Bathroom Drawer Organization
One of my very favorite things to say to my clients when helping them organize their bathrooms is this:
Your bathroom should feel like a spa, not a CVS.
And usually they giggle and then I giggle and they don’t know this but it’s usually because I realize I need to take my own advice sometimes. Not because I think I’m funny.
Although I am, let’s not forget.
To be honest, my previous bathroom never really felt like a CVS simply because it was so small, I had zero space to store beauty and bath products. But it definitely didn’t feel or look like a spa either.
My new bathroom? So big that I could fit the contents of a CVS in here. So big that I decided to break down my focus for you into a few different areas (today, we’re focusing on the drawers solely).
It also has the capacity to feel like a spa so I made sure that’s the road I took when plotting how to organize it.
And when I say plot, I mean p l o t. I laid out all items I wanted in each of the drawers, in what order and measured not just the drawer itself but also the group of items (like, cleansers for example) which helped me choose the right size inserts. Organizing small spaces like this requires math more than most realize! My advice - especially if you’re like me and not so great at it - is to take your time and triple check all measurements before buying products.
The inserts you see in these photos are all from iDesign and I’ll link exactly which ones I used for each category. I have to note that I love their products and they’re super high quality. But, their stickers are annoying as hell to remove! I used Goo Gone to help and suggest you do too to make your life easier.
Starting with the top, and first of three, drawers, I decided to dedicate it to the products and items I use most often. The things I stored in here, I reach for at least once, if not twice, per day.
The mouthwash, floss and toothpaste (my toothbrush is on the counter) are grabbed at least twice per day so I put them front and center. The denture cleaner tablets you see - they work for my Invislign retainers - are only used once in the morning. But I like to store like items together so essentially all oral care is in one spot.
Behind it is a section for eye and lip care. Again, things like eye drops and chapstick are reached for often so I wanted them in this drawer. Other items like this Versed eye mask (which is literally a GOD send), lipstick remover and lip scrub are also here because - again - like with like is usually the way to go (with some exceptions which I’ll dive into).
Lastly, my deodorant is just chilling in the back because I also use that every morning while I’m getting ready. I could have found inserts to contain both this and my mouthwash but I didn’t think it was necessary as they lay nicely on their own and don’t move around.
Moving down you’ll my skincare drawer. I’ve been getting more and more into skincare lately (aren’t we all?) so this section has grown. I organized the sections sort of in order of how I use them and also by type:
Cleansers and exfoliators
Sprays and serums
Oils and moisturizers
Skincare tools and
Breakout control
Because, at almost 36 (literally, my birthday is tomorrow!) I still battle breakouts. Fun times.
What I really like about using drawer organizers is that not only does it help keep everything separated by type, it also kinda forces us to have a limit. I could definitely cram more products in each of these containers but at some point, they won’t fit. Also, it just looks better than just throwing it all in and hoping they stay organized!
I’d like to point out that some things can and will overlap. For example, the tools container has items like a jade roller and dermaplaning razors (also a God send if you don’t know already!). But the breakout bin has an extractor which is technically a tool. It also has a Versed serum which should technically go with serums. But I only use these every so often and only when I break out so it made more sense for my brain to look for them there.
You have to organize things so that they make sense to you. Because they won’t stay organized if you don’t like or understand the system.
The long skincare containers are the iDesign Linus deep drawer organizers in 4x12x3 1/8 and you can find them HERE!
The skincare tool container is iDesign Linus deep drawer organizer in 4x8x3 1/8 and the breakout bin is iDesign Linus deep drawer organizer in 4 sq x 3 1/8 which you can find both HERE.
And lastly, this might be my favorite drawer. Partly because it’s so functional and partly because it just looks so good!
Oh and also I can totally reach everything in it while still sitting on the toilet which excites the lazy side of me.
First, is the extra TP which is always important to store in your bathroom within reach just, you know, in case. I wouldn’t recommend storing more than a few rolls unless you really have the space because it can take up so much. If you buy in bulk, or have quarantine overstock still, store the majority off sight somewhere and just take a few for storage inside the bathroom.
While this might be TMI, it’s also relatable to so many women and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about so I’m talking about it here! I recently decided to switch away from tampons and try a period cup. It was a little messy at first but so was figuring out how to use a tampon and now I can’t imagine going back. I use the Saalt cup which I found at Target under $35 and it lasts for 10 years! So it not only saves a ton of money over time but it also helps save the environment.
Plus my (probably) illegitimate fear of getting TSS. But for real, when I’m out organizing in my client’s homes, I’m sometimes there for 8 or more hours with a long commute to and from. This thing lasts 12 hours giving me peace of mind. When I’m chilling at home or when I sleep, I use these regular and overnight pads which I could have contained but honestly, they stand up well on their own. I had almost two new, full bags when I decanted them into the drawer so I know when it’s time to restock, I’ll have enough room to fit.*
*Gonna come back to this in a sec!
Finally, I did contain items like wipes and tubes from SweetSpot. I love their feminine hygiene products (I have a wash I leave in the shower that I’ve been using for as long as I can remember). This insert just keeps everything tidy and together. Oh and I had a little wiggle room for the Midol box which I used to keep with my medicine. But I only reach for it once or twice a month so it made sense to store it here.
*Going back to restocking - when you have to restock anything, whether it’s bathroom products or pantry items - make sure you give yourself wiggle room to do so. If you didn’t read my last post about fridge organization, check out the part about the egg organizer for a perfect example!
Bottom line is that I highly recommend using drawer organizers when organizing your bathroom drawers for not just aesthetic purposes but also to keep things in their place. I usually don’t feel the need to use it with IDesign because theirs stay put on their own, but for other brands, I use a dab of museum gel on the bottom to help them from sliding around. I also would recommend sticking with plastic or acrylic organizers (as opposed to bamboo or fabric) when storing anything liquid. That way, if anything spills or leaks, you can easily clean up!
Psst inserts also help save the inside of your drawers from spills or leaks #winwin
I hope this was helpful for you if you’re battling messy bathroom drawers! Feel free to leave any questions or comments for me as I’d love to give you more advice. You can also always email me at mary@organizedoverall.com !
PPS I have an Etsy shop now if you’re looking for gifts for that organized person in your life!
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.