This past week one of my clients had a water leak in her independent living high-rise. To repair the leak everything had to be removed from the space underneath her kitchen sink. This was not too difficult because we had that area organized and everything was sorted and put into bins that could be pulled out and returned (although some did have some water to clear out).
However, this sink backed up to the sink in her guest bathroom and the plumber needed to work on it as well. Because my client does not use that bathroom as a bathroom it had been turned into a cluttered storage area. This was a much more difficult area to clear out for the plumber and was also source of embarrassment to my client.
Because many under the sink areas have cabinets with doors that can shut it’s easy to ignore that space.
Let’s look at some reasons why that is not a good idea.
· You might need to have the plumbing done
Plumbing issues are often a sudden surprise that need immediate action. This does not always give you time to sort out what has been shoved into the area under the sink. So, all of the “stuff” has to be pulled out and put somewhere while the plumber does his thing. Then you are left with quite the mess that has to be delt with.
· You don’t notice rust or small leaks
If things are crammed under the sink area and not logically stored, you are not routinely pulling these items out to use them. Small leaks and rust can develop slowly and not get noticed. Eventually the problem grows and by the time you are aware of it – well, it’s time to call the plumber!
· Items stored there get lost and forgotten
At some point in time, you may have shoved extra bottles of soap or shampoo or cleaning products under the sink. Other items get stored in front of those and the items get forgotten. You may even buy those products again.
· The potential of leakage of cleaning supplies stored
Some of the products stored in the back may start to rust or leak. This is especially true if there has been some standing water. Now you have not only lost the product but have damaged the bottom of the cabinet. This actually happened to a different client after I had started writing this blog. She called me in a panic because a cleaning product she had been storing under a sink in her laundry room had leaked at some point and now the whole bottom of the cabinet was wet and sticky. She feared that the cabinet bottom was forever damaged.
· Unnoticed dampness that can lead to mold and mildew
When you finally get around to pulling out the stuff from under your sink you may find that mold or mildew has started to grow. The area under your sink should be cleaned and checked on a regular basis. This is not likely to happen if you have overfilled that space.
To prevent such disasters, make an organizing plan for the area under your sink.
· Pull out everything that is now stashed in this area
· Sort like with like and consolidate partial bottles
· Toss items that have expired or that you no longer use
· Decide what should go back under the sink
· Find other places to store items that do not belong
· Put the items going back under the sink in small tubs according to their categories
· Put most used items in front
As you plan what to return to this area keep in mind that items stored here might get wet. Don’t store anything that dampness will damage.
Have a maintenance schedule on your calendar to revisit this area at least once a year.
If you are ready to work on any specific organizing project and want some tips, encouragement, or accountability join Diane Quintana and me in our Clear Space For You virtual clutter support group. The group will offer ideas, support, and gentle accountability for working on developing plans or projects.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients.
I used to work for a water remediation company and know how overwhelming water leaks can be. Thats why having things in bins makes so much sense to me. I also implement putting down a thick plastic liner to help catch shall water leaks. But as you said making it a routine to periodically check under the sink is key.
Totally agree! We got new counters and sink in our kitchen last fall and it was so easy to pull out the few bins I have under the sink. Something I added was some thin, hard plastic placemats on the bottom in case some soap, etc, spills over. Makes for easy clean up.
I couldn't agree more! Although it can be icky/sticky, I find that under-sink organizing can be the most rewarding tasks I do with residential clients; unlike a pantry or a clothing closet, this type of area can be processed quickly, and people rarely have emotional ties to anything underneath. I did one a few weeks ago with a client, and she's still talking about how delighted she is every time she opens the under-sink cabinet!
Your whole process makes good sense! I encourage everyone to use dishpans or plastic tubs, not only because they can be slid out (like drawers) or lifted out quickly if there's plumbing problem, but because any leaks or spills from bottles or jars can be…
We moved my mom into a independent living community about 15 years ago. She has a second bathroom with just this issue. The drawers and cabinets are filled with the things you've mentioned. Now everything is so old we don't even need to look at it - if she hasn't needed it all this time she never will. Bathroom cabinets can easily become a black hole.
Ahh, yes! Leaks happen. And it's never fun when it does.
I like all of your advice about being proactive. So if something happens, you'll be in a better position. First, you'll notice the issue sooner, which means less damage will occur. In addition, organizing these less-seen spaces is an opportunity to edit, remember what you have, and release things you no longer need—a win-win all around.