Family Command Center Setup + 13 Examples To Inspire You
A family command center keeps shared dates, reminders, and everyday items in one place. It can be as small as a section of the fridge or a few hooks by the door.
I like having a place to check what we need before leaving home.
When my daughter started kindergarten, a simple setup helped me keep school information and our plans together.
So What Is A Family Command Center?
Choose the practical items and information your family regularly needs.
A shared calendar or message space can hold appointments, school events, birthdays, and reminders.
Nearby storage for bags, shoes, and keys gives those things a consistent place to return to.
A folder or tray can hold permission slips, mail, and other papers that need attention. Check it regularly so it remains useful.
How To Set Up A Family Command Center
Our first setup used magnets and Command hooks on the side of the refrigerator.
It took little space and used supplies we could easily get.
Choose from these elements according to what your family needs:
- Backpack hooks
- Clock
- Calendar
- A place to put important papers, such as school lunch menus, schedules, tickets for upcoming events, etc. A bulletin board or a clipboard mounted to the wall work well for this.
- A place to hang jackets if there's not a coat closet nearby
- A place to stow other outdoor gear such as hats, mittens, and umbrellas, so that they can be easily found when needed.
- Key hooks
- A shelf where items that need to be returned somewhere (such as outgoing mail or library books) and that can also be used as a place to quickly sign permission slips, checks, etc.
- A place to keep a couple pens, postage stamps, and cash at the ready in case they're urgently needed. For example, if you forget to tip a delivery person, or when kids need to bring cash to school for trips, lunch money, etc on a short notice, it's good to have some cash right there.
- Having a place to store your own bag/briefcase is good, too.
- A place to charge phones
Backpack hooks
Place hooks where the people using them can reach their bags and outdoor clothes.
Clock
A visible clock makes it easy to check the time before heading out.
Calendar
Choose a calendar with enough writing room for the dates you need to share.
Key hooks
Bulletin board
Paper Organization
All-In-One Command Center Solutions
If you prefer a ready-made arrangement, compare the pieces it includes with your own list.
These combined setups show a few ways to keep the essentials together without planning every component separately.
