These are the 5 things professional organizers always use in a bathroom to make use of every inch

These space enhancers for bathrooms will not only clear the clutter, but also make the room feel larger than it is

A bathroom with baskets
(Image credit: Future)

When was the last time you took stock of the clutter in your bathroom?  Whether you’ve been living in your home for 15 years or 15 weeks, the bathroom is a space that quickly show signs of chaos if you haven't got the right storage in place. 

Effective storage solutions that curb the knick-knacks and bathroom accessories without taking up too much space are a must; no matter the size of the room. These help keep the room tidy, and by creating a dedicated space for everything, you won’t find yourself wasting time hunting for missing items.

However, with all kinds of storage gadgets out there, which are the best to invest in to make a real difference to your home. We asked organizing experts what products truly help keep the clutter at bay. Here's a list of five quick things that will enhance your bathroom storage and make this room a relaxing haven.

5 easy additions to enhance space in your shower

1. Stick-on shower caddies

A shower area with caddies

(Image credit: Blaine Architects + Marshall Interiors photo Jean Bai)

Shower corner shelves can be the most simple and functional small bathroom storage ideas to store shampoo bottles and other necessities. Installed along the walls, in awkward shower niches, or above the shower head, these can save space on the vanity and other shelves, allowing you to keep the needed products at hand's reach.

If you live in a rental, chances are you cannot drill holes in the walls to install a caddy. Consider the stick-on ones that are just as useful and effective.

'For bathrooms, the simplest way to create space is by installing some shelves up on the walls of the vanity, or by the shower,' says Charlotte Sitton, founder of Organised By Charlotte. 'For me, the most useful items are stick-on shower caddies and toothbrush holders.'

Traditional shower caddies have fallen out of favor recently for more streamlined shower shelves in glass or acrylic. 

Stick on shower shelf, Amazon
Editor's pick

Stick on shower shelf, Amazon

Want an easy-to-reach place for your soaps and shampoos? These acrylic bathroom shelves don't require drilling, and can be stuck wherever is more convenient in your shower. 

2. Mirrored medicine cabinets

A bathroom with mirrored medicine cabinet

(Image credit: Studio Metanoia. Photo credit Human Plus Space)

The area above the bathroom sink is the prime real estate for storage. Add a bathroom mirror that incorporates a medicine cabinet with shelves for the most effective use of this space.

It's the perfect spot for everyday toiletries, but also anything you want to keep out of reach of small hands. Meanwhile, use open shelves for your prettiest containers, plants, and other decoratives.

A mirrored vanity will provide the reflective surface you need in the room, bring in storage, and create the illusion of more space, making it seem larger.

Medicine Cabinet with mirrored door, Amazon
Editor's pick

Medicine Cabinet with mirrored door, Amazon

This full-overlay mirrored unit with beveled edges and mirrored interior is the ideal inclusion for your bathroom. Install it above the sink and increase storage and style.

3. Baskets for more storage

Beach house with modern rustic beach inspired interiors

(Image credit: Karen B Wolf Interiors)

'Consider bringing in decorative bins and boxes, or even wicker baskets into your bathroom,' says Laura Cattano, founder of Organizational Design. 'These not only add a decorative touch to the space but also allow you to hide things you don't want to look at every day. Plus it will disallow the room from looking too crowded with things.'

If you have space under the bathroom shelf, consider adding larger baskets here to hold bath towels, gowns, and more, and use the smaller baskets for hand towels, washcloths, or hair-styling tools. Note: Don’t place woven or fabric baskets under the sink where water may damage them.

Macrame catch-all basket, Urban Outfitters
Editor's Pick

Macrame catch-all basket, Urban Outfitters

Add a dainty touch to your bathroom interiors, while increasing storage, with these stylish macrame baskets

4. Hang a towel rail

A bathroom with towel rail

(Image credit: Pleysier Perkins Architects photo John Wheatley UA Creative)

Ah, towels! The most used elements, and ones that if not stored properly, can make any bathroom seem instantly cluttered and unorganized. Keeping them folded and in line can be a struggle, but here's where towel rails come into use. 

These can be installed on shower walls, by the vanity, in front of it, or next to the WC. When hung on walls, these take up very little space while offering ample storage for your towels. 

Hanging towels also helps them dry faster. If you have guests coming in though, we'd suggest you fold and place them, hotel-style. ‘Lay down the towel flat, and fold its long edge into the middle, so both long edges meet in the center,' says Joanna Ross, manager of design at Sheridan. 'Then hang the towel over your towel bar if you feel really fancy. You could also order your towels by size starting from the largest at the bottom and working your way to the top with smaller towels.’

Wall-mounted towel rail, Etsy
Editor's pick

Wall-mounted towel rail, Etsy

Choose this towel hanger that looks elegant and adds a functional addition to the small bathroom. The triple bars allow several towels and other bathroom accessories to hang from it.

5. Bring in trays 

A bathroom with a tray

(Image credit: STYLEWORKS. photo credit David Lauer Photography)

Trays and catch-alls can go a long way in curbing the mess inside a bathroom by collecting stray items on surfaces and presenting them in a more elegant way. These are the perfect addition to a bathroom vanity countertop to group accessories like soap dispensers and toothbrush holders. 

If you have a side table to a bath, a tray can also be the place to keep shampoos and conditioners, especially if you like high-end products and want to show them off. 

Woven tray, Target
Editor's pick

Woven tray, Target

Add a boho touch to the bathroom vanity with this natural tray that offers space for your watch, earrings and other accessories to help you maintain a neat and organized space.

Aditi Sharma
Design Editor

Aditi Sharma Maheshwari started her career at The Address (The Times of India), a tabloid on interiors and art. She wrote profiles of Indian artists, designers, and architects, and covered inspiring houses and commercial properties. After four years, she moved to ELLE DECOR as a senior features writer, where she contributed to the magazine and website, and also worked alongside the events team on India Design ID — the brand’s 10-day, annual design show. She wrote across topics: from designer interviews, and house tours, to new product launches, shopping pages, and reviews. After three years, she was hired as the senior editor at Houzz. The website content focused on practical advice on decorating the home and making design feel more approachable. She created fresh series on budget buys, design hacks, and DIYs, all backed with expert advice. Equipped with sizable knowledge of the industry and with a good network, she moved to Architectural Digest (Conde Nast) as the digital editor. The publication's focus was on high-end design, and her content highlighted A-listers, starchitects, and high-concept products, all customized for an audience that loves and invests in luxury. After a two year stint, she moved to the UK, and was hired at Livingetc. Currently, as the design editor, her focus is on kitchens and bathrooms and she covers exciting before/after projects, writes expert pieces on decor, color, and occasionally reviews exciting travel destinations.