Laundry Room Command Center
A Laundry Room Command Center might just be the perfect solution you didn’t know you needed. I’ve always been a fan of a good command center—they’re such a simple and effective way to keep everything running smoothly at home. But not everyone has the space in their kitchen or mudroom to set one up. That’s why I love the idea of using the laundry room. It’s often centrally located, especially if yours is on the main floor, making it a great spot to create a family hub.
If you haven’t put a command center together yet, I’m here to share some ideas that might inspire you to get started.
Life moves fast, no matter what stage you’re at, and having a system to keep your family’s daily routines and household tasks all in one place can make a world of difference.
What is a Family Command Center?
A family command center, sometimes called a home hub, is a dedicated spot in your home where you can quickly find important information. Think of it as the go-to place for things like the family calendar, upcoming events, sports schedules, takeout menus, and more.
These setups can be small and focused or larger and more detailed. That’s what makes them so handy. Since they’re completely customizable, they can work for families of any size and fit into just about any space.
Setting up a Laundry Room Command Center
Setting up a family command center is an awesome way to keep things organized. And what better spot than your laundry room? It’s often right in the heart of your home, making it an ideal location for a command center.
Step #1: Decide What to Include
Before you start setting up, think about what you want your command center to help with. What tasks or information does your family need easy access to? Once you know that, you can pick the tools and items to include. There’s no one-size-fits-all, so tailor it to your household and family.
Here are some great ideas to get you started:
- Dates: A large wall calendar to track everyone’s schedules
- Schedules: Clipboards for chore lists or activity plans
- Notes: A corkboard or dry-erase board for reminders
- Misc. Papers: A binder to keep important documents organized
- Budgeting: A portable file tote for bills and receipts
- Outgoing Mail: A wall basket to grab things on your way out
- Extras like keys, sunglasses, or leashes: A wall organizer to prevent any last-minute scrambling
Action Step: Start by jotting down a list of what areas you’d like your command center to handle. Then, gather the supplies you’ll need or repurpose items you already have around the house.
Step #2: Pick the Perfect Spot
The secret to a successful command center is choosing a location that’s easy to access. Laundry rooms are often in a central location, making them an ideal spot. You can use a bare wall, the back of a door, the inside of a cabinet, or even part of your countertop if there is space.
For wall setups, try using command hooks to hang clipboards or baskets for tossing in mail. If you’re working with a countertop, add a neat basket for mail, a couple of binders, and a small caddy for office supplies. Keeping things compact is the key to making your setup functional without feeling cluttered.
Action Step: Take a look at your laundry room and pinpoint the best space for your command center. Clean it off and remove anything you don’t need, so you’re ready to start setting up.
Step #3: Plan Your Layout
Now it’s time to pull everything together. A great command center starts with a family calendar, so be sure to pick one that’s big enough for everyone to use easily. Make the calendar your centerpiece and build the rest of your setup around it.
- Hang the calendar in the middle at a height that works for all family members.
- Use command hooks to hang clipboards for schedules, chore lists, and to-do lists.
- Add a small corkboard or dry-erase board for notes and reminders.
- If you’re using the countertop, stack binders to keep papers like meal plans, coupons, and bills in one place.
Action Step: Lay everything out before attaching it to the wall or setting it up on the counter. Move pieces around until you find a setup you are happy with. This step is all about experimenting until you get it just right.
Step #4: Make It Work for Your Family
Your command center doesn’t have to follow a one-size-fits-all design—it should be tailored to work for your family. Get creative and think about your household’s unique needs. For example, you can assign each family member a specific color for their schedules or folders and use color-coded sticky notes or labels to keep everything organized and easy to follow.
For younger kids, try using pictures instead of words so they can understand the system and get involved. At the same time, be sure to keep important papers stored out of reach of little hands.
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Action Step: Take a step back and view your setup from each family member’s perspective. Will it work for everyone? After a week or two, check in with your family and make any tweaks to improve the layout or functionality.
Step #5: Refresh It Regularly
Even the best command centers can get messy if you don’t update them. Set aside a little time at the start of each month to recharge your system. Change out old notes, update the calendar, and toss anything that’s no longer needed.
Here’s what this could look like at the beginning of every month:
- Put up a new calendar page and add events using color-coded pens.
- Replace old notes or shopping lists.
- Restock mail supplies and sharpen pencils.
- Declutter any junk mail or expired coupons.
Action Step: Mark your calendar (yes, the one in your new command center!) to remind yourself to dedicate 10–15 minutes each month for maintenance.
Step #6: Make It a Habit
The key to any system is using it consistently. Get in the habit of checking your command center daily. Take a few minutes on Sundays to go over the week’s schedule with your family, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Action Step: Start a weekly routine where the whole family reviews the schedule together. This doesn’t have to be formal! Spend 5–10 minutes chatting about activities, carpooling, or any prep work needed for the week ahead.
Step #7: Incorporate Laundry Room Essentials
Since your command center is in the laundry room, don’t forget to make the most of the space you’re working in! Add a section to outline the steps for washing, drying, or ironing clothes. This makes it easier for everyone in the family to pitch in.
Action Step: Write up a simple guide for laundry duties on a small dry-erase board. Include tips like checking pockets, separating colors, and folding clothes after drying.
Why a Laundry Room Command Center Works
A family command center can save you time, stress, and even money. By organizing papers, schedules, and routines in one spot, you can eliminate the last-minute chaos that comes with a busy household.
- Stop losing important papers or forgetting due dates.
- Pay bills on time and avoid unnecessary fees.
- Plan errands efficiently with checklists and reminders.
- Keep your home running like a well-oiled machine with everyone on the same page.
If you have wished you had room for a home hub and thought you were out of luck, I hope I was able to change your mind today. By setting up a laundry room command center you too can streamline the running of an efficient home.
