6 Sneaky Things Making Your Small Bathroom Feel Messier Than It Is

Disorganized Back-Ups

If your bathroom lacks space, store back-up products out of sight and decant economy-sized essentials. You'll want to keep only what you use daily within arm's reach.

Organizer Lana Lorena suggests storing extras in small trays or containers for a more polished appearance, and keep your drawers and countertops off-limits for duplicates and occasional-use items. Instead, put these items in a labeled bin in a linen closet or in an under-the-bed storage basket. They'll be nearby but won't crowd up important (and limited) bathroom space.

Using the Vanity Like a Storage Shelf

It’s easy to spread out every product you own on your vanity, but this can quickly make the space feel messy. Moving and storage expert Nick Friedman recommends thinking of your bathroom vanity as a workspace rather than a storage unit. “Hair tools, skincare, and products can easily pile up until there’s no counter left,” he explains. “A clear counter not only looks better; it saves time during your morning routine.” Consider installing pretty and practical shelving if you really need the extra space.

Bulky Baskets

When shopping for organizers for a small bathroom, avoid bulky baskets (yes, even if they’re cute). These storage solutions may end up eating up more space than they’re saving you, Friedman explains.

Instead, look for slim, stackable options to store essentials without too much heft. They’ll look more uniform in your bathroom, too.

Overstuffed Drawers

Are you able to close the drawers in your bathroom? If the answer is a sheepish no, we're willing to bet you’re not using half of the products inside. Lorena recommends taking the time to edit the items in your bathroom drawers: Ask yourself what you’re using on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, and sort accordingly. Making this a frequent habit can prevent bathroom clutter from sneaking up on you.

Expired Items

It’s easy to notice when food in the fridge has expired—but can you say the same about your makeup and skincare in your bathroom? Once seals are broken, makeup tends to last between three months to a year, depending on the formula. Most products will have how long the item lasts on the bottle—and you can take a Sharpie and write the date you opened it on the bottom.

Lack of a Daily Reset

The key to a clutter-free bathroom (especially a small one) is consistent upkeep—and it doesn’t have to take very long. “Do a 30-second reset each day,” Friedman suggests. “Put items back where they belong before you leave the bathroom.”

Small daily habits, like rotating the bathroom’s towels or returning items to their place, keep unwanted clutter from piling up.