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Community modification · Interior

Under-closet shoe storage at the entry

A rounded opening in the unused space below the closet creates an easy-to-reach shoe cubby while relocating the original receptacle to a more useful position.

Henry GlennCasita Owners of America · July 22, 2025
Open original Facebook post ↗

At a glance

Owner
Henry Glenn
Trailer
Casita with the entry-side closet layout
System
Interior
Difficulty
Intermediate cabinet and electrical work
Tools
RotoZip and hand file; electrical tools as required
Dimensions
Opening dimensions were not published
Reversible?
No—the cabinet opening is permanent

The project, consolidated

What changed

Henry opened the otherwise awkward space under the entry-side closet so shoes could be put away immediately after stepping inside. The existing receptacle occupied that area, so the electrical work became part of the project.

The rounded rectangular cutout provides open storage without adding a door or drawer. The receptacle moved above the closet, and an accessible connection inside the closet also created another useful power point.

Owner photographs

See the finished work.

Photos are reproduced as visual documentation of this community project and credited to the project owner.

Rounded shoe-storage opening beneath the closet beside a Casita entry door1 / 2
The finished opening turns the lower closet void into a convenient entry cubby.
Electrical receptacle relocated above the Casita closet2 / 2
The original receptacle was moved upward after the lower opening was cut.

How the approach works

Project outline

  1. Inspect the space from inside the closet and identify wiring, framing, plumbing, and the limits of the usable cavity.
  2. Lay out a rounded opening that leaves enough material around the cabinet edges for strength and finish trim.
  3. Cut slowly with a RotoZip or comparable tool, then file and finish the edge.
  4. Relocate the receptacle with an accessible, code-appropriate wiring method; never bury a splice behind the finished cabinet.

The useful part of the thread

What the comments clarified

The wire was too short for a simple move

Henry retained an accessible receptacle inside the closet as the connection point, then supplied the outlet above. The added closet outlet can power a toothbrush, vacuum, LED light, or other small device.

A steady cut makes the finish easier

The owner used a RotoZip and filed the opening afterward. Edge trim can hide minor irregularities and protect both the cabinet material and stored shoes.

Other owners adapted the same space

The thread included variations such as a small drawer or a full bottom shelf. An open cubby is the simplest approach; a drawer contains items better but needs clearance and hardware.

Other ways owners handled it

Alternatives and variations

  • Fit a shallow drawer in the lower cavity for a cleaner closed-storage look.
  • Add a full shelf at the bottom of the closet if hanging length is less important than enclosed storage.

Community-sourced summary. This page consolidates an owner’s Facebook post and the practical points raised in its comments. It is not Casita factory guidance. The original thread may require Facebook sign-in or group membership.

See the post and full discussion ↗