I’ve got a tiny spot that I have been working on as a command center. It is already the landing spot for all things mail, kids art, papers to sign, etc. I’d like to think that it’s already acting as a command center – it just needs some organizing. It is a heavily trafficked area from the mudroom into the kitchen and from the hallway or living room into the kitchen. It’s also become a mini office for us too. I’m not quite sure if I’ll make it an official command center or an official mini office or organize the area better for a combination of both. I may even consider moving both ideas to other areas if I could come up with something but for now, that little area is operating as both unofficial tiny office/command center.
Because I am in the process of organizing our small area, I thought it would be fun to peek at how others create their own. I’ve gathered a few from around the web that do not look crowded. This round-up is mainly for ideas and inspiration. Each one will look different in each home based upon the operation of each family. Though each of these little areas look differently, they all have a few basic items in common.
- Paper holders – So many forms of paper come through homes on the daily (mail, magazines, coupons, school papers, etc). Having something to contain them will help keep the area organized.
- Clear Labeling – Labels give direction as to “what goes where” and keep things organized nicely. This will (at least in theory) keep the “junk” piles at bay.
- A Calendar – Calendars help to keep up with events, appointments, special dates, etc. Chalkboard calendars are becoming popular due to the fact that you can easily erase and rewrite on them. A large enough chalkboard may even be able to provide extra room for writing menus.
- Bins or baskets – These are great for holding small items such as keys, phones, random little gadgets, etc.
Like me, you may already have an unofficial spot as a command center that may simply need a bit of organizing to make it more functional. Here are some inspirational ideas that I’ve gathered from around the web. Check them out and customize them to suit your family’s needs. Don’t try to make an exact copy because it may not be a good fit for the operations of your home.
10 Organized Command Centers
Giant Command Center – Beneath My Heart
Hallway Family Command Center – Our House Now a Home
Command Centeral Station – The Happy Housie
DIY Family Command Center – Mom on Timeout
Organization Basics – BHG
Kitchen Command Center – Domestic Imperfection
Updated Family Command Center – Hi Sugarplum
Command Center – Jen Wood House
Budget Friendly Family Command Center – Simple As That Blog
Organization Family Command Center – See Vanessa Craft
Do you have a spot like this at your home that happens to be the ‘main home operating’ center or are you in the process of getting yours organized?
You have so many great ideas for creating an organized command center. I need to find a spot in my home for a small one. Now that we are empty-nesters, I don’t need a big command center, but I do need a small space. I’ll have to add it to my to-do list. Right now, I’m in the middle of turning my small laundry room into a mudroom/laundry room combo. Hopefully, it will keep us more organized when the grandkids spend the night.
These command centers don’t look complicated. Hope you find a tiny spot for a command center. Our laundry room/mudroom combo could use a little help, too.
We don’t have a designated command center but we do have two ends of our kitchen counter piled up far too high. It’s mostly junk mail which should be tossed before ever coming into the house. We have a home office so I have no idea why we don’t take the mail in there!
You have a nice spot to create a command center in your kitchen! Can’t wait to see how it comes out.
You have shared some really creative ideas here and I am inspired!
That little spot is a great little spot for a command center… problem is that it is kind of an office too. Trying to find the best idea to mesh the two.
You have collected some great inspiration for command centers here! It is nice to have a designated spot to organize things. Good luck creating yours. 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Thanks Lorelai… It is nice to have a designated spot for things to (at least) try to control the clutter.