Under-sink cabinets are basically the Bermuda Triangle of cleaning supplies, especially when you’re working around bulky pipes and weird corners.
Do a Full Reset and Make Zones
Whenever I organize under a sink, I pull everything out and set up simple zones (daily cleaners, dish stuff, backups), because otherwise it all turns into one big pile again. In my first studio, this one step stopped me from buying duplicates because I could finally see what I owned.
Some handy options:
- Pull-Out Under Sink Organizer: Transform messy cabinets with sliding shelves that bring items forward so you can easily reach back-of-the-cupboard supplies.
- Bamboo Storage Bins: Create clear, dedicated zones for sponges and cloths with sturdy, natural bins that keep similar items grouped together.
- Clip-On Basket Labels: Ensure everyone knows exactly where items belong by clearly marking your new zones with simple, readable tags.
Line It and Add a Leak Catcher
I always start with a wipe-down, then add waterproof liner and a shallow drip tray under anything that might leak, because under-sink messes get gross fast. In my current place, this saved the cabinet floor when a bottle tipped and slowly oozed overnight.
Might be a good match:
- Plastic Under Sink Drip Tray: Protect your cabinet base from leaks and spills with this durable, easy-to-clean tray designed to catch dripping water.
- Waterproof Cabinet Shelf Liner: Line your drawers and shelves with this water-resistant material to prevent warping and make cleanup everyday spills simple.
- Silicone Under Sink Mat: Flexible and waterproof, this mat features raised edges to contain larger leaks and protect your wooden cabinetry effectively.
Use Matching Bins to Create Compartments
My go-to move is a set of matching bins so every category has a clear “home,” even if the cabinet itself has zero structure. I’ve found this makes it easier to tidy up in 30 seconds because I’m just returning bins, not playing cleaning-supply Jenga.
You might give these a try:
- White Storage Bins with Bamboo Lids: Conceal clutter instantly with opaque bins that offer a clean, uniform look for storing miscellaneous items.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Add texture to your cabinet while keeping towels or paper products easily accessible and neatly stacked.
- Adhesive Cabinet Shelf Liner: Protect your cabinet floors from spills and scuffs while providing a smooth surface for your bins.
Add Stackable Drawers for Small Stuff
I like stackable drawers for sponges, scrubbers, and gloves because those little items love to disappear behind taller bottles. In my 450 sq ft apartment, this was the only way I stopped collecting mystery sponge piles under the sink.
Consider these options:
- Clear Stackable Drawer Organizers: Keep sponges and scrubbers visible and accessible by sliding these clear drawers under your sink area.
- Narrow Sliding Storage Cabinet: Maximize vertical space in tight gaps with a slim, multi-tier drawer unit perfect for small essentials.
- Woven Storage Basket: Collect bulky items or laundry effortlessly using a textured basket that adds warmth to your bathroom organization.
Try a Two-Tier Shelf Around the Pipes
A two-tier shelf (or any riser-style organizer) lets you use the “air space” while still working around plumbing in the center. I’ve used this trick in both kitchens and bathrooms, and it’s amazing how much calmer the cabinet looks when bottles aren’t all on one level.
A few things you might like:
- Bamboo Under Sink Organizer Shelf: Add natural warmth and double your storage space with a sturdy bamboo shelf designed for bathroom cabinets.
- Woven Storage Baskets with Handles: Contain loose items and hide clutter beautifully by sliding these textured baskets onto your new shelves.
- Slatted Wooden Shelf Riser: Create valuable vertical storage while keeping air circulation open around plumbing with a simple slatted riser.
Spin Bottles on a Turntable
A turntable is my favorite low-effort fix for corraling bottles, because you just spin and grab instead of knocking everything over. I started doing this after I dropped a cleaner in the back corner and had to basically dismantle the whole cabinet to get it.
You might like:
- Wood Lazy Susan Turntable: Add a touch of warmth and easy access to your cleaning supplies with this spinning wooden tray.
- Amber Glass Soap Dispenser Set: Decant your varied cleaning liquids into these coordinating amber bottles for a cohesive, spa-like vanity look.
- Natural Rope Coaster or Trivet: Protect your turntable surface from drips and spills while adding a nice textural element to your setup.
Hang Sprays on a Tension Rod
A tension rod under the sink is surprisingly sturdy for hanging spray bottles by their triggers, which frees up the floor for bins. I tried it on a whim in a tiny galley kitchen, and it instantly made the cabinet feel less crowded.
Check these products out:
- Adjustable Tension Rod: Instantly create hanging space under your sink for spray bottles without drilling any holes into your cabinets.
- Amber Glass Spray Bottles: Decant your cleaning supplies into these matching bottles for a cohesive, stylish look that matches your bathroom decor.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Place these baskets beneath your hanging sprays to organize loose sponges, cloths, and other small bathroom essentials.
Use the Cabinet Doors for Tools
I stick removable adhesive hooks and slim door-mounted bins inside the cabinet doors for gloves, brushes, and cloths so they’re easy to grab. In my last apartment, this was the difference between a tidy setup and a door that wouldn’t close.
