Having adequate storage under the kitchen sink is essential for keeping cleaning supplies organized and within easy reach. However, the space under a standard kitchen sink is often very limited. Maximizing this storage space requires some clever solutions and DIY projects. Here are some tips for getting the most out of the storage area under your kitchen sink.
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Assess What You Currently Have
First, take everything out from under the sink and assess what you are working with. Look at the size and layout of the cabinet and plumbing. Measure the width, depth, and height. This will help determine what type of organizational products will fit the space.
Also take stock of what you are storing under there. Make a list of all the items you need easy access to like cleaners, sponges, gloves, scrub brushes, etc. Having a full accounting of your belongings will allow you to devise the most efficient configuration.
Install Shelving
One of the best ways to add storage under the sink is to install shelving. This takes advantage of all the vertical space that is often wasted. There are sink base cabinets designed with built-in shelves, but you can also retrofit shelving into any existing cabinet.
Metal wire shelving is one good option. It is durable, allows air circulation, and you can adjust the height as needed. Wood boards and plastic shelving are other alternatives. Place the shelves in the cabinet leaving enough clearance for the plumbing and your largest items.
| Shelf Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wire | Adjustable, good air circulation | Metal can rust over time |
| Wood | Attractive, sturdy | Fixed shelves, limited configurations |
| Plastic | Inexpensive, easily customized | Can crack or warp |
Installing Tips
When installing shelving in your sink cabinet, follow these tips:
- Measure carefully to fit the shelves in the interior width
- Allow for plumbing clearance on the back wall and for sink basins underneath
- Secure metal shelves with screws and plastic anchors
- Use shelf brackets for wooden shelves
Add In-Cabinet Organizers
Another great storage solution for under the sink is to install organizational units inside the cabinet. These can effectively compartmentalize the space while keeping items visible and accessible.
Two popular options are slide-out trays and pull-out cabinet baskets. Mounted on tracks or rails, these allow you to fully extend the storage out of the cabinet interior to more easily find and grab items in the back.
Freestanding turntables are another handy item to install. They rotate for full access to the contents. Corner organizers and bins can also help you use all the available space in the cabinet.
Organizer Considerations
When shopping for under sink organizers, look for:
- Quality materials like coated metal racks and heavy duty plastic baskets
- Sizes made specifically for sink cabinet dimensions
- Soft-closing slides to prevent loud slamming
- Adjustable configurations with removable baskets and shelves
| Organizer Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Slide out trays | Full cabinet access, adjustable shelves |
| Pull out baskets | Smooth extension, easy to remove |
| Turntables | Rotates for 360 access |
| Corner organizers | Use wasted space |
Make Custom Dividers
For a DIY route, you can create your own organizers by making custom dividers for the sink cabinet. Here are some divider ideas:
- PVC pipe – Cut piping to size and attach multiple pipes with elbow joints to make frames. Hang them with shower curtain hooks.
- Wood – Cut wood boards into divider strips. You can paint or stain them to match your cabinets.
- Pegboard – Line the cabinet back wall with pegboard squares. Use hooks and baskets to organize.
- Wire – Use wire cutters to fashion wire racks and basket frames. Link them together and hang with hooks.
When designing custom dividers, measure carefully so they fit snugly into your cabinet. Cut piping and wood with a hacksaw for clean edges. File down sharp edges. Space dividers to organize bottles and allow taller items.
Add Tiered Storage
Tiered levels are a great way to take advantage of all the vertical space under the sink. This can double or triple your usable storage area. Install tiered levels using:
- Plastic corner shelves that adhere to the cabinet walls
- Metal wire wine racks mounted horizontally
- Wooden dowels or PVC pipe placed in drilled holes to form shelving ledges
- Stacking baskets or crates
- Removable storage cubes stacked on top of each other
When creating tiered storage, ensure the lower levels have enough clearance underneath. Stagger items from back to front for the most space efficiency. Only stack lightweight items on the upper shelves to prevent tipping.
Tiered Storage Ideas
| Tiered Storage Type | Items to Store |
|---|---|
| Top shelf | Sponges, scrub brushes, cleaning gloves |
| Middle shelf | Spray bottles, soaps, small buckets |
| Lower shelf | Cleaning solutions, sprays, large buckets |
Maximize Cabinet Back
Often the cabinet back wall is underutilized. Take advantage of this space by attaching organizational items to the back wall inside the cabinet. Adhere the following with strong double-sided tape or screws:
- A hanging shoe organizer. Use the pockets for spray bottles, brushes, etc.
- Metal wire basket racks. Create vertical storage.
- Magazine holders. Store scrub brushes upright.
- Spice racks. Great for holding spray bottles.
- Wall-mounted shelves. Add storage cubes or bins.
Attach hooks to hang spray bottles upside down to prevent leaks. Mount dispensers for paper towels and gloves on the back wall for easy access. Use the full width and height to maximize vertical storage.
Hanging Organizer Ideas
| Item | Pro | Con |
|---|---|---|
| Hanging shoe organizer | Inexpensive, lots of pockets | Thin material |
| Wire basket rack | Strong metal framework | Fixed shelves |
| Spice racks | Small profile, sturdy | Usually only 3-5 shelves |
Consider Accessories
Certain accessories can make the most of the storage space under the sink and keep things tidy. Here are some useful items to incorporate:
- Lazy susans – Great for corner cabinet organization and easy access.
- Turntables – Provide full rotation for items in cabinets or on shelves.
- Sink front tip-out trays – Use the cabinet door front for storage.
- Door racks – Mount over the cabinet door to hold spray bottles.
- Tension rods – Install between cabinet walls to hang spray bottles.
For the sink interior, a sink divider, drain shelf, and brush caddies can hold scrub brushes, sponges and dish soap. Bins that fit around the plumbing pipes also maximize space.
Interior Storage Ideas
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sink divider | Separate dish and hand soap |
| Drain shelf | Hold sponges, brushes |
| Brush caddy | Upright storage for brushes |
| Plumbing pipe bins | Fits around pipes |
Maintain for Max Capacity
To keep your under sink storage solutions functioning at maximum capacity:
- Clean plumbing and surfaces regularly
- Check for leaks near pipes that can damage contents
- Inspect racks, slides and hardware – tighten or replace if needed
- Replace worn dividers, trays and liners
- Avoid overloading shelves to prevent sagging
- Open cabinets fully when removing items to prevent damage
A dehumidifier or containers of baking soda can help keep the enclosed space dry. Wipe down surfaces and dry wet items before putting them away. Remove everything 1-2 times per year to thoroughly clean.
Maintenance Tips
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Wipe down surfaces | Weekly |
| Clean plumbing and walls | Monthly |
| Check/replace hardware | 6 months |
| Deep clean interior | Annually |
Conclusion
Maximizing your under sink storage takes some planning, organization, and DIY handiness. Start by taking stock of your existing space and belongings. Shelving, cabinet organizers, dividers, and tiered storage are excellent ways to optimize the space. Hanging items on the back wall, turntables, tip-outs and other accessories help too. Maintain the space by regularly cleaning and inspecting for any needed repairs. With a little effort, you can transform your sink cabinet from cluttered to super-functional.