Your bathroom countertop is one of the most important surfaces in your home—it’s where you get ready for your day, and it sets the tone for the rest of your space. But keeping it organized can be a challenge, especially if you’re working with a limited amount of space.

Here are 11 Dos and Don’ts to help you keep your bathroom countertop organized and looking its best:

Do's

1. Do keep only the essentials on your bathroom counters.

Keep your everyday use items such as a soap dispenser, mouthwash dispenser, toothbrush holder, hot tools, and toiletry caddy on your bathroom vanity. If you have a lot of products, consider storing them in a nearby cabinet or drawer.

2. Do make use of vertical space.

In other words, use the walls! Wall-mounted shelves or even cabinets can give you additional room to store things without making your bathroom feel cramped. If you want something a little more attractive, try using a floating storage shelf. These are great for displaying pretty bottles or rolled hand towels. Just make sure that whatever you choose is sturdy enough to hold whatever you need it to.

3. Do use clear bathroom counter organizers.

This will help you keep track of what’s where, and it also looks nice. You can find all sorts of different sizes and shapes of clear containers at your local home goods store. Just be sure to choose a bathroom countertop organizer that fit the items you want to store, and that have lids or are stackable.

4. Do wipe down the bathroom countertops every day.

One of the most important things you can do to keep your bathroom countertop organized and looking its best is to wipe it down every day. This will help remove any build-up of dirt or soap scum, and it will also prevent water spots from forming. Use a soft cloth or sponge and a mild cleanser, and be sure to rinse the surface well afterward. Towel dry it, or allow it to air dry.

5. Do use a tray to catch small items.

If you have a lot of small items that you need to keep on your countertops, such as makeup, jewelry, makeup sponges, or skincare products, consider using a tray or catch-all. This will help to keep things organized and in one place. You can find trays in a variety of materials, such as metal, wood, or even plastic. Choose one that fits your style and needs. Be sure to clean it regularly to prevent dust build-up.

6. Do use a mouthwash dispenser to replace branded plastic bottles .

Having a mouthwash dispenser on your bathroom vanity countertop is a great way to keep your countertop organized and clutter-free. By replacing the bulky, branded plastic bottles with a sleek and compact mouthwash dispenser, you can free up valuable counter space and create a more streamlined look in your bathroom.

7. Do keep track of dates so your countertop stays uncluttered.

When organizing your bathroom countertop, be mindful of the expiration dates of your cosmetics. It's important not to accumulate products that you don't use. Shelf life varies - eye shadows can last up to one year, lipsticks and nails every year; mascara, concealer, and foundations can last up to three months, and body cream up to one year. Perfume usually lasts for one to two years. Make sure you remove any excess product to help keep things tidy.

8. Do keep it simple

The key to keeping your bathroom countertop organized is to keep it simple. Choose a few key pieces and stick to them. This will help prevent the area from becoming too messy and overwhelming. If you are not sure about an item, put it away in the drawers or inside of the cabinets. You will be surprised that perhaps you don't even need it as often as you think.

9. Do add a rolling cart for extra storage

If you find that you need a little extra storage space, consider adding a rolling cart. This can be stored underneath the counter or in a nearby closet. Just make sure that it is easily accessible so that you can quickly grab what you need. A rolling cart is great for storing other items like towels, toiletries, or even cleaning supplies.

10. Do have fun with it!

Bathroom countertop organization does not have to be boring. There are tons of different ways that you can make it your own. Have fun with it and experiment until you find a system that works for you. Remember, the key is to keep it simple and tidy so that you can easily find what you need.

11. Do have stackable boxes

If you're like many and love having a well-organized vanity, but don't have the space for all of your supplies, stackable boxes are the perfect solution! Not only do they save space, but they also look great and can be easily customized to fit your needs. Boxes with lids are great for smaller items that may get lost, like travel kits, feminine items, or extra makeup. If you have a lot of supplies, boxes without lids can be used to create more compartments. Just make sure to label them so you know what is inside.

Don’t:

1. Don’t overcrowd your countertop.

Too much stuff on your bathroom countertop can make it look cluttered and messy. If you find that you don’t have enough space for everything, consider removing some items or storing them elsewhere. For example, you can replace the hand towels with paper towels and wall mount a paper towel dispenser next to the sink. This way, you and your guests can have clean towels to dry hands each time you and your guests wash your hands, and the dispenser is mounted to the wall leaving the counter free and clean.

2. Don’t forget about the little things.

Things like cotton balls, Q-tips, and makeup wipes can easily be forgotten about when you’re trying to keep your countertop organized. But they can also take up a lot of space! Try storing them in clear containers or mason jars. You can also hang a small basket on the wall to keep these items close at hand.

3. Don’t forget to declutter bathroom counter.

It’s easy to let your bathroom countertop become a catch-all for all sorts of things—but that can quickly lead to clutter. Periodically go through and declutter your countertop, getting rid of anything that you don’t use or need. This will help keep your space tidy and organized.

4. Don’t neglect your cabinets and drawers.

Your bathroom countertop isn’t the only place where you can store things—your cabinets and drawers can be great for storing extra toiletries, towels, and more. So if your countertop is starting to feel full, don’t forget about these other storage options.

5. Don't forget to label everything.

Make sure that everything has a place, and that everything is in its place. This will help prevent your countertop from becoming cluttered and ensures that you can always find what you're looking for. Label everything, so that you know exactly where it goes. You can find labels and label makers at your local office supply store.

6. Don't just leave everything on the counter and forget about them

If you find that your bathroom counters are constantly cluttered, it may be because you use a lot of items on a daily basis and don't have time to put them away. Don't just leave them all lying around on the counter. Select one day out of each month to put things away where they belong. This will help improve the overall appearance of your bathroom and make it more organized.

7. Don't forget the classics

One easy way to improve the look of your bathroom counter is to add a touch of personality with a jar. Whether it's filled with your favorite flowers or plants or used to store your toiletry essentials, a jar can really make a statement. Plus, it's an easy way to add some extra storage to your countertop.

8. Don't forget decor

What's the best way to style your bathroom countertop? Keep it simple with a few decorative pieces, like a reed diffuser or a small piece of art. The essentials should be kept in mind though, so try not to clutter the space. If you're using the countertop as your personal bathroom, you can add a few more items, but still try to keep it decluttered.

9. Don't just go out and buy more organizers without planning

Before you go out and buy a bunch of new organizers, take inventory of what you already have. You might be surprised to find that you have enough storage bins, baskets, and boxes to keep your bathroom countertop organized—you just need to use them in the right way. So think about how you want to organize your space before you go out and buy a new bathroom counter organizer.

10. Don't forget about the seasons

Your bathroom countertop might look different in the winter than it does in the summer. Seasonal items, like sunscreen and bug spray, can take up a lot of space on your countertop. So be sure to put them away when they're not in use. This will help keep your countertop looking neat and tidy all year long.

11. Don't stress too much when you can't organize your countertop in one go

Trying to declutter and organize your bathroom countertop all at once can be overwhelming. So take it one step at a time. Start by throwing one unnecessary item out each day. Or, spend 15 minutes each week decluttering your countertop. Small changes can make a big difference over time. So don’t get discouraged if you can’t achieve bathroom countertop zen overnight—just keep at it, and eventually, you’ll get there.

Bathroom Vanity Countertop Organization

A well-organized bathroom countertop can make your life a lot easier—and it can also make your bathroom look a lot nicer. By following these dos and don’ts, you can keep your countertop organized and looking its best.