Small Kitchen? These Under Sink Storage Ideas Maximize Your Space

Under sink cabinets tend to be cramped in tiny kitchens. With cluttered pipes, garbage disposals, and a mess of cleaning supplies competing for space, it can be a struggle to keep things organized. But with some savvy storage solutions, you can transform that jumbled cabinet into a model of efficiency.

From slide-out shelves to dollar store finds, these rental-friendly ideas will help corral the chaos. Read on to learn how to maximize your under sink storage, even in the smallest of kitchens.

The Trouble with Under Sink Storage

It's no secret that under sink cabinets pose storage challenges. Here are some of the most common problems you'll encounter:

Lack of space is perhaps the biggest issue. Under sink cabinets tend to be quite narrow with limited square footage to work with. It can be tricky finding homes for all your cleaning gear in such a confined area.

Plumbing also takes up precious room. Drain pipes, the garbage disposal, supply lines, and more eat into the existing space under the sink. Working around these obstacles is essential for any storage solution.

Finally, a lack of organization can quickly lead to chaos. Items like spray bottles, sponges, and scrub brushes tend to clutter the cabinet when not neatly corralled. Keeping things tidy takes some effort.

Install Slide-Out Shelves

One excellent way to maximize vertical storage space is to install slide-out shelves. Mounted on tracks, these shelves let you efficiently utilize all the height your under sink cabinet has to offer.

Slide-out shelves bring hard-to-reach items right to you, while keeping everything neat and tidy. They're great for taller bottles and cleaners that would otherwise get lost in the back. Just give the shelf a gentle pull to access what you need.

Embrace Lazy Susans

Another space-saving option is the lazy susan. These spinning trays make items accessible with just a quick twirl. Lazy susans are fantastic for corralling those loose items that tend to spread out all over.

Position your lazy susan near the front for easy access. As products get used up, a spin of the tray brings the next one forward. Lazy susans keep things neatly contained to maximize every inch.

Utilize Over-the-Door Storage

One often overlooked space is the back of the cabinet door. Installing racks or tension rods across the door provides extra real estate. It's perfect for spray bottles so you can identify cleaners at a glance.

Look for over-the-door racks with sturdy hooks to hang bottles upside down and prevent leaks. A tension curtain rod with S-hooks can also do the trick on a budget.

Deploy Portable Storage

When it comes to under sink organization, don't overlook the power of portable storage. Baskets, bins, and caddies make it easy to divide and conquer all those supplies.

Plastic bins are ideal for wrangling spray bottles, sponges, and scrub brushes. Labeled baskets keep cleaning products neatly sorted. And caddies with handles make supplies easy to tote around.

Build Custom Drawers

For the ultimate under sink storage, have drawers custom built right into the cabinetry. Drawers maximize every inch while keeping contents organized and accessible.

Buy ready-made drawer kits or build your own to fit the space. Opt for large, deep drawers to handle bulkier items. Shallow drawers are good for small supplies. Pull-outs give you easy access to what's inside.

Shop Your Dollar Stores

Looking to organize on a budget? Dollar stores are treasure troves of affordable storage solutions. Baskets, bins, caddies, and racks offer inexpensive ways to get your under sink space in order.

Choose options in fun colors to inject a little personality into your under sink storage. Who knew organization could look this good for just a few dollars?

DIY Storage Solutions

With a little DIY know-how, you can create custom under sink storage perfect for your space. Here are some easy projects to try:

Spice Rack Pull-Out Cabinet

Turn an old spice rack into a space-saving pull-out. Just secure the rack to small cabinet runners and mount under the sink. It's ideal for storing small jars, rags, and other necessities you use daily.

Repurposed Drawer Organizer

Check your local thrift store for an old plastic drawer organizer. Mount it under your sink for an instant storage solution. It's perfect for corralling all those loose items that tend to spread everywhere.

Woven Basket Bonanza

Affordable woven baskets from the dollar store make ideal under sink storage. Use them to neatly divide and organize cleaning supplies. Label each basket so you can quickly identify where everything goes.

Storing Items with Care

Not all items belong under the sink. To keep things safe, be mindful of what you store in this humid, chemical-filled environment.

Cleaning Supplies

Your under sink cabinet is the ideal place for cleaning products. Just be sure to sort them into bins and baskets labeled by type. This makes locating the right cleaner fast and easy.

Avoid Storing Food and Cookware

Never store food, cookware, or dinnerware under the sink. The moisture and cleaning chemicals found here can contaminate items. Perishables may also attract bugs and pests.

Reuse empty jars to neatly store dry goods like cotton balls, q-tips, and sponges. Just be sure to keep the lids on tight so moisture doesn't seep in.

With a bit of forethought, even the most compact under sink cabinet can be transformed into a storage haven. Slide-out shelves, caddies, baskets, and other savvy solutions outlined above will help you organize this troublesome space.

So take inventory of your cabinet contents and get ready to put these under sink storage tips to work. By maximizing every inch, you'll soon have an organized oasis even the smallest kitchen can appreciate.