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Open shelving can be a blessing and a curse. It is an inexpensive way to add extra storage with easy access, but in this house that usually means that after a few weeks the open storage is just piles of stuff. I’ve finally found a system that works in my bathroom so I thought I’d share some simple tips and tricks to make that open shelving really work for you. My number one tip? Put the items used by the most people on the top with easy access! For example, my entire family uses Cetaphil® Moisturizing Cream so it sits on the top on a tray with not much else around it to get knocked over or stacked up on.

Open shelving bathroom organization tips

This open shelving unit is the perfect size for this space between my vanity and tub. At first it regularly looked like this picture on the left (or even worse) but now it looks like the right!

Open shelving bathroom organization tips

I mentioned before that my biggest tip is putting items used by the MOST people in the house on the top with little around it. I may use items every day but there are also items in here the family comes in to get. We live in the desert so we all regularly use Cetaphil® Moisturizing Cream. It’s quick-absorbing, rich and non-greasy, as well as fragrance free, mild, and non-irritating for sensitive skin so it’s perfect for my family of mostly men. 2 of us are also eczema-prone along with very dry skin and this cream consistently gives us intense and lasting moisture and is even clinically proven to provide immediate, long-lasting hydration that soothes dry, itchy skin with a unique formula that attracts water to the skin and helps prevent moisture loss. In fact I started using this years ago because my dermatologist recommended it to me and I haven’t looked back.

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As for the rest of the shelves, I keep my daily/weekly products in a separate bin. My husband might use one of these items on occasion, but for the most part it’s all mine which means I’m responsible for putting them back. This means everything is where I want it to be for easy access. My daily items are kept up front like cleanser followed by items I use every other day or so like hair styling products and then items I don’t use as often in the back. I also stack up soap behind the bin so it’s out of sight but within easy access for the family to grab and replace. Little cups hold bobby pins, clips or jewelry. Despite having the best of intentions to put them all away they usually end up on the counter so having a little dish here helps keep that clean!

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My daily routine is contacts in, face wash, moisturize, face powder, eye brow powder, mascara (maybe eyeshadow and eyeliner) and deodorant. Nighttime is contacts out, face wash and moisturize. Super simple and quick so all products are up front and ready easy to use and place back in their place.

Open shelving bathroom organization tips

Items that both my husband and I use along with dog supplies, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, lint rollers etc. go in the next basket. Jared used the medicine cabinet on “his” side of the vanity so most of his products are in there.

Open shelving bathroom organization tips

The rest of the shelves hold toilet paper and extra towels for easy access and visibility for when they need to be replaced or cleaned.

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If you haven’t tried Cetaphil® Moisturizing Cream yet definitely pick some up on your next Target run. I use several Cetaphil® brand products and always pick them up at our Target!  Check out more great Cetaphil® skincare and lifestyle tips on the Social Hub.

Open shelving bathroom organization tips

OPEN SHELVING BATHROOM ORGANIZATION TIPS:

  1. Products used by the most household members on the top shelf with little surrounding it.
  2. Products used by one person all together in one bin or basket (plastic is great for easy cleaning).
  3. Place less frequently used items towards the back. Even bar soaps can be stacked behind the baskets.
  4. Keep items used by multiple people together if possible so that they don’t have to look through all the bins to find what they’re looking for.
  5. Place toilet paper, tissue, towels etc. on the bottom shelf for easy visibility.
  6. Cleaning supplies or infrequently used items can go under the sink or in other storage areas.

Open shelving bathroom organization tips

Looking for more fun inspiration from other Cetaphil® users? Check out this site. Do you struggle with bathroom storage or do you have a system that works?

Open shelving bathroom organization tips

Author

Allison Waken is the founder, writer, photographer, and content creator of All for the Memories and All for the Boys.

1 Comment

  1. Jenna Wood

    I love how easy access this shelving is- and Cetaphil is a must for every season and climate- we stash ours everywhere! #client