How to make a Family Command Center
School is back in session and so is the hustle of a full life. The coming and going is constant and order is needed to save you. Knowing what is happening and who needs what at a glance, multiplies your time and saves you money. In this post, I’m sharing how to make a family command center and organize your home and life.
What is a Family Command Center
A family command center is a system that gives order to your daily living. Most command centers are needed to help organize paper clutter, meals, and calendars. They come in all shapes and sizes to be personalized for your family’s needs. It’s not so much a place, but more of a system.
Stay open-minded when creating your command center and don’t focus on any one Pinterest inspiration picture. This is not to display the busyness of life like a trophy! A Family command center should be functional and effective. I did purchase some items to make ours function better but use what you have and don’t buy anything until your system proves it works overtime.
In a command center you can choose to organize about anything you need to.
Command Center Ideas
- Calendar
- Grocery/ Errand lists
- To do list
- Morning/Evening Charts
- Meal Planner
- Memo board
- Catch all bowl for keys, wallets, sunglasses
- Bills/Mail
- Family chore charts
This is my Family Command Center Calendar and Note Board.
How to make a Family Command Center on a budget
First, start with a calendar and shopping list. If you can find a system that works, those two things alone will make life easier. Remember simple is the key and communicate with your family what you need from them and how the system works.
When the family tells me their shampoo is out or they need a project for school, they know to write them on the board. Then, on Thursdays when I run errands, I grab the items on the list or order them online. It’s very smooth but I did have to gently remind my family a lot at first.
Next, look around your house for the clutter that needs a home. We use a bowl to collect the items that need a place when we come and go. It’s on the island near the calendar. I chose this spot because everyone was already putting all the things there. So, I beat them to it and made it an official bowl.
WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER
Homework has a place on the counter to stay until completed and sent back. I don’t need a pretty Pinterest-worthy letter holder for it, I can, but I don’t have to have it. Just use what you have to create homes for all the group of clutter that comes in and out on a daily.
In addition to those systems, we also have a menu and school lunch calendar near the fridge. I use this meal plan printable from House Mix Blog. I love all the printables and checklists she makes. Bonus tip: Put anything in a frame to make it official.
Now the kids can decide what they want for lunch and know what’s for dinner. I am no longer the only person in the know. It’s been nice. Ultimately, your command center is how your family knows what you know without only you having to know it. You know? Hello, brain freedom!
Where to put your Command Center
Where you use and see it a lot. I try to avoid focal point walls, however, this is your home and function is important. Remember: It needs to be pretty if it can be seen. Usually, I use what I have until I know my system works. For example, we like a place for recycled items by the back door. About any box or container would work for this, but I use a cute basket that matches our decor.
Don’t overthink it and PLEASE don’t create organization for things you don’t need.
What’s in my Family Command Center
- Menu planner and school menu for the kids to know what is for dinner.
- Calendar. Here is my dry-erase calendar.
- Note List. My calendar came with a dry-erase noteboard. We use it for our family chores and reward system. I also write down anything that needs to go on a shopping list. I have my family do it too so I don’t have to remember all the things.
- Paper system. We use a bulletin board for schedules, artwork, and papers for upcoming activities, etc. I also have a clipboard hung up on the fridge for papers we reference again. Bills go straight to the office or in the trash:)
- Junk bowl. But not a junky bowl, just a bowl for the stuff. Wallets, keys, sunglasses. Don’t over think the organization of these things.
That’s it! Start simple and see what works for your family! I hope this post has been inspiring and helpful. I don’t have the prettiest and fanciest set-up, but it’s functional and works!! It has to work! What one thing can you add to your command center?
