How to organize a bathroom vanity
Organize your bathroom vanity by starting with a thorough decluttering of all items. Next, categorize your belongings into logical groups like skincare, makeup, and toiletries. Finally, maximize storage using drawer dividers, tiered shelves, and vertical space solutions to keep everything accessible and tidy.
A well-organized bathroom vanity makes your daily routine smoother and your bathroom feel more serene. It’s not about having a large vanity, but about making the most of the space you have. Start by emptying everything out so you can see exactly what you’re working with.
The first step is decluttering. Go through every item, from makeup and skincare to cleaning supplies and spare toiletries. Ask yourself: Is this expired? Have I used it in the last six months? Does it work? Be ruthless. Toss anything old, broken, or unused. Consolidate half-empty bottles if possible. Consider donating unopened, unexpired items.
Categorize your bathroom vanity items
Once you’ve decluttered, group similar items together. This makes it easier to find what you need and understand what storage solutions will work best. Common categories include:
* **Skincare:** Cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums.
* **Makeup:** Foundation, concealer, blush, eyeshadow, lipstick.
* **Haircare:** Shampoo, conditioner, styling products, brushes, combs.
* **Oral Care:** Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash.
* **Toiletries:** Soaps, lotions, personal hygiene items.
* **Medicines & First Aid:** Pain relievers, bandages, antiseptic wipes.
* **Cleaning Supplies:** All-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, glass cleaner.
* **Linens:** Spare washcloths, guest towels.
Separate items you use daily from those you use less frequently. Daily essentials should be easily accessible. Less-used items can be stored in less convenient spots, like the back of drawers or higher shelves.
Maximize storage with drawer organizers
Drawers are notorious black holes for clutter. Drawer organizers are your best friend here. Look for modular drawer dividers that you can customize to fit the dimensions of your drawers and the items you need to store. Adjustable dividers are excellent for creating custom compartments for makeup brushes, lipsticks, or small bottles.
Consider clear acrylic organizers for makeup and skincare. You can easily see what’s inside, and they wipe clean effortlessly. For larger items like hair dryers or styling tools, deeper bins or baskets can work well. Don’t forget the space under the sink. Use stackable bins or a tiered pull-out drawer to make items in the back accessible.
Utilize vertical space
Think vertically, especially if your vanity has limited drawer space. Wall-mounted shelves or medicine cabinets above the vanity can significantly increase storage. You can install small shelves for frequently used items like hand soap and a toothbrush holder, or a full medicine cabinet for toiletries and medicines.
Inside the vanity, look for opportunities to stack. Tiered shelves or risers can double the usable space for smaller items like lotions, creams, or bottles. Over-the-door organizers can also be used on the inside of cabinet doors for items like hairspray cans or cleaning supplies.
Keep surfaces clear
A clean countertop makes your vanity look and feel more organized. Use trays or decorative bowls to corral items that need to stay out, such as hand soap, a lotion dispenser, and a toothbrush holder. This prevents them from spreading out and making the counter look messy.
For items you use frequently, like your morning skincare routine or makeup, designate a specific spot on the counter or in an easily accessible drawer. The goal is to have everything have its own place, so it’s put away after use.
Maintain your organized vanity
Organization isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. Schedule a quick 10-minute tidy-up once a week. Put items back in their designated spots after use. Do a more thorough decluttering session every six months to a year, checking for expired products and re-evaluating your storage needs.
If you find yourself constantly buying duplicates of something, it’s a sign that your system isn’t working, or you need to be more mindful about putting things away. Adjust your system as your needs change. Perhaps you’ve added new products or found a better way to store something.
Common Vanity Organization Mistakes
| Step or Tool | Typical Mistake |
|---|---|
| Decluttering | Keeping expired or unused items, leading to wasted space. |
| Categorizing | Mixing completely different types of items (e.g., makeup with cleaning supplies). |
| Drawer Organizers | Using ill-fitting or too few organizers, resulting in continued mess. |
| Vertical Storage | Forgetting to utilize the space above or inside cabinet doors. |
| Surface Clearance | Leaving items scattered across the countertop instead of corralling them. |
FAQ
How often should I declutter my bathroom vanity?
It’s recommended to do a quick tidy-up weekly and a more thorough decluttering session every six months to a year. This helps catch expired products and reassess your storage needs.
What are the best organizers for small vanity drawers?
For small drawers, modular and adjustable drawer dividers are ideal. Clear acrylic bins and small trays can also help compartmentalize items like makeup and small toiletries.
Can I store cleaning supplies in my bathroom vanity?
Yes, but it’s best to store them separately from personal care items. Use a dedicated bin or shelf, preferably on the bottom or in a less accessible area, to avoid contamination and maintain hygiene.
How do I organize items under the sink?
Utilize stackable bins, tiered pull-out drawers, or turntables (Lazy Susans) to make items in the back easily accessible. Keep heavier items on the bottom for stability.