Creating a family command center is an excellent way to bring order and efficiency to a busy household. Whether you have young children, teenagers, or a mix of ages, a dedicated central spot for organizing schedules, important documents, and family communication can make a big difference in daily life. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to set up a family command center that works for your home.
What Is a Family Command Center?
A family command center is a centralized area in your home designed for organizing important information, schedules, and daily essentials. Think of it as the home’s hub for communication and planning. It can be a simple wall-mounted board, a section of a wall with organizers, or even a piece of furniture integrated with storage and display systems.
Benefits of Having a Family Command Center
– Improved Organization: Keeps schedules, bills, and notes in one place.
– Better Communication: Helps all family members stay informed.
– Time-saving: Reduces last-minute scrambles by planning ahead.
– Reduces clutter: Prevents paper and mail from piling up around the house.
– Increases accountability: Everyone knows what’s expected and when.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Select a spot that everyone passes by frequently, such as near the kitchen, entryway, or a hallway. The area should have enough space for your command center components and be easy to access for family members of all ages.
Consider these location details:
– Visibility for all family members
– Space for a bulletin board or wall organizers
– Good lighting to read calendars and notes
– Close to power source if electronic components are included
Step 2: Decide on the Components You Need
Every family’s needs differ, so tailor your command center to what works best for your household. Here are common components to include:
Calendars and Schedules
– A large wall calendar or whiteboard to track appointments, school events, and activities.
– Individual calendars for each family member if needed.
Message Center
– A corkboard, magnetic board, or chalkboard for notes, reminders, and messages.
– An area for important papers like permission slips and bills.
Mail and Paper Management
– Mail sorter trays or baskets to separate incoming and outgoing mail.
– Clipboard or file folder to keep track of to-do lists or important documents.
Supplies and Essentials
– Hooks or bins for keys, sunglasses, and backpacks.
– Charging station for phones and tablets.
– Pen holder, markers, sticky notes, and scissors.
Step 3: Pick Your Organizer Style
You can buy ready-made command center kits or create a custom setup using individual pieces. Here are some popular styles:
Wall-Mounted Boards
– Magnetic whiteboards combined with calendars.
– Corkboards framed or open style.
– Combination boards that include chalkboards and whiteboards.
Furniture-Based Centers
– A small desk or cabinet with cubbies and shelves.
– A wall-mounted shelf with baskets and hooks.
DIY and Upcycled Options
– Use clipboards pinned to the wall to hold papers.
– Repurpose picture frames as message boards.
– Hang fabric pockets or shoe organizers for storage.
Step 4: Gather Your Supplies
Once you’ve chosen your components, gather the items you’ll need. Here’s a general list:
– Wall calendar or planner
– Whiteboard or chalkboard
– Corkboard or magnetic board
– Baskets, trays, or file folders
– Hooks, clips, or pegboards
– Pens, markers, sticky notes
– Labels or stickers
– Mounting hardware (nails, screws, command strips)
Step 5: Set Up Your Command Center
Follow these tips while assembling your command center:
– Mount boards securely on the wall at eye level for standing adults, but within reach for kids if appropriate.
– Arrange items logically, grouping calendars and schedules in one section and mail or keys in another.
– Use labels to clearly mark areas like “Incoming Mail,” “School Papers,” or “To Do.”
– Keep frequently used items like pens and sticky notes easily accessible.
Step 6: Make It a Family Habit
The key to a successful family command center is consistent use. Here are a few ways to encourage your family to use it:
– Review the family calendar together each week.
– Encourage kids to check for permission slips or notes after school.
– Use the message area for positive reminders or motivational notes.
– Hold each other accountable by updating the board and clearing out old papers regularly.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Family Command Center
– Keep it simple: Avoid clutter by only placing essential items in the command center.
– Rotate seasonal items: Update calendar pages and reorganize as needed.
– Make it personal: Use color codes or photos to identify each family member’s area.
– Use technology: Blend digital calendars and reminders with your physical command center for added convenience.
Conclusion
Setting up a family command center is a straightforward project that delivers big results. By creating a dedicated space for organizing schedules, messages, and essentials, your family will enjoy clearer communication and less stress. Start small, customize to your needs, and watch your household run more smoothly every day.
Feel free to share your own family command center ideas or tips in the comments below!