For ages, the space under my kitchen sink was a total disaster—packed with half-empty cleaners, old sponges, and a bunch of stuff I didn’t even know I had. Every time I opened those cabinet doors, I felt a wave of stress. But after I decided to do a thorough clean and set up a straightforward system, that neglected area transformed into one of the most organized spots in my kitchen. In this article, I’ll walk you through how I tackled the organization under my kitchen sink, step by step, using budget-friendly tips that any busy woman can easily follow. If you’ve been battling messy cabinets and a lingering sink drain odor, hang tight—I’ll share how I dealt with that too.
Step 1: Take Everything Out and Assess the Mess
The first thing I did was clear out everything from under my kitchen sink. It’s surprising (and a bit embarrassing) how much stuff can pile up over time—duplicate spray bottles, dried-out sponges, cracked bins, and random plastic bags. By emptying the space, I could finally see what I was dealing with and get a real sense of the clutter. This step is crucial because trying to organize without a complete reset only leads to temporary fixes.
I spread everything out on a towel on the kitchen floor and started sorting similar items into groups. Cleaners went in one pile, tools in another, and random odds and ends (like a stray light bulb and expired dishwasher pods) in a “what on earth is this doing here?” pile. After that, I checked expiration dates on the cleaners and tossed anything that was leaking or looked questionable. This decluttering alone opened up nearly 40% of the cabinet space, giving me a solid base to start organizing.
Step 2: Deep Clean and Freshen the CabinetÂ
After I decluttered, it was time to tackle the cleaning. Honestly, there’s no point in trying to organize a dirty cabinet, and mine was definitely overdue for some TLC. Crumbs, dried spills, and a lingering smell had been lurking behind the clutter for who knows how long. I kicked things off with a vacuum to get rid of the debris, then followed up with a good wipe-down using a mix of vinegar, baking soda, and warm water. For those tricky spots in the base and corners, I grabbed an old toothbrush to scrub away the grime.
This was also the perfect opportunity to deal with that pesky sink drain smell that had been bugging me for weeks. I recently shared how I finally tackled this issue in my post, “How I Got Rid of the Stubborn Sink Drain Smell: My Step-by-Step Guide,” where I detail my cleaning solution and method. After following those steps, not only did the area smell a lot fresher, but I also noticed fewer bugs and pests hanging around. To wrap things up, I added a thin shelf liner to protect the bottom of the cabinet from any future spills or moisture damage.
Pro Tip: If you’re dealing with stubborn odors, check out this article by Bob Vila for some expert tips on deodorizing and controlling moisture in cabinet spaces.
Step 3: Categorize and ContainÂ
With a clean slate, it was time to get organized. I found it super helpful to break down the under-sink area into distinct zones. My categories included cleaning products, dishwashing supplies, trash bags, and miscellaneous tools like gloves and a mini plunger. Defining these zones made it easier to pick out containers that fit my needs perfectly.
I picked up some small bins from the dollar store and labeled them with waterproof tags. Each bin serves a specific purpose, and I made sure to stick to one category per container. Vertical space is often overlooked, so I added a two-tier shelf riser to make the most of the height on one side of the cabinet. It really made a difference, especially for stacking items like sponges and reusable dishcloths. I also grabbed a clear caddy with a handle for the essentials I use most often—like all-purpose spray and dish soap. It’s super convenient to pull it out and carry it around the kitchen when I need it, making cleaning feel a lot more efficient.
Step 4: Use Door Space Wisely
The inside of cabinet doors is like prime real estate—and I wasn’t about to let it go to waste. I stuck some adhesive hooks on the inside of one door to hang gloves, a small towel, and a mesh bag of dishwasher tabs. On the other door, I put up a slim metal rack (the kind usually meant for pantry spice jars) to hold my smaller cleaning bottles and brushes.
This setup helped me make the most of every inch without cluttering the main cabinet floor. Plus, I love that now, when I open the doors, everything is easy to find. No more digging through piles of bottles just to get to the dish soap or trash bags. If you’re renting and can’t drill into cabinet doors, command hooks and adhesive caddies work just as well and are completely removable.
Using the doors also helped keep items off the bottom shelf, which is especially important for preventing leaks from damaging your storage. It’s a simple strategy that took me less than 15 minutes to set up, but it saves me so much time and frustration every day.
Step 5: Label and MaintainÂ
Once I had everything sorted into bins, baskets, and racks, it was time to tackle labeling. As someone who often misplaces things, having labels has truly been a game changer for me. I printed waterproof labels at home and stuck them on each container. At first, this extra step might seem a bit over the top, but it really helps keep everything organized—especially when others in the house need to find the same supplies.
Keeping things maintained has been just as crucial as the initial setup. Now, every Sunday, I take a few minutes to do a quick check while I clean the kitchen. It only takes about 5 minutes to toss out empty bottles, tidy up the bins, and restock anything that’s running low. This simple habit has kept my under-sink area from turning into a disaster zone again.
And here’s a nice surprise: having an organized cabinet under the sink actually inspires me to clean more often. With my supplies easily accessible and the space looking neat, I no longer dread reaching into that once-chaotic spot. It’s one of those little victories that makes managing the kitchen feel a bit lighter and more manageable.
Step 6: Protect Against Future LeaksÂ
One lesson I learned the hard way is just how vital it is to guard against water damage. I once lost an entire bin of supplies because of a slow leak from the garbage disposal. Since then, I’ve put a waterproof mat at the bottom of the cabinet. It’s super easy to remove and clean up if there’s a spill or leak.
I also make it a point to check the plumbing under the sink every month for any signs of moisture or drips. If I spot anything suspicious, I can address it early before it leads to major damage. Installing a moisture detector is another smart move if you’re storing valuable items or if you’re often away from home.
This little bit of prevention gives me peace of mind. After all the effort I’ve put into organizing this space, I want to protect it—and my home—from future messes or mold issues. Organization isn’t just about looking good; it’s about building a functional and resilient system.
Bottom Line: The Best Version of My Under-Sink Space Yet
You know, organizing under my kitchen sink turned out to be way more satisfying than I ever thought it would be. What was once a messy, smelly cabinet has transformed into a clean, functional, and even inspiring part of my kitchen. By following a simple step-by-step process—emptying it out, giving it a good clean, categorizing everything, utilizing vertical and door space, labeling, and keeping it maintained—I’ve created a system that saves me time and stress every single day.
If you’ve been putting off organizing that space under your kitchen sink, I really encourage you to take it one step at a time. Just clearing it out and doing a thorough clean can make a world of difference. Trust me, it’s totally worth it—not just for your peace of mind, but for your space and daily routines too.
And if you’re dealing with any unpleasant odors or funky smells coming from your sink, don’t forget to check out my related guide: How I Got Rid of the Stubborn Sink Drain Smell: My Step-by-Step Guide. It really made a huge difference in how fresh my entire kitchen feels!
