Get Organized with this Home Office Command Center

If you’re ready to get a handle on your work-from-home life and stop it from taking over the rest of your home, this guide has you covered. We’ll show you how to create a home office command center that keeps everything organized and running smoothly.

Having a spot to highlight your daily tasks and manage projects, both incoming and outgoing, can seriously boost your productivity—that’s the beauty of a command center.

I’ve been working from home for over a decade now, and one thing I learned early on is that keeping my work and home routines separate is the only way to keep the chaos from migrating to other areas in my home. When work started creeping into our personal spaces, it all fell apart—I’d miss deadlines, run late to appointments, and waste so much time hunting for papers.

I already had a home command center that worked great for keeping our kids’ and family schedules organized and in plain sight. Creating a separate one just for work felt like the most natural solution.

What’s a home office command center?

A home office command center is a go-to spot where you can keep your routines and schedules in check. Think incoming calls, appointments, deadlines, and daily bookkeeping—all organized in one place to make your day run smoother.

It works just like a family command center by keeping the most important stuff front and center. Anytime you need to figure out a “who,” “where,” or “when,” you’ll have the answers at your fingertips quickly and easily.

a home hub in a kitchen with bookbags on hooks, hats, and shoes

Why You Need a Home Office Command Center

A home office command center is like having a personal assistant that doesn’t take coffee breaks. It’s your go-to space for keeping routines, schedules, and daily tasks organized. Whether it’s keeping track of deadlines or finding that spare phone charger, everything will have its place so you can focus on getting work done.

What to Include in Your Command Center

Here are a few must-haves for your setup to keep things running smoothly in your home office:

A Calendar for Important Dates
Whether you prefer digital or paper, having a large wall calendar is key for tracking your work schedule. Just make sure to leave personal or family events off this one. The goal is to keep it focused on work, distraction-free.
A Whiteboard for Project Planning
Got tasks with multiple steps? A whiteboard is perfect for mapping out your projects. It keeps everything organized and lets you easily make updates and track progress for you or your team.
Hooks for Keys, Coats, and Bags
Even though you’re working from home, you might still need these essentials handy. Set up a spot to hang everything so you’re not wasting time hunting for them when you need them.
Baskets or Trays for Paperwork
Create a system for catching incoming items like mail, bills, and documents. Label each tray or basket by how often it needs sorting.
A Bulletin Board for Family Notes
A small corkboard works great for notes, reminders, and other things you want to keep out as a visual reminder.
A Filing System for Important Papers
For documents you’ll need to access regularly, set up a filing system. You can use wall-mounted file holders, desk organizers, or metal racks to keep them all neat and within reach.
A Charging Station for Devices
Keep your devices powered up with an easily accessible charging station. You can use an all-in-one system, upgrade wall outlets with USB ports, or even DIY your own solution.

How to Set Up a Home Office Command Center That Keeps You Focused

Think of your home office command center as your organizational HQ, the spot where everything you need to manage your day is within easy reach.

Step 1: Choose the Ideal Spot

Your first step is finding the perfect location. Whether it’s a wall near your desk, the back of a door, or an open area on a credenza, choose a spot where everything will be easy to see and access.

Action Tip: Stand in your office and visualize how the setup will flow. Imagine yourself reaching for your calendar or grabbing paperwork quickly. A central, accessible spot will make all the difference.

Step 2: Make a Supply List

Before gathering supplies, take a moment to plan. Write down the items you’ll need to organize your command center. Essentials might include a calendar, whiteboard, baskets, trays, or file holders.

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Action Tip: Think about your daily and weekly tasks. What do you often lose track of? Your list should solve those problems.

Step 3: Gather Your Supplies

Now that you have a plan, it’s time to gather everything you need. Check around your house first! You might already have items you can repurpose, like hooks, storage bins, or trays.

Action Tip: If you’re shopping for supplies, stick to your list. It’s easy to get carried away, but focus on what will truly keep you organized.

Step 4: Start with the Calendar

Your calendar will likely be the centerpiece of your command center. This is where you’ll track important work dates, deadlines, and meetings. Be sure you choose the best size, the best layout, and the best location.

