How to Set Up a Command Center Cabinet
If you’ve been wanting a family command center but felt you were too short on space, don’t worry—I’ve got the space-saving answer you need. Learn how to set up a command center in a cabinet in your kitchen, mudroom, or even your laundry room.
This compact command center solution will help you organize family schedules and simplify your daily routines.
Streamline Your Life with a Family Command Center
Managing busy schedules and staying organized can feel overwhelming for many families. But here’s the thing—there’s a solution that I’ve relied on for over 20 years. It works for big families, empty nesters, and everyone in between. It’s called a family command center. Not only does it help keep everyone on the same page, but it also stops important papers from piling up or getting lost in the chaos of daily life.
Worried about not having enough space? Don’t be. You can set up a small space command center inside a cabinet, giving you all the benefits without taking up extra room. With just a few simple steps, you’ll create a compact yet powerful hub that keeps your household running smoothly. Plus, we’ve got some great ideas for decorating and organizing it so it’s both functional and perfectly suited to your style.
Why should you set up a family command center?
Life gets busy fast. Between practices, games, doctor appointments, work deadlines, and social events, every family member has their own full calendar. That’s why having a central spot to keep all these schedules organized isn’t just helpful—it’s a game-changer.
With a family command center, you’ll have everything you need in one place. No more running back home for something you forgot or scrambling to figure out where you left your car keys, again. It keeps the chaos at bay and makes staying organized so much easier.
How to Create a Command Center Cabinet
If you’ve ever searched for family command centers online, you’ve probably seen walls decked out with calendars, bulletin boards, and all kinds of organizers. They’re gorgeous—but not everyone has that kind of space at home.
That’s why I love setting up a command center inside a cabinet. It’s compact, convenient, and just as effective as those picture-perfect setups you see online.
Step 1: Define the Purpose of Your Command Center
First, decide on the purpose before you begin setting things up. Are you mainly looking for schedule control? Or do you want to have medical reminders in plain sight? Whatever it is, knowing the purpose will help you determine what items to include and how to organize them.
For most, schedules are the main purpose, but there are other areas you may want to include.
- Weekly Menu
- Birthdays & Anniversaries
- Bills to Pay
- Outgoing Mail
- School Papers
- Permission Slips
- Appointment Reminders
Jot down what matters most to your family, and keep that list handy for the next steps.
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Step 2: Pick the Perfect Spot
Take a good look around your kitchen and find a cabinet or space that fits your setup. Don’t forget to check out the counters below too—that extra space might be just what you need for an organized, efficient layout. Keep it simple and avoid giving this area a cluttered look.
Also, think about the lighting in the area. Natural light is best if possible, so positioning your setup near a window is ideal. If that’s not an option, no worries. Use adhesive under-cabinet lights or install inside-cabinet lighting to ensure the space is well-lit and easy to work in.
Step 3: Gather Your Supplies
This is your chance to get creative. Use organizing tools that work with your chosen categories. Here are a few examples of tools that work best for each area:
- Weekly Menu – Clipboard or chalkboard.
- Birthdays & Anniversaries – Monthly list or calendar
- Bills to Pay – Basket or folder
- Outgoing Mail – Basket or folder
- School Papers – Drawer organizer or hanging folders
- Permission Slips – Corkboard
- Appointment Reminders – Wall calendar or corkboard
Write down which organizer works best for each category from Step 1.
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Step 4: Set Up Your Command Center
Now that you’ve picked your spot, cleared it out, and gathered your supplies, it’s time to bring your command center to life. Go through each category on your list and decide on the best layout. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Monthly Calendar: Make this the star of your setup. Choose a spot where everyone can easily see it. Options include a framed paper calendar mounted on the inside of the cabinet door, a paper calendar stuck to the outside, or even a digital calendar on the counter below.
- Weekly Menu: Keep meal planning simple and visible. Try using a chalkboard or dry-erase board mounted inside the cabinet door for easy updates, or a printed sheet on a clipboard placed on the counter.
- Birthdays & Anniversaries: Never miss a special day. At the start of each month, add events to your main calendar or add them to your digital setup.
- Bills to Pay: Stay on top of payments by organizing bills in a file folder or accordion folder. Place it in a compact holder on your counter for easy access, or use an over-the-door organizer with labeled pockets for a tidier look.
- Daily Mail: Keep mail from taking over by placing it in a small basket or tray. Keep it on the counter and make a goal to go through that basket daily to keep it from overflowing.
- School Papers: Give these a home to avoid last-minute searches. Use clipboards inside the cabinet door or an organizer on the counter. Label each clearly for each child to make things easy to find.
- Permission Slips: Avoid losing these time-sensitive papers by pinning them to a corkboard. You could attach a small corkboard inside the cabinet door, mount it on the outside of the cabinet, or keep it leaning on the counter.
- Appointment Reminders: Make sure everyone’s on the same page by displaying reminders on a calendar. Use colors for different family members and mark important events like doctor appointments, school holidays, and birthdays.
Start small and get the essentials in place. Then tweak your setup as needed to find what works best for you and your family. Remember, your command center should feel useful and easy to maintain, so don’t be afraid to adjust as you go.
If you need a bit of inspiration, get our list of 10 things to have in your family command center for ideas.
Step 5: Use and Maintain Daily
Start each morning with a cup of coffee and a review of your command center. Take a quick look at the calendar, go over the day’s plans, double-check the menu, and make sure all tasks are on track. Spending just a few minutes here can transform hectic mornings into a smooth start and keep things running smoothly.
Then, at dinner time, revisit it while everyone’s gathered. It’s the perfect chance to go over what’s coming up the next day so everyone’s on the same page. With these simple daily habits, your command center will stay organized, and your family life will feel a lot more manageable.
Command centers can make your family life so much easier and more organized. When you take just a few minutes in the morning and evening to check in, update, and review what’s coming up, it helps everyone stay on the same page.
With a clear spot for schedules, reminders, and everything you need to keep track of, you’ll feel more in control and less frazzled. Once you know how to set up a command center in a cabinet, you’ll see how those small, daily habits can turn the usual chaos into a smoother, more manageable routine for the whole family.
More Command Center Set ups:
Use these tips to create a layout that works perfectly for you, turning this approach to home organization into a tool that keeps you on track and helps your household run more smoothly.
