Back to School: Are You Ready To Be in Command?

By: Oksana @ Order Matters

Before your kids head back to school, you have got to get in command and establish a center for your home operations. Do you have a family command center? I do. Let me give you a brief tour.

I have a small nook in my kitchen by the window with a wrap around counter. I designated this space as my command center. I wish I had a spot to set up a small little desk here, but alas I make do with what I have and I am content.

1. The yellow tray collects incoming school paperwork. Your command center should have a spot where all school papers can land: field trip notices, graded homework requiring your signature, etc. Collecting is one thing, sorting and taking action on the items collected is another story. I deal with the tray contents regularly and at least once per week.

2. The bulletin board holds important reminders of events, birthday parties, as well as a monthly calendar, and a weekly menu plan. A part of being in command is always knowing the schedule and engaging in active planning for your family. I like to plan the meals out for the whole week, purchase the ingredients, and cook some of the meals in advance.

3. This ceramic pot is also in the command center. It holds cellphone chargers, which get hidden when not in use. Love that!

4. I have a drawer in the nook, which has basic office essentials and a small binder with our emergency contact list, school phone lists, business cards for various home maintenance or repair vendors, blank shopping lists, and restaurant menus.

5. My home management binder is portable. It comes with me to work and comes back home to the command center at the end of the day. If I want to pay bills during a break at work or while I am waiting for an appointment, I can always do that on the go. If there is something I want to add to my shopping list, I can accomplish that at any time of the day as well.

What are the essentials in your preparation for a hassle-free start of the new school year?

Oksana V. Bellas is the Founder and Chief Organizing Maven of Order Matters in Vancouver, BC. She holds an MBA and has many years of experience in the operations and management of organizations. Through organizing individuals and entities in any variety of ways, Order Matters’ goal is to bring balance and order to people’s lives. Check out Order Matters blog and LIKE us on Facebook for regular tips and inspirations for leading an organized life.