisturizers you accidentally accumulated? Pick your favorite and donate the rest.
The One-Month Rule
Try this: If you haven’t touched something in a month, move it to a “maybe” box. After another month, if you haven’t missed it, toss it. This method helped me reduce my bathroom products by 60%, and honestly, my skin has never looked better.
Keep these essentials:
- One cleanser (two if you double-cleanse)
- One moisturizer for day, one for night
- One of each makeup item you use daily
- Basic first aid supplies
Hanging Baskets Inside Cabinet Doors
The inside of your cabinet doors is prime real estate that most people ignore. Hanging baskets or caddies can transform this wasted space into storage gold. I use adhesive hooks and small wire baskets – total cost? Under ten bucks.
These work perfectly for lightweight items like hair ties, bobby pins, cotton swabs, and travel-sized products. The best part? Everything stays visible and accessible without cluttering your shelves.
Strategic Placement Tips
Mount baskets at different heights to maximize space. Put frequently used items at eye level and occasional-use items higher up. Just make sure nothing sticks out too far, or you’ll get that satisfying thunk every time you close the door. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything… :/
Lazy Susan Storage for Small Spaces
Who says Lazy Susans belong only in kitchens? These rotating platforms are game-changers for bathroom cabinets, especially those awkward corner spaces where products go to disappear forever.
I have two in my bathroom – one for skincare and another for hair products. A quick spin brings everything into view, eliminating the dreaded “cabinet shuffle” where you move five things to reach one item. Plus, they prevent that annoying domino effect when you accidentally knock over one bottle.
Maximizing the Spin
The key to Lazy Susan success:
- Choose one with raised edges to prevent roll-offs
- Group similar items together
- Leave space between products for easy grabbing
- Opt for non-slip surfaces to keep bottles stable
FYI, the 10-12 inch diameter works best for most cabinets. Anything larger tends to be awkward.
Also Read: 15 Beautiful Vintage Cottage Bathroom Ideas and Timeless Style
Color-Coded Cosmetic Organization
Let’s get a bit type-A for a moment and talk about color-coding your cosmetics. Before you roll your eyes, hear me out – this system actually makes finding things ridiculously easy, especially when you’re half-asleep and trying to get ready.
I organize my makeup by color families: all pink/red lip products together, neutral eyeshadows in one section, bold colors in another. Not only does it look Instagram-worthy, but it also helps you realize when you’ve bought your fifteenth nude lipstick that looks exactly like the other fourteen.
Creating Your Color System
Start with these categories:
- Face products (foundation, concealer, powder)
- Eye products grouped by color
- Lip products by shade family
- Tools (brushes, sponges, lash curlers)
Use small containers or drawer dividers to keep each category separate. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to the makeup jumble.
Repurposed Jars for Bathroom Essentials
Before you toss that empty candle jar or pasta sauce container, consider this: repurposed jars make excellent bathroom organizers, and they’re basically free. I’ve turned old mason jars into holders for Q-tips, cotton balls, and makeup brushes.
The trick is removing labels completely (soak in hot soapy water, then use oil to remove residue) and maybe adding a coat of spray paint if you want a uniform look. These jars add a touch of personality while keeping small items contained and visible.
Creative Jar Solutions
Get creative with different jar sizes:
- Large jars for bath salts or cotton balls
- Medium jars for hair ties and bobby pins
- Small jars for pills or jewelry
- Wide-mouth jars for makeup brushes
Add labels if you’re feeling fancy, or leave them clear for that minimalist vibe.
Sliding Trays for Deep Cabinets
Deep cabinets seem great until you realize you can’t reach anything in the back without performing gymnastics. Sliding trays solve this problem brilliantly. Think of them as drawers within your cabinet – you pull them out to access everything, then slide them back in.
You can buy pre-made sliding organizers or DIY them using drawer slides and plastic trays. I went the DIY route and saved about $30 per tray. The satisfaction of smoothly sliding out a perfectly organized tray? Priceless.
Installation Without the Hassle
Here’s my simplified approach:
- Measure your cabinet’s interior dimensions
- Buy trays that are 2-3 inches narrower than your cabinet
- Install slides according to manufacturer instructions
- Test the slide action before loading with products
Important: Don’t overload the trays. They should slide easily even when full.
Also Read: 15 Cozy Small Cottage Bathroom Ideas for Rustic Style Lovers
Under-Sink Tiered Storage Solution
The space under your sink is usually a wasteland of cleaning supplies and random toiletries. But with tiered under-sink organizers, you can transform this chaos into organized bliss. These typically feature shelves that work around your plumbing.
