The Underutilized Space In Your Bathroom That's Great For Extra Storage

Need some extra storage in your bathroom? Your first instinct might be to get a stand-alone cabinet. Then again, that requires having enough floor space, which isn't the case for many of us small-bathroom folks. Maybe you've thought of hanging shelves, but drilling walls is a big no-no in your rental. Suffice it to say, finding ways to increase storage in a teeny-weeny bathroom can seem like a hopeless situation. But don't lose hope just yet — the solution is literally behind your door.

Bathroom doors aren't only for hanging bathrobes and towels. Paired with the right door organizer, this area can provide a home for everything from skincare products and hair styling tools to toiletries and cleaning supplies. Even better? It takes up zero extra space. Simply hook the space-saving gadget over your bathroom door (It's called "over-the-door storage" for a reason!) to keep your bathroom clutter-free — or at least contain the clutter in one practical place. Ahead, we're sharing some of our favorite door-mounted finds to help you make the most of this sneaky storage spot. Spoiler: Door-hanging laundry bags are a thing.

First, we have the classic over-the-door organizers with baskets. While they're considered one of the best over-the-door storage solutions for every space, they especially come in clutch when you don't have bathroom cabinets or counter space. Something like the $28 ETELI 3-Tier Back Door Storage Rack on Amazon can hold a decent amount of bath essentials without trouble. As a plus, it includes hooks for things like in-use towels, loofahs, and brushes. Or, for another more aesthetic example, peep the $136 Elfa Over the Door Mesh Rack from the Container Store. Since this one includes six storage baskets, you could designate a basket for each member of the household if you share your bathrooms with others.

Then there are those multifunctional, door storage systems that do more than organize products. For instance, Urban Outfitters' Over-The-Door Laundry Hamper ($129) eliminates the need for a bulky basket. The same goes for the $46 Household Essentials Door Hanging Laundry Bag from Bed Bath & Beyond, which hangs on a doorknob instead of hogging up precious floor space. And if that isn't genius enough, why not turn your door into a functional drying rack? The Honey-Can-Do Over-The-Door Collapsible Drying Rack with Extra Shelf ($45) on Amazon is designed to do just that.

As with any type of open storage, there's no getting away from dust. You'll need to make wiping your door organizer (along with its contents) a part of your bathroom cleaning routine. But other than that, you can't beat this hack if you're looking for small bathroom ideas to make your space seem bigger while adding serious storage space.