The Best Way to Organize Under the Kitchen Sink for Everyone

The best way to organize under the kitchen sink isn’t just about shoving those extra grocery bags into a random bin and hoping for the best. If you’re struggling with a jumble of half-used cleaners, mystery sponges, and enough plastic bags to last a lifetime, you’re definitely not alone. Kitchen organization starts with taming the wildest spot in the house: that tiny, pipe-filled cabinet under the sink.

With a few smart strategies (and a little bit of motivation), you can transform that chaotic zone into a functional, stress-free space that actually works for you.

Under the Kitchen Sink Chaos How to Finally Get It Organized

If you ask me, under any sink especially the one in the kitchen is one of the trickiest spaces to keep neat. Pipes take up valuable room, cleaning supplies seem to multiply overnight, and before you know it, your cabinet becomes a cluttered cave you avoid at all costs.

It’s tempting to just ignore this space, but let’s be real: most kitchens are short on storage, so every cabinet counts—even the challenging ones. While the area under the sink might not seem like ideal storage, here’s the bright side: finding the best way to organize under the kitchen sink doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive.

What Should You Store Under the Kitchen Sink? (And What to Avoid!)

When it comes to kitchen organization, the space under the sink is prime real estate—but only for the right items. Not everything is cut out for this moisture-prone, chaotic space. So, what actually belongs here?

Best things to store under the kitchen sink:

Everyday cleaning supplies: Dish soap, all-purpose cleaners, disinfectant wipes, and surface sprays you reach for regularly.
Sponges, scrub brushes, and dishcloths: Keep these handy, but make sure they’re dry before storing them to avoid mold.
Trash bags and recycling bags: This is a perfect spot to stash your roll of trash bags or a small bin for extra grocery bags.
Rubber gloves and cleaning gloves: Hang them on a hook or tuck them in a small bin for easy access.
Small fire extinguisher: If you have a compact fire extinguisher for kitchen emergencies, this is a good place for it.

What NOT to store under the kitchen sink:

Food items or pet food
Paper products
Expensive or delicate gadgets

D/M Pro Tip: Before you start sorting make a quick mental list of what should be stored under your kitchen sink. As you go through what’s there now, use your list to quickly decide what stays and what needs to find a new home.

The Best Way to Organize Under the Kitchen Sink

The best way to organize under the kitchen sink? Start with a clean slate. Empty the cabinet, give it a quick scrub, and take a look at your available space. Then, add a few smart organizers to keep everything tidy.

Let’s break down the steps.

Step 1: Sort and Clean

Before you start pulling bottles and boxes, lay down a towel nearby to catch any leaks or drips from cleaning supplies.

Remove each item and decide if you are going to keep it, toss it, or relocate it. Refer to your mental list above as you go.
Once the cabinet is empty, give it a thorough wipe-down with a multi-surface cleaner.
Take a moment to inspect for any moisture damage or stains. If you spot any trouble spots, now’s a great time to line the bottom with a waterproof shelf liner or a thin plastic mat. This makes future cleanups a breeze and helps protect your cabinet from further damage.

Step 2: Decide What STays

If you want the space under your kitchen sink to be a true utility zone, be intentional about what earns a spot here. Stick to items you use regularly, like:

Dish soap, dishwasher cleaner, and dishwashing tools
Cleaning gloves
Sponges and brushes
Sink and stove cleaners
Counter and appliance sprays
Trash bags and bin spray

D/M Pro Tip: If you only use a product once or twice a year, don’t waste prime space under your sink. Store it elsewhere and keep only daily or weekly essentials here.

cleaning items hanging on the inside of a door under a kitchen sink

Step 3: Choose the Right Organizers

The good news? There are plenty of smart organizing solutions designed just for this awkward space. Organizers made to fit around pipes can completely transform the area under your kitchen sink. Take a look at the options and choose what works best for your space and needs.

Tiered shelving with pullout drawers: Great for creating extra “levels” without blocking the pipes. These are perfect for sprays and bottles. Most are metal and can be screwed into the cabinet floor, making them stable and long-lasting—just note this is usually the priciest option.
Clear drawer bins: If you’re a visual organizer, clear bins let you see exactly what’s inside. They’re perfect for smaller items like trash bags, sponges, or towels.
Over-the-door racks: Need more storage? Add racks to the inside of the cabinet doors to hold sponges, scrub brushes, or gloves. It’s a sneaky way to use every inch of space.
Tension rod: On a budget? Pop a tension rod across the cabinet and hang spray bottles by their nozzles—instantly frees up shelf space below.
Lazy Susan or turntable: For easy access to bottles and sprays, use a small turntable. Just spin to grab what you need, no digging required.

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Pick one or mix and match a few to create a custom solution that keeps your under-sink area organized and stress-free.

D/M Pro Tip: Measure your cabinet’s width, depth, and height before shopping so you don’t end up with organizers that don’t fit.

Step 4: Create a Smart Layout

With your organizers ready, it’s time to set up a system that keeps everything in its place—so you always have an organized under-sink space, not just on day one, but every day after.

Frequently used items (like all-purpose cleaner and dishwasher tabs) go front and center.
Dishwasher pods can be stored in an over the door pod organizer.
Heavy or less-used items (like floor cleaner or appliance spray) go toward the back or bottom.
Sponges and cloths go in a small bin or caddy on the side or door.
Trash bags can be stored in a hanging bag bin for easy grab-and-go.
Add a drip tray or liner to catch spills and protect the cabinet bottom.

Step 5: Keep it Neat With Simple Habits

Maintaining your newly organized under-sink area can be tricky, especially when you’re getting used to the new system. These easy habits will help you keep things neat for the long haul:

Try the “one in, one out” rule: When you buy a new cleaner, make sure to use up or toss an old one—this prevents buildup and clutter.
Make it a family affair: Show everyone in the household where things go, so your hard work stays intact.
Set up a grab-and-go caddy: Store your daily cleaning supplies in a tote or bucket. This way, you can pull everything out at once when it is time to clean your kitchen.
Schedule a 5-minute monthly reset: Once a month, take a few minutes to wipe down surfaces and toss anything expired and check for moisture or leaks.
Restock as you shop: Glance under the sink when making your shopping list to avoid running out of essentials.

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D/M Pro Tip: If you notice things getting messy, it’s a sign your system needs a tweak. Don’t be afraid to try a new layout or add a different organizer.

Organizing under your kitchen sink isn’t about making it look Pinterest-perfect. It’s about creating a system that works for your lifestyle, is a helpful part of your kitchen, and is easy to easy to stick with.

With the right strategy — clearing, categorizing, choosing smart storage, and building a simple routine — you’ll finally be able to open that cabinet without cringing.