How to organize a bathroom closet

Bathrooms are notoriously short on storage. Create the ultimate organization in your bathroom closet with this how-to guide and smart storage ideas.

Declutter a bathroom closet

Ahead of implementing any closet storage system, there are a few things to check off your to-do list. Properly preparing the space is the key to getting and keeping it organized.

First, clear out everything that's currently in the bathroom closet and make a few piles. Create a group of expired items, one for those no longer needed or wanted, and a third for the stuff that should be rehomed.

All medicine and first aid supplies have expiration dates, and many beauty items, if they lack one, display a symbol with a number, including 6M, 12M, and 18M. These indicate how long the product is good for after it's been opened. If you're unsure, take a good look or sniff and toss anything that appears or smells off.

For items that are unused, unexpired, and you don't have a need for, consider donating them to a charity, family in need, or friend who can get some use out of them. Animal shelters often accept towels of all sizes and in any condition. Just be sure to check with your location before donating to determine their needs and requirements.

For items that have turned up in the bathroom closet but belong elsewhere in the house, return them to their proper home.

How to clean a bathroom closet

Now, give your bathroom closet a deep scrub down. Vacuum dust or dirt, spray and wipe down all surfaces and buff out any scuff marks on walls.

Take a look at your remaining bath items. There should be clearly defined categories. Assign each category a shelf in the closet, keeping the most frequently used items front and center. Bulk supplies can be stored high, low, or towards the back of a shelf.

Use a combination of the following methods to make the most of your bathroom closet:

• Employ baskets. Baskets keep things contained and hide visual clutter, especially on open shelving. Utilize fabric or rope baskets for towels; natural options, like wicker, can snag linens. For items that have the potential to leak, such as cough syrup or body oil, consider using recycled plastic or acrylic baskets to make cleaning up an easier process.
• Add a Lazy Susan or two. These are ideal for tall bottles of shampoo, sunscreen, and hair spray, plus they're a breeze to wipe down if any spills occur.
• Stack bins. For tall closet shelves, take advantage of the height with stacking containers. Stackable, open-front metal or bamboo bins are ideal for extra rolls of toilet paper or paper towels. Clear, stackable drawers divide makeup by type. Lidded bins allow you to stuff away stock tubes of toothpaste and replacement razors.
• Store in glass jars. Use them to store bath bombs or salts with a scoop, bars of soap, and cotton balls or swabs. Pretty and functional is the ideal combination when organizing a towel closet.
• Divide shelves. Ideal for linens, shelf dividers keep items tidy and upright. Master some simple towel folding techniques, then keep it consistent among bath, hand, and face towels. Utilize dividers to keep folded towels in line. 
• Utilize freestanding drawers. Prevent losing or forgetting items on deep shelves by installing sliding drawers on top of existing ones. Most home improvement stores carry a variety of styles and help you to choose the correct size.