7 Things You Should Never Store in the Bathroom, According to Pro Organizers

If you’re in the process of decluttering and organizing your home, one of the first places you’re probably going to need to spend some time in is the bathroom. Whether it’s extra hygiene products, makeup, or medication, you might not even be aware of everything you’ve been keeping below the sink, vanity drawers, or in the medicine cabinet.

However, just because you can store all of these things in your bathroom doesn’t mean you should. Here are seven things you should never store in the bathroom. 

Medication

According to professional organizer Brooke Hawkins of Sorted and Styled, medication (despite the name) does not belong in the medicine cabinet. “Imagine your vitamins turning into little science experiments—moisture and heat aren’t exactly their best friends," she says.

She suggests moving them to a cool, dry cabinet. If you like storing medication close to your bathroom, try an organizer or box to store them in a linen closet nearby instead.

Cosmetics

While most organizers will tell you to store items where you use them, cosmetics are the exception to this rule. “Cosmetics might be beautiful, but the bathroom’s steam can change their quality," says Hawkins. "Keep your beauty essentials in a climate that’s as perfect as your skincare routine."

If you must store makeup in the bathroom (after all, it is convenient), don’t keep it out on the counter, and stash these items in a drawer or cabinet in a makeup case instead.

Anything Made From Paper

You know that book you’ve been trying to read that’s sitting in your bathroom? Go take a look at it. Do the pages look a little wrinkled? That’s because moisture and paper are a bad combo.

“Books, magazines, and collectibles are best kept in a dry environment," says Hawkins. "Imagine your favorite novel developing a mildew scent—definitely not the plot twist you want. So, tuck these items away in a dry, ventilated space."

Jewelry

While you probably have your fancier items tucked away in your bedroom or safe, many of us put our costume jewelry on the sink or bathroom counter while we shower. But according to Hawkins, this isn’t a good place to stash these items.

“Jewelry and moisture are like an awkward couple at a party—one's always ruining the fun," she says. "Keep your precious gems in a dry spot to avoid tarnishing and heartbreak.”

Batteries

Pro organizer Kris Hargrove says that storing batteries in the bathroom is a big no. “When condensation from a hot shower collides with rechargeable batteries, they will lose their charge quicker or become un-chargeable over time," she adds. "Corrosion can occur, making the batteries unusable.”

Sentimental Items

“Anything important to you, such as mementos or sentimental items, should not be kept in a bathroom,” says Hargrove. “Over time, the wet conditions can cause pictures to stick together, paper to fade and shrivel, and mold to grow—ruining your most cherished treasures.”

Extra Towels

While you obviously need to store some towels in your bathroom, you don’t need to store all of your extra towels there. The moisture can make them musty or even cause mold or mildew, depending on how humid your bathroom gets as well as the local climate.

At the very least, according to Hargrove, they can develop a musty smell, which isn’t exactly a refreshing way to dry off after the shower.