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Fighting back that sinking feeling of despair that accompanies cluttered kitchen countertops? The cabinet under your sink should not be lost to the awkwardness of conventional piping. Don’t be fooled by the amount of space your pipes seem to take up; work around its twists and turns and you’ll find yourself with plenty of room for storage and organisation.
We looked to Alex Chan, Founder of Kalm Organise, for some tips on maximising under sink storage space. Also, she dishes some ways to protect pets and children from getting their tiny paws and hands from these potentially harmful cleaning supplies:
Under sink pipes
Consider the height of your pipes, as well as their location and how they’re placed. Also consider how easy it is to service the pipe without moving too many small items. If the height and space allows, we would recommend that excess items be stored in a tiered pull-out storage rack. Store items you need to access daily as a set so you don’t have to cherry pick the items when you need them. I personally love keeping things in low boxes that come with adjustable dividers, so when I open the cabinet, I have full clarity of what I have.
Routine maintenance is important. One good tip when storing items under the sink is to put loose items like toilet rolls, cotton pads, and such, as far away from the pipes as possible. Also, store your regular cleaning materials directly under the pipe. So, in an event where there is water leakage, the damage will be more controlled.
In order to protect your loved ones from danger, consider relocating potentially toxic cleaning items to a safer higher space. If you have no choice but to store the items under the sink, use a taller box with a lid to visually hide the items, and also consider adding a child lock! I would also recommend rethinking if there is really a need for these items. For instance, do we really need a glass cleaner? There are cleaning cloths out there that do a fabulous job with just water. They’re great for the environment, and one less dangerous item in your home means more space and peace of mind!
5 Under Sink Storage Ideas
According to Aparna Chari Sundar, an expert on the KonMari Tidying Method, here are some tips on cleaning up and decluttering.
Under sink storage before storage shelves and boxes were introduced.
Store cleaning related products under sinks
Focus on keeping items you enjoy using and storing them by category. Under the kitchen sink, one would typically find cleaning-related products like kitchen sprays, dishwasher tablets and solutions, wiping cloths, dish sponges, and garbage rags. It is important to note that these are ‘storage areas’, and are not in use daily, but rather, serve as locations to keep an inventory of extra items to replenish those on display in the kitchen countertops.
IKEA storage bins ($24.90)
Storage bins
If you have an existing water dispenser, you can organise around it. While bulky, it doesn’t need to take up the entire space under your sink. Invest in an assortment of boxes and baskets and arrange them around the dispenser. Choose waterproof, clear, shallow, and rectangular bins to corral ‘like items’ together, so that they can be wiped down easily should there be spills or leaks from the products they contain.
Cooking goes by much faster when you’re not wasting time sorting through your cookware to find the one you need. Have your cooking utensils ready to go in a container, ready to be pulled out at a moment’s notice.
Daiso Play Some Storage Tetris ($2.16)
Stackable drawers
Stackable drawers should be used to maximise the height of the space under the sink. Boxes and bottles should be stored vertically so you can visualise, and hence access them easily. Consider labelling each container, so that every member of the family understands where items are.
Daiso door-mounted wire storage basket ($9.50)
Wire storage baskets
Put your cabinet doors to good use by suspending wire storage racks on the inward-facing side of the door. Tiered racks provide more storage space. Otherwise, stack your frying pans, lids, and chopping boards and store them together to efficiently maximise space and minimise clutter. A wide wire basket keeps them from separating and falling loose. Make the most of a small space by using up every last inch. Bring along a measuring tape when shopping for storage racks.
If you find pleasure in scrubbing down your kitchen surfaces, this under sink storage is definitely your cup of tea. Keep it classic with boxes and shelves in the same colourway, and invest in smaller containers for miscellaneous cleaning items like wipes, brillo pads, dishwasher pods, and baking soda.
Metal & plastic hooks
Small hooks are a great way to add additional storage space to your under sink cabinetry. Make sure your hooks are securely fastened to avoid mishaps; small utensils, cleaning helpers, and towels can easily be stored in this manner. Keep your frequently- used, but often overlooked kitchen accessories within easy reach.
Stackable sliding drawer, $36.90, from Oh Happy Fry.
Pull-out storage for kitchen cabinets
Constantly forgetting a sauce or spice when you’re in the throes of cooking? Pull-out tiered storage makes the perfect home for your frequently-used cooking ingredients. That way, you’ll easily be able to reach for a key ingredient at the crucial moment. And, with their storage space so close to the sink, you’ll be able to give them a quick wipe down to remove sticky residues before putting them back.
Wire baskets, $2.16 each; Pole, $2.16, all from Daiso. Seafood tray, 22cm, $9.90; Seafood wok , $10.90, all from Toh Toh kitchenware.
Dry food storage
Dry goods like onions, garlic, and potatoes can prove difficult to keep track of, and should always be stored in a cool and dry place. Keep them airy and dry by utilising wire racks; this also allows you to take stock of what you have at a glance, which helps you to keep your shopping list efficient and lean.
Wire baskets, $2.16 each; Small transparent drawers, $2.16 each, all from Daiso.
Drinks storage
We’ve all seen the fridge stocking videos on social media - and while they’re ideal, it’s not always feasible, space- wise. Your under sink storage provides potential for a version of this; invest in see-through boxes for clarity of what you have, and add wire baskets for storing your favourite beverages from canned fizzy drinks and milk cartons to coffee pods. teas, and dried goods. Don’t forget to add pull-out storage, prioritising heavier items on the base and stacking on top with lighter goods.
While there’s nothing wrong with buying refill family packs, individually packed treats can stay fresh for longer periods of time. Store your biscuits in a dedicated biscuit drawer.
Using clear containers to store your dried goods like tea leaves, floral infusions, instant coffee, and creamer can make it easier for you to grab the right thing at a glance.