The challenge is the same in every cabinet under every sink … so much stuff, so little space! Figuring out how to organize under the bathroom sink is made exponentially more challenging my those darn pipes and hoses that cut through the middle of the space. But I’m finally claiming victory and sharing some under bathroom sink organization ideas and smart space saving tips to help you do the same!
In the past, I had made a half-hearted attempt at organizing the bathroom cabinet under my sink, by adding a couple of baskets, but containers don’t do a lot of good unless you take the time to purge, sort, and create a system you can keep up with. I did none of these things! I just put anything and everything in the baskets, and then let more and more stuff pile up. And I honestly had no idea what has hiding at the bottom or behind the baskets.
But this chaos was taking a toll on my morning routine, so I finally moved this project to the top of my priority list. You may have already seen a sneak peek at this project over on Instagram, where I partnered with The Container Store to share some under bathroom sink organization ideas, but I know a project like this can feel overwhelming, so I wanted to walk you through my step by step process.
HOW TO ORGANIZE UNDER BATHROOM SINK
Following my own advice from my 10 step guide to getting organized and staying organized {download your free copy of my eBook here}, I started with a blank slate. I cleared everything out and spent some time purging and recycling.
Under sink spaces are particularly challenging because of those pipes and hoses cutting through the middle of the space, so it’s especially important to take detailed measurements before shopping for under bathroom sink organizers – including the height, width, and depth of the cabinet, as well as the space below and in front of the pipes. I also love using the space on the back of my cabinet doors, so I measured the door as well.
There are a lot of pre-fab “under sink organizer” products out there, but every sink is configured differently, so there’s really not a one size fits all solution. Starting with detailed measurements will help you choose organizing containers that will fit your space, and rule out those that won’t {saving you extra trips and returns}.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something I recommend, you’ll pay the same price, but I may receive a small commission.
Based on my measurements, I had a pretty good idea of how I wanted to organize under my bathroom sink, but it still took a little bit of tweaking to get it right. I started with two divided lazy susans – one with a 11.5 inch diameter, and one with a 9 inch diameter – and one rectangular pantry bin {don’t let the names of containers fool you – use them wherever you want!}.
The containers fit, but I still didn’t feel like I was making the best use of my space, so I rearrange them and tried again. This time I placed both divided lazy susans to one side and tucked a deep drawer bin under the pipe on the left side.
Once I was happy with the layout of the under sink organizers, I was ready to add my favorite element – another clear storage bin attached to the inside of one of the cabinet doors. I placed three adhesive hook and loop picture hanging strips on the back of the bin…
…then I determine where it should be positioned on the cabinet door so that the door would open and close smoothly.
I had already finished purging, but before I could start filling up all of my new under sink organizer containers, I needed to group like items together. I sorted my items into the following categories:
- Daily Use
- Lotion
- Hair
- Scent
- Main-Pedi
- Travel
- Face
- Medicine
I wanted to keep the items I use every day – like my blow dry spray, detangler, hair spray, lotion, and favorite scent – in easy reach. I placed these items in the bin attached to the door so that I can grab them and put them away quickly each morning.
Then I started filling the up the lazy susans with one category of items in each section. Some categories got two sections if one wasn’t enough. The larger lazy susan has 5 sections, and the smaller has three.
Once the lazy susans were filled, I created some labels from adhesive vinyl using my Cricut. These labels not only make it look a little prettier, they also make it easier for me to quickly find what I’m looking for, and make putting things away pretty much fool proof, which is my favorite kind of organizing system!
By simply spinning the lazy susans, I can easily access the items in each section. This totally solves my old problem of not knowing what’s hiding in the back of the cabinet! See them in all their spinning glory in this video on my Instagram feed.
If you’ve been visiting my blog for a while, then you know that I love to use every bit of available space when organizing, which is why I didn’t want to let the back corner of the cabinet go to waste. A rectangular bin filled with medicine fits perfectly behind the smaller turn table. It’s hidden back there, which I don’t mind because fortunately it’s not anything I need to use daily, but it’s easy to lift out by the handle when I have a headache or my stomach is upset.
On the other side of the pipes, I used a deep drawer bin to hold my velcro rollers and foam curlers.
The bin of curlers slides right out, almost like a drawer, making it easy for me to grab what I need. Or I can lift the whole thing out and sit in on the counter.
Oh yeah, what do you think of the daily affirmation that I added to the cabinet door?! It make me laugh every morning when I open the door, which is a great way to start the day.
Finally, here’s a view of how it all came together. Such a big improvement from that messy before photo!
Shop My Favorite Under Bathroom Sink Organizers
Opening this cabinet now makes me so much happier! I no longer have bottles falling out at me when I open the door, I no longer have to dig through old, expired products to find what I’m looking for, and I no longer buy new products, only to find out I already had two extras buried in the back of the cabinet.
Happy organizing!
Kristin K says
Nice butt! So funny! Great post!
blueistyle says
Thanks, Kristin! It makes me laugh 😉
Sandy says
Love your morning message on the cabinet door! Great tips too!
blueistyle says
Thanks, Sandy!
Unknown says
Where did you get your letters for your affirmation??
LOVE!!!
blueistyle says
Thanks! I cut the letters out of adhesive vinyl using my Cricut (an electronic cutting machine). But since this is a space that really won’t get wet, you could use stickers from a craft store.
Cindy says
Great ideas for organizing an area that can get out of hand quickly! I especially love the idea of attaching the clear bins directly to the door!!