A Quick and Easy Family Command Center
We’re sharing a quick and easy family command center idea today!
Each week, I grab a steaming cup of coffee, spread my favorite markers out on the kitchen table, and open my calendar with near giddy anticipation.
If you fancy yourself a planner too, you get it.
I know you do.
The thing is, not everyone in my household likes to calendar with me on Sunday afternoons.
They all love to be informed though.
A Communication Dilemma with a Simple Solution…
Over the years we’ve tried countless times to keep an electronic family calendar.
But it never really stuck.
One reason is because half of us still keep a paper calendar and the other half keep an electronic one.
Another reason is that a calendar is only as organized as the people who manage it.
So, after many, many attempts, we’ve finally settled on a quick and easy family command center that’s just about as analog as it gets.
Dry erase magnetic calendars for monthly activities and a weekly menu, as well as, 2 shopping lists we hang on the side of the refrigerator.
We’ve used this system successfully for YEARS now and I can’t tell you what a big difference it makes in our daily lives.
Here’s a look at the pros, cons and our experience using a quick and easy family command center…
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Our Command Center Essentials:
- Monthly Calendar and List Set (we use the calendar for events and the shopping list for Amazon orders, additional colors available)
- Weekly Calendar and List Set (we use this set for dinner menu ideas and our grocery shopping list)
- List Set (great for to-do lists, chore lists and for maintaining multiple shopping lists at once)
- Chore Chart (an easy way to keep the littles involved, additional designs also available)
- Magnetic Marker Cup (a recent add we love and it comes in additional colors too)
Quick and Easy Family Command Center Pros:
- Simple to change and update as needed
- No log in required
- Family members can see calendar, menus and lists at any time
- Helps mitigate surprises
- Allows family members know what to expect
- Shows you what your priorities are each month
- Indicates a clear picture of how you’re spending your time each month.
- Allows for more intentional planning and rest days.
- This idea can be set up in an entry area, mudroom, office or in the kitchen via a magnetized space like a refrigerator for easy access
Quick and Easy Family Command Center Cons:
- Requires regular updating
- Requires additional communication and participation from family members who might be resistant or do not always know their schedule in advance.
- Creating a family command center on the side of the refrigerator might not be an option for all cabinet or refrigerator styles
Breaking Through Resistance…
I’ll be honest when we first started using magnetic lists and calendars to create a quick and easy family command center, it did not go over well.
These are the things I heard on a regular basis:
- We don’t need this.
- We don’t have time for this.
- No one does this kind of stuff anymore.
- This is going to make the side of the refrigerator look cluttered. I hate clutter.
- Why can’t you just embrace modern technology and use an electronic calendar?
- How am I supposed to remember these color codes?
Seriously, I could go on.
It was like the time I organized the pantry and the refrigerator with baskets…so.much.resistance.
So, I didn’t push it.
I simply filled in the days without much fanfare or pressure.
Until one day, I realized it was working.
My pod started going to the quick and easy family command center to find out what was on the menu for dinner, adding plans for the weekend, including special work events, and utilizing the shopping lists for convenience.
The days of, “Why are we out of protein powder already,” or “What’s for dinner?” or “What time does the birthday party start again?” are all but over now and it feels amazing.
While there is no such thing as a perfect system, I do believe it’s possible to find an organizational tool that can work for you and your family no matter what season of life you’re in right now.
So, keep tweaking, refining, searching and exploring until you find something that makes your life easier or better.
Because an organized life is a beautiful life!
Additional Ideas to Help Keep You Organized:
Easy to Make DIY Dry Erase Board
How to Easily Frame a Daily Task List
Many blessings,
CoCo
I love this! I wish I would have done this when the kids were at home. It would have really helped!
It really does help, Susan! I can’t tell you how many times throughout the day we look at this command center. I swear I’m always going to remember from one day to the next what we need but I never do. Thankfully, we have an easy system in place! Big hugs, CoCo PS: Currently listening to Peace in the Valley 🙂
I love this post! And the others you’ve linked here. I am a planner when it comes to social events–love them!–but I struggle with the day to day planning, like time blocking, etc. I have a general idea of what I want to get done, but it would be so much more effective to actually write it down. It’s such a simple thing, but at times it really is a struggle. The resistance! I shall not let it win! 😉
Thanks, CoCo. I love your posts! They are always so helpful.
Blessings to you,
LeAnne
Speak to my heart, LeAnne! I used to wake up in the morning feeling like a had a million things to do yet I would walk around like “What should I do today?” because I was so distracted with all the little things. Writing things down and making things easiy has made such a huge difference in our lives because as you know the resistence is real! Cheering you on sweet friend and hoping your summer season has been filled with all good things. Big hugs, CoCo
Such a great idea but I’m so unorganized that I’d never fill it out. Maybe my hubby will embrace this idea. Someone needs to. Lol.
You are so funny, Rachel! My baby sister would probably feel the same way. She keeps an electronic calendar and loves it. You are one of the most inspirational and creative people I know so keep doing whatever you’re doing – it’s working! Big hugs, CoCo
This is brilliant CoCo, and I love how you just sneaked it in! We had a similar system when my boys were at home, and everybody loved it. Thanks for the great ideas – even with just my husband and me at home now, it’s still great to have something like this. I’m inspired to go home and update!
What a great idea, especially for busy families! I am going to share this with my daughter to use to keep her family all organized as a new school year begins!
I really like how you were quietly able to implement your family command center. This was such a brilliant way to work around resistance. I still love using paper calendars and planners, so I especially appreciate your system!