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Organise under the kitchen sink: 6 smart storage ideas

Transform the tricky space under your sink into an organised, hardworking zone with these simple solutions that help you save time, reduce clutter and make everyday life easier.

A black kitchen countertop with VRESJÖN insert sink in stainless steel, holding a colander filled with lemons and herbs.
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1. Make the most of every corner with modular solutions

Making peace with the chaos under the sink is easier than you think:

  • Use HÅLLBAR pull-out bins and make the most of the space around the pipes, without having to rummage around or bend down.
  • Create several levels of storage: add small shelves or rotating trays to store soap, sponges and other washing-up utensils at different heights.
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A dark grey DAMMÄNG bin with lid.

2. Organise and recycle without even realising

Rubbish bins often take up space and end up hidden away. Here is how you can organise waste and recycle more easily:

  • Make the most of doors: put a VARIERA bin inside a cupboard for small, everyday waste.
  • Separate bottles and cans: add individual bins like DAMMÄNG.
  • Recycle just by opening a drawer: use the HÅLLBAR system to easily sort your waste.
  • Choose large, easy-to-access bins: the flip lids make them easy to use even when your hands are full, and the plastic is easy to clean.
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Tip: plan to separate waste from the start.

When designing your kitchen, set aside a space for bins and place them wherever is most convenient for you, such as under the sink or the countertop. Drawers with integrated bins make it easy to sort different types of waste and keep everything more organised.

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3. Keep the area clean and dry

Leaks, drips or cleaning products can damage the cupboard and cause unpleasant smells:

  • Protect the bottom of the cupboard: put a drawer mat down to catch drips and help keep the interior clean.
  • Prevent stains and leaks: store bottles upright in VARIERA containers to control any possible spills.
  • Organise your cleaning products: use a storage turntable to keep soap, sponges and other essentials always within easy reach.
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4. Use the doors for smart under kitchen sink organisation

The insides of cupboard doors often go unused, even though they're the easiest spaces to access:

  • Hang lightweight tools: use adhesive hooks or small containers for gloves and lightweight cleaning tools.
  • Combine with pull-out trays: add pull-out trays for a fully accessible setup that brings everything within reach.
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Tip: Install a pull-out frame for easy access

Don't have drawers? Install HÅLLBAR pull-out frame to get a clear overview and make it easier to use the whole depth of the cabinet.

A METOD kitchen drawer with a ventilated/light grey HÅLLBAR waste sorting solution.

5. Make it more accessible: lighting and pull-out trays

Items at the back of the cupboard are usually the hardest to reach, especially when space is limited. With pull-out trays and good lighting, you'll be able to see everything at a glance:

  • Group by purpose: organise items by category, such as waste, cleaning utensils, etc.
  • Add cupboard LED lighting  and find everything more quickly.
  • Add pull-out trays: use VARIERA or HÅLLBAR trays to easily reach the things at the back of the cupboard.
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6. Create an efficient cleaning station

Cleaning products often end up scattered around the kitchen, but keeping them together in a well-organised area will help you save time and space: 

  • Keep what you use every day close at hand: store detergent and your everyday cleaning products under the sink.
  • Set aside the spares: keep your backup products in another cupboard or on a different shelf to free up space.
  • Sort and label: store products in labelled containers and upright so you can easily identify them.   
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Tip: use removable bags for flexible sorting

Waste sorting bags like DIMPA or laundry bags like JÄLL with an inner plastic lining offer a practical solution. Simply remove them when full and empty them at the nearest recycling station. The empty bag takes up hardly any space on the way back.

A grey-green FARMARKVAST bin with lid for organic waste.

You know you've nailed your under-sink organisation when:

  • You find everything in seconds
  • Nothing gets lost at the back
  • Waste sorting happens without thinking
  • You feel like it's easy to keep it clean and tidy
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