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If you’ve ever set up a command center (or wanted to), chances are you took a peek around Pinterest or your favorite shop or online retailer and were either overwhelmed by all the choices and options or not sure how to translate that into what might work for your family. Today I’d like to share the 3 things every command center needs – hopefully this simple approach will help get your own simple command center started.
First of all, let me preface this by saying there are many different types of command centers, but the one that I’m talking about is a simple counter top version perfect for appointments, events, and family schedules. Keep reading for some inspiration as well!
If you’ve tried to implement a command center and it hasn’t worked, I would argue that you most likely added too many components and made it more about how it looks/looked than how it would actually function. Keeping a command center SIMPLE is more important and will keep it working for your family. Start with these three things and you’ll be on your way to a more organized and efficient command center.
3 Things Every Command Center Needs:
- calendar
- organizer
- 3 folders
I put a small calendar on the wall, you’ll also see that our home phone is on this counter so if I need to make an appointment or schedule change, the calendar is accessible. This calendar is just a simple one from Target.
An organizer is a component that every command center needs – there are many different types of organizers available in all sorts of designs and price ranges. Find something that you love that matches your decor and budget and use it. The one I used (and love) is from HomeGoods – discount stores like TJMaxx, Homegoods, and Marshalls are great places to find one of a kind, high end organizers at discounted prices.
Once you have an organizer and calendar, you need 3 folders to keep your most important information in and accessible. Yes, you might be able to come up with other categories for more folders, but I think that keeping your categories simple and broad will keep your command center running more smoothly. Come up with 3 categories that you think will cover the majority of anything that needs to be accessible and stored in your command center.
3 Categories for Command Center Folders:
- IN PROCESS – paper that you know you need be able to access in the next month – memberships, coupons, etc.
- INVITATIONS – birthday parties, weddings, dedications, etc.
- SCHOOL (or work) – calendars, forms, phone book
Need some organizer inspiration? Here are a few different options in a variety of finishes, styles, and price ranges.
 How about you? Would a command center help get your family info in a central location and make things a little easier?
Stay tuned for some exciting shop updates and the new Everyday Planner next week! Sign up for emails on the sidebar so you don’t miss a thing!
Shelly Says...
Love the teal recipe box (?) where did you get it?
Becky Says...
Post authorThe Target dollar spot! I use mine as a rolodex. 😉 xo Becky
Liz Says...
My command center is a soft teal. Those files would be perfect. Where did you find them?
Becky Says...
Post authorThey are from Office Max! xo Becky
Melanie Says...
I bought number 4 at Target last night and I picked up the folders from the Dollar spot and a pair of scissors with flowers on them. I am combining it with another stationary organizer that has my binder clips, notepads and post its.
Deirdre Says...
I’m working on a command center. Where did you find #1?
Becky Says...
Post authorThe Organizing Store:
http://theorganizingstore.com/mesh-desk-organizer-design-ideas.html?cmp=nextopia&kw=mesh-desk-organizer-design-ideas
Beatriz Says...
I’m inspired and will start working on a command center ASAP. Thanks for all the ideas, nice and simple!
Sarah @ The Teacher's Wife Says...
I definitely need to work on this! Our kitchen is small and we have very little counter space, so I’m thinking our office should include the family command center. I need about a week to get the desk cleaned off and organized, but I really think it would help!!
Keanne Says...
I have a large calendar with big squares for each day. Now it’s posted on the back door, in the past it has been on the fridge. Everything goes on the calendar. I use code symbols for various activities. We are starting to become empty nesters and our lives are slowing, but this has worked for a decade.
Mama Says...
This is close to my system, but I found I had to have more folders. I actually have 50 hanging folders, 1 for each day of the month and 1 for each month, then a few misc categories like to be filed, preschool, things for my planner/journal, medical, misc. Each day, I look in that day’s folder (like today I looked in number 27) and took out the papers I needed, then put that folder at the back of all the numbers, so that number 28 is ready for me tomorrow! When I get paperwork/bills/etc. IN, I put them in the day’s folder if it is within the next month, or in the monthly folder if it’s later in the year. It took a while for me to get it how I need it, but now it’s perfect for me, and between these files and my super detailed planner, it looks like I actually have a handle on things.
Andie Elize Cormier Says...
I’ve read about a million blogs about command centers and this one does it for me!!!
thank you so much I feel so inspired!