What is a command center?
A command center is an area to keep schedules, notes, homework, chore lists, mail, and keys. Maybe even backpacks or purses. It's used as a “drop” location for items so they don't end up strewn all over the house! It's also a great way to keep the family on the same page in regards to activities, appointments, etc.
Depending on the space you have, and your family's needs, will determine where you keep your command center. It is best in a visible area that is easily accessible.
Consider the height of the items, if you have smaller children that need to reach certain items, or possibly you need to keep things higher in order to prevent a child from reaching something they shouldn't!
If you don't have space for one large command center, you can create small ones. For example, you could have a cooking command center in the kitchen for menus and grocery lists. You could have a school/homework command center to just put school and family items. Or a small area for mail and keys only.
What can I put in my command center?
A place to store keys
A weekly dinner menu, grocery list
Backpack/purse storage
Calendar large enough to write important appointments/family events
Phone charging station
Chore charts/reward charts
To do list
A place to store loose papers, homework, bills
A trash bin nearby to deal with papers before putting them in the command center!
Steps to help you set up your own simple command center!
The key is getting clear on what you need in your command center first.
Gather everything you want to include in your command center. The goal is to have everything you need in an organized, functional, centralized space.
Decide where you want to put the command center. Work with your habits. If you tend to drop everything in the kitchen or maybe an entryway, consider setting it up in those places if you have the space.
Maintain the command center! Make sure every item has an easily accessible and designated spot in the command center. If you want things to consistently be put away and easy to find, each item has to have a home. If the command center becomes to cluttered, it will be hard to find items or return them to their home. Make it a HABIT to go through the papers and mail, and items that accumulate in the command center!
Google, YouTube and Pinterest have loads of inspiration if needed! Just search "family command center" and enjoy!
Overall, your command center should work for you and make your life easier. Sometimes you may need to make adjustments to find the best system for your family. If something isn't working, don't be afraid to make changes as needed!
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