Home Command Center
A command center can become the central information hub of your home. It is a place that will house the things you find important for everyone to know. Easily accessible, easy to find and easy to maneuver. It not only keeps yourself organized and aware of what is happening but also the entire family.
Typically located near the kitchen or front door (but not limited to these spaces) you would need to find a blank wall that wouldn’t be obstructing walkways or access to any other parts of the home. This is a place for helping, not hindering. You will then decide what are the needs of your household and how to arrange them so everyone can see and understand what they need to find.
In our home, we created a built-in of narrow shelves to house cookbooks, keys, pens and notepads, a charging station and so much more. I personally have my own “Mommy Cubby” where I keep my planners, label maker and a few other daily administrative necessities.
Here are some ideas that could work for your own Command Center.
Family Calendar – It could be paper, white erase or digital, but a place where you can see each day of the month and important events and appointments coming up.
Mail Dropbox – Using a wall file holder is a great place to toss in important mail that comes into the home. I highly recommend using clear acrylic versions to allow you to see what is in these to prevent missing a bill or important document.
Flyer, Coupon or Receipt Slot – Could use another wall file holder or a basket or mini accordion file folder to organize these smaller pieces.
Chore Charts – Great central location to keep kids accountable.
To Do Lists – This can be individualized or general, but keeps the list alive and known.
Shopping Lists – Anyone can add to this and keeps track of what we run out of.
Keys & Wallet Drop Station – Another basket could work here or a hanging key hook.
Binders with Important Documents – Emergency phone numbers, business cards from places used previously and liked, or an overview calendar reference to review each month to ensure you don’t forget birthdays, appointments, anniversaries or any other important dates coming up.
Achievement Board – A place to allow your family to shine. Artwork, awards, aced tests or report cards can all be proudly displayed for all to admire.
Weekly Menus – It is a daily question from everyone, “What’s for dinner?”. Well, now it is listed and no need to ask!
A home command center can be completely personalized. It is a place that works for you and your family, that is the one-stop-shop for what is to come and what has happened. Even in homes with limited space, you can always find a wall that could work. It can be as large or small as you need. It can be as informative or as limited as you see fit. Fill it with family recipes, personal love notes, a charging station, reminders, countdowns or anything you can think of. Just bare in mind that this is a space that could easily become cluttered and needs to be tended to weekly. With so many potential drop stations, it is easy to walk away and forget about it, even see past it and then the whole purpose is misguided. This is supposed to become a place of peace and be informative, not an area of clutter and disarray. Make use of an empty wall in your home and make it a command center that works for you!
Melanie xoxox