How do you organize a bathroom with deep drawers?

Organizing a bathroom with deep drawers requires some planning and strategy to maximize the storage potential. The key is to group items efficiently, utilize vertical space, and optimize the contents for each drawer. Start by taking inventory of everything that needs to be stored. Then categorize items by frequency of use, size, and function. Frequently used items should go in the most accessible drawers. Bulky items can go in the deep drawers and vertical dividers or tiered trays can help subdivide the space. Here are some tips for organizing a bathroom with deep drawers:

Assess Your Storage Needs

The first step is to take stock of everything you need to store in the bathroom. Make a list of all the items, including:

– Toiletries like soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, dental floss, etc.

– Medications, first aid supplies, bandages

– Hair styling tools like hair dryer, curling iron, straightener

– Makeup and cosmetics

– Skin care products like lotions, sunscreen, face wash

– Bath accessories like loofahs, razors, tweezers

– Hair accessories like brushes, combs, hair ties

– Cleaning supplies like disinfecting wipes, sponges, toilet brush

– Spare toilet paper, paper towels

– Bath towels, wash cloths, hand towels

– Possibly hair products, shaving cream, cotton swabs if space allows

Once you have a comprehensive list, gather everything together and assess realistically what needs to be stored in the bathroom drawers. This will help determine how much space and compartments you need.

Categorize Items

Next, think about how often you use particular products. Categorize them into:

– Frequently used: Everyday items like hand soap, toothbrush, face wash

– Occasionally used: Things like tweezers, cotton swabs, specialty face masks

– Rarely used: Items like cold medicine, bandages, backup products

This categorization will be key for assigning drawer space later. Frequently used items should go in prime spots for easy access. Rarely used products can go in the back of deep drawers.

Also group items by type and size:

– Toiletries

– Medicine and first aid

– Hair styling tools and accessories

– Makeup and cosmetics

– Skin care

– Cleaning supplies

– Paper products

Consider the sizes of items too. For example, upright hair dryers take up more space than brushes and combs.

Maximize Vertical Space

One of the biggest advantages of deep drawers is all that lovely vertical storage space. Take full advantage by using organizing tools that provide multiple tiers:

– Vertical dividers: Sturdy plastic inserts that can split a drawer into compartments. Great for corralling smaller items.

– Tiered trays: Stackable plastic trays perfect for creating layers to double or triple your storage capacity.

– Standing organizers: Upright containers meant for holding bulkier bottles, tubes, styling tools. Choose different heights to fit the drawer.

– Hanging racks: Install a tension rod across the drawer to hang hair dryers, curling irons, and other items with cords.

– Turntables: Rotating trays that bring items at the back of deep drawers to the front.

Experiment with vertical organizers in different heights and configurations to optimize the drawer space. This takes a bit of trial and error to find the right setup.

Best Practices for Each Drawer

Now for the fun part – deciding what should go where! Use these best practices for organizing deep bathroom drawers:

Top Drawer

Reserve the top, most convenient drawer for daily essentials:

– Hand soap
– Hand lotion
– Toothbrushes and toothpaste
– Dental floss
– Facial cleanser
– Deodorant
– Comb or brush
– Hair ties/accessories

Use vertical dividers to neatly separate and corral these items.

Second Drawer

This is a great spot for hair and makeup tools/accessories:

– Hair dryer
– Curling iron
– Straightener
– Hairspray
– Heat protectant
– Makeup brushes
– Sponges
– Eyeliner, mascara
– Lip gloss
– Cotton swabs
– Tweezers

Standing organizers work well for upright styling tools. Consider a turntable for easier access.

Third Drawer

Use for skin care, cosmetics, and medications:

– Facial creams, serums, toners
– Cleansers, scrubs, masks
– Sunscreen
– Makeup palettes
– Foundation, concealer
– Eye shadow, blush
– Cotton pads
– Q-tips
– Bandages
– Pain relievers
– Cold medicine
– Supplements

Small organizers and tiered trays help divide categories.

Bottom Drawers

Reserve deep bottom drawers for bulkier items:

– Hair dryer and styling tools
– Curling and straightening irons
– Hair brushes, combs
– Hair accessories like scrunchies, headbands
– Bath towels
– Wash cloths
– Hand towels
– Possibly cleaning supplies, toilet paper

Use vertical space wisely. Install hanging rods or tall standing dividers for tall bottles.

Drawer Organizing Tips

– Place frequently used items in top drawers for easy access.

– Use vertical dividers and trays to create compartments for small items.

– Install tension rods or standing organizers for hair dryers, irons, etc.

– Rotate items – keep most used things handy in front.

– Try to group like items together in each drawer.

– Maximize vertical space, but don’t overload drawers.

– Leave a little empty space for future items.

Creative Drawer Organizing Ideas

Take drawer organization to the next level with these creative storage solutions:

Utilize Hidden Space

– Install pull-out trays under the sink for extra storage.

– Use auto-open push latches to easily access space under drawers.

– Attach organizers inside cabinet doors to stash small bottles or makeup.

Repurpose Everyday Items

– Use drawer divider condiment racks to corral nail polish, tools.

– Repurpose kitchen spice racks for medicine, skin care.

– Try a cutlery tray for makeup brushes and eyeliner pencils.

– Use ice cube trays to sort bobby pins, hair ties, earrings.

Pretty Storage

– Line drawers with decorative paper or fabric to make organizing more attractive.

– Store cotton pads and Q-tips in vintage jars, tin boxes, or other covered containers.

– Group products together on pretty trays to coordinate items.

Labels

– Use labels to easily identify contents of clear organizers and trays.

– Label drawers for quick identification of contents.

– Color code labels to match categories like blue for self-care, pink for makeup.

Maintaining Organization

Once you’ve tackled the drawer organization project, a little maintenance will keep things neat and functional:

– Put items back where they belong after each use. Don’t just toss things randomly into drawers.

– Every few months, edit items and get rid of anything expired or not used.

– Reassess the categorization and placement of items. Frequently used products may change. Adjust accordingly.

– When new products are purchased, immediately find a home in the existing organization system.

– Do a seasonal purge and reorganize if needed. Lighten up bulky sweaters in summer.

– Consider donating unused items in good condition to charity.

– Deep clean drawers periodically by removing all contents, wiping down, and replacing neatly.

Conclusion

Organizing a bathroom with deep drawers allows you to maximize your storage capacity. Use vertical space wisely, categorize contents carefully, reserve top drawers for essentials, and incorporate creative solutions. Maintaining the organization requires periodically editing items, keeping things in their designated spots, and adjusting as needs change. With some strategic planning upfront and regular maintenance, those deep drawers can give you a decluttered, efficient bathroom storage solution.