Adding more storage under your kitchen sink without installing drawers can be a challenge. The space under a kitchen sink often ends up a jumbled mess of pipes, cleaning supplies, extra sponges and who-knows-what-else crammed into a tight area. While drawers are an excellent way to neatly organize all of that stuff, not everyone has the budget or skills to install a drawer system under their sink.
Luckily, there are plenty of clever ideas for adding functional under-sink storage that don’t require any construction or remodeling. With a little creativity and the right products, you can transform that cluttered nook into an organized storage haven. Here are some tips for adding storage space under your sink without drawers.
Use Tension Pole Shelving
One of the easiest ways to add more organized storage under your sink is with tension pole shelving. This type of shelving uses two adjustable poles to create shelving between the floor and ceiling of your cabinet.
Tension pole shelves are extremely versatile – you can adjust the height to fit your space perfectly. And they install in seconds without any tools or hardware required – just twist to tighten.
When choosing tension shelving for under a sink, look for poles that can extend long enough to fit the height of your cabinet. Shelves made of metal wire provide openness to see items in the back while still supporting heavier objects.
Tension pole shelving divides your under-sink area to help corral similar items. Use one shelf for cleaning supplies, another for extra sponges and rags. You can also look for shelving with built-in hooks to hang spray bottles or rubber gloves.
The open shelves allow for easy access and visibility to everything stored. Just be sure not to overload the shelves by evenly distributing weight. Tension pole shelves provide an almost instant storage solution for any under-sink space.
Install Wall-Mounted Shelving
Another way to add organized open storage under your sink is by mounting shelves to the inside of cabinet walls. Wall-mounted shelves provide the same visibility and accessibility as tension pole options but allow for stacking shelves vertically.
When choosing under-sink wall shelves, look for sturdy materials like steel or thick plastic that can hold up in the damp under-sink environment. Wire shelving tends to sag over time under heavy weight.
Make sure to measure the interior width and height of your cabinet to select the appropriately sized shelves. Shelves should fit flush against the walls and not interfere with any existing plumbing or garbage disposal.
Look for wall-mounted shelves with a lip or guard on the outer edge to keep items from sliding off. Mounting the shelves at various heights creates vertical storage real estate. Use one shelf for spray bottles and another for cleaning products.
Installing wall-mounted shelves takes a bit more work than tension rod options but provides a very customized look. Make sure to securely screw shelves into wall studs for the safest mounting. Wall-mounted shelves are great for adding stackable storage exactly where you need it.
Get Creative with Storage Bins and Baskets
For a cheap and customizable under-sink storage solution, turn to storage bins and baskets. Plastic bins and woven baskets come in every size imaginable to fit your space constraints. And you can find them in square, rectangular, or round shapes to work around pipes.
Storage bins neatly corral similar items like cleaning supplies, sponges, rags, gloves, etc. Clear plastic bins allow you to easily see contents while colored bins can help with organization. Look for bins with built-in handles for easy access to contents.
Woven baskets offer an attractive look for under-sink storage. Wire frame baskets maintain visibility to contents. Hanging wall baskets or corner mounts provide additional storage space.
Get creative with combining shelves, mounting racks, bins and baskets to create a completely custom storage solution. Use sturdy bins for heavier items like cleaning supplies and designate lightweight baskets for sponges and scrub brushes.
Installing a small tension rod or mounted shelf can provide a foundation for stacking baskets and bins. With an assortment of accessories, you can design personalized storage that maximizes every inch of under-sink space.
Opt for a Slide-Out Organizer
For the ultimate in customized under-sink storage, consider installing a slide-out organizer. These rack systems mount to the bottom or sides of your cabinet and allow you to slide storage bins and trays in and out as needed.
Slide-out organizers provide seamless access to everything stored under the sink without having to rummage around dark corners. Look for slide-out racks with adjustable tray dividers so you can customize the space to fit all your supplies.
Mounted to the bottom of the cabinet, slide-out organizers can hold large and heavy items like cleaning product bottles, freeing up easy-access shelf space above. Side-mounted racks are slimmer while still offering the slide-out bin access.
Installing under-sink slide-out organizers requires a bit more DIY expertise and tools. But the result is an ultra-efficient use of your awkward under-sink space. For a budget-friendly version, use a plastic drawer organizer as the slide-out tray.
Hang Items from Door
Don’t forget that the back of your cabinet door provides useful real estate for under-sink storage as well. Use over-the-door hooks and organizers to hang bottles, gloves, scrub brushes and more.
Adhesive hooks stick securely to cabinet doors to hang spray bottles, hand brushes, and scrubbers. Retractable hooks provide storage when needed but tuck out of the way when you open the cabinet.
Over-the-door storage racks come in various configurations to hold cleaning supplies, sponges, and other items. Look for over-sink racks with mesh panels to allow airflow and drainage.
