Yep, it’s that dreaded space under your kitchen sink. Ya know, that place where you store all of your cleaning supplies and have to dig to find what you’re looking for.
We’ve been in our house for about 6 weeks and it’s already a mess. So I decided to take 10 minutes out of my day and get it organized. Yeah, take a closer look…
So I emptied out the cabinet… uh, how did all of this fit under there? I found three, yes THREE, boxes of trash bags. If it was cleaner I probably would have realized I have enough trash bags to last me until 2015.
So I headed to my local discount store (Deals) and purchased these items for $9: two school locker shelves, a 3-pack of white bins, and a large blue plastic basket.
And here’s what it looks like now…
The locker shelves are simply awesome since they double your space. On the left I have all of my trash bags down below (yes, all 3 boxes) and my floor cleaning supplies above.
On the right side of the cabinet I have all of my dish cleaners… dish soap, brushes, detergent, extra sponges.
Then next to the locker shelves I have my little white baskets. I only used 2 of the 3-pack. One is filled with air fresheners and extra handsoap, the other is for extra Magic Erasers, rags, etc.
And the big basket with handles in the middle? This is what I can take around the house with all of my go-to cleaners: dusting supplies, Windex, paper towels, Clorox wipes, a Magic Eraser, clean rags, etc.
Um… why didn’t I think of this before? Rather than running back and forth, just carry all of my supplies with me in a small basket.
No more digging around, plus extra space to grow.
$9 and about 10 minutes of my time.
Yep, totally worth it.
Julie says
Oh my, this is a very impressive “After” photo! I’ve had a bash at the cupboard under the sink a few times over the years, we have a few “divide and conquer” plastic boxes under there. I think I need to revisit and have a sort out because mine sure doesn’t look like yours! As time passes, and life is busy I have a really bad habit of bunging things on top of the base layer of organisation. I am officially inspired – thank you!
howtonestforless says
Thanks Julie! I’m telling you… the locker shelves are amazing!
Julie says
I’ll look out for them in the shops. I imagine they could be useful all over the place. Thanks
Karen Henderson says
The after pic looks great. I do not understand my need to hoard empty containers or better the full ones that I “hate” and will never use. You have inspired me.This is 1st on my to do list in the morning. Great job and thanks for sharing.
howtonestforless says
You’re welcome Karen! Good luck to you with your organization.
Wendie Waldman says
Wow, great job. I’ve never seen locker shelves. Will have to keep my eye out for them!
howtonestforless says
Thanks Wendie! Was thankful I found some at our local Deals store. $3 each!
rea says
isn’t it such a good feeling to see it organized afterwards? great job!
huggies♥
rea
howtonestforless says
YES! 😉
Pat F. says
Looks great, Erin! You have a lot of space under your sinks, lucky you!! It’s amazing all the cleaning supplies that accumulate under the kitchen and bathroom sinks. It makes me crazy when I find two and three of the same items because of organization problems. Yep, it’s time for me to get under the sinks and have a go at it! Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
howtonestforless says
You’re welcome Pat! Good luck with yours!
arod says
great job so much easier to find things once organized
Julie K. says
Having the under-the-sink area organized it’s great, mainly because it helps me to see what I actually have and what I need to buy.
When it comes to my storage under the sink, it looked similar to yours, but I’ve decided to rather take 15 minutes of my time and to organize it properly.
I’m really glad that I know what’s where and what is missing now, when I’m going to the store.
sondra says
Great Ideas. Inspiring. Thank you!
howtonestforless says
Thank you!
Lori says
Where is the garbage container?
howtonestforless says
We have it two cans (one for garbage, one for recycle) at the far end of the cabinets.
Linda K says
awesome! gonna use these ideas for my craft room too.
Suzan says
Can you tell me what material your counters are? We just painted our cabinets white and trying to decide on a counter material/color. I really like yours! BTW under your sink looks great!
howtonestforless says
They are Formica laminate in the color Belmonte Granite. I’m in LOVE with them! Goes great with grays or tans. Not too light and not too dark.
Jayne says
Love these ideas! I have lived in my house for 24 years and have struggled with my corner kitchen cabinet. These are perfect! Thanks!
Kathryn says
Just found your website! What color of paint is on your kitchen walls?
howtonestforless says
The paint color is Ivory Lace by Sherwin Williams.
Monica Faerber says
Hello, haivng been a mom of 4 and grandma of 5 no cleaning supplies or food that could be harmful should ever be lowere than the top shelf. So tupperware goes under the kitchen sink. cleaning supplies get locked up on top shelf in laundry room. Dish soap, cleanser, fast cleaners get top shelf along with cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leafs those are all poisonous if too much ingested. Please remember small people are curious and will try anything.
howtonestforless says
Good tip, Monica! Luckily my kid is 8 so we can safely put it under the sink.
Olivia Heyward says
Great Idea cannot wait to purchase items.