Plan: Command Central

I have a command central! For so long I have wanted a place to organize things. I have a  desk in the kitchen but could never use it because everything seemed to land there. The drawers were stuffed full of EVERYTHING. (most of it junk, which is now gone!) It really was an unusable space. Until I tackled it. It took me quite a few days to organize this space. I wanted to take my time. I have to admit, I usually try to rush through jobs like this, and then towards the end of the project I get very careless and just want the job done. Then items are put away anywhere and then the job is never really complete. So I think the key to organization is to take your time, be thoughtful and purposeful about it. That is what I am going to try to do with the rest of this house. That is what I found so inspiring about Sarah over at Plainsong. Pick one area per month and work on it. No need to rush. This is a year long project.

I had a "before" picture, but now I can not seem to find it. (See I have a lot of work to do!) Well, we will cut to the good stuff. Here are some after pictures.

On the desk part of the counter is my planner. I take this with me everywhere. When I am not on the road driving kids around it will be at this desk. I started keeping a planner last year and this was a big help for me. I write down all of the kids activities, appointments, when husband will be out of town, etc.

 

I have to be honest with you. I have been flying by the seat of my pants as far as managing our household. As the children get older, I am finding I am always scrambling. I feel like I am behind the eight ball.  I saw a number of ladies starting housekeeping binders. I thought this was just the thing to help me, so I just started keeping my own Home Management Companion. I am still tweaking this. If you have not yet started one of these. Do yourself a favor and start one. I keep mine in a pretty basket that I had. I am probably going to end up with more than one binder because I keep thinking of more and more things to add!! The possibilites are endless. It is great having everything in one spot.

So far I have sections for:

important #'s

kids activites- registrations for sign-ups, handouts, schedules, cub scouts,etc.

animals-vaccine schedules, horses coggins paperwork, etc.

appliance manuals

monthly household service contracts- pest control

yearly household services- chimney sweep, septic

gardening- garden layout, when seeds were put in the ground,  Journaling what did well what didn't do well.

homeschooling-fpea #, schoolboard address, yearly eval forms, etc.

Any great ideas I get off of the computer I am going to print out and file those also. I could put in household routines (when I get some! working on this also) Again the possibilities are endless and I am adjusting as I go. At least I now have a place for everything. Before it was all being shoved in different drawers.

And it is pretty. I love it! I look at it and it makes me happy. I have a feeling of peace knowing that all of that "stuff" is put nicely and neatly in this book.

I am on the road to simplicity and organization. I think a "command central" is a good place to start.

Next Up:  my walk in pantry.

Comments

[Nori Coleman]

Lovely, lovely space. Everything looks so organized and cozy. Makes me want to sit down and get busy. Well planned good job!!!

[Tiffany]

I love it! It looks so serene and perfect. You did a great job! I went to the blog you linked to. I love that idea of one room or area a month including such big things as repainting. It's overwhelming to look at it all but I think I can do one area or room a month. How's it going in your walk in pantry???

[One Blessed Mamma]

I need to actually read this whole post that I am "commenting on", but I had to say I LOVE this picture of Patrick on your blog banner! Are those the puppies? TOO cute!