Top 19 'Under-the-Sink' DIY Projects to Organize That Awkward Cabinet for Under $10
Let's be honest. The cabinet under the sink is the final frontier of home organization. It’s that dark, awkward space filled with a jumble of cleaning supplies, half-empty bottles, rogue sponges, and a chaotic network of pipes that seem designed to prevent any form of order. We’ve all been there: you open the door, and an avalanche of plastic and mystery goo tumbles out onto your feet.
For years, I treated my under-sink cabinet like a domestic black hole. Out of sight, out of mind, right? But every time I had to fish out the dishwasher pods from behind a leaky bottle of drain cleaner, I knew something had to change. The problem is, fancy pull-out shelves and custom organizers can cost a fortune. Who wants to spend a hundred dollars on a space nobody ever sees?
That’s where the beauty of DIY comes in. You don't need a big budget to create a functional, organized, and dare I say, beautiful under-the-sink space. Today, we’re reclaiming that cabinet! We’ve compiled 19 genius DIY projects that will transform your under-sink chaos into a sanctuary of order—and every single one can be done for under $10. Grab your creativity, a few basic supplies, and let's get organizing.
1. The Classic Tension Rod Hanger
This is the holy grail of under-sink organization, and for good reason: it’s cheap, requires zero tools, and instantly doubles your usable space. A simple spring-loaded tension rod (like the kind used for small curtains) creates an instant hanging rack for all your spray bottles.
By hanging bottles by their trigger handles, you free up the entire cabinet floor for baskets, caddies, and other supplies. It keeps the most-used items at eye level and easily accessible. No more digging around for the all-purpose cleaner!
Pro Tip: Measure the width of your cabinet before you buy. Place the rod as high and as far forward as possible, ensuring it clears the sink basin and plumbing. For less than $5, you’ve just created a revolutionary storage system.
2. Magazine Files for Vertical Storage
Those plastic or cardboard magazine files you see at the office supply store are unsung heroes of organization. Turn them on their side, and they become perfect stackable shelves. Stand them upright, and they’re ideal for corralling tall, awkward items.
Use them to neatly store your cutting boards, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and parchment paper boxes. They prevent everything from toppling over like dominoes. You can even use one to create a designated "trash bag" station, keeping the roll contained and easy to access.
Pro Tip: Secure the files to the cabinet floor or to each other with a bit of double-sided tape or sticky putty to prevent them from sliding around.
3. Command Hooks for Everything
Never underestimate the power of a simple adhesive hook. The inside of your cabinet doors is prime real estate that often goes completely unused. By adding a few Command Hooks, you create instant storage for a multitude of items.
Hang your rubber gloves to let them air dry properly (no more mildew!). Create a spot for your bottle brushes, a small dustpan and brush set, or even lightweight dish towels. This gets small, frequently used items out of the way but keeps them within arm's reach.
Pro Tip: Clean the inside of the cabinet door with rubbing alcohol before applying the adhesive strip. This ensures a strong, long-lasting bond.
4. DIY Door-Mounted Caddy
Take the Command Hook idea a step further by creating a custom door caddy. All you need are a few small, lightweight plastic bins from the dollar store and some strong adhesive strips (like Command Picture Hanging Strips).
Attach the bins to the inside of the door to hold sponges, dishwasher pods, scrub brushes, or extra garbage disposal stoppers. This is a perfect solution for the kitchen or for storing makeup sponges, cotton balls, and hair ties in the bathroom. It's a custom organizer tailored to your exact needs, for a fraction of the price.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of where your shelves and pipes are. Before you stick the bins on, close the cabinet door to make sure they won't bump into anything inside.
5. Repurposed Cereal Box Dividers
Ready for a practically free organizing solution? Don't toss that empty cereal or granola bar box! You can easily cut and repurpose them into custom drawer or basket dividers.
Simply cut the box down to the height you need. You can leave it as is or, for a more polished look, cover it with decorative contact paper or wrapping paper. Use these new "bins" inside a larger basket to separate different types of cleaning supplies, sponges, or microfiber cloths.
Pro Tip: Use a hot glue gun to connect multiple customized boxes, creating a sturdy, honeycomb-like organizer that perfectly fits your cabinet or drawer.
