How to Organize Under Your Bathroom Cabinet (Even in a Tiny Space)

The cabinet under the bathroom sink is one of those spaces that starts out organized and slowly descends into chaos. Between half-used shampoo bottles, expired medications, tangled hair tools, and mystery products you bought once and never used again, it becomes a black hole where things go in but never come out.

The good news is that even the smallest, most awkward under-sink cabinet can be transformed into a functional storage space. It doesn't require expensive organizers or a complete renovation — just a clear plan and about 30 minutes. If you've already tackled organizing under your kitchen sink, you'll find many of the same principles apply here.

Step 1: Empty Everything Out

Pull everything out from under the cabinet and lay it all on the bathroom floor or counter. This is the most important step because it lets you see exactly what you have and how much space you're actually working with.

Sort Into Four Piles

• Keep: Items you use regularly (at least once a month)
• Relocate: Things that belong in another room (kitchen cleaners, extra toilet paper that could go in a closet)
• Toss: Expired products, dried-out items, things you haven't used in 6+ months
• Donate: Unopened products you won't use

Check expiration dates on everything. Sunscreen, medications, contact solution, and many beauty products have expiration dates. Expired products can be ineffective or even harmful. Most people find they can eliminate 30-50% of what's under their bathroom sink during this purge.

Step 2: Measure Your Space

Before buying any organizers, measure the usable space inside your cabinet. Note:

• Width and depth of the cabinet floor
• Height from the cabinet floor to the shelf or top
• Pipe location — where the drain pipe is and how much space it takes up
• Door clearance — how much room you have before items hit the closed door

The pipes under a bathroom sink are the biggest obstacle to organization. Most solutions involve working around them with containers that fit in the available gaps.

Step 3: Choose Your Organization System

The best system depends on your cabinet size and what you need to store.

For Small Cabinets (Under 24 Inches Wide)

• Stackable bins: Use two or three small bins that fit around the pipes
• Lazy Susan: A small turntable makes corner items accessible
• Door-mounted organizer: Use the inside of the cabinet door for flat items

For Standard Cabinets (24-30 Inches)

• Two-tier shelf riser: Creates a second level above the cabinet floor
• Pull-out drawers: Sliding bins on tracks make everything accessible
• Tension rod: Mount across the cabinet to hang spray bottles by their triggers

For Large Cabinets (Over 30 Inches)

• Multi-tier shelf system: Adjustable shelving that works around pipes
• Combination approach: Shelf riser + bins + door storage
• Under-sink drawer organizer: Specially designed units with cutouts for pipes

Step 4: Group Items by Category

Once you've chosen your containers, organize items into logical groups:

Suggested Categories

• Daily essentials: Items you reach for every day (deodorant, face wash, toothpaste refills)
• Hair care: Shampoo, conditioner, styling products, hair tools
• First aid: Band-aids, antiseptic, pain relievers, thermometer
• Cleaning supplies: Bathroom cleaner, scrub brush, extra sponges
• Backup stock: Extra soap, toothpaste, razors (keep minimal — one backup per item)
• Specialty items: Nail care, face masks, seasonal products

Put the items you use most often in the most accessible spots (front and center). Less frequently used items go in the back or on higher shelves.

Step 5: Use the Cabinet Door

The inside of the cabinet door is prime real estate that most people ignore. Here's how to use it:

• Adhesive hooks: Hang hair ties, headbands, or a small mirror
• Command strip baskets: Mount small wire or plastic baskets for flat items
• Magnetic strip: Attach bobby pins, tweezers, nail clippers
• Clear pocket organizer: A hanging shoe organizer trimmed to fit works great for small items

Just make sure whatever you mount on the door doesn't prevent the door from closing. Test the clearance before committing to adhesive hooks or baskets.

Budget-Friendly Organizer Ideas

You don't need to spend a fortune on fancy organizing products. Here are affordable options:

• Dollar store bins ($1-3 each): Perfect for grouping items by category
• Tension rod ($3-5): Hang spray bottles to free up floor space
• Lazy Susan ($5-10): Makes corner items in deep cabinets accessible
• Stacking shelf riser ($8-15): Doubles your usable space instantly
• Clear shoe boxes (free-$3): Great for corralling small items in groups

If you're looking for more ways to organize on a tight budget, our guide to organizing your garage on a budget has lots of affordable storage hacks that work in any room.

Maintenance Tips

An organized cabinet only stays organized if you maintain it. These habits keep the clutter from creeping back:

Monthly Check (2 Minutes)

• Put anything that wandered out of its container back where it belongs
• Toss any empty containers
• Wipe down the cabinet floor with a damp cloth

Quarterly Purge (10 Minutes)

• Check expiration dates on all products
• Remove anything you haven't used in 3 months
• Evaluate whether your system is working and adjust if needed

One-In-One-Out Rule

When you buy a new product, use up or discard the old one first. This prevents the slow accumulation that leads to cabinet chaos. It's the same principle that works for organizing your closet and decluttering room by room.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying Organizers Before Measuring

The most common mistake is buying containers that don't fit. Always measure your space and plan your layout before shopping. Return anything that doesn't work — an ill-fitting organizer just creates more clutter.

Storing Too Much Under the Sink

Just because the space exists doesn't mean you need to fill it. A cabinet that's 70% full is much more functional than one that's packed to the brim. Leave room to easily grab items without moving everything else out of the way.

Ignoring Moisture

Under-sink cabinets are prone to moisture from pipe condensation or small leaks. Place a small waterproof mat or tray on the cabinet floor before organizing. Check periodically for dampness, which can damage products and cause mold. If you're dealing with mold elsewhere, our guide to removing mold from bathroom ceilings can help.

Using Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard absorbs moisture and falls apart in a bathroom environment. Always use plastic, wire, or bamboo containers under the sink.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best organizer for a pedestal sink with no cabinet?

For pedestal sinks, use a freestanding storage unit that fits around the pedestal, or mount a small wall cabinet or floating shelves above or beside the sink. A tiered cart on wheels that slides next to the pedestal is another great option for keeping essentials within reach.

How do I organize under the sink with a garbage disposal?

A garbage disposal takes up space on one side of the cabinet. Use a tiered shelf riser on the open side and small bins that fit around the disposal unit. Avoid stacking anything directly against the disposal, and keep the area around it clear for maintenance access.

Should I keep cleaning supplies under the bathroom sink?

Only keep bathroom-specific cleaning supplies there (toilet cleaner, bathroom spray, scrub brush). General household cleaners are better stored in a central cleaning caddy or closet. If you have young children, make sure any cleaning products under the sink are behind a childproof lock.

How do I prevent under-sink pipes from leaking on my organizers?

Check your pipe connections for any signs of moisture before organizing. Place a waterproof drip tray or silicone mat under the pipes. You can also wrap pipe joints with pipe insulation to reduce condensation. If you notice active leaks, address them first — our guide to fixing a leaky faucet covers common pipe connection issues.

What should I do with products I rarely use but don't want to throw away?

Seasonal or occasional-use items (self-tanner, special occasion hair products, travel-sized toiletries) should be stored elsewhere — a hall closet, linen closet, or bedroom drawer. Reserve the under-sink space for items you actually use regularly.

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An organized bathroom cabinet makes your morning routine smoother and eliminates the frustration of digging through a cluttered mess to find what you need. Once everything has a designated spot, keeping it tidy takes almost no effort. Next up, consider tackling your bathroom storage for a complete bathroom refresh.