The Easy Dollar Tree DIY That Instantly Declutters Your Bathroom Counter

Bathroom counters are notorious for collecting clutter. Between the morning rush, nightly routines, and those random moments when you set something down "just for now," it doesn't take long for your space to feel overcrowded. Makeup brushes, hair accessories, and even jewelry all seem to pile up, leaving little room for anything else. While store-bought organizers can run up a hefty bill, there's an easy and budget-friendly fix waiting for you at your local Dollar Tree: small wood crates. With just six of the versatile Crafter's Square Rectangular Wooden Crates with Handles, two of the Crafter's Square Craft Wood Planks, gel stain or paint, and wood glue, you can create a stylish and functional organizer that will clear space while keeping your essentials close at hand. 

What makes this solution so appealing is how inexpensive and adaptable it is as a way to help you declutter your space. Each crate costs only $1.25, meaning you can create an entire custom piece for less than the price of many store-bought organizers. Even better, the design is sturdy enough to hold everyday bathroom staples, including hand towels, makeup palettes, lotions, nail polish, and even small plants and decor. With such a simple and low-cost tip to help keep your bathroom clutter-free, you'll wonder why you didn't try it sooner. 

Begin this DIY by grabbing six wood crates from Dollar Tree. Take your first two boxes, and glue the ends together. Then, clamp them to ensure that they dry straight. Repeat the process for the other four boxes to end with three pairs. These sets of glued crates will act as tiers in your organizer later on. Next, attach two thin strips of wood along the sides to serve as vertical supports. Place one set of boxes at the bottom, glue the next tier a few inches above, and finally, add the top level. Once the glue is dry, you can brush on your favorite paint color or apply gel stain with a clean cloth for a richer, more polished look. Some of the main reasons DIYers are switching from water-based to gel-based wood stains is because it's easier to use, bolder, and much more versatile.  

The finished result is a stylish three-tier bathroom organizer. It may be easier to paint or stain your crates and wooden strips before assembling to help you get in all the nooks. If you want the organizer to be even more stable, pick up thicker pieces of wood to glue on either side of your organizer. You can personalize it by adding dividers to declutter jewelry, painting it a fun color to match your bathroom's aesthetic, or lining the boxes with decorative paper. If you had fun with this easy and inexpensive DIY and have any leftover crates, here's how to repurpose your Dollar Tree wood crates for home decor and storage.