Some ideas to consider:
- Over-the-Cabinet Door Organizer Rack: Hang brushes and sponges neatly inside your cabinet door to keep essential cleaning tools within easy reach.
- Adhesive Utility Hooks: Create instant hanging storage for gloves or towels on cabinet interiors without needing drills or permanent hardware.
- Pull-Out Under Sink Organizer: Maximize deep cabinet space with a sliding bin system that keeps cleaning supplies upright and accessible.
Label by Category, Not by Product
I label bins with categories like “Dishwashing” and “Everyday Cleaning” instead of specific items, because what you use changes over time. This helped me keep my under-sink organization intact even when I swapped products or restocked differently.
A few helpful options:
- Bamboo Storage Bins: Organize your cabinets with durable bins that create a clean, natural look while keeping supplies accessible and tidy.
- Blank Wooden Tags with Jute Twine: Customize your storage system easily using these versatile tags that allow you to update categories whenever needed.
- Black Calligraphy Permanent Markers: Create clear, legible labels on your tags to ensure everyone in your household knows exactly where items belong.
Decant Small Items Into Clear Jars
For a cleaner look, I decant things like pods, sponge refills, and little scrub pads into clear containers with simple labels. I did this in a bathroom vanity once and loved how it cut down on visual clutter under the sink without adding extra steps.
A few relevant products:
- Glass Jars with Bamboo Lids: Store your dishwasher pods or small items securely in these airtight jars for a clean, organized look.
- Minimalist Pantry Labels: Apply these water-resistant, pre-printed labels to identify contents quickly while maintaining a neat, uniform aesthetic.
- Clear Acrylic Bathroom Organizers: Group smaller items like sponges or scrub pads together in these transparent bins for easy visibility.
Create a Grab-and-Go Cleaning Caddy
I keep my most-used supplies in a handled caddy under the sink so I can lift the whole “kit” out in one move. This was a lifesaver when I lived in a walk-up and didn’t want to make five trips back and forth for basic cleaning.
Useful items to consider:
- Woven Basket with Handle: Choose a sturdy woven basket to store cleaners while adding a touch of natural warmth to your organization.
- Refillable Pump Bottles: Use uniform dispenser bottles for soaps and lotions to create a cohesive, spa-like look under your sink.
- Bamboo Bath Brush: Incoroporate a natural bristle brush for effective cleaning that looks beautiful displayed alongside your other bath essentials.
Store Backups Up High in a Skinny Bin
I dedicate one narrow backup bin for refills and extras, and I park it toward the back or up on a shelf so it doesn’t steal prime real estate. In my experience, this keeps the under-sink area from turning into a stockroom you dread opening.
Give these a look:
- Slim Bamboo Bathroom Storage Shelf: Utilize vertical space with this narrow shelving unit to keep toiletries and backup supplies neatly organized.
- Woven Rope Storage Baskets: Group smaller refills together in these soft baskets to maintain a tidy look on open shelves.
- Natural Seagrass Laundry Basket: Keep towels or larger backup items contained in a textured basket for easy access and style.
Add a Vertical File Holder for Wraps
This sounds random, but I’ve tucked a vertical file holder under the sink to store foil, parchment, and trash-bag rolls upright when drawer space was tight. It’s one of those under-sink organization ideas that feels oddly satisfying because everything stays separated and easy to pull out.
A few choices to try:
- Woven Pull-Out Cabinet Organizer: Transform your under-sink chaos with this stylish woven organizer that slides out for easy access to supplies.
- Vertical Wicker File Basket: Store parchment paper and foil vertically in this textured basket to keep kitchen wraps tidy and upright.
- Two-Tier Sliding Storage Drawer: Maximize vertical space with a tiered sliding drawer perfect for holding paper towels and cleaning essentials neatly.
Install a Motion Light for a Brighter Cabinet
I swear a simple motion-sensor light under the sink makes you instantly more organized because you can actually see what you’re reaching for. I added one in a dim rental cabinet, and suddenly the back corners stopped being a graveyard for lost sponges.
Explore these options:
- Rechargeable Motion Sensor LED Bar: Instantly brighten dark cabinet corners with this wireless light bar that activates automatically when you open the door.
- Battery-Operated Puck Lights: Stick these compact, motion-detecting lights anywhere under your sink for focused illumination exactly where you need it most.
- Flexible LED Strip Light Kit: Customize your cabinet lighting with flexible strips that fit awkward spaces and provide even, continuous visibility for organization.
Set Up a Tiny Leak-Response Station
My most “adulting” under-sink setup is a small emergency bin with a rag, mini trash bag, and a couple of absorbent cloths, plus a little moisture absorber nearby. After dealing with one surprise drip in an older building, I learned it’s way easier to stay organized when you’re also prepared.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Clear Plastic Storage Bin with Handles: Corral your emergency supplies in a durable container so everything is ready to grab the moment a leak starts.
- Super Absorbent Microfiber Cleaning Cloths: Keep these quick-drying towels nearby to rapidly soak up unexpected spills and protect your cabinet floors from water damage.
- Disposable Moisture Absorber Tub: Place one of these compact tubs under the sink to help trap excess humidity and prevent musty odors proactively.
