Most families have a lot going on, and things can get pretty busy. That’s why having a family command center can make such a difference.
It’s an easy way to keep track of calendars, to-do lists, and even the mail all in one spot. No more rushing around or wondering what’s next—you’ll have everything you need right where you can see it!
Whether you’ve got just a little nook or a whole wall to work with, there’s sure to be something in this list of the best family command center ideas to help your family stay on top of things without the stress.
What is a Family Command Center?
A family command center is the go-to spot in your house that keeps everything on track.
We’ve got a family command center set up on our kitchen wall, and it’s a total lifesaver—my family uses it every single day.
It’s where we keep track of everything: calendars, meal plans, chore charts, and all the stuff we need to stay organized.
It’s also the first stop to check what’s happening that day—homework deadlines, school dates, holidays, you name it. No more last-minute panic over forgotten dates!
What Do You Need To Set Up A Command Center?
To set up a family command center, you’ll need a few things to get started. These are some of the things I used in our family command center:
- Calendar: Make it easy to track everyone’s schedules and important dates in one place.
- Whiteboard or Chalkboard: Great for jotting down reminders, to-do lists, or quick notes.
- Baskets or Folders: A handy way to keep mail, paperwork, and school forms organized and easy to find.
- Meal Planning Space: Whether it’s a dry-erase board or a simple notepad, plan out your weekly meals here.
- Hooks or Cubbies: Perfect for hanging keys, backpacks, or other essentials you need to grab on the go.
- Central Location: Set it up in a high-traffic spot like the kitchen or entryway, so it’s always visible and easy to access.
25 Family Command Center Ideas to Control the Chaos
Getting your family organized can feel overwhelming, but a command center can make it much easier. Here are 25 creative and practical ideas to help keep everything in order!
1. Hallway Family Command Center
A hallway family command center is the perfect place to keep things organized without taking up a ton of space. This one has everything you need—dry-erase boards for quick notes, a wire basket to toss in the mail, a corkboard for pinning up reminders, and a clipboard for keeping track of those never-ending to-do lists.
2. Pegboard Family Command Center
A Pegboard Family Command Center is a flexible way to keep your family organized. With the pegboard setup, you can rearrange and customize it as your needs change!
3. Blackboard Family Command Center
A blackboard family command center is perfect for keeping your family organized. It’s great for jotting down quick reminders, daily plans, or even a little motivational note. Plus, it looks stylish and adds a nice touch to your space while helping everyone stay on track!
4. Minimalist Family Command Center
A minimalist command center is all about keeping things simple.
Put it in a centralized location so everyone can easily access it, and personalize it with a calendar to keep track of important dates, a pen holder for quick notes, and a dry-erase board for reminders that can be easily updated.
5. Color-Coded Family Command Center
Keeping your family on track is way easier with a color-coded command center. Grab a dry-erase calendar and give each family member their own color so everyone’s schedule is easy to spot.
Toss in some clipboards with printable schedules and jars of colorful pens or markers, and you’ve got a fun, simple setup that keeps things organized and looking great!
6. Inside Kitchen Cabinet Command Center
If you’re all about keeping things neat and out of sight, this family command center is for you. It’s hidden inside a kitchen cabinet, so you can stash important papers, calendars, and notes without adding any clutter to your counters.
7. Corner Wall Family Command Center
Make the most of every inch of wall space by turning an empty corner into a practical drop zone. With room for mail, notes, and keys, it’s a great way to keep everything organized without taking up too much room.
8. Front Door Family Control Center
Set up by the front door, this family command center makes it easy to keep things organized the moment you walk into the house. The whiteboards, calendars, and places for mail and papers keep everything organized. No more searching for important stuff—everything’s right there, ready to grab as you head out!
9. Mudroom Family Command Center
A mudroom family command center keeps things super simple and practical. It’s the perfect spot to quickly jot down grocery lists, track the family’s schedules, and manage all those daily tasks without feeling overwhelmed. Just think of it as your laid-back, organized space to keep the chaos in check!
10. Magnetic Family Command Center
A magnetic family command center is perfect for keeping things organized without the mess. I love that all you have to do is stick your papers, notes, and reminders right onto a sleek magnetic board, and everything you need is right there when you need it. Plus, it’s stylish enough to fit into your kitchen or office without looking cluttered.
11. Small Nook Family Command Center
Even the tiniest nook can be turned into a super-functional family command center! This idea transforms a small space into a powerhouse of organization with a calendar, mail slots, and a chalkboard for notes.
12. Kitchen Wall Command Center
A family command center on your kitchen wall is the perfect way to keep things organized. With spaces for meal plans, calendars, and mail, everything stays in one spot and out of the way. Your kitchen will feel more organized and functional, making your daily routine so much smoother!
