How do you organize deep shelves in a bathroom?

Bathrooms often have deep shelves for storing towels, toiletries, and other items. While deep shelves provide ample storage space, they can easily turn into disorganized junk drawers if not properly organized. Proper organization is key to keeping your deep bathroom shelves neat, tidy and functional.

Assess your storage needs

Before organizing your shelves, take stock of what you need to store. Make a list of toiletries, medications, towels, cleaning supplies and any other items that need a home. This will help you determine how to best utilize the shelf space.

Some questions to ask yourself include:

• How many towels do I need to store?
• What toiletries do I use daily vs. occasionally?
• How many cleaning supplies do I have?
• What medications need easy access?

Knowing what you need to store will inform your organizing strategy.

Use baskets and bins

One of the best ways to organize deep shelves is with baskets, bins, and containers. Clear plastic bins work well for housing items like towels and washcloths. Baskets are ideal for holding toiletries and medications. Sturdy bins can corral cleaning supplies.

Look for baskets and bins in different sizes that will neatly fit on your shelves. Labels on the front of containers make it easy to identify contents. Try to group like items together – for example, one bin for cleaners, another for hair products.

Maximize vertical space

Deep shelves provide the opportunity to organize vertically. Stacking bins and baskets is an efficient way to take advantage of all the available real estate.

Place larger, heavier items on lower shelves and lightweight items up higher. You can also install extra shelves or risers to create more tiers for storage.

Categorize by frequency of use

Think about how often you use particular items when deciding where to put them. Position items you use every day within easy reach on middle or upper shelves. Reserve the bottom shelves for bulky supplies or infrequently used items.

Some guidelines include:

• Top shelf: rare use items like extra towels and backstock of toiletries
• Middle shelf: everyday items like soap, toothpaste, cleaning spray
• Lower shelves: bulky supplies like toilet paper, shampoo, towels

Use shelf dividers

Shelf dividers are a great way to neatly separate and organize items. Dividers corral similar objects into their own designated spaces. Look for wire, plastic or wood dividers that fit your shelf width.

Dividers work well to organize:

• Towels by type – washcloths, hand towels, bath towels
• Toiletries by category – shampoos, conditioners, body washes
• Medications
• Skin care products

Store medications properly

Medications require special storage considerations. Be sure to read the safety instructions on any prescription and over-the-counter medicines. As a general rule, medications should be kept in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight.

Ways to properly store medications on shelves include:

• A dedicated medication organizer or bin
• Lining shelves with a dark material if sunlight hits that area
• Keeping medications separate from cleaners or other chemicals
• Placing medications up high, away from children’s reach

Use lazy susans

Lazy susans are rotating trays that make items on deep shelves easily accessible. They are great for corner shelves or any hard to reach areas. Place everyday toiletries, cosmetics and medications on a lazy susan for quick access.

Try hanging storage

Besides shelving, also look for ways to maximize vertical wall space. Wall mounted racks and hanging bins are perfect for stashing extra towels and small toiletries.

Some hanging storage ideas:

• Over-the-door towel racks
• Wall-mounted bins for cotton balls and Q-tips
• Shower caddies to hold shampoo and soap
• Racks for rolled washcloths

Keep things tidy with drawer organizers

If your bathroom has vanity drawers, use them for containing clutter. Small cosmetics, hair accessories and medications can be neatly organized in drawers.

Options for drawer organizing include:

• Divided trays to separate items into compartments
• Stackable containers
• Cutlery trays for upright storage
• Small bins for categorizing products

Label everything

Labels give everything a designated spot. Use labels to identify bins, baskets and storage containers. Labels on the front of containers should clearly state contents.

Ways to label organizers:

• Peel-and-stick labels
• Chalkboard or whiteboard labels
• Printed tags tied onto baskets
• Vinyl adhesive labels

A label maker is handy for creating uniform, professional looking labels.

Keep necessities within reach

Stash everyday items in easy reach so family members aren’t digging around. Mount a small caddy near the shower to hold shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Place a tray near the vanity to hold dental care essentials and cosmetics.

Maintain consistency

Establish an organization system that works for your family and maintain it. Encourage everyone to put items back in their designated spots after each use. Do a quick straighten and tidy as part of your daily bathroom cleaning routine.

Periodically edit items to avoid clutter building up over time. Reassess what you actually use and get rid of any products that are expired or no longer needed.

Add style with matching containers

Organization doesn’t have to be boring! Look for baskets, bins and canisters that complement your bathroom’s decor. Tuck away clutter in matching ceramic canisters or woven baskets.

Ways to incorporate style:

• Wood crates for a rustic vibe
• Sleek metal bins for modern style
• Pretty woven baskets in a soft color palette
• Vintage-inspired apothecary jars

Conclusion

Deep shelves provide ample bathroom storage, but only if utilized properly. Apply organizing principles like categorizing by item type, maximizing vertical space and keeping necessities handy. Maintain order by putting everything back in its designated spot.

With the right baskets, bins, dividers and labels, you can organize your deep bathroom shelves like a pro!