Organizing + Lifestyle

How to Organize Under the Sink

January 3, 2024

get your organizing endorphins!!

I'm HEATHER!

I'm a professional organizer, wife, mom, and South Carolina native passionate about making women's lives easier. I'm so glad you're here!

hello,

I probably reach for the items under my kitchen sink 10 to 12 times a day. How about you?! Having an organized cabinet under my kitchen sink saves my sanity!!

It’s a quick project that will give you those good organizing endorphins and improves the efficiency of your everyday routines.

STEP ONE: ASSESS + DECLUTTER

What do you have under your sink right now?

This cabinet can be an abyss for cleaners that we do not like, towels we no longer use, and scrub brushes that just need to be replaced.

You know what I’m talking about…. 

STEP ONE TAKE IT ALL OUT!!

Then separate it all into piles. This can happen naturally. See how in the above photo we have everything from cleaning supplies to dish cleaners to reusable paper towels to sponges? Group like things together.

Now that you’ve got it all in front of you, assess. Here are some questions you could ask yourself:

  • What do I use this cabinet for most often?
  • What items do I use all the time?
  • Do I still use all of the items under my cabinet?
  • What items can I get rid of?
  • What items do I need to replace?
  • Do I want to try any new cleaners or tools?

Get rid of empty products, really worn tools, and anything that doesn’t meet your goals.

STEP TWO: ORGANIZE!!

Now you’ve got only what you want to keep in front of you. 

If you got rid of an old product, write down what you will replace it with so you don’t forget to make space for it in your cabinet.

Your goal is that every item under your sink has a designated spot. Remember, you are aiming for convenience. What is easiest?

➡️ Items that you use often should be at the front, like your all-purpose cleaner. 

➡️ Less frequently used items can remain towards the back, like spot treatment. 

Under the sink can be tricky, but below are a few tips + tricks and favorite products to make the most out of the space. 

BEST UNDER THE SINK TIPS + PRODUCTS

  1. DO NOT forget about the valuable real estate of cabinet doors!

Try Command hooks for everything…. kitchen towels, potholders, colanders, and lightweight large utensils on command hooks. Just double check the weight that a hook can hold. iDesign sticky acrylic bins for dish tabs, sponges… all the odds and ends. 

ProTip: be sure you’re ready to use these, as they are very sticky!!!! Sometimes they take a little bit of the cabinet with them when they’re removed. If this concerns you, you can attach them over a command strip, which comes off easier but may not be as sturdy in use.

2. Choose products that are easy to slide or stack near your pipes.

I don’t always use a lazy susans under the sink, but for one client, it was the perfect fit because her pipes are set further back, so there was plenty of space at the front for taller baskets!

See how in both the kitchen cabinet and bathroom cabinet we have bins with handles? Under the pipes we chose lower bins (with handles!!) because we didn’t have as much height.

Play around with what works for you.

PROTIP: measure the width (side to side), height (bottom to top), and depth (front to back) of your cabinet before buying ANY bins. Your cabinets may be deeper or shallower than the storage products I’ve recommended.

Almost every bin and container I’m recommending today comes in a variety of sizes you can choose from.

(If the thought of measuring and picking products makes you sick, contact me about a free consultation and quote for organizing your space!)

FAVORITE UNDER-THE-SINK CONTAINERS

Just to give you a few more options so you can find the best fit for you, here are some of my cleaning and under-the-sink favorites from over the years.

kitchen organization bathroom organization stackable drawers

I use these smaller stackable drawers from Amazon under both my kitchen and my bathroom sink.

They come in a variety of sizes.

kitchen organization bathroom organization oxo bin

I’ve been using an OXO bin for my dish detergent pods for over a decade!!!

The slender shape gives me lots of space and the lid helps keep them away from littles.

This comes in a variety of sizes, too.

kitchen organization bathroom organization acrylic bins

Try these bins for larger stuff you need to get to quickly. I use them to coral my cleaning bottles.

These 10 x 10 are a cube size, but they also come in a variety of sizes for your cabinet!

kitchen organization bathroom organization removable hooks sponge holder

THESE!!! Y’all know I love a sticky wall organizer. These are great for kitchen or bathrooms where water gets everywhere.

I use these to hang my favorite kitchen brush (see below) but it’s good for lots.

FAVORITE UNDER-THE-SINK PRODUCTS

kitchen organization bathroom organization amber spray bottles

I am still in love with these amber spray bottles.

I bought these before I had Jack and still use them to this day.

They’re pretty and they’re practical.

Love love love.

Amazon Dr. Bronner's - Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner All-Purpose Cleaner

Ok, this is not an organizing product, but I love Dr. Bonner’s All-Purpose Cleaner! It’s terrific. I shake it right up and use it in my amber spray bottles!

Amazon Full Circle Be Good Kitchen Dish Brush with Bamboo Handle

This again is not an organizing product but BOY DO I LOVE IT. I’ve bought this brush over and over again and it’s really just right.

As I always say…. if you are intimidated JUST START!!! You’ll learn as you go.

If you’re worried about making the wrong decision about containers, don’t have the time to tackle this project, or want something that will be sure to work for you for the long-term, schedule a call with me! I would love to help you tackle this project and more around your house.

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Upstate Organized Living creates real-life solutions for your everyday needs. Serving Greenville, Greer, Easley, Taylors, Traveler's Rest, and other Upstate South Carolina communities. 

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I'm HEATHER!

I'm a professional organizer, wife, mom, and South Carolina native passionate about making women's lives easier. I'm so glad you're here!

hello,

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