If your bathroom feels cramped, chaotic, or cluttered, you’re not alone. Many homes, especially in older builds and apartments, have small bathrooms that need to function as mini storage hubs for toiletries, towels, cleaning products, and sometimes even laundry items.
The good news? With the right decluttering and organisation strategies, your small bathroom can still feel spacious, calm, and functional. You don’t need to knock down walls or spend a fortune, just a few smart moves can make a big impact.
Think of it like giving your bathroom a “mini makeover”, where every corner works harder, every product has its place, and every morning routine feels more like a spa visit than a scramble to find your hairbrush.
Here’s how to transform your small bathroom from crowded to calming, without losing the essentials you need every day.
Why Small Bathrooms Feel Cluttered
Image source: IKEA
Small bathrooms often become messy quickly because:
- Storage space is limited. Even the most beautiful bathrooms can’t hide the fact that there’s nowhere to stash all those bottles, brushes, and extra toilet rolls.
- Items are kept “just in case” but rarely used. That half-used face mask from last year? The broken hair dryer you swear you’ll fix? They’re taking up valuable space.
- Surfaces like vanities and shelves become dumping grounds. It starts with one stray lipstick… then suddenly, you’re dealing with a full countertop takeover.
- Poor organisation means you can’t find things when you need them. Which leads to buying duplicates, which leads to even more clutter.
The result? Stress, wasted time, and a bathroom that feels more like a storage closet than a self-care space.
By decluttering strategically, you can reclaim space, improve functionality, and make even the tiniest bathroom feel bigger.
Step 1: Start with a Clear-Out
The first step to any bathroom transformation is to remove everything. Yes, everything.
What to do:
- Take everything out of cupboards, drawers, and off shelves.
- Group similar items together, skincare, haircare, cleaning products, first aid, makeup, etc.
- Check expiry dates and throw out anything old, unused, or that you simply don’t like.
Pro Tip: If you haven’t used it in the past 6-12 months, it’s probably safe to let it go.
Why it works:
Decluttering before organising means you’re only finding storage for items you truly use, making it easier to keep the space tidy long term. Plus, starting with a blank canvas helps you see exactly how much space you’re working with.
Step 2: Keep Only the Essentials
A small bathroom can’t hold everything, and it shouldn’t.
Ask yourself:
- Do I use this daily or weekly?
- Is this a duplicate?
- Could I store this somewhere else?
Examples:
- Keep one set of bath towels in the bathroom; store extras in a linen cupboard.
- Only keep your current skincare routine on the vanity, everything else can go in a backup storage area.
Why it works:
Prioritising essentials ensures your bathroom feels open and functional instead of overcrowded. When you remove the “just in case” items, you make room for the things that truly serve you every day.
Step 3: Use Vertical Space
Image source: Amazon
When floor and counter space is limited, think upwards.
Ideas:
- Install floating shelves above the toilet for spare toilet paper, hand towels, or small baskets.
- Use wall-mounted hooks or racks for towels, robes, and hair tools.
- Hang a tiered caddy in the shower to keep products off ledges.
Why it works:
Vertical storage keeps essentials accessible without taking up valuable bench or cupboard space. You can even make it a design feature by using attractive baskets or matching containers to give the space a cohesive look.
Step 4: Opt for Clear Storage
Image source: Blissfull Little Home
Clear containers are a game changer for small bathrooms.
Benefits:
- You can see exactly what’s inside without rummaging.
- Makes it easier to keep track of what you have (and avoid buying duplicates).
- Keeps products neat and contained.
Examples:
- Acrylic drawers for makeup or skincare.
- Clear tubs for under-sink storage.
- Transparent stackable boxes for first aid or grooming kits.
Step 5: Use Drawer Dividers
Image source: Kmart – Clear Drawer Insert Set
Small bathroom drawers can become messy fast.
How to fix it:
- Use adjustable dividers to separate categories (e.g., toothbrushes, floss, hair ties, and razors).
- Keep like-with-like for easy access.
Why it works:
You’ll be able to grab what you need in seconds without digging through a jumble of items. Bonus: It also makes putting things away faster, which means you’re more likely to stick to your organisation system.
Step 6: Go for Multi-Functional Pieces
Image source: Temple & Webster
In a small space, every item needs to work harder.
Ideas:
- Use a mirror with built-in storage.
- Choose an over-the-door organiser that can hold toiletries or hair tools.
- Store laundry in a slim hamper that fits in a corner or under a vanity shelf.
Why it works:
When one item serves multiple purposes, you save space while keeping your bathroom functional and stylish.
Step 7: Keep Surfaces Clear
Clear counters instantly make a bathroom feel larger and cleaner.
Daily habit:
- Only keep a few daily essentials (e.g., hand soap, toothbrush holder) on display.
- Put everything else away after use.
Pro Tip: Use a small tray to group essentials neatly, it makes cleaning easier too and adds a touch of hotel-luxury to your space.
Step 8: Maintain with a Quick Daily Reset
Decluttering is not a one-time event, it’s an ongoing habit.
Daily bathroom reset checklist:
- Hang up towels and robes.
- Put toiletries back into their storage spots.
- Wipe down surfaces to keep them fresh.
Spending just 2–3 minutes each day keeps clutter from creeping back in. Think of it as your bathroom’s “evening tidy”, a tiny effort that delivers big rewards.
Extra Small Bathroom Organisation Ideas for Maximum Impact
Image source: IKEA
- Magnetic strips inside cupboards for tweezers, nail clippers, and bobby pins.
- Over-tap caddies for soaps and sponges in bathroom sinks.
- Lazy Susans under the sink to make the most of deep spaces.
- Tension rods inside cupboards to hang spray bottles or cleaning cloths.
- Hanging baskets from wall hooks for extra toilet rolls or rolled-up hand towels.
A small bathroom can still be highly functional, beautiful, and clutter-free, it just takes a little intentional organisation and some smart space-saving tricks.
By removing what you don’t use, storing items in the right way, and maintaining a simple daily reset, you can make your small bathroom feel bigger without renovating a thing.
If you’re ready for a total transformation but don’t know where to start, Ducks in a Row Home Organisation can help. Our Melbourne-based team specialises in decluttering and creating custom storage systems that make even the smallest spaces shine, so you can finally enjoy a space that works for you, not against you.
