The Perfect Closet Storage Shelf Might Already Be In Your Bathroom

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Figuring out how to organize a closet is always difficult. The spaces are often small and strangely shaped, and it seems impossible to get the right balance of drawers, shelves, and hanging space. Plus, you are probably guilty of at least a few walk-in closet storage mistakes that can lead to cluttered chaos, especially when it comes to shoes that do not yet have a dedicated space. If you are ready to manage the mess and make your closet a more usable space, then you will probably need to find yourself some organizational structures. While you could go out and buy a shoe rack, you might also be able to repurpose an item you already have in your home. One surprisingly suitable option is to repurpose an over-the-toilet shelf.

Over-the-toilet shelves are tall units featuring a few shelves above an empty space designed to accommodate a toilet. These units vary in size, but they are often around 10 to 12 inches deep, 25 inches wide, and 60 to 65 inches tall. This depth is just right to fit the average shoe size of both men and women on the shelves, so you can fit quite a few pairs. Their narrow size means they are small enough to fit neatly in a closet, even a large reach-in one. The space meant for the toilet also means you can store high boots, more shelves or drawers, or even storage bins. The height also makes your shoe choices more visible and easier to access. With many designs available, these shelves can also look more stylish than an over-the-door shoe rack.

While a major benefit of this type of shelf is giving new life to an otherwise unused item, you can also purchase new over-the-toilet shelves if the benefits appeal to you. You can look out for the best IKEA over-the-toilet storage options, or try out an Amazon find like the highly rated UTEX over-the-toilet three-tier storage shelf for $69.99. Most of these shelves cost around $50 or more, but you may be able to find more affordable secondhand options online or at thrift shops.

When you are ready to convert your bathroom shelves for closet use, start by cleaning them thoroughly. You definitely do not want any odd or chemical bathroom smells lingering around your clean clothes. If your shelves came with a wall anchor, it is a good idea to use it to prevent any accidents. Finally, depending on the material of your shelves, you may want to add a liner to make the shelves easier to clean and protect them, or the shoes underneath, from mud, dirt, and any other outdoor debris.

Before you spend a significant amount of money on a new storage unit, though, you should make sure it is suitable for this purpose. Check that the measurements fit in your closet, and consider wall shelves, which can achieve a similar result while being more flexible and affordable. Finally, if none of the over-the-toilet shelf systems you find can fit into your small reach-in closet or aren't a good fit for storing your shoes, there are still genius shoe storage ideas that are game-changers for small closets.