The new year is always a good time for fresh starts and fresh spaces, so how about creating a "family command center" that will help to keep your family organized in 2017. Everyone's space will look a little different because every family and household has their own individual needs? Remember to make it "your" spot and just use these ideas to get you started! Finding the right placement in your home is important. Make it a zone everyone passes through whether it be a corner in your kitchen like mine, a centrally located home office or hallway nook.
Keep this area from becoming just an unloading zone for backpacks, newspapers and art projects. Let your family know what items are going to be "housed" in this location. Mail, school papers that need immediate attention, bills, sports schedules, receipts, medical records, etc. may all be examples of "family paperwork" that can be dropped off or found in your command center. I also like to keep items like a phone charger, small tools, matches, extension cords, scissors, writing utensils and so on in this spot so everyone has easy access to these items that are commonly being looked for.
Below I've created 2 lists that may come in handy when setting up your spot. Here's to a more organized, efficiently run household in 2017!
A family command center is a prime location for: - Family calendar - Dinner menu or school lunch calendar - Home for keys, phone, wallets - Daily notes - Inbox/outbox for mail, papers to be signed and returned - Chore/task list - Items needed shopping list
Items that could help you organize your spot: - Baskets and crates - Wall pockets - Clipboards - Phone charger - Cork board, whiteboard, magnetic board - Clock - Picture frames - Wall hooks - File boxes