Under Sink Storage Ideas That Actually Work (One Shelf Fix)

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My under sink storage situation was a disaster. The bathroom cabinet was packed with bottles stacked on bottles, and I wasted so much vertical space it was ridiculous. But I fixed it in about 30 minutes with one shelf and a few organizers.

No fancy system required. Just better use of the space you already have.

What Should You Store Under a Bathroom Sink?

Let’s address this upfront because people have opinions about bathroom cabinet organization.

Some say it should be cleaning supplies and toilet paper. Others keep daily toiletries and makeup there. I’m in the second camp because I want everything within arm’s reach when I’m getting ready. I have a linen closet for cleaning supplies.

There’s no wrong answer. Store what makes sense for your routine. The real problem is that most of us aren’t using the space efficiently.

The Problem: Wasted Vertical Space

Look at all that wasted height under a bathroom sink. You’ve got maybe 6-8 inches of usable space at the bottom, then just… air. Everything’s piled up creating an unstable tower that topples every time you grab something.

The solution isn’t more organizers. It’s using the vertical space you’re ignoring.

How to Add Under Sink Storage With a Shelf

You need either a premade shelf or materials to build one. I used leftover shelves from my son’s bedroom makeover, but floating shelves like these come with mounting hardware.

Step 1: Empty Everything Out

Remove all the bottles and random items. (This is when you’ll discover products you forgot you owned.🫣)

Step 2 (Optional): Add Drawer Liner

I wasn’t planning this step, but my clear containers blended with the white walls. Adding decorative drawer liner made everything more visible and honestly, prettier. You could also use peel and stick wallpaper, but I already had this on hand.

I used clear tape to attach the paper and lined up the pattern so it flowed nicely. Get shelf liner here.

Step 3: Install Your Shelf

I got lucky here!

Both leftover shelves fit perfectly without interfering with the plumbing pipe.

I measured the hooks on the back and installed two small screws to hold them. You can see below, I marked with a pencil the height I wanted the shelves and then added the screws.

Best Under Sink Organizers

Once you’ve got bathroom sink storage sorted with a shelf, you need containers that prevent everything from becoming a mess again. I prefer clear acrylic because you can see what you have.

Makeup brush holders and small clear containers work for Q-tips and smaller items. Larger pull-handle containers are perfect for bottles and vitamins.

This pull-out tiered drawer would’ve been perfect for smaller items.

Small Bathroom Storage Ideas

A small lazy susan works great for face creams and bottles you use frequently. Spin it instead of moving everything to reach the back.

This clear container is perfect for hair dryers or curling irons (keeps cords contained). Nail polish holders also work for storing lipstick standing up.

Bathroom cabinet organization doesn’t need to be complicated. One shelf and a few organizers made my under sink storage actually functional instead of a black hole for bobby pins. That’s worth every one of those 30 minutes!

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