With the stress of Back to School right around the corner, it can feel like there is so much to do! Get a jump on the scramble by taking some time to create a family command center in your home. If you are unfamiliar with the term family command center and are a parent of school-aged children, this post may just change your life! A family command center is a vertical organizational system which helps keep track of your family’s weekly events, daily chores, paper clutter, and more. Today we are going to explore eighteen different family command center ideas that are sure to inspire.
Drop Zone Command Centers
Determining where to place your command center can be the most challenging step in the process. Analyze where you have unutilized wall space and where your family naturally congregates. Many families find it helpful to create their command centers in a mudroom, garage, or foyer. If your children dump the contents of their backpacks in your mudroom, it might be a great idea to incorporate wall files for organizing important papers in this drop zone. Hang important paper file folders, calendar organizers, and dry erase boards to keep papers organized and family members on task.
Kitchen Command Centers
If your family tends to congregate in the kitchen, consider using the side of your refrigerator or a side wall in your kitchen to house your command center. Clipboards, pocket organizers, cork boards, and calendars can all be hung vertically to take full advantage of this overlooked space. Small magnetic containers can house necessary writing utensils, and magnetic spice containers are great for storing pushpins, magnets, and clips. Clipboards can be personalized for each family member and used to keep track of chores and to-do lists.
Desk Command Centers
One of the most natural areas to create a command center in your home is above a desk or bill-paying station. Framed cork boards, chalkboards, and dry erase boards hung on the wall are great for jotting down notes, school projects, and appointment reminders. Hang file folders on the wall to keep important school papers organized and accessible.
Full Wall Command Centers
If you have an empty wall in a hallway, consider utilizing the space with a large chalkboard or magnetic board. Chalkboards can be created at home using a sheet of MDF and some chalkboard paint. Sheet metal cut to size at a home improvement store can be framed to create a unique magnetic organizational system. Second hand stores and Craiglist are great sources for acquiring large frames and old schoolroom chalkboards.
To help you get started with your family command center, I have created two FREE printable calendars for your wall. Simply click on the links to be taken to the file. Once opened, click the save button to save the file to your computer. You can print out these calendars, frame them behind glass, and use a dry erase marker to write on them. Dry erase markers will wipe off of glass easily with a tissue or rag.
I hope you feel inspired to beat the back to school rush this year and take this opportunity to organize your family’s command center. For more great ideas, be sure to check out our organization category.
