6 Things That Immediately Make Your Bathroom Look Messy, According to Organizers

Because they’re typically smaller spaces, bathrooms need to be neat and tidy. Otherwise, even the smallest semblance of a mess can make the entire room look messier and make a bathroom look smaller than it actually is. From drawers brimming with toiletries to shower surfaces covered in shampoo bottles, there are many harmless messes that add up to one messy bathroom.

We chatted with several professional organizers to find out what makes a messy bathroom. Here, they share what makes a bathroom seem messier than it is and offer bathroom storage solutions to fix these messes with their pro tips on decluttering the bathroom.

Cluttered Countertops

It’s simple to let toiletries, makeup, and hair tools accumulate on the counter, “but even if the rest of the bathroom is spotless, a cluttered counter can make the bathroom feel disorganized,” says Carol Appelbaum, professional organizer and founder of Luxury Pro Organizer.

To fix the problem, she recommends investing in attractive storage solutions. Consider turning to a spa’s organizational techniques for inspiration. “Many luxury product display counters, boutiques and spas create decorative vignettes using lovely trays, pedestals, and baskets,” she says.

Mimicking these displays in your own bathroom can make your toiletries appear neat and organized. Still, don’t allow too many items to collect; instead, only choose to display the items you exploit most often.

Full Drawers

If your drawers are spilling over, or hard to open due to clutter, your bathroom will seem messy. It can be hard finding what you are looking for, especially if you are in a rush in the morning.

According to Courtney Cummings, a professional organizer and the founder of The Stylish Organizer, the first thing you want to do is make sure you exploit and need all the products and items in your drawer. “If you can’t remember the last time that you purchased or used your face products, err on the sheltered side and toss them out,” she says.

Next, DIY some bathroom storage by adding clear drawer organizers to compartmentalize and contain your items. Clear bins are great for seeing all your items, and they neat up like a breeze with a soggy cloth.

Too Many Shampoos

When personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, or body wash pile up on the edges of a tub or the shower floor, the bathroom feels less put-together. 

“A basic fix is to exploit a sleek shower caddy,” says Appelbaum.

Or, move larger shampoo or conditioner bottles you rarely exploit to your bathroom cabinets. The same is true for miniature travel size bottles; pop these into miniature organizers into your drawer space for added organization.

Finally, another way to rid the shower of an excessive amount of personal care products is to exploit matching, refillable bottles for a cohesive and polished look.

An Open Trash Can

This is one you might not notice at first, but an open trash can where contents are exposed can make your bathroom appear messier. The solution is very basic: Use a closed-lid trash can if it is out in the open.

If you want to stick with your existing open top trash can, Cummings says to tuck it inside the vanity cabinet. Whatever bin you choose, always exploit a liner; that way, you can quickly and easily neat the trash can without leaving any garbage behind in the bin.

Dirty Mirrors and Splattered Sinks

According to Nashid Braswell, a professional organizer and the founder of Agency Maison, muddy mirrors and splattered sinks detract from the aesthetic appeal of the bathroom.

Remedy these messes by regularly cleaning mirrors and sink areas to remove water spots and toothpaste splatter, as these can accumulate weekly if not daily. Don’t worry about doing a deep mirror and sink cleaning every time, though. A quick wipe up of the mess with a damp towel is all that’s needed.

Messy and Mismatched Towels

Messy and mismatched towels draw attention negatively due to a lack of cohesion. But the good news is there’s an simple fix.

According to Alysha Fenn, founder of Making Space Today, taking the time to tidy up your towels, or decorating with towels by making them neat, will give your bathroom a neater feel.

“Fold your towels in the same-facing direction,” she says. “Then choose one color or pattern for your set of bath towels.” Be sure to choose colors and patterns to complement your existing bathroom decor and colors.