The area beneath the kitchen sink has long been a source of frustration for many of us. It’s that mysterious, often – neglected space where cleaning supplies, trash bags, and odds and ends seem to pile up in a haphazard mess. For me, it was a 顽固 task on my “a place for everything and everything in its place” to – do list. But at long last, I’ve conquered the chaos, and I’m excited to share six invaluable tips to help you transform your under – sink area into an organized haven.
1. Empty the Cabinet and Declutter
The first step in this organizing journey is to face the mess head – on. Take everything out of the cabinet, revealing every forgotten item lurking in the shadows. As you do this, be ruthless in your assessment. Toss out any trash or items that you know you’ll never use again. Consider what truly belongs in this space and what’s merely taking up precious room. It’s like decluttering your life, one under – sink item at a time. Once you’ve weeded out the unnecessary, move any items that can be stored elsewhere. This initial purge sets the foundation for a more organized space.
2. Determine What Will Need a Home
With the cabinet empty, it’s time to decide what should call this space home. Take inventory of the items you want to keep under the sink. For me, it was a roll of trash bags, a small stock of dish brushes, those trusty smiling sponges, steel wool for scrubbing pans, magic erasers, and various dishwasher detergents and cleaning supplies. Understanding exactly what you need to store helps you plan the layout and choose the right organizers.
3. Measure the Space You Have to Work With and Order Organizers
Before diving into the world of organizers, it’s crucial to measure the available space accurately. Take note of the cabinet’s height, depth, and width, and don’t forget to account for any pipes or other obstacles. When I was on the hunt for the perfect organizers, I had the pleasure of partnering with The Container Store on Instagram. That’s where I discovered the remarkable Everything Organizers. These clear, versatile containers are a game – changer. Their transparency makes it easy to see what’s inside, which is especially handy in a dark under – sink area. They’re also a breeze to use and clean, and their flexibility allows for endless arrangement possibilities. I measured carefully, ordered a variety of options, and waited with anticipation to create the ideal setup.
4. Arrange Organizers to Maximize Space
Once your organizers arrive, it’s time to get creative and make the most of the available space. I chose to place containers only across the front of the cabinet, leaving the area behind for surplus or rarely used items. The Everything Organizers are designed to be stacked and combined in various ways. I stacked different sizes of clear drawers and added a Lazy Susan to create an efficient system that fit my cabinet like a glove. Since some of my items were tall, I left open space on one side and placed a tray – style container there to hold spray bottles and a roll of paper towels. This setup not only maximizes space but also makes it easy to access frequently used items. The Lazy Susan’s removable sections allow for even more customization.
5. Group Like Items Together
When it comes to filling your organizers, the key is to group like items together. This simple principle makes it easy to find what you need quickly. However, you may find that after grouping items, you still have too much to fit comfortably. In such cases, you might need to relocate a few more items or store bulk supplies elsewhere, like in the garage or pantry. Keeping your under – sink area streamlined is essential for maintaining order.
6. A Place for Everything and Everything in Its Place
The final and most important tip is to keep your organizing system simple. If you overcrowd the space or create a complex arrangement, it will be difficult to maintain. That’s why I love the clear organizers with a dedicated spot for each type of item. It makes it effortless to put things back where they belong and quickly see when supplies need to be replenished. You may even find that paring down the number of products you use can further enhance efficiency and space. For example, using a single toxin – free all – purpose cleaner for most tasks can eliminate the need for multiple bottles cluttering up the under – sink area.
With these six tips, I transformed my under – sink chaos into an organized oasis. The process was not only rewarding but also inspired me to organize other areas of my home, like the fridge and a cart for our dog supplies. So, roll up your sleeves, tackle that under – sink clutter, and enjoy the satisfaction of having a place for everything and everything in its place.
