Best Ways to Organize Under Your Kitchen Sink

How many times do you think about what’s under the kitchen sink? The thought of it can instantly transport you to the Alien franchise. Tight nooks, sounds of gargling species, and pitch black. Naturally, the space under your kitchen sink becomes one of the most ignored, underrated — and most chaotic — areas in the house. For many people, it’s where cleaning supplies, sponges, trash bags, and random odds-and-ends all get shoved together until the cabinet looks like a scene from Armageddon. Out of sight often means out of mind… until you need something urgently and end up digging through bottles, sprays, and half-used rolls of bags to find it. Don’t forget the creepy crawlies hiving there now, too.

A disorganized under-sink space isn’t just inconvenient; it can actually be frustrating. Items tip over, spills go unnoticed, and valuable storage potential goes to waste. And because most under-sink cabinets are awkwardly shaped with complicated-looking and bendy pipes running through them, it often feels impossible to keep things neat.

But here’s the good news: with a few smart organizing tricks, that chaotic space can become one of the most functional spots in your kitchen. You don’t need to spend a fortune or completely remodel the cabinet. Instead, small changes — like using stackable bins, adjustable shelves, or even a simple tension rod — can completely transform the way you use the space. In fact, many homeowners on forums like Reddit’s r/Organized and Quora’s home section share that organizing under their sink was a game-changer for daily cleaning routines. One user wrote: “I stopped buying duplicate products because I could actually see what I had under the sink.” Another said: “Adding just one sliding bin made it feel like I doubled the storage space.” The goal isn’t to make the space Pinterest-perfect — it’s to make it functional. You want to be able to reach your everyday items quickly, prevent clutter from building up, and use the vertical space most people ignore. And oh, keeping the swarm of new tenants at bay.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best ways to organize under your kitchen sink with practical solutions you can apply immediately. Whether you live in a small apartment or a family home, these ideas will help you maximize space, reduce frustration, and finally take control of one of the trickiest storage spots in your kitchen.

Method 1: Use Clear Bins & Containers

 

One of the simplest and most effective ways to bring order to the chaos under your sink is to use clear bins or containers. Instead of bottles and boxes rolling around loosely, you group them together by category and slide them out when needed. This not only keeps things neat but also makes it easy to see what you already have, so you’re not buying duplicates. We’re all guilty of late-night online shopping.

Clear bins work especially well because you can instantly spot what’s inside. For example, you might have one bin for dishwashing supplies (dish soap, sponges, scrub brushes), another for general cleaners (multi-surface sprays, disinfectants), and a third for trash bags and refills. When you need something, you just pull out the entire bin, grab what you want, and slide it back in — no more digging through toppled bottles at the back of the cabinet.

Many homeowners on Reddit’s r/Organized swear by acrylic or sturdy plastic bins for this space. One user shared: “I finally stopped wasting money on extra cleaning sprays once I put everything into clear bins. Now I can see exactly what I have at a glance.”

Another advantage is spill control. If a bottle leaks under the sink — which happens more often than we’d like, much to our annoyance — the mess stays contained in the bin instead of spreading all over the cabinet floor. A quick rinse of the bin is much easier than scrubbing wood or laminate surfaces.

For small items like sponges, scrub pads, or dishwasher pods, clear stackable drawers can be a game-changer. Instead of loose packets sliding everywhere, they stay neatly tucked into little compartments that you can pull out like mini drawers. Amazon reviewers often recommend brands like mDesign or Sterilite drawers for their durability and ease of use.

If you’re renting or on a budget, even simple, clear shoebox-style bins from discount stores do the job. The key is consistency — using matching or similar bins makes the space look tidy and organized, rather than a random collection of mismatched containers.

The beauty of this method is that it doesn’t require a big investment or a lot of time. In less than 30 minutes (no kidding), you can turn a messy under-sink cabinet into a system where everything has a home, spills are contained, and products are easy to find. For buzzing households and general busy bees, this small step saves frustration every single day.

Method 2: Add Sliding Baskets or Drawers

If there’s one upgrade that people consistently rave about for under-sink organization, it’s adding sliding baskets or pull-out drawers. The under-sink cabinet is usually deep, which means items at the back are hard to reach. Without a system, things get shoved back there and forgotten. Sliding baskets solve this problem by bringing everything forward with one simple pull.

These organizers typically come in two tiers — one basket on top and one on the bottom — making excellent use of vertical space. You can keep frequently used items (like dish soap or surface spray) on the top tier and heavier or backup items (like extra paper towels or refill bottles) on the bottom. The result is a neatly layered system where nothing gets buried.

