The Hidden Zone That Holds It All
- Hopeful Simplicity
- Oct 29
- 2 min read

When You Can’t Find the Cleaner You Just Bought
You reach under the sink to grab the all-purpose spray and come back up with a tangle of bottles, half-empty products, and maybe a rogue sponge from 2022.It’s the black hole of the bathroom — things go in, never to return.
But with the 3S Method, even this hidden chaos can become simple and functional.
Simplify: Clear It All Out
Pull everything out. Wipe down the cabinet. You’ll likely find duplicates, old cleaners, or items that don’t even belong here.
Simplify by keeping only what you use regularly. If you have three versions of the same product, combine or donate extras. Toss anything that smells off, leaks, or is long expired.
This is your chance to start fresh — with products you actually like and reach for.
Sort: Make It Work for You
Now Sort by use: daily cleaning, deep cleaning, backups, and refills. Use clear bins or baskets so you can see what’s there. Vertical storage, turntables, or small drawers can make the most of a tight space.
If you share the space, label containers clearly — no more guessing which spray is for mirrors or floors. And if you’re really short on space, think small-scale: one all-purpose cleaner, a sponge, and a cloth in a portable bin. Sometimes less truly is more.
Sustain: Reset as You Refill
Each time you grab something from under the sink, do a quick scan. Is anything leaking? Do you have extras of something? Is it time to reorder?
Sustaining this space isn’t about keeping it spotless — it’s about keeping it simple to use. Add a quarterly five-minute reset to your routine: wipe, restock, and realign. When your under-sink space stays calm, cleaning the rest of the house feels easier, too.
Your under-sink space doesn’t have to be where order goes to die. Inside the Hopeful Simplicity Library, you’ll find guides and printables that show you how to make small spaces work beautifully — no perfection required.


