Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Under-sink kitchen storage ideas for every need

Of all the places in your home that are space-challenged, few compare with the often forgotten but absolutely vital space under your sink. Whether it be in the kitchen or bathroom, that small hidden-away area is home to the vital products you use every single day. Sadly, for many homeowners, the under-sink area is a disorganized and jumbled mess.

Luckily, there are many under-sink organization solutions to get the most out of that all-important space. Whether you want to try DIY hacks or purchase ready-made under-silk shelves, under-sink sliding organizers, or other storage solutions, we’re going to show you how to make the most of the space you have and save time and frustration, each and every day!

Recommended Videos

Woman on a floor working on a cabinet

Instant storage expansion

When working within a confined space, you need to come up with creative ways to maximize your storage and give you the room you need to house all of your essentials. You can vertically expand your under-sink storage capacity with shelves specifically designed to use in kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Under-sink cabinets often include pesky water pipes that can get in the way of standard shelving units, but some of the best under-sink shelves actually adjust to fit around the pipes and even feature side-to-side expansion capabilities and removable shelving to accommodate low-hanging pipes. 

Have a built-in shelf under your sink? Try adding an under-shelf compact storage shelf to instantly double your usable space. So easy to install — no tools required — they simply hook over the top of the shelf and provide an easy access space for extra toiletries in the bathroom, or sponges and other necessities in the kitchen. 

We love adding sliding organizers for under-sink cabinets. Not only do they instantly double (or even triple) your storage space, but the pull-out drawers or shelves make it so easy to access the things you need. Double-shelf units provide space for smaller and larger items and can hold up to 50 pounds or more! 

Don’t forget cabinet doors

Sometimes overlooked, the back of your cabinet doors are the forgotten storage space you may be looking for. Door storage trays offer quick access to the items you need the most — from paper towels to rubber gloves, cleaning supplies to spare sponges. Offered in an array of styles and sizes, there’s one to suit both your kitchen and bathroom under-stink area. Note: When using this area to store larger items, be sure to leave ample clearance space in the front of the cabinet to allow doors to close properly.

Turn everyday items into DIY storage solutions

As you can see, there’s a plethora of storage items available for you to buy, but there are also some innovative ways to gain valuable space using items you probably already have at home or can easily pick up at your local hardware or home-goods store. Here are a few: 

  • Repurpose a sturdy curtain rod by stretching a tension rod across the inside of your cabinet and use it as a perch for hanging spray bottles of cleaners or hair-care products. The rod keeps the bottles suspended, leaving the cabinet floor free to house other items.
  • You can even string a few mugs across the tension rod and use them to house dishwasher tablets, sponges, cotton balls, and more.
  • Using a hot glue gun, affix a trio of wooden clothespins to the inside cabinet door. Now there’s a special place for hanging rubber gloves, reusable wipes, shower caps, just about anything.
  • PVC pipes make the perfect solution for keeping hair tools handy and organized. Find the perfect diameter for housing your curling iron or hair dryer, and ask your local hardware store to cut it to the right length for mounting inside your cabinet door. 

With a minimal investment and a little bit of effort, it’s easy to turn the underutilized spot under your sink from overflowing and messy to neat and organized. 

Kim Renta
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kim has written for Bloomingdales, Movado, and various e-commerce wine sites. When she's not writing about wine and…
How to clean a showerhead so it sparkles every time
Keep your showerhead pristine and working its best
Shower head next to shower niche

Ever wonder how to clean a showerhead so it sparkles every time? Many overlook this task, but it makes a significant difference in the appearance and functionality of your shower. Ensuring your showerhead is clean not only improves your shower experience, but it also extends the lifespan of the fixture. Let's explore why showerheads get clogged and how you can restore them to their original gleam.
Why do showerheads get so clogged?

Showerheads often get clogged due to mineral buildup from hard water. Over time, minerals like calcium and lime accumulate in the tiny nozzles of the showerhead, restricting water flow and diminishing water pressure. This buildup can cause uneven spray patterns, and in severe cases, completely block some of the water jets. Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent these issues and keep your shower performing at its best.
How to clean a showerhead

Read more
You won’t believe how much you can save if you DIY your kitchen cabinets
We'll discuss how this can be a budget-friendly solution for your renovation
Man installing white kitchen cabinets

As you launch into your kitchen remodel, you’ll have to make several decisions in order to stick to your budget while also creating the kitchen of your dreams. One such decision you’re likely to come across will be choosing whether or not you should install your kitchen cabinets yourself or hire a professional. I

f you’re on the fence about which solution is best for you and your renovation, then we have just what you need. Below, we’re covering exactly how much you can save by taking the DIY route and the steps you need to take to pull off a successful kitchen cabinet installation.
Can you put up your own cabinets?

Read more
10 clever hacks to organize your storage room so you can actually find things
Your resource for proper labeling, boxing, and storing all your stuff
Storage shelves in a corner against white walls

We all know how quickly things can pile up in storage areas. When cleaning, many of us tend to throw things in a storage room — and just like that, we’ll never find those items again. But it doesn’t have to be this way when you maximize storage space in your home. There are several tips and tricks for organizing storage rooms, even if you're wondering, "How do I organize my storage area for bulk items?" or "How do you store things with no room?"

You may think there’s no way you can fit everything into one small closet or bookcase, but it can be done! Once you learn the ins and outs of how to maximize storage space, you'll be able to easily find items of all different sizes and keep your things more organized than you ever imagined.
1. Shelve, don’t stack

Read more