Homeowners on Amazon and Reddit often mention that this was the single best change they made for their kitchen. One Amazon reviewer for a two-tier sliding basket wrote: “I didn’t realize how much space I was wasting until I installed this. Now I can grab my sponges without digging through ten bottles.” Another user in r/Organized added: “Sliding drawers under my sink felt like I doubled the storage overnight.”

These organizers come in a variety of styles:

• Metal mesh baskets: Durable, good for heavier items.
• Plastic pull-out bins: Easy to wipe clean, great for leaks or spills.
• Stackable drawers: Work like mini dressers for small supplies (perfect for pods, sponges, gloves).

One important tip is to measure before you buy. Pipes under the sink can be awkwardly placed, so choosing adjustable or slim-fit baskets ensures you’re maximizing space without hitting plumbing fixtures. Nobody wants a leak that leads to a flood. Some models are designed specifically for under-sink areas, with cutouts that fit around pipes.

Sliding baskets are also excellent for keeping categories separate. For example:

• Top basket: dishwashing soap, scrub brushes, dishwasher pods.
• Bottom basket: floor cleaner, multipurpose spray, and refills.

This not only keeps things tidy but also makes cleaning routines smoother. Instead of hunting for products, you grab the right basket and get to work.

For renters or people on a budget, there are even DIY hacks: simple plastic bins with handles that you can slide in and out like drawers. While not as fancy as dedicated organizers, they still give you the pull-out convenience without spending much.

Ultimately, sliding baskets or drawers transform under-sink chaos into order. They make use of vertical space, keep items visible, and turn the dreaded “cabinet crawl” into a quick one-hand pull. For many homeowners, this single change makes under-sink organization feel effortless.

Method 3: Use a Tension Rod for Sprays

One of the cleverest under-sink hacks and one that consistently gets praised by homeowners is adding a tension rod across the cabinet to hang spray bottles. Most people store their sprays standing upright, which not only eats up valuable floor space but also makes them tip over easily. By hanging them on a tension rod, you free up the bottom area for bins, baskets, or bulkier items.

This trick is simple and inexpensive. You can find adjustable tension rods at most hardware or home stores, and installing one takes less than five minutes. Place it across the cabinet just below the pipes and hang your cleaning sprays by their trigger handles. You’ll realize soon enough that instead of bottles cluttering the base of the cabinet, they’re neatly lined up and easy to grab. A popular thread in Reddit’s r/LifeHacks shows dozens of before-and-after pictures of people who tried this method, and the results are striking. One user commented, “It feels like I created a whole extra shelf under my sink for $10. I’ll never go back.”

This method also reduces spills. Spray bottles are less likely to leak or tip when hanging, and any potential drips land harmlessly below rather than soaking into stored supplies. It’s especially useful for multipurpose sprays, glass cleaners, or disinfectants — the products you reach for most often.

Well, if you want to get fancy, you can always do that. You can pair the tension rod with S-hooks to hang smaller items like scrub brushes, microfiber cloths, or rubber gloves. This creates a mini hanging station right inside your cabinet.

For renters or people who don’t want to drill or install permanent shelves, the tension rod method is a low-commitment solution. It’s also fully adjustable, so you can move it higher or lower depending on the height of your bottles. Another benefit is visibility. Instead of bottles hiding behind each other, they hang in a row. You can see at a glance what you have and avoid buying duplicates. Many homeowners report that just this one change made their cabinet feel instantly less cluttered and far easier to maintain.

In short, a tension rod turns wasted vertical space into practical storage. It’s cheap, effective, renter-friendly, and one of the easiest under-sink organization hacks you can try today.

Method 4: Add a Lazy Susan or Turntable

One of the biggest frustrations with under-sink storage is reaching items stuck at the back.  Because the space is deep and awkwardly shaped, bottles and containers tend to disappear into dark corners. Before we have to stare long enough into the abyss, the Lazy Susan (rotating turntable) chimes in — it transforms those hard-to-reach spots into accessible, usable storage.

A Lazy Susan works by letting you spin the tray to bring items from the back to the front. No more digging around or knocking over half the cabinet to find your glass cleaner or extra sponges. Just a quick turn, and everything is within reach.

These turntables are especially useful for smaller, frequently used items. For example:

• Dishwashing pods, sponges, and gloves.
• Small spray bottles or disinfectant wipes.
• Household essentials like extra soap or hand sanitizer.

