A stock of toilet paper is one of those bathroom essentials that’s always needed, but not exactly welcome in your decor. Whether you’re going for minimalist spa vibes or cozy charm, bulky packaging and exposed rolls can throw off the aesthetic.
But how do you store toilet paper so that it is still within arms reach, without it being front and center?
Here, professional organizers and cleaners have shared their tips for where to store toilet paper when organizing a bathroom.
How to store toilet paper
1. Base or upper cabinets
Cabinets next to toilets are perfectly accessible.
One of the best ways to store toilet paper is in your bathroom cabinet – either in a base cabinet located next to your toilet or in an upper cabinet installed over the toilet, says Tammy Cailliau, bathroom supplier and owner of Tampa Bay Granite.
To make the most of space in your vanity and prevent damage, she adds, ‘We often recommend people use a plastic Rubbermaid storage tote [available at Target] or just an extra cover, to help elevate the bottom rolls off the base when storing in a base cabinet because a water leak from a P-trap under the sink can damage the rolls.’
2. Lidded baskets
Baskets are ideal both in cabinets, and on display.
Decorative baskets, such as these Highland Dunes wicker baskets from Wayfair, are ideal if you are trying to organize a bathroom with no storage, or are looking for ways to store toilet paper in a small bathroom.
Petya Holevich, house cleaning expert and supervisor at Fantastic Services, suggests, ‘Place a lidded basket or decorative storage box near the toilet, either on the floor or on a shelf. Choose a container that complements the bathroom’s decor to keep it discreet.
‘Opt for a box with a hinged lid for easy one-handed access.’
This large storage basket with a latch lid is perfect for keeping toilet paper stowed out of sight on open shelving.
This smaller basket is perfect for keeping two spare rolls on the back of a toilet for quick access, without it looking untidy.
This open top basket is perfect for keeping toilet paper stacks neat inside of cabinets, making them easy to grab without them falling all over the shelving.
3. Rolling carts
Rolling carts are some of the best bathroom organizers, offering easy access along with discreet extra toilet paper storage in small bathroom ideas.
The trick is to pick a rolling cart that has a solid back, such as this Utility Cart with Wheels from Wayfair, so that you can turn it against the wall to hide the toilet paper storage.
It comes in three colors, offering aesthetic slimline storage ideas for any bathroom aesthetic, and is narrow enough to slide between the toilet and your vanity or wall to keep essentials in arm's reach.
Available in three colors, this slimline rolling cart will maximize your storage space even in the smallest spaces. The pull handle on the side and four 360° rolling casters make this free-standing slim rolling cart easy to move around without scratching your floor.
4. Floating shelves with hidden storage
Tucking toilet paper away makes shelves look neater.
Storing toilet paper on bathroom shelving ideas puts it front and center. So, to keep it hidden, consider integrating hidden storage into your shelving.
Petya continues, ‘Installing a floating shelf with a slide-out or lift-up compartment. A custom floating shelf above or beside the toilet can include a hidden compartment that opens with a push or lift mechanism.
‘These are excellent for storing a few extra rolls while keeping them completely out of view. Make sure the mechanism is easy to operate even with one hand.’
5. Keep them out of the bathroom
Moisture in bathrooms could damage your stored items.
For some home organizers, however, toilet paper is one of the items you should never store in a bathroom cabinet. While this does keep it out of reach, it can make it last longer.
Sarah Day, storage expert at Pay Less for Storage, warns, ‘Toilet rolls are by their very nature hugely absorbent. This means they soak up ambient moisture in the air, especially in condensation-filled bathrooms after a hot shower or a bath.
'Over time, this dampness can cause stored spares to become soggy, but worse than that, toilet paper can even start to grow mold spores.
'This is worse if stored in bulk on the floor or in closed cupboards that trap moisture inside. You're far better off keeping spare toilet rolls in a dry airing cupboard or hallway cabinet and restocking the bathroom as needed.’
Improving ventilation in your bathroom or using dessicant moisture packs, from Walmart, could help solve the problem; however, if you prefer to keep it handy.
FAQs
How long can you store toilet paper?
Toilet paper does not expire, meaning that you could theoretically store it forever. The key is to ensure that it is not exposed to pests or moisture, by storing toilet paper in a dry, clean cabinet or enclosed container.
If bulk buying and storing toilet paper long-term, consider keeping it in an air-tight plastic bins with desiccant packs, available at Walmart, to absorb excess moisture.
Meet the experts
Tammy has over 30 years experience in customer service, and uses it at Tampa Bay Granite to assist customers in designing new kitchens and selecting the perfect countertops to bring their visions to life.
Petya Holevich is an experienced house cleaning and laundry expert with over 5 years of dedicated time at Fantastic Services.
Sarah is a storage solutions expert who specializes in helping clients, whether they’re moving house, decluttering ahead of downsizing, or looking for alternative storage solutions. She has been featured in Ideal Home, House Beautiful, and more.
As with any room of the house, organizing a bathroom with too much stuff is far easier if you declutter first. This can help you free up enclosed storage space for items such as toilet paper and personal hygiene products.
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