When life gets busy, keeping track of schedules, school papers, and daily to-dos can feel overwhelming. A family command center is the perfect solution to bring organization and efficiency into your home. By creating a dedicated space for calendars, reminders, and essential items, you can keep everything running smoothly and reduce daily stress. Key Considerations for Your Command Center 1. Functionality First Every home is different, but one common struggle is the kitchen counter becoming a catch-all for school papers, mail, and miscellaneous clutter. A command center provides a dedicated spot to streamline these items while also answering that daily question: “What’s for dinner?” An effective command center keeps everyone on the same page. Essential features might include: • A family calendar for tracking appointments and activities • A meal planning section to simplify grocery shopping and dinner prep • Baskets or file organizers for school papers and mail • A bulletin board or wall grid for reminders and upcoming events • Hooks for keys and bags to keep everything in one place 2 . Choosing the Right Features Once you’ve decided on the function of your command center, consider what elements will make it work best for your family. Depending on your space, you might add: • A large wall calendar (acrylic or dry-erase for easy updates) • A to-do list or daily schedule board • A shopping list to keep track of household needs • Clipboards for displaying kids’ artwork • Office supplies like pens, markers, and sticky notes 3. Finding the Perfect Location For your command center to be effective, it needs to be in a high-traffic area where everyone can easily access it. Common locations include: • The kitchen (if counter clutter is a challenge) • A hallway or mudroom (great for grab-and-go access) • The laundry room (ideal if space is limited) The best placement depends on where your family naturally gathers and how you move through your home each day. How to Set Up Your Command Center 1. Select the Right Spot Identify a central location where your family can quickly check schedules and grab necessities before heading out the door. If needed, refresh the space with a coat of paint or updated décor to make it feel inviting. 2. Hang a Large Calendar A calendar is the heart of a command center, providing a clear month-at-a-glance view of activities. Choose a size that fits your needs, whether it’s a wall-mounted acrylic board or a traditional paper planner. 3. Add Organizational Features Think about what would simplify daily life for your family. Some helpful additions include: ✅ File baskets for sorting school papers and mail ✅ Meal planning & grocery list section ✅ Bulletin board or wall grid for notes and invitations ✅ Hooks for keys, backpacks, or jackets ✅ Clipboards for rotating artwork or important documents 4. Incorporate Storage & Functionality If space allows, extra storage can enhance the effectiveness of your command center. Simple solutions include: • Wall-mounted organizers for paperwork • Shelves or cubbies for extra storage • Small bins for pens, chargers, and office supplies • A nearby bench or drop zone for shoes and bags 5. Add Personal Touches A command center should be both practical and visually appealing. Consider adding: • A family quote or framed artwork for inspiration • A rug to anchor the space • Greenery to brighten up the area Keeping Your Command Center Organized To keep your command center functional long-term, set aside time for weekly maintenance: ✔ Clear out outdated papers and expired notes ✔ Update the calendar at the beginning of each week ✔ Encourage kids to swap out their artwork regularly ✔ Tidy up storage baskets to prevent clutter buildup A well-maintained command center will help reduce stress, improve organization, and keep your household running smoothly. Enjoy Your Organized Space! With your new command center in place, daily life becomes easier and more efficient. No more scrambling to find schedules, important papers, or keys! By customizing your space to fit your needs, you create a system that supports your family’s routine and makes staying organized effortless. Need help setting up a functional and stylish command center in your home? A little design and organization expertise can transform any space into a practical hub for your family. Once you’ve completed your command center masterpiece, I would love to see it! Remember to take pictures and tag us on Facebook or Instagram @amazing.spaces.organizing
Transforming Chaos into Order: Amazing Spaces' Professional Organizing on News 15 In a world where chaos often reigns supreme, there's something truly remarkable about the power of organization. Whether it's decluttering a room or streamlining a move, the expertise of professional organizers can turn overwhelming tasks into manageable projects. Recently, our team had the privilege of being featured on News 15s "Where in Acadiana is Al Hebert"! He and his crew got to experience what we do behind the scenes of an actual unpack and organizing job on moving day! Led by Renee Ory, Amazing Spaces specializes in transforming cluttered spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing havens. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for efficiency, Renee's team tackles every project with precision and care, ensuring that each client's unique needs are met with professionalism and expertise. During the segment on News 15, viewers were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at one of Amazing Spaces' most challenging endeavors yet: packing and unpacking a home for a move. As the cameras rolled, Renee and their team sprang into action, orchestrating a symphony of organization that left viewers in awe. The process began with meticulous packing, as the team carefully wrapped and boxed belongings, safeguarding each item for the journey ahead. But the true magic happened upon arrival at the new location, where Amazing Spaces' expertise truly shone. With precision and efficiency, Renee and their team embarked on the daunting task of unpacking and organizing. From kitchen utensils to family