Let me tell you a tale of a girl who used to be organized, oh…. about four years ago. Since Clara came along, well, it has been a slippery slope. I’ve kept notes to myself in various notebooks, on my phone, on post its, and have scribbled in every square inch of my day planner. I’m almost never sure what I need to do next since there are so many active lists competing for my attention these days. So when John and I were asking ourselves what our home office needs to make it as functional as possible, it was about two seconds before I was pulling a Mary Katherine Gallagher and jumping around and throwing my arms in the air and shouting “command center!”
Yes, my friends, it was even more urgent to this nesting pregnant lady than painting those office walls. Although we realized as we were nailing into them to hang things that it’s sort of an accidentally genius move to hang art before painting because if you make a few bad nail holes you can just spackle them before you paint the whole room, so that’s a nice perk.
We thought this wall was perfect since it would be visible from within the office, but our scribbles would be out of sight from the foyer. And we both agreed that we needed a place to write things that had to be done across multiple categories like “projects”, “house maintenance”, “showhouse/book 2 stuff”, “future post ideas”, “website to-do”, etc. We just knew there had to be a better way than having different lists of each of those things floating around randomly (the website one just fell behind the couch, by the way).
Not only did I dream of having them all in one place in an easy to reference spot for both of us – most of all I dreamed of having a column for “top tasks” so we could lift tasks out of each of those other columns and place in there by order of priority. This will hopefully keep us from bouncing around randomly without really weighing what makes the most sense for us to tackle next.
While we were dreaming, we also wanted a place to work out our upcoming post schedule where we both could see it (so we can see which giveaways are lined up, what posts we’re planning to write up next, etc). We also wanted a smaller spot to jot down what we need to buy/get the next time we’re out (we’re always forgetting random things like new oil-rubbed bronze window locks for the freshly painted office windows).
John and I weighed a ton of options for meeting all of those needs, like: one big dry erase board, one big cork board, using dry erase paint right on the wall, going the chalkboard route, using magnetic paint to hold up small pieces of paper in a grid that we could move and shift, etc. In the end we settled on sort of a hybrid solution. We decided to make two big magnetic frames so we could use smaller dry erase magnets (which we could write on and shift around) to create a multi-column to-do list and a post-planning schedule. We even snuck a “To Buy/Get” list in there on a smaller frame while working in some sweet Clara art, a quote that makes us laugh from our last office, and a favorite family picture.
First we planned the arrangement with some old frames. We continued to shift things around a little after this photo was taken, but you get the idea:
Next we ordered some white dry erase magnets from this site. John found them and I was instantly on board because I love that they’re not small/swallowable magnets (which make my paranoid-mom-heart skip a beat) and also because we can write directly on them and move them around. So placing them in a “projects” column, then moving them to the “top task” column, and even popping them over to our post schedule board if they’re done/shot/written/ready to be scheduled would be nice and simple.
We also hit up Home Depot to see what they had in the “sheets of metal” category. There were some other sheet metal options on an end cap, but we bought a magnet with us just to be sure they were magnetic and they weren’t. Kinda threw us for a loop until we saw these panels hiding in a completely different aisle. And thankfully, these guys were magnetic.
We ended up getting two of them that were big enough to fill our frames (they came in a bunch of different sizes, and thankfully were pretty easy to cut at home with gloves and a metal snip). Here are my supplies all laid out:
First I removed the glass from the frame along with the backing and laid just the wood part of the frame over the sheet metal and used a red sharpie to trace the rectangle that I’d need to cut out.
Then I just slipped on my gloves and started cutting with the metal snip. It took a little while since it makes such small cuts, but it was pretty straightforward and I was left with two metal inserts for my frames in about fifteen minutes.
Here’s one slipped into the frame, with the backing holding it in place. It was pretty exciting to test drive a few of the dry erase magnets up there. #yolo
After I made sure both pieces of metal fit into the frames, John and I chatted about what colors we thought would be nice for the metal and the frames, and decided to draw inspiration from our new desk. And so the idea for a mixture of frames in a soft champagne color, a pearly metallic white, and a flat basic white was born. We had all of these guys in the garage already, so I was ready to rumble.
