How to Organize Bathroom Drawers: Expert Tips from an NYC Organizer

Bathroom drawers: small in size, massive in chaos potential. Lipsticks rolling like tumbleweeds, half-used toothpaste tubes staging a sit-in, and bobby pins multiplying with more urgency than rabbits. Enter Kristen Donnino, Professional Organizer and founder of Neatly by Kristen in New York City, who has seen (and conquered) more bathroom drawers than most of us would care to admit exist.

We asked her how to bring order to this tiny but critical corner of the home. Her advice is refreshingly practical and instantly usable. Here’s exactly how she tackles bathroom drawers and what you can borrow from her playbook.

Step One: Embrace the Mess

Kristen doesn’t sugarcoat the process. “In any space—but especially in bathroom drawers—the first step is always to remove everything. I always tell my clients: it will look worse before it gets better.” Translation: chaos first, order later.

Once everything’s out, she recommends a simple checklist:

• Lay down a towel to protect surfaces from residue.
• Toss anything expired. “If you can’t find an expiration date, trust your gut: if you don’t remember when you bought it, it’s probably time to let it go.”
• Wipe down the inside of drawers to clear years of product buildup.

With everything visible, you can actually see what you own and start to rebuild with intention. The purge is the ugly but necessary first act.

What Stays in the Drawer, What Gets Exiled

Not every product deserves precious drawer space. Kristen keeps it simple: “It all comes down to frequency of use. Items used daily, like toothbrushes, razors, or go-to makeup, should live in the top drawers where they’re easily accessible.”

Here’s her breakdown:

• Top drawers: daily essentials.
• Under the sink: backups, travel products, overflow.
• Countertop: only what absolutely must stay out, styled on a tray.

“I try to keep counters clear for a sense of calm,” Kristen says. “But if something must stay out—like hand soap or a daily moisturizer—I suggest using a tray or container that makes it feel styled—not cluttered.”

The Great Divider Debate: Shallow vs. Deep Drawers

Drawer depth changes everything. For shallow drawers, Kristen loves modular bins. “Custom-fit bins are a total game-changer. They prevent sliding and help maximize every inch.”

Her go-to system looks like this:

• Long, narrow bins → mascara, toothpaste, liners.
• Square bins → flossers, cotton balls, small tools.
• Custom-fit bins → no wasted space, no sliding chaos.

Deep drawers require different gear. “I go for stackable bins or containers with compartments to group bulkier items like brushes or backup products. Sometimes, simple drawer dividers are perfect for separating hair tools or styling items.” Bulk needs boundaries, and Kristen sets them with stackables.

Organizing by Routine

Kristen’s favorite trick isn’t just about categories, it’s about flow. “I organize by routine. For example, I’ll create one zone or bin for morning skincare and another for nighttime, so clients can just grab what they need based on the time of day.”

Think of it as a routine map:

1. Morning skincare → cleanser, vitamin C, moisturizer, sunscreen.
2. Night skincare → makeup remover, retinol, heavier creams.
3. Makeup → divided into face, eyes, lips.
4. Hair tools → grouped together, ideally with a heat-safe liner.

Keeping routines separated means less brain fog at 6 a.m. and fewer excuses for tossing a straightener onto a pile of lip gloss.

Skincare Deserves Its Own Stage

Skincare is usually the biggest offender in bathroom drawer overload. Kristen’s solution is to split it by when you use it. That way, your nighttime serums aren’t tripping over your morning sunscreen.

Want more? We’ve got a full breakdown on how to organize skincare. Kristen’s method pairs perfectly with it: create bins by time of day, stick to your zones, and watch the chaos calm itself.

Labels, Visual Cues, and Other Jedi Mind Tricks

Labels aren’t mandatory, but cues are. “In most bathrooms, I skip traditional labels and rely on visual cues. Clear bins, color-coded containers, or designated compartments help people intuitively know where things go.” Translation: if you can see it, you’ll use it.

That said, labels shine in shared spaces. Kristen suggests:

• Minimalist, waterproof labels for categories like first aid or hair accessories.
• Inside-the-bin labels for subtle reminders of what belongs where.
• Kid-friendly labels so little hands know where things go too.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s predictability.

Handling Bulk Like a Pro

Buying in bulk isn’t the problem. Storing in bulk is. Kristen says, “Bulk items shouldn’t live in your daily-use drawers.” You don’t need a six-pack of deodorants rolling around next to your mascara.

Instead, she sets up what she calls a backstock zone:

• Designated bin under the sink or in a closet.
• Refill drawer items only as needed.
• Think of it like a mini store: daily drawers are for shoppers, not storage.

“I’m not anti-bulk shopping at all—but a thoughtful system is key,” Kristen explains. Streamlined drawers, calm mornings.

Hacks That Actually Work

Kristen isn’t about gimmicks, just reliable fixes. Her two essentials: “custom-fit bins and non-slip drawer liners (or even a dab of museum wax).” Those stop the inevitable sliding and rattling that make drawers feel messy again.

For long-term success, she prescribes:

• Sunday reset → 60 seconds to put everything back in place.
• One in, one out rule → if something new comes in, something old goes out.
• No “just in case” items → small drawers can’t afford them.

It’s maintenance made easy, using small habits that keep things from spiraling.

Proof It Works

Bathroom drawers aren’t just about looks: they affect your schedule. Kristen recalls one client, a beauty-industry pro and busy mom of two, who “gained back 10 minutes every morning after we reworked her bathroom drawers.” That’s the difference between on-time drop-offs and sprinting to school.

The key was editing down products and creating zones by use. “Now, instead of digging for her eyeliner or moisturizer, she opens one drawer and has everything she needs. It’s a small shift, but those 10 minutes add up—especially with young kids in the mix.”

Final Word

Bathroom drawers may not look like much, but Kristen insists they can make or break your day. When products are pared down, categories are clear, and bins actually fit, the result is less stress and more efficiency.

“Bathroom drawers may be small, but they have big potential to impact your day,” Kristen says. “With thoughtful sorting, custom-fit bins, and a few maintenance habits, you can create a calm, functional space that supports your daily routines.” And that’s the real win: a drawer that finally works for you, not against you.