Where do you store extra toilet paper and paper towels?

Having extra toilet paper and paper towels on hand is always a good idea, but finding a place to store them can be a challenge, especially in small homes. Properly storing extra toiletries keeps them clean, dry and readily available when you need them. With some clever storage solutions, you can neatly tuck away backup rolls of toilet paper and stacks of paper towels in plain sight or out of the way.

Should You Store Extra Toilet Paper and Paper Towels?

It’s wise to have a surplus of toilet paper and paper towels for a few reasons:

  • You’ll always be prepared when you unexpectedly run out. No more panicking or scrambling when the last roll is empty.
  • Stocking up when supplies are on sale saves money. Toilet paper and paper towels are consumable items you’ll always need to replenish.
  • Keep enough on hand so you don’t have to run to the store if you get sick. Having extra toilet paper makes it easy to self-quarantine comfortably at home if needed.

The general rule of thumb is to have a two to four week supply of toilet paper and paper towels at all times. To determine how much you need, take note of how often you replace rolls. If your family of four goes through eight regular rolls of toilet paper each week, you’ll want to have 16-32 rolls on hand at any given time.

How Much Extra Toilet Paper and Paper Towels Should You Store?

Figuring out bathroom and kitchen cabinet storage space for extra toiletries comes down to your household needs and habits. Here are some guidelines for determining how much extra toilet paper and paper towels to store:

  • Toilet paper: Have two to four weeks’ worth on hand. Estimate how many rolls your household uses per week and do the math from there.
  • Paper towels: One or two extra packs is plenty for most households with two to four people. Buy more if you use paper towels generously or have a large family.
  • More is better: Consider keeping a larger surplus of toilet paper and paper towels if you have the space to store it. During natural disasters, pandemics and other emergencies that prevent you from shopping, the more backup supplies you have on hand, the better.
  • Pay attention to sales: Take advantage of discounts, coupons and bulk pricing when stocking up. Sign up for store savings clubs for extra deals.
  • Avoid waste: Only purchase what you can reasonably use and store before supplies expire or get damaged. Paper products wear out after prolonged storage.

Take an inventory of your current stash. If you only have a couple spare rolls of toilet paper and an almost empty pack of paper towels, it’s time to stock up.

Where to Store Extra Toilet Paper

Toilet paper takes up a considerable amount of space, so you’ll need to find creative spots to tuck away your surplus. Consider these prime storage locations in your home:

  • Under the bathroom sink. Stand rolls upright or stack them flat in bins designed for under-sink storage.
  • Beside the toilet. A decorative bin or basket adds style. Just make sure it’s within easy reach.
  • On shelving built in to the wall around or behind the toilet.
  • In a bathroom cabinet, closet or linen closet.
  • Under other sinks or in vanities that have storage space.
  • In the garage, basement, attic or other dry storage area. Note that humidity can damage toilet paper over time.

Tips for Storing Toilet Paper:

  • Store rolls upright whenever possible and keep the packaging on to prevent squishing.
  • Layer flat stacks neatly to maximize storage space.
  • Use storage bins, boxes or crates to corral and contain loose rolls.
  • Only open one package at a time and keep backstock sealed.
  • Group toilet paper with other bathroom supplies, like tissues and feminine products.
  • Avoid putting toilet paper in drawers, as dampness can cause it to disintegrate.

Creative Toilet Paper Storage Solutions

With some clever ideas, you can seamlessly incorporate extra toilet paper storage into your bathroom’s style.

Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving

Installing floor-to-ceiling shelving transforms awkward, narrow spaces beside or behind the toilet into storage. Place toilet paper, extra bath towels and toiletries on the shelves. Choose a shelving material like wood, metal or tension rods with shelves.

Hanging Wall Magazine Rack

An over-the-toilet wall magazine rack conveniently holds both magazines and toilet paper rolls upright. Opt for a basic metal rack or woven rattan holder.

Freestanding Shelves

Freestanding metal utility shelves roll into place for accessible toilet paper storage. A compact wire shelf tucks behind the toilet against the wall. Three-tier metal rolling carts store toilet paper on bottom shelves.

Bamboo Bathroom Shelf

Mounted on the wall above the toilet, a bamboo shelf adds rustic chic style while storing stacks of toilet paper rolls. The open design keeps them neatly corralled.

Bathroom Storage Cabinets

Installing a bathroom cabinet with shelves above the toilet creates tons of organized storage space. Hide away excess toilet paper rolls behind the cabinet doors. Choose a wall-mount cabinet or freestanding style. Opt for a moisture-resistant finish.

Standing Toilet Paper Holder

A tall, freestanding toilet paper stand neatly stores spare rolls in the bathroom corner or next to the vanity. Often made of chrome-finished metal, the stands feature multiple spindles to hold toilet paper upright.

DIY Toilet Paper Dispenser

With some creativity and simple materials, you can build your own toilet paper dispenser customized to your space. Try an over-the-tank toilet paper organizer made of pine boards or a mounted toilet paper holder made from copper pipes.

