I’ve joked over the last few months that this has been the year of organization in my house, and the little project I’m about to share with you definitely follows suit. First it was my bedroom closet, then the pantry, and then my bathroom closet too. If your house is anything like mine, you probably have quite a few devices that need charged each day. Phones, tablets, vacuums, watches, headphones… the list goes on and on. I got tired of seeing random cords plugged in all over the house, yet still never being able to find the right one.
So I came up with a solution. It may not be perfect or the best idea out there, but it works for our family and feels SO much more manageable now. Check out how I created our concealed charging hub with this antique cabinet!
I’ve had this cabinet for years, and it doesn’t serve much of a purpose in my office currently. When the idea popped in my head to hide all our charging devices in here, I gathered up ALL our random cords and electronics that cluttered the house daily. Once I assessed what all we have, I ordered a few things to help set up our charging station:
10-port USB charger
- I ordered this one in white because most of our cords can be plugged into a USB port, eliminating the need for the block that comes with it.
power strip with flat/rotating plug
- Our home was built over 70 years ago, so many of the outlets in our house are still 2-prong instead of 3. I was super excited to finally find a 2-prong power strip with a rotating plug so you can push furniture right up to the wall. I bought this power strip and also this one once I realized just how many things we needed plugged in.
tablet holder
- I’ve had mine for awhile now, but this is similar to what I have. It has slots to hold your phones and tablets while they charge and comes with 6 charging cables.
multi-charging cable
- To make it easier to find the right cord, I bought several multi-charger cords that plugs into a USB port and is universally compatible with almost all devices.
First, I cut a hole in the back of the cabinet just big enough to slip the plug of the power strips through. I used a drill to get a starter hole, then switched to a jigsaw to make the opening larger. I placed the opening just above one of the shelves so it’s hidden behind the power strips. You can’t see it at all.
Then I set our internet router in the cabinet and the other charging devices I bought. I did do some research on concealing a router, and the majority of what I read said the signal can pass through most materials, but the signal strength may be affected. So far I haven’t noticed a difference. It is also advised to keep your router in a ventilated space, so I’m keeping a close eye on how it does in here and may end up moving just the router to another spot in my office. I would recommend doing your own research as well!
I love the tablet holder since the boys each have one for school, and I have one for work. And the multi-charging cables are so handy – just make sure you get some of these to help keep cords wrapped up and organized.
At any given time, we have our phones, tablets, smart watch, headphones, earbuds, handheld vacuum, camera battery, two electronic dog collars, and more that all need to be charged, and I’m sure I’m forgetting several things. Now I have one central place to charge everything with plenty of outlets, ports, and cords ready and waiting.
AND I can close the doors and hide it all away!
I know this isn’t anything super special or beautiful to look at, but it has been really nice having one spot for all these messy cords to live where I can hide them all away. I hope sharing this little idea was helpful or sparked an idea for your own home!
What area of your home needs the most organizing right now?
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Liz this is a great idea. I don’t have many items to charge but hope to snag a few of your ideas. I’m married to someone who thinks a router must be highly visible in order to work. Not even in a basket with no lid! It’s a struggle…..
😂 Men just don’t understand
Thanks so much for sharing this info! We just had cabinets and lockers installed in our mudroom hallway and I had wanted to do this very thing to organize all my family’s electronics….all seven of us! You saved me time and headspace and as always, you make everything look so calm and peaceful in your spaces. 😍☺️ And real! I appreciate that!
This means the world to me 😭. Thank you!!
I love the finish on that cabinet! Is it a lime wash or white wash of some type? Did you by chance finish it yourself? I have an antique armoire that would be perfect for a charging station, but I need this finish on it. LOL
Yes, I gave it a whitewash! Here is the tutorial I made when I refinished that cabinet: https://lovegrowswild.com/2017/01/armoire-makeover-whitewashing-tutorial/