Photo: Laurey Glenn Southern Living
Spend an afternoon creating a family command center — perfect for fall and winter when activities and paperwork increase.
Between coupons, sports schedules, party invitations, holiday to-do lists and school calendars, busy family life generates a lot of paper and information. Having a designated spot where everything belongs makes it far easier to stay on top of commitments and deadlines.
A command center is a daily-use hub, so make it both functional and visually inviting. Include sections for mail, calendars, to-do lists, permission slips, and a place for keys and backpacks. Use clear labeling, wall pockets, a bulletin board or a magnetic strip to keep items visible and accessible. A small shelf or tray for frequently used items and a hook for backpacks or jackets helps keep clutter off counters.
Design the space to suit your family’s routine: place the calendar at eye level, keep school paperwork in a folder for each child, and reserve a slot for incoming mail that requires action. Consider adding a chalkboard or whiteboard for quick messages, a pocket for coupons, and a small basket for receipts. The goal is to reduce stress by making information and tasks easy to find and act on.
Choose materials and colors that blend with your home décor so the command center feels like part of the room rather than an eyesore. Use attractive containers and simple frames for photos or inspirational notes to keep the area pleasant and motivating. When the system is both useful and appealing, everyone in the household is more likely to use it consistently.
Instructions can be found at Southern Living.