I Transformed My Bathroom Countertop Without Decluttering It, and the Simple Fix Is Brilliant

For longer than I’d care to admit, my bathroom countertop was a cluttered mess. Beauty products and toiletries were strewn everywhere, and I could barely find the cap of my deodorant (much less the perfect nude lip liner for my outfit). Even when I tried to corral everything in a basket or underneath my vanity, I found myself in the same place: constantly hunting for whatever came next in my routine. 

That is, until I discovered the simplest organizing solution in a tiered tray I found at Target. Armed with the tray and an organizational plan, I set out to conquer my bathroom countertop clutter once and for all. Here’s how I did it.

My plan of attack was simple: Position my everyday items and products in the order that I use them so I’d stop struggling to find things when I needed them. Using the two-tiered organizer, I separated each tier to reflect my two different morning routines and maximize space. On the top, instead of grouping products by brand or type (or, ahem, just flinging them anywhere), I arranged my everyday makeup from left to right in the exact order I apply them. On the far left sits my primer, foundation, and other liquid face products like concealer and color corrector. In the middle, I have my powders and highlighter at the ready. Finally, on the right, I placed lip liners and gloss alongside mascara and setting spray. 

On the bottom level of my tiered tray, my products for my no-makeup routine are just as poised and ready for the day. This level holds my true, bare-bones essentials: deodorant, eye cream, face sunscreen, lip treatment, moisturizer, two perfumes, and an optional serum if I have a few extra minutes to spare. These products are also arranged in the order I need them, so I can complete my low-maintenance routine in no time flat. 

As simple as it is, it’s so nice to move across the trays as I’m getting ready — just like I’d follow the steps in a recipe. There’s no stopping to search for a product or try to remember what comes next on busy mornings, which makes all the difference. It’s cut down on the time I spend on my morning and bedtime routines, and it has completely eliminated decision fatigue. I appreciate that the two-tier design of this tray allows me to maximize precious counter space, while still keeping everything within arm’s reach. But you can use whatever type of organizer works best for your routine and space, whether it’s a lazy Susan or a corner shelf organizer. 

I finally have a system that doesn’t force me to rummage through everything I own every morning. My organizing method does all of the work for me, guiding me through whichever routine I choose. And if my deodorant cap never goes missing again, that’ll be the true signal of success.