Hall Closet Makeover: Making It All Fit with Style

February 27, 2012 Filed Under: Homemaking 17 Comments

It seems like I got on an organization kick this last week. I was organizing the kitchen and the play room and the hall closet…all at the same time. Needless to say I was into everything. The result–I have several fun organization projects to share with you over the next three Mondays. The funny thing is, I couldn’t have done one without doing the other, and you’ll soon start to see why.

But first, let’s take a look at my starting place. I began in the hall closet. Most people would probably say it wasn’t too bad looking to start with; you could definitely tell it had the influence of an organizational hand with the computer labels and organizing bins. Yet, I knew it wasn’t working for me when things just started to pile up on the floor with no rhyme or reason. It was time for a change.

Hall Closet Before Pic

Medicine bins with stuff just tossed carelessly in a drawer

I decided to begin with the medicine bins. I really liked my bins on the left for my first aid, creams, and sun care products but the computer labels just seem to date me so I switched them out with…

New laminated computer labels held on by packing tape!

…ahh. Just that minor change already made things so much better.

Next, I went through all the medicine drawers, tossed expired prescriptions and over the counter drugs. I then took what was left and put them into spice jars. Remember, how I said that I was organizing 3 rooms at once? Well, I was having trouble with this spice rack in my kitchen because my measuring spoons wouldn’t fit through the openings. I didn’t really want to get rid of it, so when I saw a need for better organization in the medicine closet, I thought, “why not?”

Once I placed all the medicine in the spice jars, I created some simple computer labels which I laminated and super glued to the tops of the jars. It is now super easy to see everything I have in stock. In addition, I provided a spot to write the expiration date with an expo marker so there should be no more expired medicines in my cabinet. Yeah!

Spice rack to medicine rack

The next area I worked on was the guest towels. This hall closet is a peeking closet (you can access it from the hall or from the bathroom; it has two doors).

I pulled out a silver serving platter that I never use (because who really wants to shine silver every time they have guests over) to place the hand towels and washrags on and reorganized the bath towels to look more inviting.

Bathroom door view

Silver platter for hand towels and washrags

Next, under the inspiration of the Keeper’s study where several of the speakers encourage trying to make your home more inviting for guests (think hospitality), I decided to create a note to my guests. Now they won’t have to ask where the hair dryer is or if I have any extra soap they can use. Go right ahead! Please make yourself at home. Be my guest!

Note to guests: ”If you need travel items during your stay you can find them on the top shelf under the left sink in the drawer labeled “travel.” You will also find a small hair dryer just above the travel drawer. Please feel free to use any of these items and if you need something else, just ask. We are so glad you are here!”

The final look: My closet is much more spacious. All my medicines are on a shelf higher than my toddler can reach should she figure out how to open the child-proof door handle. All my guest bedding is now on the top shelf (instead of on the floor and everywhere else). I don’t have any more expired medicines. AND, my linen closet is more inviting for my guests. Win-win.

So, how do you make your home more inviting to your guests? Any tips? Do you put a mint on their pillows before arriving or an extra Bible by their nightstand? Do you light a candle in the living room or make sure you’ve picked up the toys before the doorbell rings? How do you exhibit hospitality in your home?

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9

Comments

Jennifer L. Griffin says:

February 27, 2012 at 8:43 AM

Good job Kathy! Doesn’t it feel great to get everything cleaned up a bit? Love your guest cabinet, also. Very handy!

simplystacy says:

February 27, 2012 at 10:38 AM

Kathy,
Love your spice rack idea for meds. Where do you get a cheap one?
I know I need to work on my hospitality. I guess its not enough to have a clean shower. The girls assume we are having guests when I get out the shower cleaner .

- Cornerstone Confessions says:
  
  February 27, 2012 at 1:44 PM
  
  I’m not sure. Got mine as a wedding gift. I’d try Bed, Bath, and Beyond with a 20% coupon. Or Amazon carries one for $20. Other than, I don’t know where to get spice racks around here.
  
  Hospitality–that makes two of us. It’s the little things. Well before I come over I’ll be sure to ask if the shower is clean.
  
Deanna says:

February 28, 2012 at 8:25 AM

Oh.my.goodness. You are brilliant! I love the spice rack and silver platter ideas.

Sarah says:

February 29, 2012 at 8:04 AM

wow. I love the idea of the spice rack for the medicine! Now I’m wishing I hadn’t gotten rid of my old spice rack!

Katie Goldsworthy says:

March 1, 2012 at 12:48 AM

Great idea with the spice rack!!! Oh, how I love organized closets! Thanks for linking it up @ Creatively Living!

–Katie

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says:

March 2, 2012 at 2:22 PM

I don’t think I’ve ever seen medicine in a spice jar – super creative!

Kristin says:

March 2, 2012 at 3:32 PM

Great idea for an old spice rack, so clever! I was about to get rid of mine too because it just isn’t working for me. Thanks for sharing your creativity!

I’m visiting from Teach Me Tuesdays

Its A Blog Party says:

March 3, 2012 at 8:08 PM

Can you come do our closet?

Serendipity and Spice says:

March 6, 2012 at 4:52 PM

Wow. My closet needs this bad! I love the spice rack turned medicine rack. Thanks for linking up.

Trish - Mom On Timeout says:

March 7, 2012 at 2:52 PM

It looks organized! Thanks so much for sharing at Taking A Timeout Thursday!

Sarah says:

May 21, 2012 at 7:25 PM

It looks great, but I really wouldn’t take medicines out of their original packaging. If there were ever a recall on a medication, you wouldn’t have the lot numbers on the packaging to check to see if you need to get rid of it.

glass door display cabinet says:

November 29, 2012 at 12:20 PM

Wow! This looks great! I am so impressed!

Steph @ Crafting in the Rain says:

March 30, 2013 at 11:01 PM

Great idea to have a drawer just for your guests!