To help alleviate paper clutter and pile ups, I created a command center for our home.
It has been a blessing to have this and really keeps the kitchen cleaner. I purchased this calendar for $1.98 at walmart! It was a great alternative to those expensive hanging calendars that can cost up to $20. (I have to think outside the box since we are on the Dave Ramsey Plan). The file box came from Target a while back.
My calendar isnt really this bare… but I just filled it in this week. Next month has ink on every day! 🙂 (cheer, dance, basketball, preschool, school volunteering, church, work, book club, bunko, plays, etc..etc..etc.)
I used extra hanging file folders from my office filing project last week.
I labeled each file folder according to what stacks up on the kitchen counter… so no more paper piles!
1. Incoming (unsorted) mail
2. Outgoing mail
3. To File (sorted mail or papers)
4. To Pay
5. Sign and return (kids stuff mostly)
6. All family members get a folder
7. Grocery list & coupons
I color coded each person on the calendar and I keep a basket with the colored pens in front of the file box.
I used office clips to attach the calendar on the file container.
I chose this specific box because it had handles, which makes it easy to carry from my kitchen to my office to file as needed.
I placed file tabs at the bottom of each month for easy navigation from month to month.
Since this where I go through my mail, a paper recycle can was a must have within reach.
What kind of system do you have to keep the paper clutter away?
calendar, command center, filing, labeling, mail station, Organize Posted in 40 comments
40 comments on ““Mobile” Command Center”
I have a similar set up when home in NC but when we’re her in Florida I carry it all in one of the store cloth grocery bags. They fold out just right for file folders. That is a great organization tool. Going to vote for you. Merry Christmas.
I’m so glad you commented on my blog so I could find yours…it’s a blog after my own heart! I’m subscribing now 🙂
This is a great idea. I don’t have much space and papers are always the hardest thing for me to control. I might have to try this.
I love this idea! I really need to do this. We are always looking for that missing school paper that needs signed right before the school bus arrives. Paper clutter is my downfall and it is the one thing that drives me the most crazy, lol!
Hey Toni, Im new to your blog, Don’t even remember how or why I got here, but I LOVE it. It’s the funniest thing, my first link party button, was a picture of a bowl full of lemons, and Im ALWAYS on a mission to get organized. YAY for me.
I am your newest follower, and would LOVE if you linked up this and any other cool project you want to share at my weekly party **Amaze me August**
Thanks for such great ideas, and your blog, is even super organized, GOTTA love it, oh and your oldest daughter is BEAUTIFUL, I love those amazing pics you took, especially the one next to the bet up old car.
Bella 🙂
I am now copying this idea too. In fact, I think I may do this today and not just add it to my list of stuff I want to do at some random time in the future. I have such a horrible time keeping up with paperwork.
Off to collect my file folders and supplies…!
~Allison @ House of Hepworths
Allison.. copy on girlfriend! Thats what this blog is all about. Helping others get organized! I think its working. I want to see your after pictures!!!
I love this idea – I have paperwork everywhere. My desk is always overflowing and we have a crap corner in our kitchen. I’m going to have to copy you. I love the colour of your suspension files – where did you get them. In the UK I’ve only ever found ugly primary coloured ones so would love to try and find yours online.
Thanks,
~Sam (your newest follower)
Samantha, I got my files at Office Max. Im not sure if they have them online or not?? Hopefully you can find them. Thanks for following! 🙂
I just found your blog via ‘Crazy Domestic’ and love what I see thus far. This ‘Command Center’ is great! We’re drowning in paper clutter on one of our kitchen counters and I haven’t found a way to control it. Until now. I love your system and think this will work for us. Thanks for sharing–the detailed photos and descriptions are perfect! Can’t wait to see what the new year brings on your blog!
Just found this post from House of Hepworths. Love what Im seeing so Im a new follower. Thanks for the great organization ideas!
I came over to from HOH to check out your idea and am in love with your sweet organizing skills!
I have a similar system, but I am going to tweak it and make it cuter now:)
I am a new follower!!!
OMG! You rock and you have completely fixed my messy counter, never clear, STOP LEAVING THIS STUFF EVERYWHERE problem! LOL I saw this idea over at the House of Hepworths blog where she is totally bragging about you 🙂
stopping by from house of hepworths and am an instant follower. you have some seriously solid ideas over here little lady!
-dani
I found you through HoH and I am so glad I did! I totally need this file system in my life! The bar in my kitchen is our catch-all and it would be great to have somewhere to organize everything!
