How to Set Up a Command Center Cabinet

If you have longed for a family command center but didn’t think you had the room, I have the help you need. Learn just how to set up a command center cabinet in your kitchen, mudroom, or even your laundry room. This command center option will help you to finally streamline your family commitments and other events.

Do you feel like your family is constantly running in different directions?

You’re not alone. A lot of families feel overwhelmed trying to juggle everything at once. But there’s a solution! With a family command center, you can organize your home and life so everyone knows what’s going on. But you also might be short on space too. Is there a solution that will work for you and your family?

Good news, there is. Not only can you set up a command center in a cabinet but it will make a huge difference in your daily lives. With just a few steps you can set up a family hub that may be small but will surely be mighty in giving you the help you have been looking for. Plus, we’ve got some great ideas for decorating and organizing your center so it fits your unique style.

Why do I need a family command center?

In today’s world, there is so much going on. Practices, games, Doctor appointments, work commitments, social events, the list is different for each member of our family. Having a central area that keeps these schedules organized and all in one place is not only helpful it is necessary.

Necessary in order to be on time with everything needed without running the risk of heading back home for something that was forgotten.

Spending time now to streamline this area in your kitchen will turn you from frustrated to efficient just like that.

How to set up a Command Center Cabinet

If you Google family command center you will be rewarded with pages and pages of beautiful images. Full walls in a kitchen or other area that hold organizers, bulletin boards, calendars and so much more.

It’s true these images are fun to look at but not everyone has the room to actually incorporate them into their own homes.

That is why I love to use cabinets for a family home hub. Not only is it convenient but it works just as well as those elaborate displays seen online.

Step #1. Decide on the purpose of your command center. 

It’s true that the main purpose of a command center is to keep schedules organized but it doesn’t have to stop there. You can have so much more and it all depends on what you would like to keep streamlined.

Below is a list of common areas in a command center, make a note of the area you would like to have in your own setup.

• Weekly Menu
• Birthdays and Anniversaries
• Bills to Pay
• Outgoing Mail
• School Papers
• Permission Slips
• Appointment Reminders

Keep this list handy as you go through the next few steps

Step #2. Choose a location for your command center. 

When choosing the cabinet for your command center take a look at what you have in your kitchen. Is there one that would work for your setup? Look up and down and consider including the counter as well. For years we had a command center set up this way and it works amazingly well. Do not be tempted to create a setup that is elaborate as this may be more confusing than helpful. Keep it simple to stick with so it works for you and your family.

Step #3. Assemble the necessary materials and supplies. 

This is where you can let your creativity flow a bit. When it comes to the parts of your command area you will want to incorporate any organizing tools that will keep things separate from other areas. For example, schedules can be kept on a clipboard or you can transfer them to a calendar. Family Dr appointments can be put on your calendar or they can be put onto a corkboard.

Look a the list you made in step #1 and next to each area write an organizer that you feel will work.

• Weekly Menu – sheet of paper on a clipboard, or a chalkboard.
• Birthdays and Anniversaries – a monthly printed list or a calendar.
• Bills to pay – a basket or file folder.
• Outgoing mail – a basket or file folder.
• School papers – drawer organizer.
• Permission slips – a cork board.
• Appointment reminders – a corkboard or wall calendar.

Step #4. Set up your command center cabinet according to your plan. 

Now that you have your plan mapped out you can start with your setup. Work on one area at a time and put it in a location that makes the most sense. Again, let’s refer to your list.

• Weekly Menu – on an easel on the kitchen counter.
• Birthdays and Anniversaries – on the inside of the cabinet door.
• Bills to pay – in a basket on a cabinet shelf.
• Outgoing mail – basket on the counter.
• School papers – hanging folders inside of cabinet door.
• Permission slips – on a corkboard on the counter.
• Appointment reminders – calendar on the cabinet door.

Work your way down the list setting up each area as you go.

Step #5. Maintain and use your command center regularly.

Each day, start by looking at the calendar in your cabinet. Use this to set up a plan for the day ahead. When you have a habit like this instilled into your morning routine you are better prepared for the day ahead and just like that you remove the chaos that has been filling your days.

You have now officially set up your command center cabinet and are one step closer to an organized home. Remember to maintain your command center regularly in order for it to be effective. We wish you the best of luck on your journey to a more organized life!