Organizing isn’t a one-and-done project. Things constantly change, and that’s okay. After a year of living with my under-sink storage, here’s how (and why) I changed it up for better functionality.
Last year I added some stackable storage bins under my kitchen sink and they were exactly what I needed to maximize that hard-to-navigate cabinet. I used lidded refrigerator bins I had found from HomeGoods because they were exactly the right size. But after living with them for a while, my needs have changed a bit and the functionality just isn’t working out how I expected. So I ordered all-new bins, emptied the cabinet, and started over.
Under The Kitchen Sink “Before”
This isn’t a terrible before-and-after moment. Honestly, the “before” was better-looking than the “after” in my opinion. But when it comes to home organization and storage, your systems are always changing. The problem with my current storage under the kitchen sink really was with the bins I chose.
The stacking method is optimal for that kind of cabinet, and lidded containers are perfectly fine for a space like this. But the lids were kind of flimsy and they slid off often. When we would remove one container to get to another, the lid below would slide in one direction and the container would go the other way. It quickly became more frustrating than it was worth.
Under The Kitchen Sink “After”
Instead of buying new lidded containers and risking dealing with the same problem again, I decided to order stackable shoe drawers. They’re technically made to hold shoes inside closets, but I figured if they’re strong enough for a pair of sneakers, they can hold up some dishwashing detergent and cloths easily.
These drawers eliminate me having to unstack the bins to get to what I need and save me a little time and effort when I’m putting things away. I used two tall drawers for dish towels and trash bags, and one short drawer for dishwasher pods.
Since this is a lower cabinet, I decided to change up the container that holds my cleaners, too. The long bin I was using worked fine, but we had to squat down and reach far back to get to the cleaners in the back of the bin. Sure, we could have pulled out the bin, but the bottles always fell over when we did. So I swapped it for a turntable with high edges, and it’s 1000% better.
The bins on the cabinet door are holding up very well and I didn’t need to change those at all, but I did add a hook to hold the straw-cleaning brushes. Having them right inside the door will make it easier to clean our silicone straws without having to dig them out of a drawer.
And on the other door, I’m still loving this clip that holds my rubber cleaning gloves. It’s not very strong and they do fall off sometimes, so I plan on buying a better clip at some point. But for now, it’s not at the top of my to-do list. All the ones I’ve seen aren’t very strong either so I think I’ll need to DIY my own.
It’s Okay To Reorganize Something That’s Already Organized
Having an Organized-ish home isn’t about doing something once and letting it hang out for the rest of your life. Storage systems should change as your lifestyle and needs change, and it’s totally okay to redo a space that isn’t working for you.
One of the biggest holdups for me personally is the amount of money I spent on containers. I spent a good amount of money on the lidded containers last year, and I didn’t want to change it because I didn’t want it to be a waste. But the truth is, chalking some money up as a loss is way better than living with storage that isn’t functional for you and your family.
Those containers can always be used somewhere else, sold on Marketplace, or donated to a school for supply storage. If something isn’t working, that’s just it. It isn’t working. And things that don’t work deserve to be changed.
Shop My Favorite Kitchen Organizers
I buy most of my kitchen organizers from Amazon, so I rounded up my favorite products (over 50 of them!) and you can shop for the ones that may work for your own kitchen in my Amazon Shop here. I update this list monthly, so anytime I buy something new and love it, I add it to the shop. There are also categories for bathroom, closet, and even vehicle organizers. It’s your one-stop-shop for professional organizer-approved supplies.
N.E. Shugan says
Is the rubber glove holding clip reversible? (grasping clips facing up and pushing leg facing down) If so, you could let it hold the gloves from the top. They would be resistant to pulls and tugs as other items are accessed and they would be a smidge further away from the cabinet door, where they might dry better and where dampness might not impact the door. Just a thought. I like your idea of revising organization as you live with it, I just feel reluctant to invest much money into organizational systems. Perhaps you could address this is future posts and convince me it’s a good investment!
Lela Burris says
That’s a great idea! The clips can be adhered either way. And you’re right, by turning the other way the weight of the gloves won’t cause them to slip off. Thanks for the suggestion!!
Lela Burris says
And as far as investing money in organization systems while still experimenting, I highly recommend using things like old tupperware containers, recycled amazon shipping boxes, and cheap dollar store containers to get a feel for what you want and need. They allow you to test out different sizes and placements before you commit to spending money.
Wendy Pray says
I use a binder clip to clip my dishwashing gloves together & hang them on a hook like you used for your straw brushes. (Brilliant idea, by the way! I will definitely be doing that. SO much more convenient than in the drawer with the straws—on the other side of the kitchen.)
Brad Gandy says
Glad we could help, Wendy!
Anonymous says
Could you please tell me where you got the trash bin slider, thank you!
Brad Gandy says
Hi there! Those are available in the Amazon store linked at the bottom of the post.