The new year always brings that fresh-start feeling—but instead of trying to organize your entire house at once, start where it makes the biggest impact: under sinks and inside cabinets.
These spaces are used daily, collect clutter fast, and are often the most frustrating to deal with. With the right organization systems, they can quickly become some of the most functional areas in your home.
Here’s how to organize under sinks and cabinets in a realistic, sustainable way—perfect for busy households and everyday life.
Why Under Sinks & Cabinets Are the Best Places to Start
- They’re hidden but heavily used
- Small changes make a big difference
- Organization here improves daily routines
- You don’t need a full home overhaul
A few smart organizers can instantly reduce stress and save time.
Step 1: Clear Everything Out First
Before adding any organizers, remove everything from the space.
This allows you to:
- Toss expired or unused products
- See what you actually own
- Group items by category
Wipe the cabinet or sink base clean before putting items back—it instantly feels like a reset.
Try these reusable microfiber cloths for cleaning surfaces. Only require hot water.
Step 2: Sort Items by Category
Instead of organizing randomly, group items by how they’re used.
Common under-sink & cabinet categories:
- Cleaning supplies
- Dish pods & sponges
- Trash bags
- Bathroom backups
- Hair tools
- Skincare overflow
Once categories are clear, choosing organizers becomes easy.
This caddy is great for moving around while storing all of your cleaning supplies in a sturdy design. Additional slots for brushes, gloves and anything else you need to store.
Step 3: Maximize Vertical Space Under Sinks
Under sinks are tricky because of plumbing, but vertical organizers are a game-changer.
Look for solutions that:
- Fit around pipes
- Use stacked drawers or shelves
- Slide out for easy access
This pull out drawer with second tier organizer is one I have personally. The design works great around plumbing under sinks while still holding so much and keeping the space organized.
These prevent products from tipping over and make everything accessible without digging.
Step 4: Use Pull-Out Organizers Inside Cabinets
Deep cabinets are one of the hardest spaces to keep organized. Pull-out shelves eliminate the “out of sight, out of mind” problem.
Perfect for:
- Cleaning supplies
- Pots and pans
- Food storage containers
- Bathroom essentials
When everything slides out, you actually use what you own.
These pull out drawers can make the most of deep cabinets and maximize your space.
Step 5: Contain Small Items with Bins & Dividers
Loose items create instant clutter. Containing them keeps cabinets looking neat and functional.
Use:
- Clear bins so you can see everything
- Stackable containers for backups
- Dividers for narrow cabinets
Clear storage bins that can be used in any cabinet or closet to keep everything organized by category. The clear design allows you to see what is in the bin. The stacking feature utilizes all the vertical space.
Labeling bins helps everyone in the house maintain the system.
Add labels to keep all your bins and containers neat and organized.
Step 6: Choose Systems That Fit Real Life
Pinterest-perfect setups don’t last if they’re hard to maintain.
Choose organizers that:
- Are easy to remove and clean
- Don’t require constant rearranging
- Work with your family’s habits
Organization should make life easier—not add more work.
I have these personally under every sink around our house.
Step 7: Keep It Organized with Quick Resets
Once your under-sink and cabinet systems are in place, maintenance is simple.
Try:
- A 5-minute monthly reset
- Tossing empties right away
- Reordering essentials before you run out
Small habits prevent clutter from building back up.
Final Thoughts
Under-sink and in-cabinet organization may not be the most glamorous project, but it’s one of the most effective ways to start the new year feeling calm and organized.
With a few intentional systems and smart storage solutions, these hidden spaces can work harder for your home—every single day.
