I tried using a paper towel holder to organize trash bags – it’s a sleek and space-saving solution that will transform cramped storage spots

I’ve tried a lot of organization hacks over the years, and using a paper towel holder to organize trash bags has to be one of the most unusual.

However, after giving it a go for a couple of weeks, I now don’t see myself going back, as it makes changing trash bags such a breeze.

For those looking for organization ideas that really work, this is one that makes the unglamorous task of switching liners a lot simpler and less time-consuming. Here's what the experts had to say about my space-saving switch.

Why I love the paper towel holder trash bag hack

I have an under-the-sink space that’s filled with essential cleaning products, which made it difficult to locate trash bag rolls, as they tended to slip through gaps. The kitchen roll holder now means that they sit front and center, upgrading my kitchen organization so there is no more scrambling around trying to find them.

The shape of the kitchen roll holder makes it easier to just grab one liner at a time. I can’t count the number of times that I previously would accidentally pull out five liners, and then scrunch them under the sink afterwards, making organizing under the kitchen sink impossible. Just like tearing off a paper towel, it’s quick and one-handed.

I also like the fact that the hook makes it easy to pick up and carry the trash bags around the house. Having it on an eye-catching holder has also meant that I haven’t left the roll stranded somewhere random around the house – which I used to be prone to doing.

I'm not the only one that loves this tiny tweak to make a home more organized, either.

Sofia Martinez, CEO of Sparkly Maid Austin shares, ‘There is something so addictive about being able to peel one of those trash bags, one by one, in one fell swoop. No more searching through your cabinets or wrangling with those perforated boxes that never tear properly. I tested this in my own kitchen, and I found my bag changes went much more smoothly.’

Pros of the paper towel holder trash bag hack

Want to give this kitchen organization trick a go? There are plenty of reasons why it’s useful:

• Portability: Forrest Webber, owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning says, ‘A paper towel holder is typically small, lightweight, and easy to move around. If you're using it to hold trash bin liners, you can easily carry it from one room to another – super handy if you're switching out bags in different bins around the house.’
• Space-saving: If you’re short on drawer or cabinet space, using a vertical holder is a compact, upright solution that keeps things tidy when organizing a small space. Forrest adds, ‘No boxes falling over or loose bags shoved into corners. It claims just a small footprint on a counter or shelf.'
• Aesthetics: I keep my paper towel holder with trash bags under my sink, but if you want to place yours on the counter or on an open shelf, it’s a much sleeker choice. Forrest says, ‘Wood, metal, marble bases don’t scream “trash bin” in the same way a crumpled box or loose roll of bags might.’
• Repurposing: If you have a paper towel holder you want to switch out, using it as a trash bag holder is much more eco-friendly than throwing it out. Forrest says, ‘Using what you already have also means you’re not buying a separate dispenser or organizer.'

Cons of the paper towel holder trash bag hack

Although this hack can be clever and useful, there are a few disadvantages to using paper towel holders as trash bag holders:

• Stability problems: Forrest warns, ‘Some paper towel holders are prone to toppling over or sliding about because they can’t withstand the weight or tug of removing garbage bags.' Be sure to test yours out before you start using it for this purpose. 
• Limited capacity: Forrest continues, ‘Commercial or bulk liner rolls might not fit properly, because the paper towel holders generally match trash bag liners with small cores.'
• Aesthetic mismatch: This trick is not always the most aesthetic organizing trick. Forrest concludes, ‘Unless it is hidden or chosen with the design of your kitchen in mind, it may look out of place if it is exposed.' If you’re looking for a chic paper towel holder, the Thyme & Table paper towel holder from Walmart has a luxe metallic finish.

Top tips for using the paper towel holder trash bag hack

Before trying this hack, I recommend decluttering under the kitchen sink. This means that you’ll be able to add the paper towel holder into a cleaner space, making it easier to slot in.

To organize your cleaning supplies, try to combine any bottles of the same thing and move any liquids or powders from half-empty containers to smaller containers. For example, the Oxo Good Grips container set from Amazon has boxes of all different sizes, making it easy to find a fit.

For small kitchens, Forrest recommends using a standing holder, as this will save shelf or drawer space. If you know you won’t be carrying around your paper towel holder, you could choose a wall-mounted paper towel holder instead, such as the PHANCIR paper towel holder from Walmart.

Alternatively, to save space in small kitchen storage without damage, consider using an over-door paper towel holder, available at Walmart, to hook bags onto the inside of a cabinet door.

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Meet the experts

Sofia Martinez

Sofia is the owner of Sparkly Maid Austin and has over 15+ years of experience. She has seen this simple hack make a real difference in many homes, especially in thoughtfully designed spaces where both functionality and aesthetics matter.

Forrest Webber

Forrest is the owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning, which is the number one cleaning company in Huntsville, Alabama. He loves trying out different hacks to make cleaning easier around the house.

Want to carry on upping your trash organization game? A pull-out trash can is also a brilliant space-saving solution, and Homes & Gardens content editor Chiana Dickson swears by it.

Or, if you want to keep on top of having a tidy under-the-sink space, learning what items not to store under the kitchen sink is also a good idea.