Hanging door storage is perfect for items you use frequently like spray cleaners and hand scrub brushes. Just make sure not to overload the door with too much weight which could loosen hinges.
Taking advantage of the back of your cabinet door provides bonus storage space that’s easy to access. Keep the most frequently used supplies right inside the door for convenience.
Maximize Corner Storage
Don’t forget about that prime corner real estate under your sink when looking for extra storage space. Corners tend to end up an unused dump zone that leads to clutter.
But there are many clever products designed to take advantage of corner nooks like those under kitchen sinks. A corner shelf mounted just under the countertop provides a landing pad for spray bottles and cleaning supplies up off the floor.
Two-tier corner shelves double your storage capacity by utilizing vertical space. Spinning corner racks make items easily accessible with a simple turn of the carousel.
Corner storage caddies with multiple shelves and pull-out baskets maximize space efficiently. Mounted corner organizers with door access provide concealed storage that doesn’t interfere with the cabinet opening.
Taking advantage of the corner space helps you utilize all of the available storage real estate under your sink. Just be conscious of existing plumbing when installing corner storage solutions.
Add a Pull-Out Trash Can
One often-overlooked way to add function and storage under the sink is with a pull-out trash can. Mounted to the bottom cabinet, a pull-out trash bin keeps your garbage neatly concealed but easily accessible.
Pull-out trash cans come in a wide range of sizes, with slimmer profiles available to fit under shallow sinks. Look for solid steel or plastic construction that can contain leaks and drips.
Many feature two bins – one for trash and the other for recyclables. Some have molded buckets that pop out for easy emptying. Others have reusable liner bags that velcro in place for convenience.
Installing a pull-out trash bin under the sink not only provides handy garbage disposal but also clears out space you previously used for unsightly trash cans. Just be sure to measure carefully so the track clears any plumbing.
For an even more built-in look, have your pull-out trashcan custom made to seamlessly match your cabinetry finish. A pull-out bin adds functionality while clearing clutter.
Incorporate Drawer Organizers
If you have small side drawers on either side of the sink cabinet, make sure to maximize the storage potential with drawer organizers. Customized inserts allow you to neatly arrange all those odds and ends.
Look for drawer organizers with adjustable dividers so you can size compartments to fit all your under-sink items. Felt-lined options keep delicate items from sliding around.
Shallow drawer organizers with multiple bins are perfect for small items like nails, screws, matches, batteries, pens, soap pads and more. Labels make identifying compartments easy.
Non-slip drawer liners keep everything securely in place, even in bumpy RV and boat galleys. Some feature mesh panels to allow drainage from wet sponges and scrub brushes.
Turn those often neglected side drawers into functional storage space with custom inserts. Dividers and compartments keep everything organized, accessible and visible at a glance.
FAQs about Under-Sink Storage without Drawers
How much weight can tension pole shelves hold?
Most standard tension pole shelving can safely hold 15-20 lbs per shelf. Heavier duty options are available that hold up to 40 lbs per shelf. Evenly distribute weight and don’t overload shelves to prevent sagging or collapse.
What’s the best way to clean under-sink storage?
Use a mild soap and water solution on any shelves, bins or baskets. For mounted items, spray cleaner directly onto a soft cloth and wipe down. Avoid getting cabinet floors wet. Wipe up any spills or drips promptly to prevent buildup.
Where should I put the most used items?
Keep your most frequently accessed items in prime real estate spots for convenience. Use hooks on the door for spray cleaners and brushes. Top shelves and higher bins should hold lesser used products that only need occasional access.
What can I do if pipes interfere with storage?
You can purchase plumbing pipe insulation wraps that fit around pipes and water lines to add a protective cushion. Cut storage bins and shelves around pipes or look for products with notches or gaps to accommodate plumbing.
How can I add lighting under my sink?
Battery operated tap lights, puck lights and flexible snake lights are easy to install for under cabinet illumination. Look for lamps with motion sensors or magnetic recharging. Make sure lighting is moisture resistant and provides enough lumens for visibility.
Conclusion
With some clever organizing products and inventive storage solutions, you can transform the cluttered chaos under your kitchen sink into a beautifully organized space. Tension shelves, wall mounts, bins, baskets and other accessories allow you to completely customize your storage to best suit your needs.
Take full advantage of every inch, including corners, the back of the door and side drawers. Slide-out organizers, pull-out trash cans and drawer inserts all add specialized function. The result is a neatly arranged, easily accessible under-sink that makes your life a little easier.
Just remember when adding storage to measure carefully, evenly distribute weight, accommodate plumbing and watch for leaks or drips. Take time to frequently tidy your under-sink space and ensure everything has a designated home. With a bit of creativity, you can unlock the full potential of the often under-utilized storage space beneath your sink.