Create The Perfect Small Space Family Command Center!

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Here’s exactly how to create a small space family command center in your home that won’t take up a ton of space but will still control clutter and keep you organized!

Hi friends,

Creating a family command center is a smart move for any busy busy family out there! Let’s face it, what family isn’t busy?

When school starts up there are a million and one important dates to remember, doctor appointments to keep up with and papers to sign. It’s easy to get lost in the sauce if you’re not being organized with it all.

One way to not only keep you on track but the entire family on the same page? A family command center! A common misconception is that this need to be a grand, giant thing. I say, no way! There are plenty of ways to create a small space family command center that is equally as helpful!

So, if you’re short on space or simply don’t want a giant family commend center, I’m here to show you exactly how this can be done!

Creating the perfect small space family command center

1. Where to put a family command center

Okay, so since we’re working with limited space here we need to be smart!

Typically, a family command center should be in an area with high traffic. Somewhere like the kitchen, an entry hallway or a wall by the door are all great places. Anywhere that is centrally located that your family passes by regularly is a fantastic option!

Look around your home and try to find any free wall space. We don’t even need an entire wall. Thinking about vertical wall space will be most helpful when trying to keep this small.

2. What do you need in a family command center?

There are tons of different things you can put in a command center!

Since we’re talking about creating on in a small space though, you’ll need to be a little bit picky. Figure out and decide on what’s important for your family!

Any family command center, no matter the size, needs at least a few key, basic things. Let’s go over them!

3. The calendar

A good calendar is arguably the most important part of a family command center!

If you’re going to invest in anything to create this space, let it be this! A good calendar can and will make all the difference. Personally, I always suggest looking into custom calendars!

In my home, we have a custom calendar and it’s the best thing ever! Hands down my best purchase for staying organized out of all of the containers and other items I’ve bought to organize our home. We were able to tell them exactly what we needed for our family. I added a “reminders” list, a shopping list and a to-do list to ours!

A popular and good option is to go for an acrylic calendar! These are the best in my opinion and are what we personally have in my home. Since we’re trying to save on space, I also suggest looking at vertical calendars rather than horizontal ones.

This is the exact acrylic wall calendar we have! It’s from Etsy. We simply reached out to the shop owner and let them know what we wanted on the three sections at the bottom to say and they happily did it for us!

4. Paper organizers

This is a must have for any command center!

When talking about a small space family command center, there are many things you may forgo – don’t let this be one of them!

Having a place to hold and sort papers of all kinds is extremely crucial. You definitely don’t want to misplace that school field trip permission slip or any other important papers!

Consider having at least two paper organizers! One should be for school related papers. This one will hold any notices about upcoming classroom party supply lists, spirit week info, permission slips, etc.

The other one should hold work or home related papers. This one will store papers such as forms you need to fill out, time sensitive papers, invoices, home or apartment notices, etc.

5 Pockets Mesh Hanging Wall File

Something like this is perfect! It’s compact and has multiple sections. With a file organizer like this you could even dedicate one section for each child’s school paperworks!

5. Add a mail holder

This is another item I really don’t think you should forgo when creating your family command center!

Since your family command center will be in a centrally located area anyway, it just makes sense to add a mail holder to this area!

If you’re still leaving your mail in a small stack somewhere on the kitchen counter, it’s time to get organized! Leaving mail in a pile only creates a situation where important letters are forgotten about and junk mail quickly accumulates.

Adding a mail holder to your command center is a perfect way to make sure you see it everyday and don’t forget about it. Since a mail holder will only hold so much it also keeps you accountable for sorting through your mail!

Key and Mail Holder

I absolutely love this mail holder for several reasons! One, it includes small hooks for keys and lanyards. Two, it has a mini chalkboard for little sweet messages or reminders. Lastly, it has a little cubby area that’s perfect for dads wallet, watches or post-its!

6. Have plenty of hooks

Next, another must-have even in a small space family command center are hooks!

If you don’t get a mail holder with mini hooks, make sure you add a few small hooks for keys and such. You should include a couple heavy duty hooks for purses, leashes or even backpacks.

If you’re really tight on space or simply don’t want to keep larger items like purses and backpacks in this area that’s totally okay too!

We have a ton of other great ideas on ways to store the kids backpacks pretty much anywhere in your home! Be sure to check out this post to find the perfect solution!

7. Kid’s to-do checklist

Lastly, if you can find the space I highly encourage you to add a checklist for your kids to this area as well.

Checklists are great for just about everyone, adults and children alike! During busy school mornings it’s easy for kids to get distracted but checklists help keep them on track.

Plus, this is a great way to get them involved in this space as well! The whole point of a family command center is to have everyone in the family on the same page after all. If you include a reason for the kids to check that area they’ll be more likely to pay attention to the other important things around it too.

We have a free printable you are totally welcome to download and print off for your kiddo! We made it 100% customizable (colors, tasks – everything) so that it can exactly fit your child and their needs. Check it out here!

Small Space Family Command Center Ideas

Okay, so you know what you want to include in your command center and the all ideas are running through your head. Now, grab some quick inspiration on how you want to your family command center layout to look! Here a few great ideas you can totally recreate in your own home!

1.

Jennifer Maker is top notch when it comes to organizing and DIYing. I’m absolutely loving her command center set up! I especially appreciate the mini shelf she included – such a great idea!

2.

This is a slim, low profile, no nonsense kind of command center! They kept it very basic! Using wall mounted jar holders is a genius idea to store pens and markers for your calendar or whiteboard!

3.

How cute and cozy is this little family command center? Decorating your center doesn’t have to be anything fancy. A simple “home” or “family” sign can make all the difference! I also appreciate the idea of using a cute mounted rod with s-hooks. The buckets are a cool idea too!

4.

If I had to pick my favorite small space command center inspiration it would be this one! I mean, this has everything! Not only does it have a main calendar but also individual clipboards for both mom and dad. They can keep their own daily or weekly schedule that’s just for them.

It also has a small space for kids which is great for routine checklists or reward charts!

5.

Looking to decorate your family command center? When talking about a small space, less is definitely more! I really like these simple decoration ideas. A clock, a cute last name letter and a small statement piece is just enough to make the space look complete.