With a little help from IKEA, your bathroom can become your home’s most well-organized space.

Even the most skilled home organizers are sometimes stumped when it comes to keeping bathrooms clutter-free. That’s because, says IKEA interior design lead Abbey Stark, “there are many types of things stored in a bathroom that are all different sizes,” which is inherently confusing.

Should face wash and razors stay in the shower 24/7? What about that jumbo pack of toilet paper you bought on sale? It doesn’t help, Stark points out, that “a lot of times, there are multiple people using the same bathroom, which adds to additional storage needs.”

Whether you share your bathroom with your family, your roommates, or just a very impressive collection of nail polish, there is a way to find a home for your stuff—and keep it there. Here, Stark shares some simple tips and tricks for turning your bathroom into its best self so you can be your best self. After all, an organized home means more efficient routines and the highest level of self care.

Pedestal sinks, with their lack of cabinet space in which to hide things, are not as practical when it comes to keeping an orderly bathroom. Instead, says Stark, “Invest in a vanity that has great functionality and storage.”

IKEA’s wide variety includes pieces with drawers, cabinets, and shelves, so there’s something for every size space. If real estate is limited, opt for a shallow wall-mounted vanity with a slim profile. Consider a dresser-sized cabinet with four spacious drawers if you have room to spread out. No matter what size your vanity, use organizing inserts and baskets to maximize the storage even more.

“Use the vertical space,” Stark suggests. When it comes to hooks, the more the merrier. Hang one close to the shower to ensure your towel is always within reach—a hook for each family member is ideal—add over-the-door storage for robes and shower caps, and pop a few by the vanity for brushes, hand towels, and other essentials. With shapes and finishes that range from sleek and minimalist to glam and spa-inspired, IKEA’s hooks look good even when empty.

IKEA’s utility carts are some of the brand’s MVPs. From kitchens to garages, they give you flexible storage in any type of space. Stark says you should consider putting one in your bathroom, too: “Add a small rolling cart with shelves to have additional storage for things like perfumes, lotions, and hair straighteners.”

Since IKEA’s carts are both light and portable, you can even move them between the bathroom and other parts of the house. That comes in handy if you are sharing a bathroom with multiple people or looking for the best natural light for doing a hair and makeup routine.

It’s a common annoyance: You’re rushing to find something under the sink—a bandage, tweezers, an extra tube of toothpaste—but have to play a guessing game with all the stacked boxes of which one will yield gold.

IKEA has a solution for that. “Use transparent storage containers to see what’s in them while keeping things neat and tidy,” says Stark. This will ensure you can easily find your sunscreen and nail clippers, and it will also help with another one of Stark’s tips, which is to regularly take inventory of what you have, throwing out expired products and anything you no longer use.

According to Stark, the most important principle of bathroom organization is that everything should have a place. This becomes even more crucial when your bathroom is a shared space. Stark suggests designating a basket for each member of your household. “It defines the space each person gets and keeps items contained,” she says.

When you consider your shower a bonus storage space, you automatically increase your bathroom square footage. “Every square inch should be organized to minimize clutter in a small space,” says Stark. “IKEA offers shower caddies, hooks that stick to the shower tile, and corner shelving solutions.”

Think about the products you mainly use in the shower, and find places for them there in order to make them easy to grab and free up the rest of the bathroom storage for other things.

A common mistake people make, especially in small bathrooms, is going overboard with decor. But you don’t have to sacrifice style if you shop smart. “Towels and rugs give texture and personality to the space, so adding a plant or a piece of art is all you need,” she says.

It’s also helpful to be realistic about how much space you actually have—buying in bulk might seem appealing, but if you don’t have anywhere to put jumbo bottles of body wash, it’s probably not worth it.

Looking for more design ideas? Browse IKEA's bathroom gallery for more cleverly organized, clutter-free spaces.

Oprah and Thomas Friedman on Protecting Democracy

11 Practical Gifts for College-Bound Teens

Nate Berkus On Designing the Ideal Bedroom

20 Hobby Ideas to Help You Find a New Passion

These Are the Best Sheets Amazon Has to Offer

Watch Our First Installment of Project Spread Joy

Roe v. Wade, Tangible Next Steps

Affordable Luxury Gifts for Her

What to Say When Someone Has Passed Away

It’s Time to Ditch Your Career Fears

11 Electric Blankets for the Perpetually Cold

Start Your Morning with Gratitude Journal Prompts

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

©Oprah Daily LLC. All rights reserved.