By Mary E.

When you open your kitchen cabinets, do the contents fall out to greet you? In these “stay-at-home due to COVID-19” days, it might be cool to go through the things that you’re storing in each cupboard. Yes, even sort out the nether regions of the abyss under the sink (YOU CAN DO IT!) Follow along as I chat about a few things I’m going to attempt, with the hope of adding more organization to our day to day routine - 

“Honey, where’s the bottle of cleaner?”

This inquiry coming from the kitchen rings out mere seconds before the under sink cupboard doors squeak open. While on my way to help answer my hubster’s question, the next noise I hear is the clatter of spray bottles, containers, cans and dishwasher tabs all tumbling out in an embarrassing, grade A, gen-u-ine fracas onto the tile floor. Needless to say, this house could use a cartoon fairy waving a magic wand and sprinkling some pixie dust around!

As I sorted through my cleaning arsenal, I began to ponder. Oh let me tell you, that hamster was zipping along on his wheel in my noggin’, helping me to think of efficient ways to tuck things away. Like a young Skywalker, I’m on the quest for a storage solution for the depths of the shadowy vault that is (insert Darth Vader music) the space underneath the kitchen sink.

You know what looks cool? Those drawers built into cabinets that just glide in and out. However, this is a rental property. Much like in base housing, the drilling of holes to install major items is a pretty big “Nope”. Will keep on searching for something tenant-friendly.

What about a space-saving product that just sits in the interior? A “helper shelf” one might call it. I’m thinking of a white vinyl coated one around 10in x 15in in size. I’m all a titter with excitement over this! I could place my go-to bottle of dish soap up, up and away. But wait, there’s more! I could stash scrubbie pads UNDERNEATH the riser. You heard it here first folks, innovation at it’s finest in the realm of household organization.

Continuing on with my hunt for small space storage inspiration, I began to surf the website of a retailer nearby. Browsing the “deck your dorm room” ads, it was as if a light bulb went on while spotting a plastic shower caddy. Yes indeedio - a solid option for holding a batch of items. Plus, it has a handle for my grab-and-go use. Move over sliced bread, THIS is the next best thing!

Scrolling on, I notice a circular unit. This little wonder has cubbies to keep things within a round turn-table. Truly a “spin and win” notion! I may try giving it a whirl.

Of course, I could just group my use-all-the-time cleaning goods into a plastic shoebox for ease of “finding”. From the website listings, I can purchase an 8in x 13in rectangular bin for around $1 each. Three cheers for a low price on a handy container!

Of course, I could just group my use-all-the-time cleaning goods into a plastic shoebox for ease of “finding”. From the website listings, I can purchase an 8in x 13in rectangular bin for around $1 each. Three cheers for a low price on a handy container!

Another thought comes to mind, if I cut a small portion of shelf liner, I could outfit the interior of a wicker basket that came with a recent floral arrangement. Giving a basket that I have on hand a new task of holding “this, that and the other” could help keep the ole clutter monster away.

Another thought comes to mind, if I cut a small portion of shelf liner, I could outfit the interior of a wicker basket that came with a recent floral arrangement. Giving a basket that I have on hand a new task of holding “this, that and the other” could help keep the ole clutter monster away. Meanwhile, I will press on with my unique mission here - finding a few organizing items to make the most of our kitchen cabinetry!

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash