Best under sink organisers for small bathrooms and kitchens (2026)

Under sink cupboards are awkward by design: plumbing takes up prime space, shelves are often fixed, and narrow cabinets make it hard to reach anything at the back. The best organisers for small bathrooms and kitchens prioritise two things: working around pipes and making items easy to access without drilling.

Below, we’ve grouped reliable options available in Australia (2026) by the most common under-sink problems: awkward pipes, tight footprints, and rentals where you want a no-drill setup.

Last Updated: January 2026

Buying guide: what to look for under a sink

 

1) Measure the cabinet like a “T” shape

  • Width: inside wall to inside wall (note hinges that steal space).
  • Depth: front edge to back wall (watch for door lips).
  • Height: floor to the lowest obstruction (often the sink bowl or pipe).
  • Pipe position: centred? off to one side? running low across the back?

These measurements tell you whether you’re better off with an expandable shelf (around pipes) or a pull-out/turntable (for access).

 

2) Choose a pipe-friendly layout

  • Removable-panel shelves work best when pipes run through the middle because you can “notch” the shelf around them.
  • Expandable shelves with adjustable segments suit mixed plumbing because you can create gaps where needed.
  • Turntables are good when the pipe sits at the back or side, leaving enough clear floor space for a round tray.

 

3) Prioritise access over maximum capacity

In small cabinets, the problem is usually reach, not volume. Look for:

  • Slide-out drawers or pull-forward access
  • Non-slip feet (stops everything drifting when you open doors)
  • Low-profile height for tight spaces (especially bathroom vanities)

 

4) Keep it renter-friendly

If you’re renting, prefer:

  • Freestanding organisers
  • No-drill assembly
  • Avoid side-mounted pull-outs unless you’re comfortable filling screw holes later.

Recommendations by use case

 

Best overall: D.line Expandable Under Sink Organiser (White)

 

If you want one organiser that handles pipes, narrow cabinets, and everyday cleaning bottles, this is the most versatile option for most households.

Why it works

  • Expands to suit different cabinet widths (listed as 47–75 cm) and includes 12 adjustable shelf segments so you can leave space where pipes sit.
  • The listed price at Kitchen Warehouse is $39.95 (RRP $77.95), which puts it in a sensible middle ground for most households.

Best for

  • Standard under-sink cupboards in apartments and rentals
  • Plumbing that sits slightly off-centre or changes direction

Things to note

  • It’s a shelf system, not a pull-out, so you may still want a small caddy for “daily use” items you grab often.

Best for awkward pipes: Howards Storage World Expandable Under Sink Shelf

 

This is the most explicitly pipe-first design of the group, because you can remove panels to create a clean cut-out around plumbing.

Why it works

  • Expandable width: 42–70 cm, with two height-adjustable shelves and 10 removable grid panels (5 per shelf) to fit around pipes and water filters.
  • Designed specifically to “fit around pipes & water filters”, which is often the make-or-break detail under a sink.

Best for

  • S-bends and traps that sit right in the middle
  • Under-sink water filters that block a normal shelf

Things to note

  • Because it’s adjustable and modular, set-up takes a bit of fiddling at first (worth it once it’s dialled).

Best budget: Kmart 2 Tier Storage Drawers

 

For small spaces, drawers often beat shelves because you can actually reach what you store. This one is a straightforward, low-fuss option.

Why it works

  • Compact footprint (26.5 cm H x 22 cm W x 34 cm D) and designed to fit “in cupboards, under the sink or on open shelves”. 
  • Pull-out drawers make it easier to access items at the back without unloading the front.
  • Each drawer has a 2 kg stated capacity.

Best for

  • Narrow bathroom vanities
  • Kitchens where pipes sit to the back/side (leaving usable floor space)

Things to note

  • It won’t “wrap around” plumbing. If your pipes sit dead centre, pair a drawer with a pipe-friendly shelf (above) or use two narrow drawers either side of the pipe.

Best premium: YouCopia SinkSuite Under Sink Turntable (with adjustable dividers)

 

If you want under-sink access to feel less annoying day-to-day, a turntable is one of the simplest upgrades: spin, grab, done.

Why it works

  • Uses 3 adjustable dividers and a 12" (about 30.5 cm) diameter footprint, so bottles can stay upright in separate sections.
  • No assembly or tools needed (renter-friendly) and has non-slip feet.
  • Listed by Amazon at $39.95 (pricing can vary by retailer).

Best for

  • Under-sink cabinets where the pipe doesn’t block the centre floor area
  • Anyone who wants quick access to sprays, detergents, dish tabs, and cloths

Things to note

  • Turntables work best when you have enough clear floor space for a round organiser. If the pipe splits the base in half, a modular shelf is usually better.

FAQs


What’s the best under sink organiser for pipes in the middle?

Look for removable-panel or segmented shelves. The Howards expandable shelf is designed to fit around pipes using removable panels.

Are these renter friendly (no drilling)?

Yes, the options above are freestanding or tool-free. The YouCopia turntable is specifically described as quick set-up with no assembly or tools.

How do I stop under sink organisers getting gross over time?

  • Don’t store cardboard or paper there (it absorbs moisture fast).
  • Use a wipeable tray or liner, and keep liquids grouped so leaks are obvious.
  • Do a quick check every fortnight (it’s the easiest way to catch slow drips early).

What should I store under the sink (and what shouldn’t I)?

Good: cleaning sprays, sponges/cloths (in a ventilated caddy), dish tabs, bin liners, spare soap, backups.

Avoid: anything that can’t handle moisture (paper towels long-term), and anything you’d hate to lose if there’s a leak.

Conclusion

For most small bathrooms and kitchens, a pipe-aware expandable shelf is the best place to start, because it turns otherwise dead space into usable storage.

If you want one option that works across the widest range of real-life layouts, the D.line Expandable Under Sink Organiser is the most versatile choice.

Homes with especially awkward plumbing will be better served by a removable-panel shelf like the Howards option, while narrow cabinets often benefit more from drawers or a turntable where access is the main issue.

 

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