Ditch Baskets: Here's A More Creative Way To Store Towels And Washcloths

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Bathrooms can get pretty messy unless you take deliberate steps to keep them organized. Since they're often relatively small and often lack storage solutions, it can be particularly challenging to corral the clutter. Picture damp towels piled in a corner, skin care products strewn all over the counter, and half-shut drawers crammed full of toiletries. It's enough to dampen your mood even further than your hurried morning routine already does. The best way to make the most of a small bathroom — or bring some order to a spacious private sanctuary — is to address those messy towels. They need dedicated storage. Bathroom cabinets will add storage and declutter your linens, as will towel racks, baskets, or bins, but there's another, more creative organization solution: a napkin holder.

Don't believe us? The proof lies in the video tutorial. Instagrammer Nicole Brooks-McCoy (nikkkkkkmcc) shows just how ridiculously easy it is to DIY a small towel and washcloth storage organizer using a few napkin holders. Brooks-McCoy uses the Cooking Concepts Chrome Napkin Holders from Dollar Tree, but you can also find them elsewhere for affordable prices. This Bnyd Paper Napkin Holder costs about $9. The only other item required for this project is Dollar Tree's Tool Bench 8-Inch Nylon Cable Ties for $1.50 a pack. You don't need to drill, nail, or install anything for this hack! If you're ready to ditch your baskets, grab two — or more — napkin holders, cable ties, and a pair of scissors and let's get to work.

To start with this easy organizational DIY, place one napkin holder on top of the other. Next, use the cable ties to secure them in place on either side, right at the base — which should now sit parallel to the wall. Snip off the extra length using your scissors. For a more secure hold, apply some Gorilla Heavy-Duty Waterproof Construction Adhesive to the holders. This will stop them from wobbling around every time you push folded towels into the gaps or pull them out to use them. Once you're satisfied that the holder is sturdily tied or glued together, your work is practically done.

At this point, you have a handy, well-ventilated way to store clean towels or washcloths you can use right now. Fold your small linens neatly and push them into the slots, then place the entire holder somewhere within easy reach, such as a vanity, a shelf, or the side of your tub. To save countertop space, why not hang the holder on the wall using Command Large Utility Hooks? For better stability and a cleaner look, roll the small towels or wash cloths instead of folding them. That way, they won't stick out as much or get droopy.

Don't like the original shiny chrome finish of most cheap napkin holders? You can easily customize this DIY towel storage solution to complement your bathroom's existing decor. Spray paint the napkin holders any color you like — Instagrammer Nicole Brooks-McCoy (nikkkkkkmcc) chose black. Other options include trending metallics, like unlacquered brass, or a pretty pale pink. Alternatively, wrap it in weatherproof SGT Knots Tarred Nylon Twine for a rustic look. This is one of those simple upgrades that'll immediately elevate your bathroom aesthetic.