How to Create a Command Centre in Your Home Today!

Let's Conquer the Chaos and CLEAR YOUR SURFACES! 

Are you tired of the morning rush, the frantic search for misplaced permission slips, and the endless stream of reminders? A family command centre can be the key to transforming your home into a haven of organization and peace. Here's how to create one in 5 easy steps (see our last blog post about WHY you might need one here!):

1. Choose the Perfect Location:

The ideal command centre location is a high-traffic area that everyone in the family passes by regularly. Consider these options:

• Kitchen: Often the heart of the home, the kitchen is perfect for keeping track of meal plans, grocery lists, and family schedules.
• Mudroom or Entryway: This is a great spot to catch everyone as they come and go, making it ideal for storing keys, backpacks, and important reminders.
• Hallway: A hallway command centre can be a visual reminder for everyone as they move throughout the house.

2. Gather Your Supplies:

Think about what your family needs to stay organized and choose supplies accordingly. Here are some essentials:

• Calendar: A large, easy-to-read calendar for tracking appointments, events, and deadlines. Even though we use digital calendars shared between the adults, this helps children feel safe and reduce stress when they can see their week clearly on a visual board.
• Whiteboard/Chalkboard/Posted Notepad: Perfect for jotting down quick notes, to-do lists, or uplifting messages.
• Corkboard or Magnetic Board: A place to display artwork, photos, invitations, or important reminders. This is important as these items then have a distinct area and will not be found ALL OVER the house.
• Hooks or Baskets: For hanging keys, backpacks, coats, or other frequently used items.
• File Holders or Magazine Racks: To organize mail (see the Sorting Method in our short course: The Paper Fix, for easy solutions and long term success for school papers, important documents, art, and paper.
• Pens, Markers, and Sticky Notes: Keep writing utensils and sticky notes handy for quick notes and reminders.

3. Get Creative and Personalize:

Make your command center visually appealing and reflective of your family's personality.

• Color Scheme: Choose a color scheme that complements your home decor and adds a touch of fun.
• DIY Projects (only if you want to spice it up!): Get crafty and create personalized labels, decorative elements, or even build your own organizers.
• Involve the Kids: Let your children help decorate the command center and choose elements that they love. If they have input and understand this system, there's a MUCH higher likelihood that they will truly use this area!

4. Assign Zones and Responsibilities (easier than it sounds! Make it work for YOUR family!):

Create designated areas within your command center for different purposes and assign responsibilities to each family member.

• Calendar Zone: One person (or multiple people) can be in charge of updating the calendar with appointments and events.
• Message Center: Encourage family members to leave notes and reminders for each other.
• Homework Station: Create a dedicated space for kids to store their school supplies and upcoming assignments.
• Responsibility Visual (some people call it a "chore chart", I don't like this term!): Display everyone's home responsibilities clearly to support children in developing time management and taking accountability independently as they grow!

5. Establish Routines and Maintain Order:

• Daily Check-Ins: Encourage everyone to check the command centre daily for updates, reminders, and important information. Encourage them to use this space actively for after school routines as well. 
• Weekly Review: Set aside time each week to declutter the command centre, update the calendar, and review upcoming events.
• Family Meetings: Hold regular family meetings to discuss schedules, plan activities, and address any organizational challenges.

By following these simple steps, you can create a family command centre that is both functional and beautiful. It will become a central hub for your family's communication and organization, helping you reduce stress, save time, and create a more peaceful and harmonious home environment.

Check out our Short Course: The Paper Fix and transform the clutter on your surfaces FOREVER in one afternoon!