Under Sink Storage--Mystery Solved

It’s a dark and dirty space most people don’t want to address, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little purging and some clever organizing products, you too can have an organized space under your sink! Here’s what we recommend to get you there:

Step 1: Pull it all out. Take everything out from under the sink so you can start with a clean slate. I don’t recommend this for every space but because you are working with a small area, removing everything is the best choice. Getting your items into a well lit area will help you to make better decisions about what should stay. Seeing a clear space will allow you to create a vision.

Step 2: Wipe down your space and choose a method to keep leaks from ruining the cabinet. Under the sink is a place where leaks and spills happen. Protecting your cabinet from them is a wise choice. I have two wonderful options for you. First, is an under the sink mat. The mat is waterproof and can be cut to size. Second, is to use peel and stick tiles to keep your cabinets from moisture and rot.

Step 3: Sort items and remove the ones that don’t get used or don't belong. Whether you are under the bathroom sink or the kitchen sink, you probably have too many cleaning products. Never mind the guilt that you haven’t used it all up. If you haven’t used it in over a year, you probably won’t. It’s time to throw it out! Worried about contaminating the environment by getting rid of cleaning products? According to the American Cleaning Institute, cleaning products do not typically contain ingredients that would harm the environment in the quantities that are disposed of by households. As for what else can be stored under there, that it is up to you. If you are in a bathroom you may choose to store lotions, shampoos and toilet paper. If you are in a kitchen, it may be towels and dishrags. Whatever the case, the items you are sorting should belong in that room or be moved to a different location.

Step 4: Determine your storage methods. This is where many people try to start the process but beginning with this step typically ends in frustration. Why? You can’t address how to store something until you know what needs to be stored and how much of it you have. Once you know that, you can determine which options will best meet your needs. There are a number of creative solutions available for utilizing the vertical space in this crazy cabinet including an expanding shelf organizer, two tier organizer, or simple tension rod. There are also a variety of options to assist you in taking advantage of the back of the cabinet doors. My favorites include cabinet door baskets, clear pocket storage and custom built storage.

Having your cabinet under the sink will save you time and money. We think it’s worth getting your hands a little dirty.