10 Things to Have in Your Family Command Center

Are you ready to set up a family hub in your home but are not sure what you need to have in it? No worries, today we are going to list them out so you can get busy setting one up today.

10 things to have in your family command center will give you a better idea of what you can streamline in one simple area of your home. I love having a command center in our own home.

Even though I am an empty nester this organizing hub allows me to stay organized throughout the day. If you are ready to join me let’s get started!

There is nothing quite as frustrating as spending precious time looking for something.

Does this sound familiar to you?

You need to leave for an appointment and the papers you need to bring with you are nowhere to be found. Even though you made sure to set them in a place so you would know right where they were.

The problem is that perfect place is now forgotten and you cannot for the life of you remember where you laid those papers down.

You start out annoyed and that annoyance quickly turns to panic as the clock keeps ticking.

Finally, you leave without them angry at yourself and at the same time, promising to come up with a solution that will keep this from happening ever again.

This little story would be a comical one if it wasn’t so common in many busy women’s lives. I have played this scenario out many times myself until I finally set up a family command center in my own home.

Crazy to think that one small and simple setup can eliminate one of life’s biggest headaches, but it can.

If you have not yet set up a family command center in your home, today’s list is going to make it so easy you will be able to get one put together so you can start to use it today.

10 Things to Have in Your Family Command Center

Family command centers come in all shapes and sizes. Before you start setting one up in your home, let’s first talk about what they are.

What is a family command center?

A family command center, also known as a family hub, is a central area in your home where important information is housed. From schedules to receipts, shopping lists, and appointment reminders. What you choose to keep in your hub all depends on you, your family, and your season of life.

Where should you have a family command center?

Location all depends on the layout of your home and your top traffic areas. Your goal is to make a family command center that the entire family can use. And in order to do that, you will want to put it where everyone will see it several times throughout the day.

That is where the magic happens. The more your family sees your command center the more they will be reminded to use it and this also teaches everyone in your family what it means to be organized.

If you have ever had a family that is messy this is one way to get them on the path to being neater.

One big tip before we start, color coding is a huge part of your family all being able to use a setup. By assigning a color to each member of your family, yes even you, it will be much easier for everyone to ignore the other messages and only see the ones meant for them.

Things to color code in a command center.

• Name tags on baskets
• Entries on a calendar
• Sticky notes
• Names on a schedule

#1. A Calendar

If you only include one element in your command center, then a calendar is a must-have. Not only will you know what is happening each day but you will also be better prepared for any upcoming events.

I suggest using a large monthly calendar with a full year behind the current page. This will put the focus on the month you are in while still giving access to a full year.

If you prefer you can instead use a dry-erase calendar in your family hub.

No matter which style of calendar you chose, I suggest using different colored pens for each family member so it is easier for everyone to see who needs to be where and when.

#2. Schedules

This is especially important if you have a changing work schedule, young kids with activities, or family members that play sports.

The way to include schedules is up to you. Here are a few ideas.

• A bulletin board square, one for each family member. Color code their name to help them see it more easily.
• A hanging basket to hold all the papers for each family member.
• Draw a grid on a large dry-erase board with a section for each family member. Use a magnetic clip to hold their schedule in their square.

#3. Notes

Reminders are an essential part of managing a family but even more important is being sure that everyone is aware when there is a note meant specifically for them.

You can make this easy by using color-coded sticky notes. when you have a note written you can put them on the family member’s own bulletin board square, their own small whiteboard, or a chalkboard.

If your family is particularly busy you may want to hang smaller whiteboards for each family member so notes do not get lost or missed.

#4. Shopping

Another important part of a family hub is giving everyone access to the grocery list. Having everyone contribute when they see something is needed will help you to keep your runs to the store minimal.

You can use a shopping list on a bulletin board, a list on a counter, or even an Echo Dot to audibly record what is needed.

#5. Files

Another great tool to have is a hanging wall file. This works great to hold take-out menus, incoming mail, coupons for shopping, papers that need to be filed, or even your household budget.

#6. Hooks

A few hooks will go a long way to keeping small items from getting lost. You can hang car keys, house keys, sunglasses, a dog leash, or even your purse. Stop by your hub before heading out and find everything you need in a few quick seconds.

#7. Charging Station

Having a multi-purpose charging station in your family hub will be incredibly convenient. Get into the habit of charging frequently used items so they are always ready to go when you need them.

#8. Supply Cubby

Be sure all the tools you need are close by having a cubby in your command center. You can get an all-in-one organizer to hold pens, pencils, scissors, paper clips, and tape.

You can also use a small pretty box to hold everything as well. A neater way to keep supplies close without cluttering up an area.

#9. Incoming Mail

Have a basket to toss in daily mail so you never lose an important letter again. Be sure to go through this basket weekly so things get dealt with in a timely manner.

#10. Outgoing mail

Another helpful part is having mail supplies in one container so you know where everything is when you need to mail something.

A small basket is great for holding stamps, return address labels, an address book, birthday and anniversary cards, and a calendar of dates to remember.

#11. Binder

Finally, a binder is a great item that you can use to hold all the things you need to run your home. This is called a home management binder and you can use it for storing information that you may need at a moment’s notice.

Be sure to purchase a binder that is durable because it is going to get a lot of use. Also, aim for one that is 1 1/2″ or larger so you know you will have plenty of room to add in more as you need to.

What to keep in a home management binder

• Addresses
• Phone numbers
• Utility information
• Appliance Information
• Vehicle Information
• Babysitting Info
• Important dates to remember
• School info
• Pet info

The purpose of a family command center is to set up an area where you can keep important things safe without running the risk of anything getting misplaced, forgotten, or lost.

I hope you found this list helpful. You can use just a few of the things to have in your family command center or incorporate them all.

Whatever you do be sure to make this a stopping point several times throughout the day so you are using it in a way that will keep you organized and less frustrated starting today.