Do you feel like your family is always struggling to keep on track? Creating a family command center is a smart and practical way to keep your family organized and on track. With everyone’s busy schedules and the general craziness of everyday life, it can be challenging to keep track of everything and ensure that everyone is on the same page. That’s where a family command center comes in. It provides a central location for important information, schedules, and to-do lists, making it easier for everyone to stay organized and up-to-date.
What is a family command center?
A family command center is simply a designated area in your home where you can display important information, schedules, and to-do lists. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be, but the key is to have a designated spot where everyone in your household can easily access the information they need.
This can include other things your family can need on a daily basis like a space for storing the mail, dropping everyday items you need when running in and out of the house, and even a spot for charging phones if you have the space.
Choosing a Location
The first step in creating a family command center is to pick a location that is easily accessible to everyone in your household. This could be a wall in your kitchen, mudroom, or even a section of your home office. Most often these are best kept near the front door so you see it on your way in and out. Consider traffic patterns and make sure the location you choose is easily visible and accessible to everyone.
Supplies to build a command center
A bulletin board or whiteboard for scheduling and displaying important information
A corkboard for displaying important papers, such as bills and school permission slips
A calendar for keeping track of appointments and special events
A dry erase marker for writing on the whiteboard
Pins or magnets for attaching items to the bulletin board or corkboard
Storting bins
Table
Other convenient things you want on hand
Organizing your command center
Once you have your supplies, it’s time to start organizing. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Assign a specific day and time for checking the command center, such as during a family meeting or after dinner. This will help ensure everyone is on the same page and stays up-to-date with what’s going on.
Use the whiteboard or bulletin board to keep track of everyone’s schedules, including appointments, sports practices, and other commitments. Consider using different colors or symbols to distinguish between different family members or types of appointments.
Display important information, such as phone numbers and emergency contacts, in a prominent spot so they are easily accessible. You can also include a map of the local area and any other important information that everyone in your household might need.
Use the corkboard to keep track of bills, school papers, and other important documents. Consider categorizing these items using different colored pins or magnets to make them easier to find.
Don’t forget to include a to-do list or task list to help keep everyone accountable for their responsibilities. You can use sticky notes, a whiteboard, or a chalkboard to create this list.
If you are using a table with organizers and other useful items, place this table under your command center display. If you are keeping your center by the front door, that space under the table is perfect for keeping a shoe rack so your family can store shoes right in the same space. This can be a lifesaver in the mornings when you have to get your family out the door on time.
Maintaining your command center.
To keep your family command center effective and organized, it’s important to regularly update and maintain it. Consider having a designated person responsible for updating the information and ensuring that everything is accurate and up-to-date. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean out the command center and get rid of any outdated information.
Keeping the calendar up to date can be as simple as a regular family meeting where everyone helps to fill in the calendar with what needs to be remembered from revolving work schedules to kids sports practices and important appointments.
The benefits of a family command center are numerous. By having a designated spot for important information and schedules, everyone in your household will be on the same page and better able to keep track of what’s going on. It can also reduce stress and help prevent missed appointments or mislaid bills. By keeping everyone organized and up-to–date, a family command center can also help foster better communication and collaboration among family members.
Remember that your family command center is not just a one-time project. It is an ongoing effort to keep your household organized and running smoothly. So, take the time to create a command center that works for your family, and don’t be afraid to make changes as needed. For example, if you find that you’re not using a certain component of your command center, consider eliminating it or replacing it with something that will be more useful.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of creating a family command center, start small. Pick a bulletin board and a calendar, and work from there. Once you have a basic setup in place, you can gradually add other components as needed. And, don’t forget to involve your family in the process. By working together to create a family command center, you’ll be building a more organized, communicative, and efficient household.
Creating a family command center is a smart and practical way to keep your household organized and running smoothly. By having a designated spot for important information, schedules, and to-do lists, everyone in your household will be better able to keep track of what’s going on, reduce stress, and foster better communication and collaboration While helping to reduce morning stress when it comes to getting out the door with your family.
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