10 Easy Steps to Creating a Family Command Center
Communication is the most important tool in any relationship. We can inform, solve, connect, and interact with others through communication. It’s a crucial element for good interpersonal relationships and for maintaining a good environment at home and in other areas of our lives.
When we think of effective communication, we immediately think of technology. Technology is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate faster and over long distances with ease. But, it can also keep us apart from those who are close by because it just feels easier to send a quick text or message. Sometimes we are so connected to our mobile devices or TVs that it feels we are living in our own bubbles! Even if we are in the same family space. This is why it’s so important to create spaces at home that allows us to maintain and strengthen our family connections.
In comes, The Family Command Center! The Family Command Center is a creative solution for assertive communication with your family. It’s a space in your home where you can celebrate and share your ideas, common events, or projects. It’s a space specifically designed to provide information to each family member.
Here are 10 easy steps to creating a family command center:
1. Choose a common space
Choose a space that all the members of your family see every day or a space where you spend a lot of time. Example include the studio, the kitchen, the living room, or even the hallway - just make sure it has high foot traffic.
2. Identify important items
Make a list of the things you consider important for the family to include in this area. I like to put: Make a list of the things that you consider most important to place in this area, such as:
Keys
Mail
A calendar of important dates for everyone (holidays, birthdays, activities, etc.)
The food menu of the week
School assignments or permission slips
3. Make it visual
To make it an appealing space for everyone place family photos, colours, or family memories around the area. It will encourage more eyeballs to the family command center.
4. Use simple or light decor
While we don’t want to overdo it, light and simple decor is a great way to spruce up your family command center. I love using plants as a beautiful and natural touch to the space.
5. Get organizational supplies
Since there will be lots of paperwork and envelopes in this area, invest in a few supplies that can keep your papers organized and easy to find. Grab some lockers or pockets for the mail, maybe a few shelves for the books or magazines as well.
6. Hang a clock
I love including a clock in my family command center. It’s a good way to measure time and help families stay on track. It’s also a great tool for younger kids to get involved and tell time.
7. Include writing supplies
The family command center will be a place where family members might want to leave notes or jot something down for everyone so make sure you keep markers, whiteboards, pens, paper, and post-it notes. This will encourage folks to come in and use the station.
8. Print out activity schedules
Since this is a family command center, you’ll want to have an area that has family schedules printed. This way everyone can keep track of where people need to go and prevent conflicting activities
9. Save space for grocery lists and shopping days
Having your grocery list and shopping days in the family command center makes it easy for anyone to add what they need to the list. It prevents things from being forgotten. For older kids, this is a perfect way to get them involved and get them excited about cooking and meal planning.
10. Schedule cleaning days and chores
Using the command center to keep a centralized cleaning schedule and chores list can help keep the family on track and better rotate the chores to everyone. By giving everyone a specific job for the week, you’ll be able to distribute the work and make it easy to have a clean and organized home.
Now that you know how to create a family command center, what are the benefits of having a common space?
1. All the information that the family needs to know is in one place.
2. Allows for organization and planning.
3. Generates effective communication in a space where everyone interacts.
4. Unites the family when building the space so everyone can contribute with ideas to design a harmonious atmosphere at home.
Keep in mind, that every family command center will look different depending on your needs but the benefits are similar. It will help keep your household activities organized with clear communication.
So what’s next? Are you ready to build your very own command center? If you’re looking for that professional touch, we are happy to help. Send us a quick message for a complimentary consultation today! Now that you know about it, do you want to create your family command center? We can help you!
Melanie McConnell is a Professional Organizer and the owner of Mello Spaces. She helps busy professionals and parents get the organized home of their dreams. Check out her website www.mellospaces.com and follow her on Instagram: @mellospaces
Florena Davies is a Professional Organizer and Owner of Organize by Flo. She uses her experience as a wife and mother of 2 to create real life organizational systems and changes for work and home that allow our 2 worlds to co-exist and 'Flo" together. Check out her website at https://www.organizebyflo.com/ and on instagram @organizebyflo.
Marybeth Welty helps women create calm and healthy homes and lives. With over 12 years of experience in organizing, interior design, sustainable building, and mindful living, Marybeth is passionate about improving your mental health, your work, your relationships, and supporting the life of your dreams by starting with where you live, your home. You can book a free meeting with her at https://sustainablelifestylesolutions.com/20-min-free and connect with her on Instagram at @this_sustainable_lifestyle.