Setting up an at home Command Center for a busy family is no easy task (until now). This week, we are challenging you to tackle setting up your own so you can streamline and simplify that busy, high-traffic zone where you process mail, empty pockets, and plan your week. All you have to do is pick your space. With a little inspiration from Pinterest and research on the most common obstacles, we’ve gathered up 10 Command Center Must-Haves to help you get started.
1. NOTEPAD OR NOTEBOOK
No at-home Command center is complete without the basics, and we’re taking a page from our very own playbook. You’ll hear us say it again and again, “capture everything.” Make sure you have a simple notebook for keeping track of to-dos, thoughts, and lists in one place. If you are totally digital, we think that’s fab, but cell phones die, and we know you’ll benefit from at least one notetaking tool at the ready. Featured above: acrylic memo tray, Metallic Notebook, Ban.do ‘Rough Draft’ notebook
2. HANGING WALL FILE
One of the key features of a SIMPLY SPACED command center is a hanging wall file for processing incoming mail and paperwork. For more on how to set this up and alongside a few alternative options, check out our recent post HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR MAIL AND INCOMING PAPERS Featured above: three pocket wall file in clear, copper wire hanging file, three pocket wall file in smoke
3. MEMO BOARD
Lions and tigers and electricians oh my!! Who’s keeping track of it all? Add a memo board to your command center and keep reminders and notes for the fam in an easy to see, accessible place. We’re big fans of these all-in-one, multifunctional boards featured above: channel pannel + planner, three by three kanga board, umbra diamond board
4. HOOKS
Never underestimate the power of a simple hook. These tiny lifesavers keep keys in place, and coats off the ground. Wherever you decide to set up your command center, incorporate hooks for the kinds of items that fly through frequently. We are talking purses, keys, coats, backpacks, or reusable bags. Featured above: 4-hook wall mounted key holder, white coat and hat wall hook, stainless hook up hooks
5. CHARGING STATION
Add a charging station to your at-home command center so all your devices can be charged and corralled in one happy home. You may have multiple phones, iPads, and devices, but this is a great way to keep your family accountable for their whereabouts if they have a place to land and charge as the come in and out of the house. Fab finds featured above: acrylic smart organizer, quirky lime charging station, Bamboo multi-device dock and organizer
6. CALENDAR
Digital calendars are awesome, but when it comes to coordinating everyone, you can’t always bank on everyone staying in sync. We love to include a simple, customizable calendar into a command center set up to keep everyone apprised of the major events of the month. We love the paper, dry erase and Chalkboard options featured above: at-a-glance monthly calendar, silicone Stick-It! Monthly calendar, chalkboard calendar decal
7. SUPPLY STORAGE
Corral your pens, post-its, binder clips and envelopes all in one place. Choose any supply storage container you love. Check out our faves featured above: acrylic desktop mail center, white poppin silicone organizer, frisco desktop organizer
8. MAGAZINE HOLDER
What’s one of the most fundamental organizing principles? Set limits. You can’t read ALL those magazines and catalogs. We encourage you to be honest with yourself about how much you actually read when you decide on your magazine holder. We tend to keep 4-7 at a time or relocate them to an archival reference zone. Check out the ones we love and use with clients featured above: acrylic magazine slipcase, magazine pocket, rustic wire magazine holder
9. COLLAPSIBLE STORAGE
Likely one of our favorite tricks for managing an at-home command center is a collapsible box, bag or bin that you can pull out to process incoming paperwork, overflowing bags, and oh-so-full purses and backpacks. Featured above: meori foldable box, real simple foldable storage bin.
10. LARGE ITEM LANDING
Think about what items you haul in and out every day. We know you have an overflow of some kind and need a landing spot for everyday items that may not have a home elsewhere in the house. No command center is complete as far as we are concerned without a simple box, bin or basket for those everyday items like backpacks, kid’s homework, purses or shoes. Featured above: stackable wood bin, storage bins with handles, wire milk crate
Life is not one-size-fits-all. Pick your parts and take this list as a guide. We’ve given you our 10 favorite Command Center Must-Haves, but not everything will apply to you. Opt for hooks instead of baskets, or cork instead of chalk. Make your command center work for you.
Still stumped on how to set it up? Comment below and we’ll check back to help you over the hump!!
