Creating a family command center is a wonderful way to keep everyone in your household on the same page. It acts as a central hub for important information like schedules, meal plans, and to-do lists—all in one convenient spot. Whether you live in a small apartment or a large house, a family command center can help reduce chaos, improve communication, and make daily routines smoother.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to set up a practical and personalized family command center step by step.
What Is a Family Command Center?
Simply put, a family command center is a designated area in your home where key information is displayed and easily accessible. It’s a space that helps your family stay organized and connected by combining calendars, reminders, lists, and often some storage for keys or mail.
Common components include:
– Calendars
– Message boards
– Meal planners
– To-do lists
– Important documents
Choosing the Right Location
The first step is selecting a spot where everyone in your family will regularly see and use the command center. Here are a few popular locations:
– Kitchen wall near the breakfast nook or fridge
– Entryway or mudroom
– Home office or hallway near the main door
Make sure the area has enough space for the essentials you want to include, and that the surfaces can support hanging boards or shelves.
Essential Items for Your Family Command Center
The setup can vary depending on your needs, but here are some popular and helpful tools:
Calendar
A shared calendar is the foundation of any command center. You can use:
– A large wall calendar with enough space for everyone’s activities
– A whiteboard or chalkboard calendar you can easily update
– Magnetic calendars if near the fridge
Color code each family member’s events for clarity.
Message Board
A place to leave reminders, notes, or motivational quotes:
– Corkboards for pinning papers and photos
– Dry erase boards for quick notes and reminders
– Magnetic boards to hold papers with magnets
Meal Planner
Keeping track of meals helps with grocery shopping and reduces last-minute stress:
– Weekly meal planning board
– Recipe cards or printed menus
– Grocery list area
To-Do Lists and Chore Charts
Help everyone know what tasks need completing:
– Dry erase or chalkboard for daily or weekly tasks
– Clipboards for individual assignments
– Printable or laminated chore charts
Storage Solutions
Adding a bit of storage keeps clutter down:
– Baskets or cubbies for keys, mail, and school papers
– Hooks for backpacks and coats
– Small shelves for supplies like pens and scissors
Gathering Supplies
Once you know what you want to include, make a list of supplies. Here are common items:
– Wall organizers or file holders
– Bulletin boards or magnetic boards
– Adhesive hooks or nails
– Label maker or markers
– Storage bins or baskets
You can find many options at office supply stores, home goods stores, or online with plenty of DIY inspiration.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
- **Clear and Prepare the Space:** Remove any clutter from your chosen wall or area.
- **Install Boards and Organizers:** Hang calendars, message boards, and organizers at eye level.
- **Arrange Storage:** Place baskets or hooks nearby for easy access to daily items.
- **Personalize:** Add family photos, name tags for chores, or fun decorations.
- **Fill in Information:** Add family birthdays, appointments, meal plans, and chores to start using it immediately.
Tips for Keeping Your Command Center Effective
– Regularly Update: Make it a habit to review and update the center weekly.
– Involve Everyone: Let all family members add their appointments or chores.
– Keep it Simple: Avoid overcrowding to prevent confusion.
– Use Colors and Labels: Color-coding makes it easier to see who needs to do what.
– Keep Supplies Handy: Store pens, markers, and paper clips nearby for quick access.
Benefits of Having a Family Command Center
– Improves communication and coordination within the family.
– Reduces missed appointments and forgotten tasks.
– Encourages responsibility among children with clear chore assignments.
– Simplifies meal planning and grocery shopping.
– Creates a central place for incoming mail and important documents.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a family command center is a simple DIY project with a big payoff in organization and calm. Tailor it to your household’s needs and enjoy the feeling of having all your family’s important info in one place. With a little effort, your home can run more smoothly and everyone can feel more connected.
Give it a try, and watch your daily routines transform!