How To Stay Organized As A Mom

Where should your command center be?

Choose a central location in your home that everyone will pass through multiple times each day – maybe, your kitchen or dining room or main entry. Wherever you choose, make sure everyone knows where it’s at and what it’s used for. Don’t let it become a catch-all for anything and everything. Keep your command center organized and clutter-free.

What’s the purpose of a command center?

Really this is completely up to you. Here’s a list of things that command centers are commonly used for. Feel free to add to the list.

1. Shopping lists, receipts, and coupons – your command center is a great place to keep anything related to shopping so that you’ll know exactly where to look as you’re heading out the door.
2. Work/school/daycare paperwork – basically, any type of paperwork that you want to keep easily-accessible. Don’t forget to separate the things that need your attention – permission slips, etc.
3. Calendar for everyone’s activities – make or buy a calendar to use for everyone’s schedules – holidays, days off, meetings, practices, and play dates.
4. Chore lists – if your kids are old enough to help out around the house, this is a great place to keep their chore lists.
5. Somewhere to store backpacks, purses, and keys – you know, all of the things that come and go with us on a day-to-day basis.
6. Kids’ artwork – you could use a cork board to display your kids’ artwork and change it out periodically.

What will you need?

The answer to this question is determined by the purpose of your command center. Think about what you’re planning to use this space for and make a list based on that. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Table or bench
2. Cork/magnet/chalk boards
3. Calendar or planner
4. Pens and pencils
5. Hooks and/or baskets
6. Bins for paperwork

How do you put together your command center?

Sketch it out on a piece of paper. Keep in mind how much space you have to work with. Make sure that you have a clear plan before you pound in your first nail. Don’t forget to check out Pinterest to get some ideas as far as what you like and what you don’t. Remember that nothing is permanent. You can always switch things up as your lives change.

Do you have a command center in your home? Leave a comment and share what’s been working for you and what hasn’t been.

Written by: Cristi Wuenschel

Image Source: zoovroo