Many homeowners in Reddit’s r/Organized recommend using turntables with raised edges or non-slip liners so items don’t topple over when you spin them. One user wrote: “I put a $12 Lazy Susan under my sink, and now I can find my supplies in seconds. It feels like I doubled the cabinet’s functionality.”

There are also two-tier Lazy Susans that maximize vertical space — ideal for under-sink areas with limited width but good height. These allow you to stack items like sponges or dishwasher pods on the top level and bottles on the bottom.

Amazon reviewers often highlight how this hack prevents product waste. When everything is visible and easy to grab, you stop buying duplicates of products you forgot you already had. One reviewer mentioned: “Before, I had three half-empty glass cleaners hidden under the sink. Now with a Lazy Susan, I always see what I’ve got.”

For renters or people who want a zero-install solution and those who are just plain lazy, this is one of the easiest upgrades. You simply place the turntable inside the cabinet, load it up, and you’re done. It’s also budget-friendly, with plenty of options under $20. A quick tip: if you store liquids on your Lazy Susan, choose one made of plastic or acrylic instead of wood. That way, if a bottle leaks, it won’t damage the organizer, and you can just rinse it clean.

In short, adding a Lazy Susan is a simple way to eliminate the frustration of under-sink clutter. It takes advantage of the space you already have, keeps products visible, and makes your cleaning routine smoother every single day. Turns out Susan isn’t that lazy anymore.

Method 5: Install Adjustable Shelves or Stackable Organizers

The under-sink cabinet is often also one of the most poorly designed spaces in the kitchen. Pipes cut into the usable area, leaving odd gaps of wasted vertical space. That’s why one of the smartest fixes is to install adjustable shelves or stackable organizers. These let you take advantage of the height inside the cabinet while working around tricky plumbing.

Adjustable shelves are designed with under-sink use in mind. Many come with removable slats or cutouts so you can fit them around pipes. This means instead of one flat surface at the bottom, you can create multiple tiers of usable storage. Frequently used items can go on the top shelf, while backup products or bulkier supplies can sit below.

A Reddit user in r/Organized shared: “Adding an expandable under-sink shelf felt like unlocking storage I didn’t even know I had. The pipes were no longer wasted space — I built around them.”

Stackable bins and drawers work similarly. They allow you to layer storage without piling items on top of each other. Instead of balancing bottles in a teetering tower, you create neat vertical “zones” where everything has its own space. For example, one bin can hold trash bags, while a stackable drawer above it stores sponges and gloves.

Amazon reviewers often praise expandable metal shelves or modular plastic systems that can be reconfigured as needs change. One review noted: “My under-sink cabinet was a disaster until I got an adjustable shelf. Now everything has a place, and I can actually see what I own.”

The best part is the flexibility that you get. These organizers can be resized or rearranged depending on how your under-sink area is laid out. If you move or your storage needs change, you simply adjust them rather than starting over.

For people on a budget, even simple stackable wire racks from dollar or discount stores can serve the same purpose. The idea is to stop treating the under-sink as a single flat floor and instead divide it into levels that maximize every inch.

When combined with other methods — like bins, baskets, and turntables — adjustable shelves transform the cabinet from a clutter trap into a highly functional storage hub. Suddenly, the most frustrating space in the kitchen becomes one of the most organized and also looks the best designed.

Comparison Chart: Best Under-Sink Organization Methods

Method	Best For	Pros	Cons / Things to Note
Clear Bins & Containers	Grouping supplies, spill control	Cheap, easy-to-see products, stops leaks	Requires pulling bins out if space is tight
Sliding Baskets / Drawers	Deep cabinets, vertical storage	Easy access to back items, maximizes space	Measure carefully to avoid pipes
Tension Rod for Sprays	Hanging spray bottles, freeing floor space	Cheap, renter-friendly, adds vertical storage	Limited to spray handles; may sag if overloaded
Lazy Susan / Turntable	Small items, frequent-use products	Spins items forward, prevents duplicates	Needs a sturdy version to avoid spills
Adjustable Shelves / Stackables	Making use of height, working around pipes	Customizable, flexible, maximizes storage	Slightly higher cost, requires a fitting setup

 

Recommended Under-Sink Organizers & Products

1. Clear Bins & Containers

• mDesign Plastic Storage Bins – Sturdy, clear, and come with handles for easy pull-out.
• Sterilite Clear Drawer Units – Great for storing sponges, pods, and small items.
  Why they work: You can see what’s inside, contain spills, and avoid buying duplicates.

