This $37 Bathroom Gem Is So Small-Space Friendly (I Bought 2!)

I’m a really organized person, but I have one rule: Everything must be out of sight. That means you won’t see clear containers or open shelving anywhere in my home. For a while, I lived with a couple of lidless trash cans in my bathrooms because that’s just how a lot of bathroom bins are. I considered upgrading to foot-pedal versions, but my bathrooms are small, and the tight spots where the bins go just didn’t leave room for them.

Then one day at my hair salon, I spotted something I’d never seen before: a motion-activated trash can. I’m used to motion-activated lights and faucets, but never a trash can. As soon as I got home, I went down an online rabbit hole and found exactly what I wanted: the URALFA Motion Sensor Trash Can with Lid — and now I’m never going back to a regular bin.

This compact bin has a motion-sensor lid and totally nails my modern-meets-retro aesthetic with its jet-black fluted design and brass legs. It’s small enough for snug bathroom corners but still holds plenty (3 gallons, to be exact). It stands almost 17 inches tall (with the optional legs) and costs $37.

After using the black version in my main bathroom for a few weeks, I was hooked. I loved being able to wave my hand over the sensor to open the lid, keeping everything hidden for a cleaner look. The lid stays open for about five seconds, which is just enough time to toss in extra tissues or packaging without rushing.

I ended up buying a second one in white for my powder room. While the black version has brass accents, the white one has woodgrain details that suit the space’s vintage-inspired green tile. The optional legs came in handy again, too (I left them off this time so it could fit in a smaller nook).

Now that I’ve switched to motion-sensing trash cans, I’ll never go back. I’d much rather look at a sleek, lidded bin than an exposed one that reveals its contents. They’ve been a subtle but major upgrade to my home’s visuals — and honestly, opening the trash can with just a wave of my hand still feels a little bit like magic.

Buy: URALFA Motion Sensor Trash Can with Lid $36.99