How to Organize Under Sink Space
Unfortunately, there is no universal recipe – it all depends on the specific size of the cabinet, the external contour of the sink bowl (which “eats up” space in the cabinet), the specific method of supplying communications: the size of the siphon, the convenience or inconvenience of water supply. And it is far from always possible to free up at least some free space under the sink in principle.
The cabinet under the kitchen sink is usually either left empty or planning a shelf in the middle. Consider what devices will help you use space rationally.
What should be stored under the kitchen sink
Traditionally, a trash can is placed in the cabinet under the sink. In addition, a cabinet under the sink can be an excellent solution for installing a hidden part of kitchen appliances. This is the place for a variety of water filters or household waste disposers.
If there is enough space, then in the farthest corner you can even place a compact instantaneous water heater. And finally, this space can always be used to store things you need, but not every day – household chemicals, a hose from a vacuum cleaner, etc. In general, you can store what you are not afraid to get wet and dirty by throwing out the trash.
Important: Do not exclude the possibility of leakage or breakdown of communications. A situation may arise when you need to quickly remove all unnecessary from under the sink in order to fix the pipes. Therefore, if you are planning stationary pull-out shelves and baskets, they should be able to be removed along with the contents.
Protect shelves and drawers
Kitchen shelves look like wood, but quite often they are made of chipboard – veneered or melamine coated. Under the sink, like nowhere else, it is important to keep the drawers and shelves dry, otherwise, they will not last long. Sometimes you will need to frequently change the shelves here because they swell with water.
If you only recognize wood, reinforce and seal all joints – even clear furniture varnish will do. And only store dry items on the shelf. Furniture “filling” made of wood is an expensive pleasure, so it is better to keep it.
Tip: If you have pull-out shelves, it is important to laminate their edges – this will significantly extend the service life. In furniture supermarkets, tape with an adhesive is sold – it is “ironed” with a hot iron.
You need to protect not only the shelves but also the walls and cabinet doors themselves. For example, using a self-adhesive film. You need to glue it so that it slightly overlaps the side walls. This is especially important if you will be placing damp rags on the door shelves.
Protect the bottom of the cabinet
Place plastic trays or just a large tray on the bottom of the cabinet. You will get quick and easy access to the collected items. And you don’t have to wash the cabinet again: all that is required is to pull out the pallet and send it to the dishwasher. Alternatively, you can use a silicone mat for kitchen drawers – this is usually used to prevent the cutlery from slipping when pulled out. The idea is one: in any way protect the bottom of the kitchen cabinet from potential moisture and dirt.
Metal and mesh organizers
There are a great variety of kitchen metal organizers of various sizes and types. With their help, you can effectively use all the voids around the water pipes. Most often, metal baskets are made of aluminum, chrome-plated stainless steel, or powder-painted steel. Aluminum baskets are the most durable, but steel one’s rust. This is important if you are going to store household chemicals in them.
Upper shelf under the sink
A U-shaped drawer can be installed directly under the sink – this is a special section designed for the area around the sink.
To comfortably use such a section, the standard door will have to be replaced with two halves – a traditional spacious drawer is installed in the lower part, and the upper part of the facade hides a pull-out U-shaped section.
Tip: Wire U-shaped drawers are most convenient. They are better ventilated, so it is good to dry rags and damp dishwashing sponges here.
Full height pull-out bottom drawer
There may not be enough space for a full-fledged drawer for the entire depth of the kitchen – the plumbing pipes passing through here interfere. Therefore, you can only make the bottom drawer of the cabinet slide out. This is especially useful if there is a shelf in the middle of the cabinet.
Idea: An option for a complete set – a stationary shelf and a drawer under it, which pulls out the facade of the kitchen. The box can be divided into two parts or it can be two independent baskets. In the role of a trash can, for example.
Do not forget about the existence of a basement drawer – it can also be installed under the sink. As a rule, someone is constantly standing at the sink in the kitchen. Consider this point when deciding what to put in the basement drawer. For example, this could be a supply of table napkins.
Idea: Fix the kitchen rail at the level of the sink – such a rail can become a convenient place for storing towels and rags, as well as small things that are hung on the hook.
Organizers on the door
The door can also be used for storage. Screw on its inner surface a net for wet sponges and household chemicals, as well as a railing for a kitchen towel. Here they will always be at hand. But try not to store anything heavy on the door – there is a danger that it will sag.
Tip: Before attaching anything to the interior surface, make sure the bolt is no longer than the thickness of the door. Otherwise, you can drill through the hole.
The most efficient solution
The problem associated with the inconvenience of using narrow and deep cabinets was able to solve the mesh roll-out baskets. Now you just need to pull the handle and the basket will simply slide out of the cabinet. Such baskets are often designed for storing household chemicals and can be supplemented with a variety of plastic trays. Various holders can be attached to the walls, such as an organizer for pot lids. A roll-out waste container can be hung on the door of such a cabinet. Now you know how to organize under sink and what should be stored under the kitchen sink, if you have any idea, welcome to leave your comment.