Messy drawers can feel like a game of whack-a-mole. Here are some tips on how to organize bathroom drawers and accessories to make it easier!
When we renovated our home in 2023 and came up with ideas for our primary bathroom, I asked for “the widest vanity with the most drawers possible.” I absolutely love drawers and knew we would have a lot to store in ours. We don’t have a closet in this space (just a shelf nook), so all of our toiletries, medicines, hair supplies, tooth brushes, and more are all housed in these drawers.
Read all about our bathroom vanity design and reno here.
Bathroom drawers are among the most cluttered spaces in a home. I can understand why – we all feel the need to have supplies and medicines “just in case” and most bathrooms don’t have a lot of drawer space to work with. While more drawers is not a solution for everyone, having the right organizing accessories and systems can dramatically help to keep your space neat and efficient. Here are some tips and organizing ideas to help you get there!
You might also like: how to organize your house room by room
How to Organize Bathroom Drawers
1. Start with a Deep Declutter + Clean
When beginning your bathroom drawer organization, the first step is to remove everything from the drawers. Once they are empty, give them a good vacuum and wipe down, and discard expired products and medicines, items you no longer use, and anything that is broken.
2. Sort Items By Use
Group similar items together before making a plan to return them to the drawers.
Group Category Ideas:
- Teeth products
- Hair washing
- Hair styling
- Shower and bath supplies
- Makeup
- Everyday skincare
- Occasional skincare and masks
- Medicines
- Self-care tools
- Feminine products
- Travel
3. Plan drawers for each category
Store by frequency of use so items you use daily are most accessible. Keep everyday essentials (toothpaste, deodorant, skincare) in the top most drawers for easy access. Store less frequently used items (extra razors, travel toiletries) in lower drawers.
4. Invest In Drawer Organizers
Now the fun part! Invest in drawer dividers or small bins to keep items separated. Adjustable or stackable organizers help maximize space. My very favorite organizer is this set of acrylic bins. I have them in all of my drawers! They are non-slip and keep products sorted. I love that the clear doesn’t hide what’s inside.
You don’t have to buy all new! I like to repurpose small boxes or mugs for items like cotton swabs or hair ties. These are actually cream and sugar containers!
And this vintage wooden box is the perfect size for dry shampoo : )
Find more makeup organizer suggestions in this post: Makeup Organizer Ideas.
5. Use Vertical Space
Stackable bins like these can help optimize deep drawers. I also like divided acrylic organizers like this one for deeper drawers. I store extra makeup in my bottom drawer in this style.
You may also like drawers for under the sink. I have had this metal drawer set for decades and use it to store extra makeup / travel bags. Here is a similar one. I also have this stick on bin for the inside of my lower cabinet where I put makeup erasers that need to go to the laundry.
6. Label for Clarity
Use labels on bins or compartments to maintain organization. This will help family members put things back in the right place. One place where we NEED labels and don’t have them are our medicines! I have them in wire baskets sort-of-sorted and could use a better labeling system.
The Best Bathroom Drawer Organizers
1. Adjustable Drawer Dividers
- Best for: Separating larger items like tall skincare, hair accessories, and hair dryers.
- Recommendation: Expandable bamboo or plastic dividers that fit different drawer sizes (e.g., OXO Good Grips Expandable Dresser Drawer Dividers). Choose something that matches your drawers.
2. Clear Acrylic Organizers
3. Stackable Storage Bins
- Best for: Maximizing deep drawers and organizing backstock items.
- Recommendation: Vtopmart set of 4 stackable bins – great for holding extra razors, cotton pads, or lotions.
4. Small Compartment Trays
5. Rotating or Tiered Organizers
6. Magnetic Strips or Hooks
- Best for: Holding small metal items like tweezers, nail clippers, or scissors.
- Recommendation: Command Hooks or Magnetic Knife Strip mounted inside the drawer.
How to organize if you’re low on drawer space
If your bathroom lacks drawers, you can get creative with these storage solutions:
1. Use Baskets & Bins
- Place decorative baskets under the sink or on open shelves to store toiletries and towels.
- Opt for stackable bins to maximize vertical space.
2. Over-the-Toilet Storage
- Install an over-the-toilet shelving unit for extra space.
- This one has so much storage!
- Use decorative boxes or baskets on shelves to keep items tidy.
3. Wall-Mounted Shelves
- Floating shelves can hold skincare, Q-tips, tissues, and more.
- Use small storage bins to prevent clutter and keep items out of the sight line.
- These are beautiful.
4. Rolling Cart
- A slim, tiered rolling cart can store daily essentials and be moved as needed.
- Great for small spaces or shared bathrooms.
- This one is very pretty in black and a few other colors.
5. Countertop Organizers
Feel free to share your favorite ways to organize bathroom drawers!
You might also like:
