20 Genius Ideas to Organize Your Kitchen Sink Cabinet

The cabinet under my kitchen sink used to be a chaotic mess. It was a dark, cluttered space where cleaning supplies, trash bags, and random tools went to disappear.

If that sounds familiar, you know how frustrating it is to dig through that jumble just to find a sponge.

I decided it was time for a change. I wanted to transform that dreaded cabinet into a functional, organized space.

This listicle shares the 20 best ideas I found to conquer the clutter. Get ready to reclaim your under-sink space and make your kitchen routine so much easier.

1. Pull-Out Trash and Recycling Bins

Hiding my trash and recycling bins inside the cabinet was a game-changer. It instantly made my kitchen look cleaner and freed up floor space.

These systems use a sliding mechanism, so I can just pull a handle to access the bins. Many are made from durable steel with sturdy plastic bins that are easy to remove and clean.

Some even have soft-close features to prevent slamming and lids to help control odors. It’s a sleek way to keep waste out of sight.

2. Sliding Shelves

Installing sliding shelves felt like I doubled my storage space. Instead of reaching into the back of the cabinet, I can now pull the shelf out to see everything at once.

These shelves glide on ball-bearing sliders, which can handle heavy items like pots, pans, or even a stand mixer.

I chose chrome wire shelves, but they also come in wood or plastic. It makes grabbing what I need so much simpler, especially with those pesky pipes in the way.

3. Lazy Susan

A Lazy Susan is perfect for making use of awkward corner cabinet space under the sink. With a simple spin, I can bring items from the back right to the front.

I found options with multiple tiers, which let me organize cleaning supplies by height. They are usually made from durable plastic or wood and can hold a surprising amount of weight.

Now, I never have to knock over a dozen bottles just to find the one I need.

4. Door-Mounted Racks

The inside of my cabinet doors is now valuable storage real estate. I mounted a few wire racks to hold my most-used cleaning supplies and sponges.

These racks are easy to install with just a few screws and come in various designs, from simple wire baskets to custom-fitted holders for spray bottles.

They keep essentials within easy reach and prevent them from getting lost in the main cabinet. It’s a simple but incredibly effective use of space.

5. Under-Sink Lighting

It’s hard to find anything in a dark cabinet. Adding under-sink lighting was a simple fix that made a huge difference in visibility.

I chose battery-powered LED strip lights with a motion sensor. They turn on automatically when I open the door and switch off after I close it, which saves energy.

Installation was as easy as peeling and sticking the light strip to the top of the cabinet. No more fumbling around in the dark for me.

6. Drawer Dividers

If you have a drawer under your sink, dividers are a must-have. They keep everything from sliding around and create a designated spot for each item.

I use adjustable plastic dividers to create custom-sized compartments for my dish soap, sponges, and garbage bags. They also come in bamboo or metal.

This helps me see my inventory at a glance, so I know exactly when I’m running low on supplies. It’s organization at its simplest.

7. Spice Rack

While typically for spices, a small rack is perfect for organizing small items under the sink. I use a tiered rack to hold my dishwasher pods, scrub brushes, and extra sink stoppers.

You could also use magnetic racks on the door or a pull-down rack attached to a shelf.

It keeps all the little things that usually get lost contained and easy to find. It’s a great way to repurpose a common kitchen organizer for a new function.

8. Adjustable Shelves

Pipes and a garbage disposal can make standard shelving impossible under the sink. That’s why I opted for an adjustable shelving unit designed specifically for this space.

These shelves have panels that I can move or remove to fit perfectly around my plumbing.

I can also change the height of the shelves to accommodate tall spray bottles or stacks of sponges. It’s a flexible solution that maximizes every inch of vertical space.

9. Wire Baskets

Wire baskets are great for grouping similar items together. I use them to store my cleaning rags and extra sponges, and the open-wire design helps them dry out.

Because they are breathable, they are also a great option for storing root vegetables like potatoes and onions if you have the space.

I found baskets that stack, which helps me use the cabinet’s height more effectively. They’re a simple, stylish way to keep things tidy.

