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Do you have a Command Center in your home?
I haven’t always and looking back, I am shocked that I ever survived without it. Ours is literally a central hub where all important information is stored, dates are set, meals are planned and finances are finalized. So when I was ready to make my command center a reality, I went to my trusty old Pinterest board and looked around. I found some great inspiration! But what I noticed was there was a lot of things to buy, and I wanted to keep to a small budget. So I needed to get creative.
Where to Begin
First thing was to pick a location. This was the hardest part for me. I wanted something that was easy to get to and also wouldn’t take away from decor or feel of the house. The kitchen appeared to be the best choice since I spend a lot of my time in there anyways. I also wanted to make sure it was a place my HUSBAND would look at the be able to use appropriately. After all, he is a part of the house too, although gone a lot.
This section of counter space worked perfectly because it was out of the way for most meal prep. It was also centrally located and it was right next to the fridge, which I could also use for part of the command center. Win win!
So now that I found the space I wanted to use, I needed to make sure I had the materials I needed. I feel that ALL command centers require a few things.
Calendar:
It doesn’t have to be large. It can be weekly or monthly. I choose a weekly magnet calendar with dry erase markers because I had a smaller space to work with. In addition to that, let’s be honest, my husband focuses on one week at a time, and this would keep him from being overwhelmed. Each weekend, I erase and write down important events on the calendar for the upcoming week.
Here are some other inspirations for calendars you could use.
Baskets or Bins for Paper Organizing
In my small space, I did not have the room for the type of paper organizer I would typically like. I decided to use a magazine holder from my local Dollar Tree for all my “in” papers. Since my children are younger, the amount of papers that are needed for them are minimal at this time but as they get into school I plan to transition to a divided paper organizer.
I used a medium multi-purpose clear bin from The Container Store to hold the binders and planners and keep them together. I LOVE this and need about 10 more throughout my house. It’s sturdy and solid plus clear so I can see what it in it. Add a clip label and it’s perfect.
Dry Erase/Cork Board
I am constantly making lists or jotting down notes I have to remind myself. I also try hard to place bills or fliers that need to be handled quickly in an area where I will see them. So I knew I needed a place to do this in our command center. Again, since we had limited space, I was so excited when I found that our weekly calendar has a cork board section for pinning papers that needed to be in view. I also found a locker mini white board to quick notes and lists as needed. It was a bonus that it was also the perfect color!
Writing Utensils
No matter where you command center is located, having a place to store pens, pencils, dry erase markers or any other writing utensils is vital for a well prepared command center. I used this adorable pencil cup from Simplified Planner to hold everything that didn’t already have a magnet. It’s a PINEAPPLE! Do you want your command center to be on a wall? Using buckets and hooks would be a great option that would be easy to install and move when needed.
Odds and Ends
Sometimes you need different things that don’t fit into a specific category. We have a blue tooth speaker we like to keep on the counter, PLUS I like to collect change (since we have switched to a cash system) and so a pretty blue mason jar was perfect for it. Small jars, baskets, and bins are all things you can use to hold all those extra things.
Pretty Things
Although I feel EVERYTHING I use for the command center should be pretty, most if simply functional. Adding something special to the area (a special quote, photo or art) can give the perfect touch to the area and not make it feel as cold and business-like. I found this pineapple which I think make the perfect finishing touch.
And last but not least, a Home and Family Binder.
I searched high and low for a binder that gave me a little bit of all the good and important stuff. I made my own – and man, it was WORTH IT! It has something for everyone: Pets, Home and Car information, Finances, Meal Planning and more! Want to know more?? Check out this POST all about it!
You can get your own too! Sign up here and receive it right to your mailbox to download and print for your own command center.
Want to know more about it?? Make sure to read all about it on my Home and Family Binder post here below! You won’t want to miss it, I promise!
Overall I think my Command Center is perfect for my family’s needs and I love how simple and pretty it turned out. I am ready to conquer this next year in style!
Is anyone else ready to get their Command Center ready for the year? What do YOU find to be vital for your family?
