We’ve been extra busy helping families start their New Year organized (15 consultations just last month). The thing keeping us sane is the same thing we recommend for all of our clients with full schedules—a command center.
What is a command center?
A command center is a dedicated space in your home for managing everything that comes in and out. Most importantly, it’s a place where your whole family can check the schedule and communicate about important events.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, missing appointments, or tired of keeping everyone’s schedules and to-do lists straight in your head, it’s time for a command center.
How do you create a command center?
We recommend you dedicate at least 6 square feet of wall space to your command center. You’ll need space for incoming papers, a calendar, and notes. To get the most out of your command center, you might include hooks for keys, a charging station for family devices, and wall pockets for each family member.
Below, we’ve pulled together our favorite products for designing command centers this year.
*Note: some of the links below may be affiliate links! We only recommend products we love. When you purchase a product through our links we may receive compensation.
Command center must-haves
1. CALENDAR
Gold Framed Dry Erase Calendar Board, 14″ x 14″ | U Brands $ 16
This dry erase calendar is stylish, minimalist and won’t go out of date. The magnetic surface allows you to hang notes, invitations, and permission slips directly on the calendar.
2. MEMO BOARD
Trigon Magnetic Push-Pin Combo | The Container Store $39.99
We love that the flexibility of being able to use magnets and push pins with this memo board. Plus, it provides a great surface for attaching magnetic bins, shelves, and organizers.
3. DROP SPOT
Magnetic Acrylic Organizer | The Container Store $11.99
The key to not getting overrun by piles of clutter is having a place for items to live. Odds and ends will find their way into your home. This time, they’ll have a neatly organized place when they get there. Mix and match magnetic organizers to suit your family’s needs.
4. PENS & PENCILS
Gold Wire Magnetic Cup | U Brands $8
Keep a stash of dry erase markers, pens and pencils on hand for updating your calendar and signing permission slips. We love this gold version to coordinate with the wall calendar.
5. SPACE FOR THE KIDS
Three by Three Black Chunkie Magnetic Strips | The Container Store $7.99-$14.99
Kids bring home all sorts of things. From a favorite art piece, to homework for you to sign off on, give them space for the rotating collection of papers. Embellish with favorite family photos, birthday cards, or other seasonal items as wanted.
6. MAGNETS
Animal Head Magnet, Set of 4 | U Brands $7.50
Go ahead and simplify your year with style! Strong, stylish magnets elevate your space and make sure you can hang up every important paper your family brings home.
Now that you know our favorite command center products for 2020, go ahead and download our new free guide to home organizing products! They’re our hand-picked favorites and have been tested with hundreds of clients.