I use a two-tier sliding organizer that fits perfectly around my pipes. The top tier holds daily essentials, while the bottom stores backup supplies and cleaning products. No more crawling on my hands and knees to find toilet paper!
Working Around Plumbing
The key considerations:
- Measure carefully around pipes
- Look for adjustable shelves to customize fit
- Consider sliding mechanisms for easy access
- Use waterproof materials in case of leaks
Remember, this area tends to be humid, so avoid storing items that could be damaged by moisture.
Stackable Bins for Medicine Cabinet
Medicine cabinets are notoriously shallow, making organization tricky. Stackable bins maximize vertical space while keeping everything accessible. I use clear stackable containers that are only 3 inches deep – perfect for medicine cabinet shelves.
Label each bin by category: pain relief, cold medicine, first aid, etc. When someone in your house asks where the bandages are at 2 AM, you can actually tell them without getting up. Revolutionary, I know.
Smart Stacking Strategy
Organize bins by:
- Frequency of use (daily meds on bottom)
- Expiration dates (older items in front)
- Family member (if applicable)
- Medical category (allergies, pain, digestive, etc.)
Check expiration dates every few months and toss anything past its prime. Your medicine cabinet isn’t a pharmacy museum.
Rustic Wooden Crate Cabinet Organizer
Want to add some farmhouse charm to your bathroom? Small wooden crates make fantastic organizers and bring warmth to sterile bathroom spaces. You can find these at craft stores or make them from scrap wood if you’re handy.
I use three small crates stacked in my cabinet – one for face products, one for body care, and one for hair stuff. The natural wood texture adds visual interest, and the open slats provide ventilation for damp items.
Styling Your Crates
Tips for the rustic look:
- Sand rough edges to prevent snags
- Apply a water-resistant sealant for bathroom use
- Add fabric liners for a softer look
- Mix sizes for visual interest
These work especially well in guest bathrooms where you want to create a welcoming, homey feel.
Also Read: 15 Serene French Cottage Bathroom Ideas for Peaceful Vibes
Rotating Makeup Organizer Hack
If you’re a makeup enthusiast like me, you need a rotating makeup organizer. These spinning towers hold an insane amount of products in a small footprint. Mine holds about 40 items in a space that’s only 8 inches wide.
The 360-degree rotation means everything stays accessible – no more digging through bags or drawers. I keep mine on my counter, but they work great inside cabinets too if you have the height.
Choosing Your Spinner
Look for these features:
- Adjustable shelves for different product heights
- Clear compartments for visibility
- Sturdy base that won’t tip
- Smooth rotation mechanism
IMO, spending a bit more on quality here pays off. A wobbly organizer that dumps your makeup everywhere defeats the purpose 🙂
Compact Vertical Storage Ideas
When floor space is limited, think vertical. Vertical storage solutions like tall narrow shelving units, over-the-toilet organizers, or wall-mounted baskets make use of often-ignored wall space.
I installed a narrow shelving unit between my sink and toilet – it’s only 6 inches wide but holds all my backup supplies. The vertical approach keeps everything within arm’s reach without cluttering countertops.
Going Up Without Going Overboard
Vertical storage best practices:
- Secure everything properly to avoid accidents
- Keep heavy items low, light items high
- Use matching containers for a cohesive look
- Leave breathing room between items
Remember, the goal is organization, not creating a towering monument to consumerism.
Budget-Friendly Bathroom Organization
Let’s be real – not everyone has money to throw at fancy organizers. The good news? You can organize your bathroom cabinet for under $20 with some creativity and dollar store finds.
My favorite budget hacks include using plastic food containers as drawer dividers, command hooks for hanging items, and repurposed boxes as shelf organizers. One woman’s recycling is another woman’s bathroom organization system!
Dollar Store Gold Mines
Budget organization essentials:
- Plastic bins in various sizes ($1-3 each)
- Adhesive hooks for door storage ($2-4 per pack)
- Small baskets for grouping items ($1-2 each)
- Shelf liner to protect surfaces ($3-5 per roll)
The trick is buying a few items at a time and building your system gradually. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is the perfect bathroom cabinet.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it – fifteen ways to transform your bathroom cabinet from disaster zone to organized oasis. The best part? You don’t need to implement all of these ideas at once. Start with one or two that resonate with you and build from there.
Remember, the perfect organization system is the one you’ll actually maintain. If color-coding feels too fussy, skip it. If you love the spinning makeup tower, go for it. The goal is making your daily routine smoother, not winning an organization competition.
Your bathroom cabinet should work for you, not against you. With these ideas in your arsenal, you’re ready to tackle that cabinet chaos once and for all. And hey, if nothing else, at least you’ll stop getting bonked on the head by falling shampoo bottles. That alone makes it worth the effort, trust me!