Action Tip: Hang your calendar somewhere prominent. Be sure it is easy to see from your desk throughout the day. This way, it is easy to see and refer to throughout your day.

hands pointing a pen to a desk calendar in a home office

Step 5: Add Organizational Tools

Once the calendar is in place, start adding other organizational components like a whiteboard for project planning, containers to hold ongoing projects, clipboards to hold action lists, or baskets for incoming mail and documents.

Action Tip: Place the items you use most often at eye level or within arm’s reach. For larger projects, consider a whiteboard to easily track tasks, map out projects, and track progress.

Step 6: Use Surface Space Wisely

If you have a desk, table, or shelf nearby, use it for items like a charging station or labeled trays for bills and paperwork. Likewise, if you’re short on space, a floating shelf can provide a smart, space-saving solution.

Action Tip: Measure your surface area to ensure everything fits neatly. Overcrowding can make your command center feel chaotic instead of helpful.

Step 7: Organize and Label Everything

Once all the elements of your command center are in place, it’s time to get organized. Sort everything into its designated spot and label it clearly. For example:

Mail (Sort Daily)
Bills (Sort Weekly)
Miscellaneous Documents (Sort Weekly)
Taxes (Sort Quarterly)

Action Tip: Use bold, readable labels so you can spot everything at a glance. Removable label makers are great if you want the flexibility to adjust as your system evolves.

a file folder labeled taxes in a pile of random files

Step 8: Test and Adjust

No system is perfect right out of the gate. After using your command center for a few days, you’ll likely notice areas that could be more efficient. Don’t hesitate to tweak things.

Action Tip: Pay attention to what’s working and what’s not. Maybe the whiteboard needs to move closer to your desk, or a basket would work better than a tray. Small adjustments can make a big difference.

Bonus Tips for Keeping Your Command Center Running Smoothly

Now that you’ve set up your command center, make sure it’s working for you. Just remember the goal: to create a space that keeps you on track and laser-focused throughout your work day.

Keep Work and Personal Separate: Your command center should be all about work. Avoid adding family notes or reminders here; create a separate space for those to avoid distractions.
Go Vertical: Make the most of your entire wall space. Hang up corkboards, file holders, or organizers. Need more room? Add a shelf for more storage or a hanging file holder for current projects.
Stay Consistent: Build a habit of updating your calendar daily and sorting through mail, paperwork, or trays regularly. Staying on top of things will keep your system working like a charm.
Weave It Into Your Routine: Start and end your day by checking in with your command center. Review your calendar, project lists, and any priorities that need attention.

Remember, your command center is an extension of your workflow. It’s there to support you, keeping your daily tasks organized so you can stay focused on what really matters. Stick with it, and you’ll quickly see how much easier it makes your workday!

woman from behind with feet up on her desk in a home office

Why It’s Worth the Effort

Taking the time to set up a home office command center might feel like “just another to-do,” but it’s a total game-changer. Instead of wasting time searching for lost items or figuring out what’s next, you’ll have a clear system that keeps everything running smoothly.

Remember, it’s okay to start small. Focus on your most pressing needs first, and expand your system over time. By investing a little effort upfront, you’ll save yourself stress and time every day.

FAQ About Setting Up a Home Office Command Center

Q: How can setting up a command center help me stay organized when working from home?
A: Working from home can feel overwhelming with so many responsibilities piling up. It’s easy for important tasks or items to slip through the cracks. A command center serves as your go-to spot for tracking everything you need to stay on top of your daily commitments. When you know everything has its place, you can relax and stay focused. And when your work environment feels relaxed, you’re naturally more productive, too!

Q: What are some other benefits of having a home office command center?
A: Still unsure if a command center will make a difference? Here are a few more perks to think about:

Reduces stress: Everything is organized, so there’s less chaos to overwhelm you.
Saves time: No more searching for missing paperwork or scrambling to figure out what’s next.
Improves productivity: It helps you stay on track with your tasks and deadlines.
Creates a functional work environment: It’s not just practical; it can also be a stylish, motivating part of your workspace.

Q: How do I keep my command center from becoming cluttered?
A: This is a common concern! The key is consistency. Make it a habit to sort through your mail, papers, and notes regularly. For example, handle incoming mail daily or weekly, and file away anything you don’t need immediately. Clear labels and designated spots for everything will help you avoid clutter creeping in.

With the right setup and a little maintenance, your home office command center can be a game-changer for staying productive and stress-free while working from home!