6. A Thrifty Lazy Susan
The back corners of the under-sink cabinet are where bottles go to be forgotten. A lazy Susan, or turntable, is the perfect solution. It allows you to spin everything from the back to the front with a simple flick of the wrist.
You don’t need to buy a fancy, expensive one. Check your local dollar store, thrift shop, or discount home goods store for a simple plastic turntable. They are perfect for corralling bottles of cleaner, oils, or vitamins, ensuring nothing gets lost in the dark recesses of your cabinet.
Pro Tip: Place a non-slip liner on top of the lazy Susan to prevent bottles from tipping over when you spin it.
7. PVC Pipe Holsters for Hot Tools
This one is a game-changer for bathroom under-sink organization. If you’re tired of tangled cords from your hair dryer, curling iron, and straightener, this is the project for you. All you need is a short length of PVC pipe, available at any hardware store for just a few dollars.
Have the hardware store cut the pipe into 6-8 inch sections, or do it yourself if you have a saw. Use adhesive strips or a small bracket to mount the pipe sections to the inside of your cabinet door or the cabinet wall. They become perfect, heat-resistant holsters for your styling tools, keeping them neat and untangled.
Pro Tip: Use PVC pipe couplers or Y-connectors to create a multi-tool station. You can even paint the pipes to match your bathroom decor.
8. Ice Cube Trays for Tiny Treasures
Don't let the little things get lost in the shuffle. A simple plastic ice cube tray, which costs about a dollar, is a fantastic organizer for all the tiny odds and ends that clutter up the cabinet.
In the kitchen, use it to sort dishwasher pods, tiny scrub brushes, or sink stoppers. In the bathroom, it’s perfect for organizing hair elastics, bobby pins, Q-tips, or single-use cosmetic samples. Just slide the tray into a small basket or onto a shelf.
Pro Tip: For an even more organized approach, look for silicone ice cube trays. They are flexible, making it easier to pop out small, snug-fitting items.
9. File Organizers for Lids
Pot and pan lids are notoriously difficult to store. A simple metal file organizer—the kind meant for office folders—is the perfect shape and size to store them vertically.
Place one inside your cabinet and slide your lids into the slots. This prevents them from sliding around and creating a clattering mess every time you reach for a pan. This also works wonderfully for food container lids, keeping them upright and easy to see.
Pro Tip: Choose a sturdy metal organizer over a flimsy plastic one for heavier glass lids.
10. A Trimmed Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
Clear plastic shoe organizers are incredibly versatile, and not just for shoes! Buy an inexpensive one and cut it down to size to fit perfectly on the inside of your cabinet door.
The clear pockets are perfect for holding almost anything: cleaning sponges, small bottles, packages of wipes, magic erasers, and more. You can see everything at a glance. Simply use a few small hooks or adhesive strips at the top to hang your newly customized organizer.
Pro Tip: Use a pair of sharp scissors to get a clean cut. You can even use a lighter to very carefully melt the cut edge of the fabric to prevent it from fraying.
11. DIY Pull-Out Tray
Pull-out shelves are amazing, but they can be expensive. You can create your own low-budget version with a shallow bin or tray and some creativity.
Find a plastic tray that fits the depth of your cabinet. To make it slide, you can attach felt furniture pads to the bottom. For a slightly more advanced version, you can install a pair of cheap, simple drawer slides from the hardware store (often available for under $10). It makes reaching things in the back a breeze. Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we love finding affordable ways to get high-end functionality.
Pro Tip: Before you buy or build, measure carefully. Account for pipes and the garbage disposal so your tray can slide in and out without obstruction.
12. Upcycled Can & Jar Organizers
Give your tin cans, coffee containers, and glass jars a second life. After a thorough cleaning, they can be mounted inside your cabinet to hold all sorts of small items.
Use strong double-sided tape or a screw to attach a clean tin can to the cabinet wall. It’s the perfect spot to store toothbrushes, makeup brushes, or small cleaning tools. A collection of small baby food jars can be used to sort screws, nuts, and bolts for your household repair kit.
Pro Tip: Spray paint the cans or wrap them in decorative paper to create a cohesive, stylish look that matches your home's aesthetic.
13. Pegboard Liner Power
Pegboard isn’t just for the garage! A small, custom-cut piece can transform the back or side wall of your under-sink cabinet into a vertical storage powerhouse. You can often find small project-sized panels at hardware stores for just a few dollars.
