Under-sink storage is a great way to maximize space in your kitchen or bathroom. The area under the sink often goes unused, but with some clever solutions, you can transform it into valuable storage real estate. Here are 9 genius ideas to help you organize and declutter the space under your sink.
Utilize Baskets and Bins
Baskets and bins are perfect for corralling all the items that tend to clutter under-sink cabinets. Look for stackable options to optimize vertical storage. Clear plastic bins let you easily see contents. Label bins to keep categories organized. Some ideas:
- Plastic bins for cleaning supplies like sponges, brushes, gloves.
- Mesh bins for spray bottles upright and easy to grab.
- Decorative covered baskets for extra toilet paper rolls, pipes, etc.
- A bin just for trash bags neatly stored and pulled out as needed.
Baskets come in all materials – woven, metal, ceramic. Find ones that fit your cabinet space and style. Use varying sizes and stack them to fully use the height. Keeping like items together in their own basket keeps the space tidy.
Install Pull-Out Drawers
Pull-out drawers are one of the most effective ways to optimize under-sink storage. They provide easy access to everything pushed to the back. Look for:
- Two-tier metal drawers on smooth glides that pull out fully extendable.
- Custom-fit wood drawers that maximize every inch of under-sink real estate.
- Soft-close glides for a high-end feel.
- Full extension for complete access to back corners.
Pull out drawers keep contents neatly organized instead of jumbled piles. Categories stay separated – cleaning supplies in one drawer, extra toiletries in another. The most used items can be right up front for quick grab-and-go access.
Use Tension Rods for Extra Shelving
Tension rods are an easy DIY way to add extra storage shelves under the sink. You can find metal rods that extend to fit exactly. Or spring-loaded expandable rods that conform to any width.
Tension rod shelves give you room for taller items that won’t fit in lower cabinets. Use for things like:
- Extra paper towel rolls or toilet paper packs.
- Cleaning spray bottles standing upright.
- Backup packages of soap, shampoo, and other toiletries.
Add mesh organizers or baskets to the tension rods for categorized storage. Tension shelves are quick to install and easily adjustable as your storage needs change.
Hang a Plastic Sheet for Concealed Storage
An inexpensive plastic sheet hung from the under-sink cabinet creates a handy hiding spot. Just use strong double-sided tape or velcro to attach a plastic shower curtain liner across the back wall.
Behind the plastic sheet you can discretely store:
- Extra cleaning supplies, sponges, brushes out of sight.
- Bulky electric tools like the plunger or toilet brush.
- Clutter items like extra bottles, cans, etc.
The plastic curtain conceals the jumbled items while still keeping them accessible as needed. Change out plastic liners easily when they get dirty.
Make Use of Over-the-Door Organizers
Cabinet door storage is greatly expanded with over-the-door organizers. Look for:
- Mesh hangers with multiple see-through pouches to sort toiletries.
- Clear vinyl hangers with open storage for spray bottles.
- Tiered fabric hangers for folded towels or toilet paper rolls.
The extra storage pockets hang conveniently from cabinet doors right where you need them. See all your items at a glance without digging. Change out the hangers to suit different needs. Over-the-door options are widely available and affordable.
Optimize Cabinet Corners with Lazy Susan
Maximize tricky corner cabinet space with a lazy susan turntable. Spinning corner organizers make items accessible instead of buried. Great for holding:
- Cleaning sprays and soaps within easy reach.
- Extra toilet paper or paper towel rolls.
- Hair products, shampoos, and other round bottles.
Look for two-tiered lazy susans to double storage. Ball bearing models spin smoothly. A corner lazy susan takes advantage of wasted space to gain storage.
Add a Sliding Spice Rack for Toiletries
Normally used for spices in the kitchen, sliding racks are also ideal under bathroom sinks. Use for storing common toiletries like:
- Extra toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss.
- Makeup, cotton swabs, nail clippers.
- Hair brushes, styling products, barrettes.
- Razors, shaving cream, lotions.
Everything slides in and out for easy selection. See all items at a glance. Expand storage outwards with slide-out racks.
Use Interlocking Shelves for A Custom Fit
Interlocking storage shelves are completely customizable to your unique under-sink space. Arrange the pieces in different configurations to maximize every inch. Great for holding:
- Cleaners, soaps, sponges within easy reach.
- Extra toilet paper, paper towels.
- Folders with warranties, manuals, and recipes.
Built in a modular grid design, the shelves can be arranged, rearranged, and expanded as needed. A custom under-sink solution that grows with your storage needs.
Install Slide Out Trays for Trash and Recycling
Slide out trays make taking out the trash amazingly convenient. Look for wastebasket trays on smooth ball bearing glides. Install under the sink positioned just right for trash access through cabinet doors.
Specialized trays for separating recycling are available. Having trash and recycling tucked neatly under the sink reduces trips to take it all out. Just pull out the tray, toss your trash, and push it back hidden away again.
Keep Items Visible with Glass Doors
Swap out solid cabinet doors for glass-panel doors. Glass cabinet inserts reveal all your under-sink contents at a glance. For items you use frequently, glass doors eliminate the need to open and dig through cabinets each time.
Look for:
- Frosted glass that obscures contents while still letting light through.
- Clear glass panels to display decorative soaps or coordinating baskets.
- Distinctive stained glass for a pop of color.
Glass doors keep your storage visible but secure behind closed cabinets. Quickly scan to see if you need to restock anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good items to store under the kitchen sink?
Some common items stored under kitchen sinks include:
- Cleaning supplies like sponges, brushes, scrub pads, gloves, etc.
- Dish soap, dishwasher pods, cleaning sprays.
- Extra garbage bags, paper towels, and ziplock bags.
- Cleaning tools like trash can dusters or a caddy.
- Recycle bin or concealed trash bins.
What should you not store under the kitchen sink?
Avoid storing these items under the kitchen sink:
- Food, especially flammable oils. Chemicals could leak onto food.
- Anything that could be damaged by water leaks like documents.
- Large bulky appliances better suited to other storage.
- Medications or anything needing climate control.
- Chemicals that should not mix like bleach and ammonia.
How can I organize my bathroom sink cabinet?
Use these tips to organize bathroom sink cabinets:
- Store daily use items in easy to access baskets or trays.
- Use over-the-door hooks and pouches to triple storage space.
- Make categories like nail care, hair care, dental care in separate bins.
- Add a lazy susan for corner storage of round bottles.
- Hide clutter behind a hanging plastic curtain across the back.
- Use slide-out trays for a smooth pull-out trash bin.
What should you not store under a bathroom sink?
Avoid storing the following under bathroom sinks:
- Any liquids that could leak like shampoos.
- Paper items at risk of water damage.
- Medications or razors better kept high up and dry.
- Anything requiring climate control.
- Appliances without good ventilation.
- Valuables better stored in bedrooms or upstairs.
How can I add more storage to my small under-sink space?
For adding storage to small under-sink areas:
- Use stackable bins, baskets to optimize vertical storage.
- Install 2-tier pull out drawers to double storage capacity.
- Add a tension rod shelf for airspace storage of tall thin items.
- Use over-the-door hangers for cabinet door storage.
- Install customizable interlocking storage shelves.
- Replace solid doors with glass doors to easily see everything.
Conclusion
Under-sink spaces offer valuable hidden storage if organized effectively. Use solutions like pull-out drawers, slide-out trays, lazy susans and baskets to neatly arrange the space. Maximize every inch with tiered, stackable, and interlocking storage options. Keep your most used items visible and conveniently accessible. A decluttered, organized under-sink storage space saves time and frustration every day.