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
A re you suffering from adult ADHD? Do you have too much on your plate and find it difficult to focus? Professional organizers can be invaluable for adults with ADHD who struggle with organization and managing their workload. Here's how we can help: 1. Creating Systems: Organizers can help individuals develop personalized organizational systems tailored to their specific needs and challenges, making it easier to keep track of tasks and responsibilities. 2. Reducing Overwhelm: Adults with ADHD often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks they need to manage. A professional organizer can help break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, reducing overwhelm and making it easier to tackle tasks one at a time. 3. Time Management: Organizers can teach time management techniques and strategies to help individuals prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and allocate their time effectively. 4. Decluttering: Clutter can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD by creating distractions and making it difficult to focus. A professional organizer can help individuals declutter their physical space, creat ing a more organized and conducive environment for productivity. 5. Accountability: Having regular sessions with a professional organizer provides accountability and mo tivation to stay on track with organizational goals and strategies. 6. Customized Support: Professional organizers understand that everyone's needs and challenges are unique. They provide personalized support and guidance to help individuals with ADHD find strategies th at work best for them. Overall, the importance of a professional organizer for adults with ADHD lies in their ability to provide tailored support, strategies, and accountability to help individuals manage their workload, reduce overwhelm, and improve their overall quality of life. Can you imagine waking up to a completely organized home ? Most of our projects are completely transformed in one day ! No more waking up stressed out before you even leave home. Do you know anyone with adult ADHD? We are here to help.
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!