A Family Command Center Isn’t Just for Big Families
A Command Center can help even a smaller family stay organized and up to date on family activities.
When you hear the words “Command Center” you may think of a family with six children, busy school days, and each one in their sport of choice.
But you don't have to be a large family to reap the benefits of a Family Command Center.
A Family Command Center is a central space in your home for your family's schedules, routines, and daily details such as meal plans no matter the number of family members.
It is one central place where family members can see what's going on with the household, check the family calendar, and see details of things they need to remember.
If you find your kitchen counters collecting invitations, receipts, grocery lists, and other odd random pieces of paper. Or you find yourself asking what is coming up today or even this week.
It doesn't matter the size of your family you may really benefit from a Family Command Center.
What is a Family Command Center
A Family Command Center is a central location in your home for managing the daily details of your family's life.
Depending upon your particular family, it might include:
- Monthly calendar
- Weekly schedule
- Week's Menu Plan
- Grocery Shopping list
- Chore assignments
- To-do lists
- Important reminders
- Upcoming event invitations
- School information
- Mail and paperwork
- Keys
- Bags and backpacks
It's like an information hub for your home.
Instead of important information being scattered all over your house, you can have one place to find it.
Every member in the family can appreciate that.
Why Do You Need a Family Command Center?
The goal of a Family Command Center isn't for looks or decor. It's to make information regarding your home and family easier to find. It's to help you streamline family life.
Some other reasons you might want a Family Command Center are…
Know What's Happening
A calendar where everyone can see what's coming up for the month. My husband in particular likes this feature. No one person has to remember all the things.
Keep Track of Responsibilities
If you have children with household chores. It's a great place to post the chores list.
Prepare for the Week
Post your weekly meal plan, the week's activities, any errands, and appointments. You can also see at a glance those details.
Give Everyday Information a Home
Have a one stop spot for all that information that is usually all over the place.
A Family Command Center Isn't Complicated
Your command center is there to serve your family—not the other way around. If you search for Family Command Centers online you will find some beautiful ones but they might not have what your family needs. Especially if you have a smaller family.
If you've never had a Family Command Center don't begin with the most elaborate setup. Start with the basics.
- Monthly Calendar
- Mail organizer
- Key hooks
- Grocery list
Check out this DIY Family Command Center from Drug Store Divas.
As time goes on you may want to add…
- Chore Chart
- School information
- Backpack storage
- Meal Plan
Think of what your family needs.
Where Should Your Command Center Go?
Every home and family is different. The best place for your family command center might be the worst for someone else.
Keep in mind it should be the place where your family naturally walks through several times during the day.
At first we kept our own command center on the wall next to the dishwasher. But as time went on I didn't like that location. It was in view of every guest that entered our home. If I wanted to add to it the location would make it very cluttered looking very quickly. So we moved it to a different wall in the kitchen that is only visible to those working in the kitchen.
And yes, we fit the small family bill.
I also have a friend who keeps her family command center behind her pantry door. My family stayed with her family for a week and I didn't even notice her command center until one evening she was prepping for the next day and whipped open her pantry door. There stood her Family Command Center in all it's beautiful, colorful glory.
When you are deciding where to put your Family Command Center consider these spots:
Kitchen
A great spot for families who spend a lot of time in the kitchen and those who may have a pass through kitchen. For example the garage enters into the kitchen. Or you need to pass through the kitchen to get from one room to another.
Entryway
Your front entryway can work if it's the main passway through your house. Keep in mind everyone who enters your home will have view access to your life's events. .
Mudroom
Do you have a mudroom? Not every home does but if you do it is ideal for families with children who have backpacks, shoes, coats, and even sports equipment. A great place for a busy family command center.
Hallway
Is your home smaller or are you in an apartment without the above stations for your family command center. Don't fret. Another good is a hallway. Keep it simple so it doesn't get cluttered.
Laundry Room
Maybe you have a laundry room in a high-traffic area that the family regularly passes through. This can be another good spot for your family command center.
The most important thing is:
Put your command center where your family will actually see it.
A beautiful command center that nobody looks at isn't a very effective organization tool.
Wall Organizers and Family Command Centers Simplified – 1Thrive
