Simplify Your Life: Create a command center to keep life organized

Whether you’re single, live with roommates or live with your family, a command center is a terrific way to organize your life. Here are some strategies to set you on the right path.

1. Select a high traffic area

Ideally, your command center should be in a high-traffic area where it’s easy for you and others to see and access. An entryway, mudroom or even your kitchen would be a perfect place. If space permits, room for a shelf is a great addition. But if your space is limited, no worries. A wall, hooks and a basket are all you need. We’ve even helped clients add a center to the side of a refrigerator with magnetic pieces. In addition, since the command center will be in a high-traffic spot, you’ll be more likely to keep it organized.

2. It starts with a calendar

Whether it’s a digital calendar that you print, or a large dry erase calendar, the key is to have one that is easy to read. It should include all appointments, social events, etc. for everyone that lives in the home. One way to make it easy to keep track of everyone is to color code by person. It’s easy and can be done both digitally and with colored dry erase markers. Do you want a weekly or month at a view calendar? Choose what works best for your family. This helps with planning and knowing where everyone is or needs to be.

More Simplify Your Life:5 ways to keep your home organized and peaceful

Wine and Dine:Brewster Inn in Cazenovia offers plenty of summertime luxury and great views

3. Add a communication board

An important part of the command center is a communication board. It could be as simple as a notebook and pen, a chalk or magnetic board, corkboard or a dry erase board. Its purpose is to communicate with family members. It’s great for leaving reminders too. For example: “Don’t forget your glasses” or dinner is later tonight as I have a meeting after work. Yes, you can send these messages by text, but sometimes it’s easier to write it quickly on the board. Another good idea is to add a meal plan for the week, so everyone knows what’s for dinner. Finally, add a shopping list so everyone can add items that they need.

4. Add a clock

Add a small decorative clock or make a statement with a large one. The key is being able to see the time when you are using your command center. One client even had two clocks. One with a different time zone where her son went to school.

5. Add baskets and hooks

Baskets are great for corralling paper or receipts. Add an additional one to use as an area to sort incoming mail, junk from items that need to be paid or require some action to be taken. If your center is near an electrical outlet, have a basket to create a charging station for cell phones. Hooks are terrific for hanging a book bag, purse, keys or even the leash for your dog. Keep it simple and easy to use.

Setting up and creating a command center is a fun organizing project that will help save hours of time. Be creative and select styles and colors that you like. It only takes a few minutes a week to keep it updated and organized. Give it a try.

Look for more tips from Deb in the Observer-Dispatch every Sunday and on her websites decluttercoachdeb.com and dceffconsult.com. You can follow her on social media and watch her TV show Organization Motivation! organizationmotivation.com.