13. Side of Refrigerator Family Command Center
The side of your fridge is prime real estate for an organized family command center! With magnetic boards, hooks, and space for meal plans, it keeps everything you need right at your fingertips while saving counter space. Perfect for staying organized without the mess.
14. Totally Digital Family Command Center
For tech-savvy families, a digital command center is a total game-changer. Everything’s online, from shared calendars to digital to-do lists, so the whole family can stay connected and organized without the mess of paperwork. It’s an easy, modern way to keep life running smoothly!
15. Electronic Calendar Family Command Center
An electronic calendar family command center is perfect for families who like to keep things simple and digital. With a shared online calendar, everyone can stay on top of schedules, appointments, and events in real-time—so there’s no more forgetting those important dates!
16. Clipboard Family Command Center
Clipboards are a fun and easy way to stay organized without much effort. Hang them up to keep track of schedules, reminders, and papers that usually get lost in the shuffle. The best part? You can swap things out quickly as plans change, making this a great option for busy families trying to keep it together!
17. Meal Planning Family Command Center
Meal planning just got a whole lot easier! This family command center is a game-changer for keeping grocery lists, meal plans, and recipes all in one handy spot. No more dinnertime chaos—you’ll have everything you need right in front of you, making meal prep a breeze!
18. Art and Homework Command Center
This family command center is a total win. It gives kids a space for their art projects and homework all in one spot, so supplies stay organized and easy to find. It’s a great way to encourage both creativity and focus without the mess!
19. Dollar Store Back to School Control Center
Who says you need to spend a lot to get organized? This dollar store family command center is proof that you can create an awesome back-to-school setup on a budget. With a few simple items, you can keep track of schedules, school papers, and everything else in one neat spot—without breaking the bank!
20. Refrigerator Wall Command Center
Put that empty wall by the fridge to good use! This family command center keeps your to-do lists, calendars, and notes in one place—right where everyone passes by. It’s a simple, effective way to stay on top of things without cluttering up the rest of the house.
21. Cabinet Door Command Center
No extra space? No worries! You can use the inside of a cabinet door to keep meal plans, papers, and to-do lists neatly tucked away. Everything stays out of sight but is easy to grab when you need it. It’s one of the best family command center ideas for smaller kitchens or offices and keeps you organized without adding any clutter!
22. Freestanding Cabinet Command Center
If you’ve got a cabinet you aren’t using, why not turn it into your family’s organization station? Use it to keep keys, papers, and pens. The best part? You can just close the doors to hide the clutter when the company comes over.
23. Back Door/Garage Door Command Center
Never lose your keys again with this family command center set up right by the back or garage door. With hooks, shelves, and a board for notes, it’s the perfect spot to grab what you need as you’re heading out the door.
24. Simple Kitchen Command Center
Keeping it simple is one of the best family command center ideas. This simple kitchen family command center idea has got all you need—a calendar and mail organizer, all in one place—right in the heart of your home. It blends right into your kitchen decor, so there’s no extra clutter and no more missed appointments.
25. Kitchen Counter Command Center
Put that extra counter space to work by turning it into a family command center. It’s a perfect spot to keep meal plans, paperwork, and those never-ending to-do lists in one easy-to-reach spot.
Free printables to Use in Your Family Command Center
Free printables are a simple way to keep your family command center organized. Here are a few that go with any of the family command center ideas:
- Weekly Cleaning Schedule: Break down chores for each day to stay on top of the housework. Get it for free here to use at home.
- Hourly Schedule Template: Perfect for managing busy days, this helps everyone stay on time and focused. Download your own free copy here.
- Checklist Template: Ideal for meal planning, grocery lists, or to-dos, this versatile checklist keeps things in check. Grab a freebie for yourself here.
These printables make it easier to manage the daily hustle and keep your household running smoothly!
FAQs
What do you need to start a family command center?
You’ll need a few basics to get started with these family command center ideas: a calendar for scheduling, a board for notes and reminders, folders or baskets for mail and paperwork, and hooks for things like keys and backpacks.
Where is the best place to put a family command center?
The best spot is somewhere central where everyone passes through daily—like the kitchen, entryway, or mudroom. It should be easy to see and use so the whole family stays in the loop!
Final Thoughts
Family life can get hectic, but having a family command center can make a huge difference in keeping things on track.
Whether you’ve got a bit of counter space, a spot on the fridge, or a corner of the kitchen, you can make it work for your family.
It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple place to keep up with schedules, meal plans, and that never-ending stack of papers.
Give one of these command center ideas a try, and you’ll feel more organized and less stressed in no time!
