The $7 Trick to (Easily) Doubling the Storage Space Under Your Sink

Geraldine Campbell
Geraldine Campbell
Geraldine Campbell was the Managing Editor at The Kitchn. She loves semi-colons, em dashes, and serial commas. She lives in Brooklyn with her dog, Charlie.
updated Sep 13, 2019
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Prop Stylist: Stephanie Yeh/Kitchn

The space beneath the kitchen sink is a space for which you have the very best intentions. You want it to be neat and tidy, and maybe you even recently neatened and tidied it. But yet, somehow chaos always ensues. Is this just the natural and inevitable law of entropy at work? Maybe. But then again, probably not. The truth is that you probably don’t have the right organizing system in place. And if you are thinking to yourself, Hmm, I don’t really have ANY organizing system in place, welcome. Read on.

First, the number-one rule of organizing still applies here. Take everything out — everything! All the things! — and evaluate your cleaning supplies. Get rid of old sponges and cleaners you don’t use, and relocate anything that has mysteriously migrated to this area but doesn’t really belong. (In my case, these are usually animal-related things like dog shampoo or squeaky toys.)

Next, clean the space out — with a dustpan or a vacuum if you have one that fits — and then wipe it down with a multi-purpose cleaner.

And now you’re ready to install the easiest, most brilliant, cheapest under-the-sink organizing solution of all time. 

Drumroll, please … 

Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Prop Stylist: Stephanie Yeh/Kitchn

It’s a tension rod! This is the perfect way to store your spray bottles, dish gloves, and cloths. And if you want to get really crafty, you could even get a few S-hooks to hang a scrub brush or two.

Length-wise, you want something that works for your space. We find these adjustable tension rods, with a minimum length of 18 inches and a maximum of 26 inches, fit most under-the-sink storage areas, but make sure to measure. You may find you need something longer or shorter. 

Buy: Adjustable Tension Rods, $7 for two

Once your rod is in place and you hang your spray bottles, you’ll have literally created storage space out of thin air. Organize the rest of your cleaning supplies on the bottom of the cabinet (under the tension rod) and don’t be afraid to use baskets or buckets to corral small, easily-lost-things like extra sponges, microfiber cleaning cloths, and dish soap. You can also repurpose any food storage container that fits your needs.