Apartment bathrooms are often the smallest rooms with the most storage challenges. Between toiletries, towels, cleaning supplies, and personal items, small bathrooms fill up fast. Here's how to maximize every inch.
First: Reduce What You Store
Before adding storage, declutter:
- Expired medications and products
- Products you don't use anymore
- Hotel toiletries you'll never use
- Old makeup and skincare
- Multiples of the same product
- Worn-out towels beyond what you need
Above the Toilet
The wall above the toilet is prime real estate in small bathrooms:
- Over-toilet shelving unit: Freestanding, no installation needed
- Floating shelves: 2-3 shelves provide significant storage
- Cabinet: Closed storage keeps things visually calm
- Ladder shelf: Leaning option, renter-friendly
Under the Sink
Maximize This Space
- Stackable bins: Use vertical space
- Pull-out organizers: Access items in back
- Tension rod: Hang spray bottles
- Door-mounted organizer: Small items, hair tools
What Goes Here
- Cleaning supplies
- Extra toiletries and backstock
- Hair tools (with heat-safe storage)
- Less-used items
Shower and Tub Area
Shower Storage Options
- Tension corner pole: Multiple shelves, no drilling
- Hanging shower caddy: Over showerhead
- Suction caddies: Easy to reposition
- Shower niche: If built-in exists, use it fully
Tip: Limit Products
Only keep products you're actively using in the shower. Backstock goes elsewhere. Fewer products = easier cleaning and less visual clutter.
Wall and Door Storage
Wall-Mounted Options
- Towel bars (double if space allows)
- Hooks for robes and towels
- Magnetic strips for bobby pins, tweezers
- Small shelves for toiletries
- Medicine cabinet (if not present)
Behind the Door
- Over-door hooks for towels and robes
- Over-door organizer for toiletries
- Towel bar on back of door
Creative Bathroom Storage
Overlooked Spots
- Above the door: High shelf for rarely-used items
- Beside the vanity: Narrow rolling cart or shelf
- On the wall beside mirror: Small shelf or organizer
- Corner shelves: Use wasted corner space
Multi-Functional Items
- Mirror with built-in storage
- Vanity with drawers instead of pedestal sink
- Storage ladder that holds towels
- Decorative baskets that hide items
Organizing Specific Items
Toiletries
- Group similar items in small baskets
- Use trays on counters to contain daily items
- Store backstock separately from in-use products
Hair Tools
- Heat-resistant holder mounted on wall or door
- Drawer with dividers
- Cabinet-door mounted organizer
Towels
- Roll instead of fold (takes less space, looks nice)
- Use vertical towel bars
- Store extras outside the bathroom if space is tight
The Counter Rule
In small bathrooms, limit counter items to what you use daily. Everything else goes in cabinets, drawers, or mounted storage. Clear counters make the room feel larger and are easier to clean.