2. Sliding Baskets & Drawers

• SimpleHouseware 2-Tier Sliding Basket Organizer – Affordable and fits most under-sink cabinets.
• YouCopia StoraLid Expandable Drawer – Adjustable size, smooth sliding, works around pipes.
  Why they work: Pull-out access means nothing gets lost at the back of the cabinet.

3. Tension Rod for Sprays

• Command Adjustable Tension Rod – Easy to install and renter-friendly.
• IKEA Curtain Rod Hack – Inexpensive rod that doubles as a spray holder with S-hooks.
  Why they work: Keeps sprays off the floor and frees up space for bins and larger bottles.

4. Lazy Susan / Turntable

• Copco Non-Skid Turntable (12” or 14”) – Simple, budget-friendly, with a raised edge.
• mDesign 2-Tier Lazy Susan – Adds vertical space, ideal for small cleaners or pods.
  Why they work: Spin to reach items instantly, no more digging through the back.

5. Adjustable Shelves / Stackables

• Simple Trending Under Sink Expandable Rack – Customizable shelves with cutouts for pipes.
• SONGMICS Stackable Drawer Organizers – Durable stackable drawers that can be rearranged.
  Why they work: Make use of height, work around awkward pipes, and double your storage.

6. Extras for Quick Wins

• O-Cedar Foldable Hanging Bins – For sponges, gloves, and small tools on cabinet doors.
• Under-Sink Mat (Gorilla Grip or Drymate) – Protects cabinet base from leaks and spills.
• Catch-All Basket – Keeps trash bags, paper towels, or bulk items neat and grab-ready.

These organizers are simple upgrades that transform under-sink chaos into order. Most cost under $30, and many can be set up in under 15 minutes. Paired together — like bins on the bottom, a tension rod above, and a Lazy Susan in the corner — you can create a fully functional system that finally makes sense of the space. What’s a world without a system to make it function?

Here’s a Step-by-Step Setup Plan for Organizing Under the Kitchen Sink

Step	What to Do	Why It Helps	Tools / Products
1. Empty & Clean	Take everything out, wipe the cabinet base, and check for leaks.	Gives you a fresh start and prevents trapping dirt or moisture.	All-purpose cleaner, microfiber cloth, and under-sink mat.
2. Protect the Base	Lay down a waterproof mat or liner.	Prevents cabinet damage from leaks or spills.	Gorilla Grip under-sink mat, Drymate liner.
3. Sort & Declutter	Group items by type (dishwashing, cleaners, trash bags) and toss duplicates or expired products.	Stops clutter from returning and reduces waste.	Donation bin, trash bag.
4. Add Core Organizers	Place clear bins or sliding baskets for grouped supplies.	Keeps products visible, easy to grab, and spill-proof.	mDesign bins, SimpleHouseware sliding baskets.
5. Maximize Vertical Space	Install a tension rod for sprays and adjustable shelves for layered storage.	Frees up floor space and makes room for tall bottles.	Tension rod, expandable shelf.
6. Optimize Access	Add a Lazy Susan or pull-out drawer for smaller daily-use items.	No more digging in the back — everything stays reachable.	Copco turntable, stackable drawers.
7. Maintain System	Return items to bins after each use and do a 2-minute check monthly.	Prevents clutter from creeping back.	Quick reset habit, labeled bins if needed.

Conclusion

The space under your kitchen sink doesn’t have to be a black hole of clutter where everything goes to disappear. With the right organizers and a few simple tricks, you can transform it from one of the messiest spots in your home into one of the most functional. Clear bins keep supplies grouped and visible, sliding baskets bring hard-to-reach items forward, tension rods free up valuable floor space, Lazy Susans make everything accessible with a spin, and adjustable shelves help you take advantage of vertical storage while working around pipes.

What’s really powerful about these methods is that they aren’t complicated or expensive. Most can be set up in under an hour and cost less than a night out. Yet the impact is huge: no more digging through toppled bottles, no more wasted money on duplicate products, and no more frustration every time you reach under the sink. Instead, you’ll have a tidy, organized system that makes cleaning easier and your kitchen feel more put-together.

Adding in the right products — from sliding baskets to under-sink mats — not only keeps things neat but also protects your cabinet from spills and damage. For busy households, these systems save time and stress. For renters, they’re easy to install and just as easy to take with you.

Ultimately, organizing under your sink is about making the space work for you. It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect; it just has to be practical. Once everything has a home and is easy to grab, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Small changes in one cabinet can ripple through your whole kitchen, making daily routines smoother and your kitchen more enjoyable to be in.