organization
How to Organize Your Under-Sink Cabinet for Safe and Accessible Storage
Under-sink cabinets are often cluttered catch-alls for cleaning supplies and other household items. This guide offers step-by-step strategies to organize these spaces safely and efficiently for easier access and improved safety.
Under-sink cabinets are one of the most underutilized and cluttered storage spaces in the home. Because these spaces often house hazardous cleaning products and plumbing hardware, organizing them efficiently and safely is essential. Here’s a practical guide to revamping your under-sink storage for improved accessibility, safety, and usability.
Step 1: Empty and Assess the Space
Begin by removing everything from the under-sink cabinet. This step gives you a clear view of the space and the plumbing obstacles inside. Take note of the cabinet dimensions and any pipes or unusual shapes. This information will guide your choice of storage solutions.
Measure the depth, width, and height of the cabinet, and note the location and size of pipes, drain traps, and any electrical outlets. For example, a standard kitchen sink cabinet might be 36 inches wide with a large pipe running through the center. Knowing these measurements helps you select storage products that fit around plumbing without wasting space. In bathrooms, cabinets are often narrower, so measure carefully. Pay attention to whether the cabinet floor is flat or has a raised barrier to prevent spills from leaking out—a common feature in many modern vanities.
Step 2: Sort and Declutter Items
Sort through your cleaning supplies, tools, and miscellaneous items. Check expiration dates on cleaning products and follow local guidelines for safe disposal of any hazardous or outdated chemicals. Separate frequently used items from those rarely needed.
Commonly stored items under the sink include all-purpose cleaners, dish soap, sponges, garbage bags, and sometimes recycling bins or kitchen tools. In bathrooms, you might find toilet cleaners, extra toilet paper, and cleaning cloths. Discard anything you haven’t used in the past six months and transfer bulk supplies to other storage areas to avoid overcrowding. A good rule of thumb: if you can’t remember buying it, it’s probably time to toss it. For example, that half-empty bottle of floor cleaner from three years ago? It likely won’t be as effective and could have separated or degraded.
Step 3: Use Clear Bins or Drawers for Grouping
Group similar items together using clear, sturdy bins or pull-out drawers that fit comfortably under the sink’s plumbing. For example, keep all bathroom cleaners in one bin and kitchen cleaning supplies in another. Clear bins allow easy identification and help keep items contained.
When selecting bins, look for ones that are wide but shallow to slide under pipes. The mDesign Clear Plastic Storage Bins or Simplehuman’s Adjustable Under-Sink Drawers work well for this purpose. For deeper drawers, consider models like the Rev-A-Shelf Under-Sink Pull-Out Drawer, which is designed specifically to navigate around plumbing. These products prevent spills from spreading and make it easy to pull out entire groups of supplies.
If you have a particularly deep cabinet, consider a two-tier setup: use a lower bin for heavy, rarely used items (like extra dish soap) and a smaller upper bin or shelf for daily essentials. Just be sure to leave enough clearance for the pipes.