It’s been five years since I last posted my solution for under the kitchen sink organization, and it’s also been five years since I’ve given any attention to my cleaning cabinet system. The solutions I implemented back at the beginning of 2017 worked well for us and stayed well maintained…for a while, at least. But, since then, gradually over the years, we’ve gotten new countertops, a new sink, new faucets, had a leak, installed a new garbage disposal… you get it. A lot has gone on that has altered the state of organization in the cabinet below the sink. Somewhere along the way, we gathered everything into crates so work could be done, but then when it was completed, we didn’t take the time to reset the “system,” nor did everything make its way back in the cabinet. But today, just in time for the first week of spring, we’re back in action with refined organization and updated organizers to best serve our family in 2022!
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Under the Kitchen Sink Organizers — The Challenge
As a refresh, we had a system that worked pretty efficiently with minimal upkeep, but after a series of events, found ourselves back at square one.
- It’s a corner cabinet — while it has a ton of room, most space isn’t able to be reached and is too deep to access.
- A lot of space is rendered unusable because the pipes and plumbing are situated right in the center of the cabinet.
- Even worse than the plumbing, of all the locations in that entire large cabinet, the electrical outlet was placed in the center, inches from the cabinet doors.
- No pre-designed sink system will accommodate all the special needs, dimensions, and constraints of this cabinet.
It’s hard to grasp the depth and space in real terms by viewing a flat photo, but the electric especially wastes so much space, I almost considered contacting an electrician to move the outlet. I now know for the future 😉 The corner of the outlet is positioned less than 9″ from the cabinet opening!
Sources: Command Cup on Door | 12″ Turntable | Chrome Risers (I used 2) | Clear Bins from Home Edit Cube | Clear Handled Bin w/Dividers | Narrow Bin w/Handle Cut Out | OXO Pop Canister | Amber Glass Spray Bottles (set of 2) | Bamboo Handle Scrub Brush (set of 2) | Steel Wool Scrubber | Dye-free Scrub Daddy | Dish Towels (set of 2) | Gloves | Magnetic Child Locks
Under the Kitchen Sink Organizers — The Approach
As with the start of any organization project, before starting the figuring or implementation of any system, I needed to clear out the cabinet, but also gather all the extra cleaning supplies that had been scattered between the back of the under kitchen sink cabinet, basement, garage, and bathroom.
Sources: Collapsible Storage Crates (set of 3)
Sources/Favorite Cleaning Products: Mrs. Meyers Multi-Surface | Microfiber Cloths | Bar Keepers Friend | Mr. Clean Clean Freak | Hope’s Perfect Stainless | Hope’s Perfect Glass | Dawn Power Wash | Wright’s Silver Cream | Magic Erasers | Food Grade Mineral Oil | Soft Scrub | Furniture Stick | 3-pack Clorox Wipes
Sources: Rattan Cane Crate (large) | Wood Bead Garland | Neutral Tufted Pillow | Caramel Fringed Pillow
As I mentioned, the electrical outlet centered in the cabinet, positioned at less than 9″ from the cabinet doors is the primary challenge. It prevents any organization solution that would be central-based. Instead, in our cabinet, I have to implement my system and organizers using the sides of the cabinet as the primary access points. Instead of going straight across, my organizers are positioned in more of a “U” shape.
Sources: 12″ Turntable | Chrome Risers (I used 2) | Clear Bins from Home Edit Cube | Clear Handled Bin w/Dividers | Narrow Bin w/Handle Cut Out | OXO Pop Canister | Amber Glass Spray Bottles (set of 2) | Bamboo Handle Scrub Brush (set of 2) | Dye-free Scrub Daddy | Gloves | Magnetic Child Locks
Sources: Chrome Risers (I used 2) | Clear Bins from Home Edit Cube | Clear Handled Bin w/Dividers | Narrow Bin w/Handle Cut Out | OXO Pop Canister | Amber Glass Spray Bottles (set of 2) Clear Bin from Home Edit Modular System | Bamboo Handle Scrub Brush (set of 2) | Steel Wool Scrubber | Dye-free Scrub Daddy | Magnetic Child Locks
Sources: Clear Handled Bin w/Dividers | Clear Bin from Home Edit Cube | Bamboo Scrub Brushes (set of 2) | Dye-Free Scrub Daddy | Gloves | Steel Wool Scrubbers
Sources: Chrome Riser | Bins from Home Edit Cube | Cleaning Cloths | Silver Polish | Magic Erasers | Bin w/Handle Cut Out | Amber Spray Bottles (set of 2) | OXO Pop Up Container | Clear Bin from Home Edit Modular System | Bamboo Scrub Brush (set of 2) | Clear Handle Bin w/Dividers (set of 2)
8-Piece Modular Storage System | 10-Piece Modular Storage System
By the way, if you haven’t gotten on the microfiber towel cleaning train, do it. Especially for glass, countertops and appliances, where streaks are most noticeable. You can grab a pack of 30 HERE.
Sources: Command Cup on Door | 12″ Turntable | Chrome Risers (I used 2) | Clear Bins from Home Edit Cube | Clear Handled Bin w/Dividers | Narrow Bin w/Handle Cut Out | OXO Pop Canister | Amber Glass Spray Bottles (set of 2) | Bamboo Handle Scrub Brush (set of 2) | Clear Bin from Home Edit Modular System | Steel Wool Scrubber | Dye-free Scrub Daddy | Magnetic Child Locks
Sources: Command Caddy on Door
Sources: Dish Towels (set of 2)
I’m all about revisiting, modifying, and adapting. Eliminate what doesn’t work, focus on and replicate what does, and make sure aesthetics are second to the actual functionality of your space. It’s been a while, so I have several more organization projects coming to the blog soon! To catch them all, subscribe to emails at the bottom of this post.
Under the Kitchen Sink Organizers — Shop the Post
Cabinet Organizers: Command Cup on Door | 12″ Turntable | Chrome Risers (I used 2) | Clear Bins from Home Edit Cube | Clear Handled Bin w/Dividers | Narrow Bin w/Handle Cut Out | OXO Pop Canister | Amber Glass Spray Bottles (set of 2) | Bamboo Handle Scrub Brush (set of 2) | Steel Wool Scrubber | Dye-free Scrub Daddy | Dish Towels (set of 2) | Gloves | Magnetic Child Locks | Label Maker | Collapsible Storage Crates (set of 3)
Fave Cleaners: Mrs. Meyers Multi-Surface | Microfiber Cloths | Bar Keepers Friend | Mr. Clean Clean Freak | Hope’s Perfect Stainless | Hope’s Perfect Glass | Dawn Power Wash | Wright’s Silver Cream | Magic Erasers | Food Grade Mineral Oil | Soft Scrub | Furniture Stick | 3-pack Clorox Wipes
Love your style! I’ll be sure to incorporate!
Sally, Thank you for taking the time to stop by. I appreciate your kind note so much.
Thank you for the kitchen sink organization tips. Could you please provide the source for the stone riser on your countertop near the sink.
Hi Cynthia, Thank you for taking the time to stop by! The marble tray came from PB years ago and is no longer available.