Install the pegboard with a small gap behind it (using spacers) so you can insert hooks. Then, use an assortment of inexpensive pegboard hooks and small baskets to hang brushes, tools, and supplies. It’s a completely customizable system that you can change as your needs evolve.
Pro Tip: Trace the outline of your pipes onto the pegboard before you cut, so you can create a perfect, snug fit around any obstacles.
14. Stackable Bins and Baskets
This is one of the simplest yet most effective strategies. Head to the dollar store and stock up on a variety of plastic bins and baskets. The key is to think vertically.
Find bins that are designed to stack securely on top of one another. This allows you to use the full height of your cabinet, not just the floor space. Designate each bin for a specific purpose: one for cleaning rags, one for soaps, one for plumbing supplies, etc. This is a foundational tip I, Goh Ling Yong, recommend to anyone starting their organization journey.
Pro Tip: Choose clear bins whenever possible. It saves you the hassle of having to pull every single bin out just to see what’s inside.
15. The Essential Cabinet Door Chalkboard
Sometimes, the best organization tool is a simple reminder. Use a small amount of chalkboard paint (a sample pot is more than enough) or a piece of adhesive chalkboard vinyl to create a message center on the inside of your cabinet door.
Use this space to jot down a shopping list ("Need more dish soap!"), a reminder of when you last cleaned the filter, or a quick inventory of your cleaning supplies. It's a simple, interactive way to stay on top of your household stock.
Pro Tip: Use a chalk marker instead of regular chalk for cleaner, brighter writing that won't smudge as easily.
16. Wine Rack Bottle Storage
Think outside the box! An inexpensive, small countertop wine rack can be a surprisingly effective organizer for under the sink.
Lay the wine rack on its side to cradle spray bottles, water bottles, or travel mugs. This keeps them from rolling around and makes it easy to grab the one you need without causing an avalanche. You can often find simple metal or wood ones at thrift stores for just a couple of dollars.
Pro Tip: This works especially well in deep cabinets where things tend to get pushed to the back.
17. DIY Sponge Holder with Suction Cups
Tired of that perpetually damp, grimy sponge sitting on the edge of your sink? Use a small suction cup basket and stick it to the inside of your sink basin or on the tiled wall behind your sink.
These little baskets are perfect for holding a sponge and a small scrub brush, allowing them to drain and dry out completely between uses. This not only keeps your counter clear but is also more hygienic.
Pro Tip: For a stronger hold, make sure both the suction cup and the surface are clean and dry. A tiny dab of petroleum jelly on the rim of the cup can create an even better seal.
18. Label Everything with DIY Tags
An organization system is only as good as its labels. You don't need a fancy label maker to get the job done. Get creative and make your own!
Use a white paint pen or a permanent marker to write directly on your plastic bins. Or, for a more rustic look, use simple cardstock tags and tie them to your baskets with a piece of twine. Knowing exactly what is in each container at a glance saves you time and frustration.
Pro Tip: Use binder clips to attach your paper labels. You can clip them directly onto the rim of a wire or plastic basket, making them easy to change out later.
19. The All-Important Shelf Liner
While not a direct organizing tool, this is arguably the most important first step. Before you put anything back into your newly planned cabinet, line the bottom. Under-the-sink cabinets are prone to leaks, drips, and spills.
A simple roll of waterproof, wipeable shelf liner costs just a few dollars and will protect the wood of your cabinet from water damage, stains, and warping. It also provides a clean, fresh surface to build your new organization system on and makes future clean-ups a breeze.
Pro Tip: Choose a liner with a light color or a bright pattern. It will instantly brighten up the dark cabinet, making it much easier to see what’s inside.
Your Organized Oasis Awaits
There you have it—19 simple, budget-friendly ways to conquer the chaos under your sink. Organizing this notoriously tricky space doesn’t have to be a daunting or expensive task. With a little creativity and less than $10, you can create a system that is functional, easy to maintain, and tailored perfectly to your needs.
Pick one or two projects to start with this weekend. You’ll be amazed at how a little bit of order in a small space can bring a huge sense of calm and accomplishment to your entire home.
Now it's your turn! Which of these under-the-sink DIY projects are you excited to try first? Do you have another brilliant, budget-friendly tip to share? Leave a comment below and let us know! We love seeing how our readers transform their spaces.
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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