My kitchen counter is a hot spot. This would be a FABULOUS idea to reduce the clutter. How often do you review the files? What sorts of things do you put in each person’s files? Thank you for sharing. I’m going to do a similar filing system and I’m so excited about it!
Hi
Just wanted to let you know that I “ Featured” you on Santa’s Gift Shoppe Blog Hop today for your great project & inspiration! Be sure to grab the “I was featured” on Santa’s Gift Shoppe Button/Code for your sidebar! You deserve it! Thanks so much..If you’re not a follower already we’d love for you to join us…
Barb
Thanks so much. Im on my way to see!
This is such a great idea! I have 3 separate boxes for me, my husband and my kids but it is not working. I am going to try this. Thanks for the great idea!
Eve @ http://www.howaboutfabulous.com
I did my Mobile Command Center and am SO EXCITED! Check out my post about it here … http://morethana-mom.blogspot.com/2011/01/mobile-command-center.html
Thanks for linking up this post to my Organizing Mission Monday link party Toni!
I love that you have the trash can right there where you sort your mail. It just makes is so easy.
http://www.organizewithsandy.com (since I’m not on blogger anymore)
What a wonderful idea! Check out my To-Do list blog giveaway.
http://houseonashwelllane.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-year-organization-to-do-list.html
What a great idea! Thanks for linking up to Sassy Sites! I have enjoyed following along with your 21 day challenge!! So fun! 🙂
LOVE this idea! I’m so glad I found your site 🙂 We have a lot in common. I love to organize and I’m also a photographer 🙂 I can’t wait to see more of your postings!!!
Trisha
Hi Toni! I’m your newest follower & I absolutely LOVE your blog!
I wanted to let you know that I featured your Mobile Command Center on my blog today! Here is the link:
http://moomootutu.blogspot.com/2011/01/thrifty-thursday-command-center.html
Thank you so much for the inspiration to organize!
🙂 Daphne
I love this! I saw this on House of Hepworths’ blog first and she referred back to your site. Now I’ve made one and love it! And I’ve blogged about it and referred to her site and yours. Thanks for the awesome idea!
http://chaotictendancies.blogspot.com/2011/01/reorganizing-my-office-and-files.html
I love this idea. How brilliant! Can I just say that your blog is one of my absolute favs? I’m starting on this tomorrow! Thank you so much. I can’t wait to dig into your archives for more great ideas. Thanks!
Deana @ http://www.countrybymarriage.com
OK, Toni….this is absolutely genius!! I think I’m totally going to steal your idea and get mine going this year! I may modify it a bit but I will use this idea! Thanks for the inspiration!
From one organizing cray lady to another…
Becky B.
http://www.organizingmadefun.blogspot.com
Organizing Made Fun
I think this might be a good solution for my catch all kitchen counter top. I’m going to try it and see if my hubby and i will be able to put the stuff where it goes. Thanks for this idea!
I found your blog through House of Hepworth’s -How in the world have I never seen it? You are amazing and I have been having the best time browsing your blog . Thanks for sharing your organiznig ideas
This is SUCH a great idea! I seriously need one for next to my recliner. (I spend a lot of time there now that I’m hugely pregnant, and I’m sure I”ll be spending even more time there when the baby arrives!)
Now, off to find a file box that will work. I have some expanding files, but it seems like the need to open them will stop me from using them very well. Stupid, isn’t it?
I just made my “command” center last night… I showed it to my husband and he said “easy enough”– I just need to make sure we all use it! Thanks for all the great ideas!!
emily
morefromthemoorefamily.blogspot.com
I finally made mine and blogged about it here. http://athomewithmrsm.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-command-centre.html Thanks for the idea!
Just voted for you!! Great inspiration!!
oh. my! this is REALLY, REALLY GOOD. i think this would work in PERFECT conjunction with a “life binder” that i just put together and vlogged about. a friend of mine referred me over here after watching my blog and having just read this post! http://www.seriouslyahomemaker.com/2011/02/organization-book-of-life.html
even though i have improved my mess, i still find there are piles of “to do’s” on the counter.
nicely done! thanks for showing us!
ps. my word verification is “drugesse”… interesting word. who comes up with these things?! 🙂
Thank you for sharing. I love it!
Love this! I linked to you here… http://getyourmomon.blogspot.com/2012/01/need-to-organize.html
I used this system last year and loved it! I had to search and search to find your blog again to refresh my memory so I can freshen up my box. I shared it on my FB page for others to see. Linked back to you of course. Hope that’s okay.