heirlooms, every item found its rightful place, creating a sense of order amidst the chaos of moving. But what truly sets Amazing Spaces apart is their commitment to personalized service. Unlike cookie-cutter solutions, Amazing Spaces and their team take the time to understand each client's unique preferences and lifestyle, crafting customized organizational systems that enhance functionality and beauty. As the segment drew to a close, viewers couldn't help but be inspired by the transformative power of organization. What had once been a daunting and overwhelming task had been effortlessly conquered by the expertise of Amazing Spaces, leaving behind a home that was not only organized but imbued with a sense of tranquility and harmony. In a world where chaos often reigns supreme, Amazing Spaces offers a beacon of hope, proving that with the right expertise and dedication, even the most disorganized spaces can be transformed into havens of order and beauty. So the next time you find yourself overwhelmed by clutter, remember the words of Renee and the team at Amazing Spaces: Live stress-free in your environment. You can see the segments here: News15-Unpack & Organize a Home
Planning a vacation is always an exciting adventure, but when it comes to packing, it can quickly become overwhelming—especially with kids in tow. Whether you’re gearing up for a quick weekend getaway or an extended holiday, having a well-thought-out packing strategy can make all the difference. As a professional organizer based in Lafayette, LA, I’m here to share my top tips for efficient and stress-free packing for both short and long vacations. Click the link for a list of items for easy and efficient packing for a summer vacation: CLICK TO DOWNLOAD LIST:--> Easy and Efficient Packing for Vacation Short Vacations: Keep It Simple and Sweet 1. Essentials Only : Focus on the essentials for short trips. Pack versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched. Aim for outfits you can wear at least twice. 2. Beach Ready : If you're headed to the beach, pack one beach towel per person and consider lightweight, quick-drying towels. 3. Snacks and Entertainment : Long car rides can be tedious for kids. Bring plenty of snacks and travel-friendly activities. Car games, tablets, and books are great options to keep them occupied. 4. Comfort and Convenience : Include an ice chest with water, handy wipes, and paper towels. This keeps everyone hydrated and clean during the trip. 5. Extra Underwear : Always pack extra underwear—accidents and spills are inevitable with kids. 6. Efficient Packing : Use packing cubes to organize swimsuits, dressy outfits, and underwear. A dedicated toiletry bag that can easily sit on the bathroom counter or hang is a must. Long Vacations: Organized and Stress-Free 1. Keep It Simple : For longer vacations, resist the urge to overpack. Choose versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. Pack items you can wear at least twice. 2. Dirty Laundry Management : Bring a big bag for dirty clothes to use as you go along. This helps keep clean clothes fresh and organized. 3. Ziplocks for All Things : Pack ziplock bags in various sizes (quart and 1-2 gallon) for wet clothes, medicines, and other small items. They’re also great for keeping snacks fresh. 4. Space Management : Don’t overpack the car on the way to your destination. Leave room for new things you might bring back. Consider using packing cubes to keep items organized and maximize space. 5. Hotel Room Organization : Once you arrive, keep everything in one area of the hotel room. This minimizes the risk of items getting lost or forgotten when it's time to pack up again. Kid-Friendly Packing Tips 1. Comfort Items : Always pack something comforting for your kids, like a pillow, blanket, or stuffed animal. These familiar items can make sleeping in a new place easier. 2. Tech Essentials : Don’t forget chargers for tablets and phones. These devices can be lifesavers during downtime or long waits. 3. Necessary Medications : Pack any required medicines and a small first aid kit. It’s better to be prepared for minor injuries or illnesses. 4. Personal Care Items : Bring hair brushes and hair ties. Keeping these handy helps maintain routines even on the go. 5. Kid-Friendly Luggage : Kids should be able to carry some of their stuff. Backpacks or rolling suitcases are ideal as they can manage these themselves. Long Vacations: Organized and Stress-Free 1. Keep It Simple : For longer vacations, resist the urge to overpack. Choose versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. Pack items you can wear at least twice. 2. Dirty Laundry Management : Bring a big bag for dirty clothes to use as you go along. This helps keep clean clothes fresh and organized. 3. Ziplocks for All Things : Pack ziplock bags in various sizes (quart and 1-2 gallon) for wet clothes, medicines, and other small items. They’re also great for keeping snacks fresh. 4. Space Management : Don’t overpack the car on the way to your destination. Leave room for new things you might bring back. Consider using packing cubes to keep items organized and maximize space. 5. Hotel Room Organization : Once you arrive, keep everything in one area of the hotel room. This minimizes the risk of items getting lost or forgotten when it's time to pack up again. Traveling with Pets 1. Decide Early : Determine if you’re bringing your pet along, getting a sitter, or boarding them. Each option has its own set of requirements and preparations. 2. Pet Essentials : If bringing your pet, pack their food, water, bowls, and a favorite toy or blanket to make them feel comfortable. Final Thoughts Packing for a vacation doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little planning and organization, you can ensure your trip is enjoyable and stress-free. Whether it’s a short getaway or a long adventure, these tips will help you stay organized and prepared so you can focus on making memories with your family. Here - again - is a list of items for easy and efficient packing for a summer vacation. Easy and Efficient Packing for Vacation Happy travels from Amazing Spaces!