Under the sink might be the most universally ignored storage space in the home. It's awkward. There's plumbing in the way. Bottles tip over. You need something from the back and end up pulling out six other things to reach it.

But this space has real potential — if you stop trying to make it work without a system and actually give it one.

Here's how to organize under the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or any under-cabinet space so it works with your plumbing instead of fighting it.

Why Under-Sink Spaces Are So Hard

The pipes are the obvious challenge. They carve the space into awkward sections that don't play nicely with standard organizers. The other issue: this space tends to be a catch-all for everything that doesn't have a home anywhere else.

The solution is to stop trying to fit the space to your stuff and instead find containers that work around the pipes — and commit to keeping only what actually belongs there.

Step 1: Clear It Out Completely

Empty everything. Wipe down the cabinet floor. Throw away empty bottles, products you've stopped using, and anything past its prime. What you keep should be things you actively use and want within reach.

Step 2: Decide What Lives Here

Under the kitchen sink is typically:

• Dish soap and dishwasher pods
• Cleaning sprays and sponges
• Trash bags
• Rubber gloves
• Extra soap refills

Under the bathroom sink is typically:

• Cleaning products
• Extra toiletries (backup shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)
• Hair tools if they're not in a drawer
• Feminine hygiene products
• First aid overflow

Decide before you buy any bins. Knowing what you're storing determines what containers you need.

Step 3: Work Around the Pipes with Smaller Bins

This is the key insight: instead of one large bin that fights with your plumbing, use several smaller bins arranged around the pipes. Bliss Bins Small are perfect for this — they're sized to tuck into the spaces your plumbing creates and can be moved easily when you need access.

Group by use: cleaning supplies in one bin, backup toiletries in another, trash bags in another. Clear bins mean you can see everything at a glance without pulling the bin out.

Step 4: Use the Door

Over-the-door organizers and hooks on the inside of your cabinet door add meaningful storage without using floor space. This is ideal for sponges, rubber gloves, small spray bottles, or even your reusable shopping bags.

Step 5: Add a Small Basket for Everyday Items

If there are things you grab from under the sink daily — dish soap, sponges, trash bags — a small basket right in front makes those most-used items immediately accessible without digging. The basket is your "grab zone" and everything behind it is backup stock.

Step 6: Prevent the Leak Problem

If you've ever opened your under-sink cabinet to find a puddle from a leaky pipe or tipped-over bottle, here's a simple fix: line the floor of the cabinet with a waterproof mat or tray. This protects your cabinet and gives you a clean surface to place your bins on.

The Ongoing Maintenance

Once a month, do a quick under-sink audit: check that cleaning products aren't running low, toss empty bottles, and make sure bins are back where they belong. It takes less than five minutes and keeps the space from slowly devolving back into chaos.

Under the sink doesn't have to be your home's worst space. With the right bins and a clear system, it can actually be one of your most functional cabinets.

Shop Bliss Bins Small and M+L Baskets to get started.