How To Organize Under Kitchen Sink: Declutter & Maximize

Do you find yourself rummaging through a chaotic jumble under your kitchen sink? You’re not alone! The space beneath the sink often becomes a dumping ground for cleaning supplies, sponges, trash bags, and various other odds and ends. But fear not, how to organize under kitchen sink is achievable with a few smart strategies. This guide will walk you through decluttering and maximizing this often-neglected area, transforming it into a functional and efficient space.

The primary goals when organizing under your kitchen sink are to create clear visibility, easy access to items, and a system that prevents clutter from returning. This involves a thorough decluttering process, smart selection of under sink organizers, and implementing a sustainable kitchen sink storage system. Even in the smallest kitchens, these small kitchen organization hacks can make a significant difference in your daily routine.

The Great Under-Sink Purge: Decluttering Your Kitchen Sink Area

Before you even think about buying new organizers, the first and most crucial step is to completely empty the cabinet under your sink. This allows you to see exactly what you have and to give the space a good clean.

Step 1: Empty Everything Out

Pull it all out: Take every single item out from under the sink. This includes cleaning bottles, sponges, brushes, rags, paper towels, garbage bags, drain cleaners, and anything else that has found its way into this space.
Categorize as you go: As you remove items, start sorting them into broad categories: cleaning supplies, trash bags/liners, personal care items (like hand soap refills), miscellaneous tools, and anything else.

Step 2: Sort and Conquer

Now that everything is out, it’s time to be ruthless.

The “Keep,” “Toss,” and “Relocate” Piles: Create three distinct piles:
- Keep: Items you use regularly and are essential for your kitchen or cleaning needs.
- Toss: Anything expired, dried out, empty, broken, or that you haven’t used in a year or more. Check expiration dates on cleaning products – many can lose their effectiveness or even become hazardous over time.
- Relocate: Items that belong elsewhere in the house. Perhaps a stray tool that belongs in the garage, or extra lightbulbs that should be in the pantry.
Evaluate duplicates: Do you have five bottles of the same all-purpose cleaner? Keep the fullest one and consider donating or discarding the rest if they are still usable.

Step 3: Clean the Space

With the cabinet empty, give it a thorough cleaning.

Wipe down surfaces: Use an all-purpose cleaner or a disinfectant spray to wipe down the cabinet shelves, walls, and floor. Pay attention to corners and any grime buildup.
Dry thoroughly: Ensure the space is completely dry before putting anything back. This prevents mold and mildew growth, especially important in a damp area like under the sink.

Mastering Kitchen Sink Storage: Choosing the Right Organizers

Once you’ve decluttered, you’ll have a clearer picture of what you need to store. This is where smart under sink organizers come into play. The goal is to utilize the vertical space and keep items easily accessible.

Types of Under-Sink Organizers:

There’s a wide variety of organizers available, catering to different needs and cabinet sizes.

Stackable Bins and Drawers: These are fantastic for maximizing vertical space. They can hold smaller items like sponges, brushes, rags, or even small bottles of cleaning solutions. Look for clear bins so you can easily see what’s inside.
Pull-Out Drawers/Shelves: If your cabinet is deep, pull-out organizers are a game-changer. They allow you to easily access items at the back without having to dig through everything. These are especially useful for heavier bottles of detergent or cleaning solutions.
Turntables/Lazy Susans: Perfect for corner cabinets or for storing bottles. A simple spin brings what you need to the front, eliminating the need to reach or move other items.
Over-the-Door Caddies: If you have a door under your sink, an over-the-door organizer can be a great place to store sponges, brushes, or even gloves.
Tension Rods: A simple tension rod can be hung horizontally to create a makeshift shelf for hanging spray bottles by their trigger handles, freeing up floor space.
Adjustable Shelving Units: These can be customized to fit your specific cabinet dimensions and needs, allowing you to create multiple levels of storage.

What to Consider When Buying Organizers:

Cabinet Dimensions: Measure the height, width, and depth of your under-sink cabinet before you buy anything. This will prevent you from purchasing organizers that don’t fit.
Types of Items You Store: Are you storing tall bottles of detergent? Smaller spray bottles? Sponges and rags? Choose organizers that are appropriately sized for your items.
Ease of Access: Think about how you use the items. Do you need them readily available? Pull-out options are best for frequently used items.
Material and Durability: Opt for sturdy materials like plastic or metal that can withstand the occasional spill or dampness.
Budget: Organizers come at various price points. Determine your budget beforehand to guide your choices.

Implementing Your Under-Sink Organization System

Now that you have your decluttered space and chosen organizers, it’s time to put it all back together in an organized manner.

Step 1: Strategic Placement

Heavy Items Low: Place heavier items like bulk detergent or cleaning solution bottles on the bottom shelf or floor of the cabinet to prevent tipping and make them easier to manage.
Frequently Used Items Accessible: Keep items you reach for daily, such as dish soap, hand soap, and sponges, in the most accessible spots, perhaps in a pull-out drawer or on the top shelf.
Group Similar Items: Keep all your cleaning supplies together. This makes it easy to find what you need and also helps with restocking. This is a key part of kitchen cleaning supplies storage.