Where to Store Extra Paper Towels

Tuck those bonus rolls of paper towels into these convenient kitchen, pantry and household storage spots:

  • Kitchen or pantry cabinets.
  • Under the kitchen sink.
  • In open shelving, like wire storage racks or wall ledges.
  • A kitchen caddy on the counter or mounted to the wall.
  • Inside extra roomy drawers.
  • On top of the refrigerator or kitchen cabinets.
  • In the laundry room, garage, basement, etc.

Tips for Storing Paper Towels:

  • Stand rolls upright to save space.
  • Layer flat packs evenly to keep them neatly stacked.
  • Store in bins to prevent unraveling and damage.
  • Keep away from moisture, humidity and extreme temperatures.
  • Group with like items, such as cleaning supplies.

Creative Paper Towel Storage Ideas

Make the most of your kitchen storage space with these unique ways to stash extra paper towels.

Mounted Metal Holder

Keep paper towels right where you need them with an industrial wall-mounted or under-cabinet metal holder. The rail securely grips paper towel rolls upright.

Kitchen Drawer Organizer

Inside a kitchen drawer, use a divider or sliding racks to neatly arrange paper towels, utensils, linens and more. Designate one drawer just for extra paper products.

Freestanding Rack Caddy

A freestanding wire or mesh rack caddy sits conveniently on the counter for paper towel storage. Small plastic caddies mount to the wall, while full-size racks roll around the kitchen.

Vintage Ladder Shelf

Give a nod to farmhouse style by storing paper towels on the rungs of a vintage wooden ladder shelf. Lean it against the wall or counter. Metal utility carts with shelving work similarly.

Under-Sink Pull-Out Cabinet

Maximize the space under your kitchen sink with pull-out cabinetry specially designed for extra storage. Keep paper towels in easy reach.

Bathroom Style Holder

In a pinch, install a bathroom style toilet paper holder on the inside of a lower cabinet door to vertically store paper towel rolls for quick access.

How to Shop for Extra Toilet Paper and Paper Towels

Follow these simple tips to easily and affordably stock up on toilet paper and paper towels when they go on sale:

  • Sign up for rewards programs at stores where you regularly shop to receive coupons and notifications about sales on paper products.
  • Compare prices at warehouse clubs, discount stores, grocery stores and online to find the best deals.
  • Watch for sales ads and coupons for paper goods at local stores and plan shopping trips accordingly.
  • Buy in bulk when the price per roll or pack is low. Bulk packs offer the cheapest per-unit pricing.
  • Choose generic store brands to save money over premium national brands.
  • Stock up when sale prices are exceptionally low. Buy enough to last several months.
  • Coordinate with family or friends to split bulk packs when the opportunity arises.
  • Price match coupons or ads from competitor stores to get the best price.
  • Buy ahead when supplies are plentiful. Don’t wait until you’re completely out.

How to Save Money on Toilet Paper and Paper Towels

With strategic shopping, using coupons and buying generics, you can save big on restocking your toilet paper and paper towel supply. Keep more money in your wallet with these money-saving tips:

  • Choose basic, inexpensive store brand products instead of name brands.
  • Opt for regular rolls rather than luxury extra-soft multi-ply.
  • Buy in bulk and split large packs with family or friends.
  • Only stock up when there’s a great sale or you have a coupon.
  • Join rewards programs at stores where you regularly shop.
  • Compare prices online, in ads and at different stores.
  • Consider reusable cloth towels instead of paper towels.
  • Cut back use of paper towels for cleaning when possible.
  • Buy recycled paper products to save trees and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to store extra toilet paper and paper towels?

Yes, it’s wise for most households to keep a surplus of toilet paper and paper towels. Stocking up allows you to always be prepared and take advantage of sales. Experts recommend keeping a two to four week supply on hand.

What’s the best place to store extra toilet paper?

The best storage places for extra toilet paper include under the bathroom sink, on wall shelving, in cabinets and closets, in corner floor stands and in waterproof containers in the garage or basement.

How much extra toilet paper should you store?

Aim to have a two to four week supply, based on your household’s typical usage. For a family of four that goes through eight regular rolls per week, you’d want 16-32 extra rolls on hand.

Where should you store extra paper towels in the kitchen?

Smart places to store surplus paper towels in the kitchen include cabinets, drawers, under the sink, on open shelves or racks, on top of the fridge and in freestanding caddies and racks.

Should you keep toilet paper in the bathroom or closet?

It’s best to store your regular everyday toilet paper in the bathroom for easy access. Reserve closet and other dry, out-of-the-way places for your surplus rolls.

How do you store paper towels neatly?

Keep extra paper towels neatly stored by standing rolls upright, layering flat packs evenly, using bins and baskets to contain them, keeping only one open pack at a time and storing away from moisture.

What happens if you store toilet paper wrong?

Toilet paper stored incorrectly can become damaged, dirty or unusable. High humidity and moisture causes toilet paper to disintegrate over time. Squishing rolls also reduces quality.

Conclusion

Storing extra toilet paper and paper towels is a practical way to be prepared for anything. Take inventory of how much your household uses, and stock up during sales. With creative storage solutions, you can easily tuck away backup rolls and packs. Just be sure to store them properly to prevent damage and waste. Follow organization tips like using baskets and bins to neatly contain the excess.

Leave a Comment