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Kitchens and pantries · 2 min read

How to organise under the kitchen sink

The cupboard under a kitchen sink is usually shallower on one side and broken up by pipes. Start with the usable space and decide what needs to stay near the sink. A small area that gives you quick access to a cloth or brush is more useful than a packed cupboard.

A woman placing a jar on an open kitchen shelf

Empty the cupboard and measure around the pipes

Remove everything and look at where the pipes, hinges and valves sit. Measure the front and back separately. Leave space to reach the plumbing easily. A wide tray that fits through the door might still catch on a pipe when you pull it out.

Try a short box or tray you already own before ordering an organiser. Open and close the door with the container in place. Then take out the items you expect to reach for every day.

Group what actually belongs by the sink

Spare cloths, a brush and the bin liners you use nearby may be worth keeping together. Separate backstock from the item you’re using. If a spare supply is blocking the front of the cupboard, move it to a place where you keep other replacements.

Store household products according to their labels and in their original containers. If children can get to the cupboard, use a safe storage location they can’t access for hazardous products.

Make the next restock obvious

Try the setup for a week. If you have to lift a tray to reach a fresh cloth, move the cloths. If you keep finding extra packs at the back, give spares one clearly defined space. Leave a gap so you can see what you have without dismantling the cupboard.

  • Keep access to pipes and valves clear.
  • Give the everyday items a place at the front.
  • Measure for a pull-out container with the cupboard door open.

Further reading