10. Sink Tilt-Out Trays

That false drawer front in front of your sink can be converted into a secret storage spot. A tilt-out tray kit lets you turn it into a handy little cubby.

The mechanism allows the front to hinge open, revealing a shallow tray perfect for stashing sponges, scrub brushes, and sink stoppers.

It keeps wet items off my countertop and out of sight, letting them drip-dry into the tray. It’s a clever use of otherwise wasted space.

11. Caddies

A portable caddy is my go-to for cleaning day. I store all my essential cleaning supplies in one, so I can just grab it and go.

My caddy has several compartments to keep bottles, brushes, and cloths organized. When I’m done, the whole thing goes right back under the sink.

It saves me from making multiple trips back and forth, making my cleaning routine much more efficient.

12. Removable Cutting Board

For smaller kitchens, an over-the-sink cutting board is a brilliant space-saver. It fits securely over the sink basin, giving me extra counter space for food prep.

Mine is made of bamboo and has a cutout for scraping food scraps directly into the garbage disposal.

When I’m not using it, it stores away neatly beside my cleaning supplies. It’s a versatile tool that adds function to my sink area.

13. Towel Bars

I installed a small towel bar on the inside of my cabinet door. It’s the perfect spot to hang my dish towel or a damp cleaning cloth to dry.

The bar keeps towels hidden away but still accessible, which helps my kitchen look less cluttered. I chose a simple tension rod, but you can also find adhesive or screw-in options.

It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in keeping things neat.

14. Magnetic Strips

A magnetic strip is another great way to use the cabinet doors or walls for storage. I mounted one to hold my metal scrubbers and other small tools.

These strips are strong enough to hold anything from kitchen shears to small metal tools. It keeps sharp or pointy items safely out of the way and easy to grab.

It’s a minimalist storage solution that works wonders for organization.

15. Corkboard

I added a small corkboard to the inside of my cabinet door for notes and reminders. It’s a great place to jot down my cleaning schedule or list supplies I need to buy.

I can pin up anything from recipes to warranty information for my appliances.

It turns the back of a door into a mini command center, helping me stay on top of household tasks without cluttering up my fridge.

16. Pegboard

A pegboard is the ultimate customizable organizer. I installed a small section on the side wall of my cabinet to hang various cleaning tools.

With an assortment of hooks, baskets, and clips, I can create a custom layout for brushes, dustpans, and even my rubber gloves.

It keeps items off the cabinet floor and uses vertical space efficiently. It’s a flexible system I can change anytime my needs do.

17. Clear Storage Bins

I use clear storage bins to group items so I can see what’s inside without having to pull them out. This makes finding things so much faster.

I have one for dishwasher pods, another for trash bags, and a third for specialty cleaning supplies. I even labeled them for extra clarity.

This system prevents me from buying duplicates because I can see exactly what I have.

18. Vertical Dividers

Taming my collection of baking sheets, cutting boards, and muffin tins was easy with vertical dividers. These simple wire organizers keep everything upright and separated.

Now, I can just slide one out without having to unstack a heavy pile. It’s a simple solution that protects my cookware from scratches and makes accessing them much less of a hassle.

I installed them in the main part of my cabinet, right next to the trash bins.

19. Expandable Shelves

An expandable shelf is a great way to add a second level of storage that can be adjusted to fit your space. I use one to stack my cleaning solutions.

The shelf can be widened or narrowed to fit snugly inside the cabinet, even around pipes. It instantly creates more surface area for storing items, making better use of the cabinet’s height.

It’s a simple, no-fuss way to get more organized.

20. Built-In Power Outlets

For the ultimate upgrade, I considered installing a built-in power outlet inside my cabinet. This would let me charge handheld vacuums or other small appliances out of sight.

It’s important to use an outlet that is rated for kitchen use and to have it installed by a professional electrician for safety.

This modern convenience can help keep your countertops clear of charging devices and cords, maintaining a clean, streamlined look in your kitchen.

Conclusion

These ideas have completely transformed the cabinet under my sink from a source of frustration into a model of efficiency.

If you’re ready to tackle your own kitchen clutter, start with one or two of these projects and see what a difference it makes.