Great question about the affiliate links! Yes, when I include Amazon product suggestions, I use placeholder links like amazon.co.uk/dp/PRODUCTCODE or just generic Amazon searches. You'll need to run those through your Amazon Associates account to add your affiliate tag (usually something like ?tag=mariaduckhous-21).

Most affiliate programs have link builders or browser extensions that make this super quick, just paste the product URL and it spits out your tagged version. Takes about 30 seconds per link! 💰

Now, here's your Small Bathroom Storage post:

Let me guess, you've got a bathroom the size of a broom cupboard, and every time you need to grab your moisturizer, you're playing Tetris with half-empty shampoo bottles and mystery tubes you can't quite throw away yet. I've been there. Small bathrooms are one of those design challenges that can feel impossible until you discover that vertical space and a few clever tricks can absolutely transform how the room functions.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase.

The good news? You don't need to gut the entire bathroom or spend hundreds on custom cabinetry. With some strategic thinking and budget-friendly bathroom storage ideas for small spaces, you can create a surprisingly organized, peaceful space that actually works for your daily routine. Here are my seven favorite storage hacks that won't break the bank, and most are completely renter-friendly.

1. Embrace the Over-the-Door Organizer

If you're not using the back of your bathroom door, you're missing out on prime real estate. Over-the-door organizers are brilliant because they require zero installation, cost between £15-£25, and instantly give you pockets for everything from hair tools to cleaning supplies.

I love using clear pocket organizers so I can see what's inside at a glance, but fabric versions work beautifully if you prefer a softer look. The key is choosing one with enough pockets to separate categories, think hair care in one section, skincare in another, and first aid supplies in a third. This setup keeps frequently used items within easy reach without cluttering your counter or vanity.

For renters especially, this is a game-changer. When you move out, you simply unhook it and take it with you. No patching holes, no damage deposit drama.

2. Install Adhesive Hooks Everywhere

Speaking of renter-friendly solutions, adhesive hooks are my secret weapon for small bathroom storage. Modern command hooks hold a surprising amount of weight and come in styles ranging from sleek chrome to rustic bronze, so they can actually enhance your bathroom's aesthetic rather than looking like an afterthought.

I use them on the inside of cabinet doors to hang hair straighteners (once they've cooled!), on the wall beside the shower for loofahs and bath poufs, and even on the side of the vanity for small hand towels. The beauty of adhesive hooks is you can experiment with placement, if something doesn't work, you just reposition it. No commitment, no holes in the tile.

Consider placing a row of small hooks along one wall at varying heights for robes, towels, or even attractive baskets hung sideways. This creates functional storage that doubles as a decorative element, especially if you choose hooks with interesting shapes or finishes.

3. Make the Most of Over-the-Toilet Space

The area above your toilet is often the most underutilized space in any bathroom, yet it's perfect for storage. An over-the-toilet shelving unit typically measures about 60-70 inches high and provides three to four shelves, that's a lot of storage potential in a compact footprint.

These freestanding units cost anywhere from £50-£120 and require no installation beyond simple assembly. I recommend choosing one with a mix of open shelves and closed storage if your budget allows. Open shelves are perfect for rolled towels, decorative baskets, and plants (yes, plants in the bathroom!), while closed storage keeps less attractive items like extra toilet paper and cleaning supplies hidden away.

When styling these shelves, think in threes: group items in odd numbers for a more visually appealing display. A stack of folded towels, a small plant, and a decorative candle create much more interest than items lined up in a row.

4. Use Tiered Trays for Toiletries

Here's where we get a bit fancy without spending much at all. Tiered trays: like the kind you'd use for serving cakes: work brilliantly for organizing toiletries on your counter or inside cabinets. They create vertical storage that maximizes space while keeping everything visible and accessible.

I use a two-tier lazy Susan inside my vanity cabinet for skincare products. It spins, so I can easily grab whatever I need from the back without knocking everything over in the process. On the bathroom counter, a simple tiered tray can hold your daily essentials: face wash on the bottom tier, moisturizer and serum on the top. This setup looks intentional and spa-like rather than cluttered.

You can find these trays for £8-£20 at most home stores, or even repurpose ones you already own from your kitchen. The trick is choosing trays with enough space between tiers: about 4-6 inches: so you can actually fit bottles and jars without them bumping into the tier above.

5. Add a Rolling Cart for Flexible Storage

A slim rolling cart might seem like overkill for a tiny bathroom, but hear me out. These compact carts (usually around £30-£60) provide movable storage that you can tuck beside the toilet, next to the vanity, or even wheel out of the way when guests come over.

I love using mine for items I need regularly but don't want cluttering the counter: extra towels on the bottom tier, hair styling tools on the middle, and my current skincare rotation on top. The mobility means I can pull it close when I'm getting ready, then push it back into a corner when I'm done.

Look for carts with wheels that lock so they stay put when you need them to, and consider the material carefully. Metal carts hold up better in humid bathroom environments than some wood or particle board versions.

6. Maximize Under-Sink Storage with Sliding Organizers

The space under your bathroom sink is often a chaotic black hole where cleaning supplies and half-used products go to die. A two-tier sliding organizer (around £25-£50) can completely transform this area by creating accessible storage that you can actually see and reach.

These organizers typically come in U-shaped designs that work around the plumbing, and the sliding mechanism means you can pull out the entire unit to see what's in the back. Use small bins or baskets on each tier to group similar items: cleaning supplies together, spare toiletries together, hair tools together.

This is another brilliant solution for renters because it requires no installation. You simply place it under the sink, load it up, and you're done. When you move, you take it with you.

7. Think Vertically with Corner Shelves

Corners are the forgotten spaces in most bathrooms, but a simple corner shelf unit can provide surprising amounts of storage without taking up much visual or physical space. You can find tension-pole corner shelves (no drilling required!) for £30-£70, or install mounted floating corner shelves if you own your home.

I particularly love using corner shelves in the shower for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash: it keeps these items off the tub edge and creates a much cleaner look. Outside the shower, corner shelves work beautifully for extra toilet paper, guest towels, or even a small plant collection to bring life into the space.

The key with corner storage is not to overcrowd it. Leave some breathing room on each shelf so the space still feels open and intentional rather than cramped and cluttered.

Bringing It All Together

The magic of these budget home decor ideas isn't just that they're affordable: it's that they work with your bathroom rather than requiring you to change it. Small bathrooms have big potential when you stop focusing on what you don't have (endless counter space, a huge linen closet) and start maximizing what you do have: vertical space, forgotten corners, and unused door real estate.

Start with one or two of these hacks that address your biggest pain points. Maybe you're drowning in hair products, so an over-the-door organizer makes sense. Or perhaps your under-sink area is chaos, so a sliding organizer is your first move. You don't have to implement everything at once: in fact, it's better to add storage gradually so you can figure out what actually works for how you use the space.

The best part? Almost all of these solutions are completely reversible and renter-friendly, so you can create the organized, functional bathroom you deserve without risking your security deposit or making permanent changes you might regret later.

Your small bathroom has more potential than you think. Sometimes all it takes is looking at the space with fresh eyes: and maybe a few adhesive hooks.

Warmly,
Maria

P.S. For more budget-friendly ideas and cozy vibes, come hang out with us on our Charming Homescape Pinterest boards: https://uk.pinterest.com/Charming_Homescape/. I'm always pinning clever storage solutions and bathroom inspiration. 🛁✨