Your Ultimate Checklist for a New Bathroom: Everything You Need to Get Started

Setting up a new bathroom can feel overwhelming. Between the essentials and the nice-to-haves, it’s easy to forget something important or end up with a cluttered space that doesn’t work for you. But here’s the good news: with a smart checklist and a little planning, you can create a bathroom that’s functional, comfortable, and totally yours.

Let’s walk through exactly what you need to stock your bathroom like a pro!

1. Start With Your Towels and Linens

Think of towels as the foundation of your bathroom experience. You don’t want to skimp here because nothing beats the feeling of wrapping yourself in a soft, absorbent towel after a hot shower. For each person using the bathroom, you’ll want at least two bath towels, two hand towels, and four washcloths.

Why multiple sets? Life happens—towels need washing, spills occur, and guests drop by unexpectedly. Having backup sets means you’re never caught off guard. Plus, rotating your towels regularly helps them last longer and stay fresher.

Don’t forget bath mats! They’re not just decorative—they protect your floors from water damage and prevent slips. Get at least two so you can swap them out while one’s in the wash. This is a game-changer for maintaining a clean, safe bathroom environment.

2. Stock Up on Toiletries and Personal Care Items

Your daily routine depends on having the right products within reach. Start with the basics: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and face cleanser. Then add your personal favorites—whether that’s a luxury moisturizer or a specific hair treatment you can’t live without.

Here’s a pro tip: buy duplicates of items you use daily. Keep one in use and one as backup so you never run out at an inconvenient moment. This includes toothpaste, dental floss, razor blades, and any skincare products you use regularly.

You’ll also need toilet paper (stock at least 6-12 rolls), tissues, cotton swabs, and cotton pads. Trust me, having extras of these essentials tucked away in a cabinet is worth its weight in gold when you’re in a pinch!

3. Get Smart About Storage Solutions

A beautiful bathroom is an organized bathroom. Even the smallest space can feel spacious when everything has its place. You’ll love this one: vertical storage is your secret weapon for maximizing every inch of your bathroom!

Consider adding drawer organizers to keep makeup and small items from becoming a jumbled mess. Under-sink organizers make use of that often-wasted space beneath your vanity. Wall-mounted shelves or a medicine cabinet provide extra storage without taking up floor space.

Baskets and bins aren’t just practical—they add style while keeping similar items grouped together. Use clear containers so you can see what you have at a glance, or choose decorative baskets that complement your bathroom’s aesthetic.

4. Don’t Skip the Cleaning Essentials

A clean bathroom is a happy bathroom, and having the right supplies on hand makes maintenance so much easier. You’ll need toilet bowl cleaner, all-purpose bathroom cleaner, glass cleaner for mirrors, and disinfecting wipes for quick touch-ups between deep cleans.

Keep a toilet brush, scrub brush, microfiber cloths, and a squeegee for shower doors within easy reach. Store everything in a caddy or designated cabinet space so cleaning never feels like a treasure hunt. This is a game-changer—when your cleaning supplies are organized and accessible, you’re way more likely to actually use them!

Consider keeping a small basket of daily-use items like disinfecting wipes or a quick-spray cleaner right under your sink. Wiping down surfaces after each use takes just seconds but makes a huge difference in keeping your bathroom fresh.

5. Add Comfort and Safety Features

Safety might not be the most exciting part of bathroom setup, but it’s absolutely essential. A non-slip bath mat inside your shower or tub prevents dangerous falls—especially important if you have children or elderly family members in your home.

Good lighting is another must-have. Your main overhead light should be bright enough for grooming tasks, but adding a nightlight provides safe navigation during those middle-of-the-night bathroom trips. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in comfort and safety.

If anyone in your household needs extra support, consider installing grab bars near the toilet and in the shower. Modern grab bars come in stylish finishes that blend seamlessly with your décor while providing crucial stability and confidence.

6. Create Your First Aid Station

Every bathroom should have basic first aid supplies readily available. Start with adhesive bandages in various sizes, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory medication. Add tweezers, nail clippers, and small scissors for those everyday minor emergencies.

Keep prescription medications stored safely (especially if you have kids or pets), along with a thermometer and any specific medical supplies your household needs. Store everything in a clear container or designated drawer so you’re not frantically searching when someone needs immediate attention.

Include basics like cold medicine, allergy medication, antacids, and any supplements your family takes regularly. Checking expiration dates every six months ensures everything stays effective and safe to use.

7. Don’t Forget the Little Luxuries

Now for the fun part—adding those special touches that transform your bathroom from functional to fabulous! A plush bathrobe hanging on a hook makes every shower feel like a spa experience. Quality hand soap in a pretty dispenser, scented candles, or a diffuser with your favorite essential oils create an inviting atmosphere.

Consider a shower caddy or built-in shelving to organize your shower products beautifully. A small plant that thrives in humidity—like a pothos or fern—adds life and freshness to the space. You’ll love how these simple additions make your bathroom feel like your personal retreat!

A decorative tray on your counter keeps everyday items like hand soap and lotion looking intentional rather than cluttered. Match your shower curtain, towels, and accessories for a cohesive look that feels professionally designed.

8. Stock Guest-Ready Essentials

Even if you don’t have visitors often, being guest-ready shows thoughtfulness and hospitality. Set aside a fresh set of towels exclusively for guests, along with a new toothbrush still in packaging, travel-size toiletries, and extra toilet paper in an obvious spot.

A small basket with essentials like cotton swabs, bobby pins, hair ties, and feminine hygiene products shows you’ve thought of everything. Your guests will appreciate not having to ask for these items, and you’ll feel like the ultimate host!

Keep a few extras like a phone charger, reading material, or even a small Bluetooth speaker to make guests feel truly welcome. These thoughtful touches turn a basic bathroom into a comfortable, inviting space.

Your Bathroom, Your Way

Setting up your new bathroom doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Start with the essentials, add items as you go, and don’t be afraid to personalize the space to reflect your style and needs. Remember, the best bathroom is one that works for your daily routine and makes you feel comfortable and cared for.

Take it one section at a time using this checklist, and before you know it, you’ll have a bathroom that’s not just functional—it’s a space you actually enjoy spending time in. Now go ahead and create the bathroom of your dreams. You’ve got this!