It’s not a resolution per say, but with all the organization buzz this month I decided to try and really improve my HMS. That’s Household Management System. Using an acronym makes me feel important, try to go with it.
After extensive research, my kitchen command center was born.
Since the kitchen is where papers pile up and where people tend to congregate, the counter was the perfect place. The command center consists of a pretty pink notebook for me (more on that in a bit), a file folder box, hanging folders, a calendar, and a pen/pencil cup.
Each one of us has our own folder, plus there is one for new unsorted mail. No more stacks on the counter! My notebook fits in neatly as well, and the calendar lets us know what’s going on at a glance!
In my notebook, I have a daily task and a weekly task sheet.
I downloaded these from Simple Mom, she has tons of useful forms here. Instead of printing them out every day or every week, I put them in sheet protectors and use wet erase markers to fill them out and erase them as needed.
Part of my organization goals includes meal planning 2 weeks at a time. Every day I write down what’s for dinner, so I don’t freak out at 5 wondering what to make. I keep favorite recipes and coupons in the notebook as well.
The weekly task checklist helps me keep track of household chores. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all there is to do, but seeing it on a list and checking it off makes it more manageable.
What about you guys? Are you getting more organized this year? Have any tips and tricks to share?
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I bow down and worship at the alter of your organizational skillz!
Wow, I agree with Amy and bow down to your outstanding organizational skills! And could you share that Hawaiian Chicken recipe please! Sounds tasty!
I was just about to make a command center in my home. I have been keeping an eye out for a cute file box. Any suggestions on where I should go?
Thanks!
Missy- I got mine at Office Max, but I think they have some cute stuff at Staples and Target also!
I’m imressed with your system!!! Loving that you use the dry erase markers!! I have a goal to meal plan this year as well… Haven’t done any planning yet tho… Oops.
Love it! I plan on making a similar command center as soon as my decide-if-I-graduate-grad-school-huge-exam is over next Wed!!!
I just found your blog and love it!
Thanks for stopping by Emily! Good luck on your exam
I think you just changed my life. Thank you for posting this!!!! I’m so on it
Glad to pass on the inspiration Tanya!
Ahhh, organization. It feels so good when it’s successful. The papers are the hardest part at my house! I’m inspired to re-commit to stop piling them up!
Warmly, Michelle
I’m on a mission to be better organized myself, looks nice. Stop by domesticdeadline.blogspot.com
Great idea to use sheet protectors. I print my list each week but I need to start doing this. Thanks for sharing. Saw you at Fingerprint on the Fridge.
Very nice organization ideas. Love the wet erase markers idea, very very clever. Love you blog BTW and will be coming back again.
Hello! I found a link to this from Pinterest. I’m doing something similar to this, but yours looks way prettier… so I guess I am going to have to make a trip to the store soon.
Thank you for the wonderful ideas.
Hi! This looks awesome! I host a weekly blog hop at It’s a Keeper. I’d love for you to stop by and link up!
Hope to see you there!
Christina @ It’s a Keeper
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Hey I saw this link from Pinterest and I really like your system. Was just curious… I love that file box! Where did you get it from?
It was at Office Depot
Hey I saw this link from Pinterest and I really like your system. Was just curious… I love that file box! Where did you get it from?
It was at Office Depot
I LOVE IT! Thanks for the awesome idea!!!
I love this idea and just posted a link on my blog! Happy December!
I love this idea and just posted a link on my blog! Happy December!
Just posted a link to this idea on my blog….I LOVE THIS!!!!
Just posted a link to this idea on my blog….I LOVE THIS!!!!
LOVE this idea and just posted a link on my blog!
Just found your blog! Love It!! I am “stealing” your Blog Button to share on my blog as well
I also plan on being more organized for 2012 and I must say… Your command center looks like just what I need! I will definitely be getting started on that!
Thanks for Sharing!!!
Good luck with 2012!!
Thank you Tina! Good luck with your resolution, I need to have more resolve in that area as well!
Just found your blog! Love It!! I am “stealing” your Blog Button to share on my blog as well
I also plan on being more organized for 2012 and I must say… Your command center looks like just what I need! I will definitely be getting started on that!
Thanks for Sharing!!!
Good luck with 2012!!
I am so excited! I can not believe I never thought of this!!! I do this for my kids speed drill test, but never thought of it for myself!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!
HELP I went to Office Max, Target, Walmart, KMart, Metro Office Supply and could not find the file box or anythig close to it! Is there anyway you could tell me the brand of the box or possibly the product number!! I am so wanting to get my kitchen counter oraganized and I love, love this idea!
Niki- Sorry there aren’t any markings on it
There are always cute options though, I have seen some nice stuff lately!
Love this…found it on Pinterest! Where did you find your cute calendar or did you make it?
I got the calender at Office Max!
I’m totally doing this…I love it…thanks for sharing this simple but oh so clever idea!!
I’m totally doing this…I love it…thanks for sharing this simple but oh so clever idea!!
I just created ours yesterday, after the much-anticipated file box arrived. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for creating a system we, as a household with a new baby, can embrace and grow with!!!
Have fun Jacqui!!
send me newsletter or whatever you name it thanks
send me newsletter or whatever you name it thanks
What sort of things do the other family members use their files for??
Leighanna- We mostly just use it for mail sorting, but there are endless possibilities!
I have notebook that has a section for each person in the house. Their sections include school information, and the like. I also have a section for chores, calendars and menus. Just recently I added a section for coupons. I keep all of our information (important documents) like id cards, ssi cards, etc. That way if there is ever an emergency (like fire or tornados) we can just grab the book and go. I also have a board that hangs next to the kitchen door that has a place to put mail (we put bills in it as they come in), a bulliton/message board and a chalk board for the nightly menu. I bought it at the Goodwill for $2.00! So far this system has worked really well for us. But I like the idea of a command center too.
Just found your blog via Pinterest and think this is a great idea. I have a calendar and all these things but walk back and forth between rooms to get them. Having a box right in the kitchen – brilliant!
This is a fantastic idea – I have notes and to do lists jotted all over the house, and never in the place where I actually need them to be, so I may just have to try this out!
Niki- Sorry there aren’t any markings on it
There are always cute options though, I have seen some nice stuff lately!