A Special Kind of Walk-in Closet
Special Spaces creates dream bedrooms for children with life-threatening medical conditions. I read about them in my local paper and was inspired to volunteer my professional organizing services for one of their bedroom makeovers. The director of a local affiliate was enthusiastic about my possible participation and added me to her list of service providers.
Several months later, I received a request. The director explained that a parent (check-out her blog, “Terra Talking“) for an upcoming makeover was wondering if the team could create a space to prepare and store her daughter’s daily medications. Specifically, she was wondering if medical supplies from around the home could be organized into a small walk-in closet in one of the bedrooms. Instead of being used for clothing, the closet would be transformed into a semi-sterile place to store and mix daily medications. The goal was to keep the complex array of medical supplies organized and out of sight.
A walk-in closet for medication? Why not!
I received the dimensions of the closet, the budget constraints, the timeline, and got into problem solving mode. We wanted the room to be clearly labeled and functional. The director also had a passion for design and hoped we could create something special. Additionally, she had the closet wired the day of the makeover so we could put a mini-fridge in it!
Because the bedroom mural and theme were Little Mermaid inspired (created by Crayons Gone Wild! Murals), I was looking for a way to coordinate the medication closet with the theme. Beach? Princesses? If the medications were more serious and for the adults, why not design it around the concept of a Captain’s Quarters of a ship? The director quickly located an authentic-looking wooden ship steering wheel to hang on the back wall. Ahoy!
The K4 Makeover Extravaganza (all four girls in the home have names that start with the letter, “K”) was a rewarding experience for me. Rather than overlook the all important medical supplies, I was able to help the team fulfill this special request. The closet was organized to give them easy access to everything while keeping it a fun bedroom. It was life-changing for this family to have all the supplies at hand, but also stored behind a closed door.
What would you put in your special kind of walk-in closet?
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About The Author
LeslieGail
Leslie Hatch Gail, M. Ed., owner of Declare Order professional organizing, is a former teacher whose passion is empowering families. Her mission - using sensitivity, patience, and a dose of wit and whimsy - is to help families reduce stress in their lives. One of Leslie's favorite things about organizing spaces is the instant relief order can bring. What makes her the proudest, is helping families uncover solutions that work for their unique needs. On a personal level, she enjoys the health benefits provided by the physical nature of the job. Organizing literally makes her heart happy - from the inside out!
That “before” pic should definitely earn me some mother of the year points!!! Oy! Your closet magic is STILL a large part of our success on a day to day basis with all of Kendall’s challenges. Love that you got to highlight a little bit of your skills with this article! Thank you Leslie!!!
terra
Terra,
I have been going into homes for years. Trust me, your “before” is more relateable than you think! Glad I got to highlight your creative, out-of-the-box idea. Hopefully it can inspire other families!