Step 2: Utilizing Organizers Effectively

Stacking Bins: Use them for smaller items. One bin could hold sponges and scrub brushes, another for cleaning cloths, and another for small bottles of specialized cleaners.
Pull-Out Drawers: Dedicate one drawer to your laundry detergent and fabric softener, and another to dishwashing pods or rinse aid.
Turntables: Place bottles of all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, or degreaser on a turntable for easy access.
Tension Rod: Hang spray bottles by their triggers. This is a brilliant DIY kitchen sink organization idea that frees up a lot of space.

Step 3: Containing Trash and Recycling Under Sink

If your trash and recycling under sink setup is in this area, organize it smartly.

Dedicated Bins: Use slim, stackable bins designed for under-sink use. If you have space, consider bins with lids to contain odors.
Bag Liners: Keep a roll of garbage bags or compostable liners easily accessible within the bin or in a separate caddy.
Size Matters: Choose bins that fit snugly within the cabinet without obstructing plumbing or doors.

Maximizing Kitchen Storage: Beyond the Under-Sink Cabinet

Organizing under the sink is part of a larger effort to maximize your kitchen storage. Consider these additional tips for a more organized kitchen.

Small Kitchen Organization Hacks:

Vertical Storage: Utilize wall space with shelves or magnetic strips for knives and spices.
Drawer Dividers: Keep your cutlery and utensil drawers tidy and easy to navigate.
Cabinet Door Organizers: Add hooks or small baskets to the inside of cabinet doors for holding cleaning cloths, oven mitts, or lids.
Floating Shelves: Install floating shelves above your sink or counter for extra display or storage space for frequently used items.
Pegboards: A pegboard can be a versatile solution for hanging pots, pans, utensils, and even small appliances.

Pantry Organization Tips:

While not directly under the sink, pantry organization complements overall kitchen tidiness.

Clear Containers: Decant dry goods like pasta, rice, and cereal into clear, airtight containers. This not only looks neat but also keeps food fresh and allows you to see quantities at a glance.
Tiered Shelving: Use tiered shelves for cans so you can easily see and access them.
Baskets and Bins: Group similar items in baskets or bins for easy retrieval. For instance, a “baking” basket with flour, sugar, and baking powder, or a “snack” basket.
Door Organizers: Utilize the back of pantry doors for storing spices, smaller jars, or even cleaning supplies if your pantry is large enough.
Label Everything: Clearly label all containers, bins, and shelves. This is crucial for maintaining the system and for anyone else using the pantry.

Maintaining Your Organized Under-Sink Space

Organization isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process.

Regular Check-Ins:

Weekly Sweep: Once a week, take a quick look under the sink. Put away any stray items, check for leaks, and ensure everything is in its designated spot.
Monthly Deep Dive: Once a month, do a slightly more thorough check. Discard any empty bottles or items you haven’t used. Wipe down any spills.

Restocking Smartly:

One In, One Out: When you buy a new cleaning product, try to use up or discard an old one first.
Keep it Simple: Avoid buying too many cleaning supplies at once. Only keep what you regularly use.

Addressing Specific Challenges:

Pipe Obstructions: Many under-sink cabinets have pipes that can make organizing kitchen cabinets tricky. Measure around these pipes carefully when selecting organizers. Tension rods and adjustable shelves are often good solutions here.
Leaks: If you have a recurring leak issue, address the plumbing problem first before focusing on organization. A damp environment is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

FAQ: Your Under-Sink Organization Questions Answered

Q1: How often should I declutter under my kitchen sink?
A: Aim for a quick check and tidy-up weekly, and a more thorough declutter and clean monthly.

Q2: What are the best organizers for deep under-sink cabinets?
A: Pull-out drawers or tiered shelves are excellent for deep cabinets, allowing you to access items at the back easily.

Q3: Can I use regular storage bins under the sink?
A: Yes, but ensure they are sturdy and appropriately sized for your cabinet. Clear bins are highly recommended for visibility.

Q4: How do I deal with the pipes under the sink when organizing?
A: Measure carefully around the pipes. Tension rods hung horizontally or adjustable shelving units that can be configured to work around the pipes are often good solutions.

Q5: What if I have limited space for trash and recycling under the sink?
A: Opt for slim, stackable bins. You can also consider a compact dual-bin unit if space is very limited.

Q6: Are there any specific DIY kitchen sink organization ideas?
A: Yes! A tension rod hung horizontally to suspend spray bottles by their triggers is a popular and effective DIY solution. You can also use small command hooks to hang brushes or gloves.

By following these steps, you can transform that cluttered, chaotic space under your kitchen sink into a model of efficiency and order. A well-organized kitchen sink storage area not only looks better but also makes your cleaning tasks easier and more pleasant. Happy organizing!