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Apr 10, 2023

Plus, the space-saving ways to use them

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Whether it's in the bathroom or the kitchen, the cabinet under the sink can be a dumping ground for all sorts of items—toilet paper rolls, hair styling tools, cleaning supplies, you name it. And if yours currently feels like the wild, wild west, we’re here to help.

First things first, declutter the cabinet under your sink. Get rid of expired products or anything you no longer use or need. Once you’ve whittled down the number of items in need of storage, you might just find the process to be a little less overwhelming.

Before you stuff everything back into the cabinet, consider a few basic organizational staples. Not quite sure where to start? We turned to experts for their decluttering must-haves that can get the job done.

mDesign Plastic Portable Shower Caddy

Here's a clever way to repurpose a dorm room staple. According to Merrilee Reynolds, founder of Mode, a professional decluttering and home organization service, shower caddies can be practical for under-sink cabinet storage.

The expert recommends using one to store cleaning supplies, for easier accessibility. Caddies are also a great way to keep chemical-based products separate from personal items, especially when used in the bathroom.

Home Basics Cabinet Door Organizer

Don't overlook the cabinet door when it comes to carving out extra storage space. Julie Riber, a certified professional organizer, recommends this minimalist rack for items such as foil and food wrap containers. "Heavier items most likely will fall out every time you open the door," says Riber, so use the space for lightweight items that require easy access.

Einfagood Over the Cabinet Door Organizer Holder

If you’re in need of a more spacious option, Mary Dykstra, founder of Within Reach Organizing Services, recommends these cabinet door organizers. They’re compact enough to not infringe on the items stored on the floor of the cabinet and shorter in height so they won't occupy a lot of vertical space either. These baskets can be useful for storing hair styling products and soaps in the bathroom or sponges and smaller cleaning tools in the kitchen.

Omac Under the Sink Trimmable Cabinet Liner

Before you put anything under your sink, consider the fact that leaky pipes are a high probability, says professional organizer Michele Schwarzwalder. "Nothing will ruin a good organization system like a warped, uneven cabinet base." To protect yours, Schwarzwalder recommends these waterproof mats, which can be cut to fit just about any space.

Container Store Plastic Storage Bin with Handles (XS)

Bins are a go-to for Dykstra, who uses them as de facto drawers that can be pulled out and pushed back into place, making it a cinch to access and grab whatever one may need. The pro recommends bins with handle holes or carrying handles that are flush at the side to maximize storage—avoid protruding ones that will take up unnecessary space.

Whichever option you choose, Dykstra underscores the importance of measuring the available space in the cabinet (width, height up to the plumbing, and depth) before ordering any sort of storage solution.

Seville Classics 2-Tier Expandable Under-the-Sink Organizer

If the cabinet under your sink has the height for it, a two-tier organizer can be a game-changer. Not only are you gaining access to additional surface area for storage but it can also be a great way to corral items without having to purchase a separate basket or bin.

Riber's recommendations include the above expandable shelf, which can be customized to fit a variety of cabinet sizes as well as a mesh version with pull-out drawers ($29 at Bed Bath & Beyond). "Both of these work in either a bathroom or a kitchen and give you needed space to hold all your supplies," says Riber.

Madesmart Lazy Susan

For Schwarzwalder, these rotating receptacles are anything but lazy: "This organizational solution brings everything to the front of the cabinet with a quick spin, nothing is left in the back to be forgotten and unused." Professional organizer Amanda Rickers recommends this Madesmart version for its price and compact size. Not only does the organizer make items stored underneath the sink more convenient but also easy to reach as well. "I also find that the spinner on this Lazy Susan tends to be more reliable than on some of the pricier ones I’ve tried," she adds.

Squared Away Under-the-Cabinet Sliding Basket

Having a storage option that can mimic a drawer's functionality can make a big difference in an under-sink cabinet, especially if you’re storing products used frequently. Riber recommends this sliding basket, which can work in the bathroom or the kitchen, providing much-needed room for a variety of items.

Uujoly Refillable Spray Bottle

Downsizing your range of cleaning supplies can make a difference in a cramped cabinet. Stick with the essentials and get rid of anything duplicative or expired. Reynolds suggests going for one or two spray bottles with a good multi-surface cleaner, a glass cleaner, and some sponges. The professional organizer also recommends stocking up on concentrated pods or tablets, which can be dropped into a spray bottle and filled with water.

Container Store Clear Shoe Containers

Uncontained items are more likely to lead to clutter, so Rickers prefers to store products in clear shoe boxes—bonus points for being able to easily spot what's in them. Available in two sizes, the professional organizer considers these essential for keeping items contained in a designated space, as well as visible.

Anna Kocharian

Based in New York City, I'm a shopping editor for Consumer Reports, writing about home, tech, and everything in between. Previously, I covered interior design and market trends as the digital editor of Domino, which shaped my multidisciplinary background in lifestyle journalism. When I'm not seeking out the everyday essentials worth investing in, you may find me perusing my favorite bookstores, cooking, or wandering around the city.