First I used clean metal primer on both of the sheets of metal we bought, just because I thought it would be a nice uniform look to spray those to match their frames. We figured with all those white magnets on them, things could get busy, so keeping the frames and backgrounds uniform might be a nice touch.
Next I sprayed the frames themselves. This is the pearl mist going on a few of the frames and one of the primed sheet metal pieces (you can see the champagne mist ones drying in the background). I left these outside to dry so long that a rogue leaf landed in the middle of that smaller frame (thankfully it was completely dry by then).
It took about four thin coats of spray paint to get things nice and even, but in the end it’s a really clean look to have the metal sheets and the frame the same color. I even used a little bit of washi tape on the end of the magnetic headers for each category to set them apart along the top of the board.
Oh office supplies, why are you so adorable?
To make our “To Buy/To Get” board, I used a smaller frame with some slightly metallic linen-like fabric slipped that into the frame behind the glass. A black dry erase marker makes it easy to write on the glass, and we just shoot a picture of the list whenever we’re running out for errands so I can remember everything instead of muttering “where’s that list?” followed by some endless purse-searching.
Here’s a closer shot of the post planning board, which got the pearl paint treatment, and some gold and yellow washi tape along those header and side labels. We don’t usually work very far out for posts (we share a lot of stuff within a week of doing it) but it’s already coming in handy for jotting down future ideas, giveaways that have been scheduled, etc.
So that’s how our little command center came to be. I’d really love to upgrade some of the frames eventually (the one with Clara’s painting in it needs a larger mat for example) but for now I’m feeling around 95% more organized. If only I could fit my massive belly behind the couch to retrieve that old website to-do list…
Might have to send Burger in for it. And by that I mean “somehow convince him the list is made of food so he cares enough to retrieve it.”
How do you guys stay organized? Do you have a big family calendar that hangs in your kitchen? We debated doing a calendar board as well, but like using my planner to write down meetings, appointments, parties, etc – so we thought keeping that in there but all the project/home maintenance/book/showhouse/post stuff on the wall would be a good combination. We’ll have to see how it goes…
Update: For anyone wondering what the octopus print says, where we got it, or where the file cabinet is from, that info is all on the first page of comments for ya.
Miranda says
I love it. It makes me feel calmer just looking at it! This would also be great in an office.. where every could SEE what you are working on!
Anele @ Success Along the Weighn says
Ahh, those are so cute! I totally wouldn’t have thought to take a magnet with me and just assumed the metal sheets were magnetic, made the project and then thrown a hissy when I tried to put a magnet to it. This is why you are you and I am me. :)
That’s cute…you asked how I stay organized. Email reminders are about the extent of my organization skills.
Maureen says
I love this!!! Do you think you will adapt a household one into the kitchen at some point? Or will you use this one for everything?
YoungHouseLove says
I think it appealed to us to have all of our to-do lists in one place, so we can choose priorities from each column (for example, if house maintenance stuff like changing the air filters was in another room, we might never remember to put it on “top tasks” which we really hope will keep us organized so we can tackle things in a smart, prioritized order). We’ll have to see how it works though!
xo
s
Maureen says
Yeah, that sounds logical. I was asking because I want to do this, but didn’t know how to apply it to the kitchen where everyone can see it. LOL I Need to figure that out. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, anyone have ideas for Maureen? Maybe a big chalkboard in the kitchen – or a large linen covered pinboard? Those seem a little prettier so they could be in plain sight and still hopefully keep you organized?
xo
s
Beth says
Maureen, what about using those cute little dry erase magnets on the fridge? Easy to move around and in plain sight. (I would have to be careful about keeping them above the child-reach line, or else all is for naught as the little one rearranges everything.) You could even keep important papers that you need to fill out, etc. right next to the to-do list. I’m thinking it would help my family not to forget important things that need to be done, which happens when we leave stuff on the kitchen counter.
Michelle says
Maureen, I have a command center that I love, and it is all brought together with a pallet background. It is not in our kitchen, but it is right around the corner in a hallway that leads to our mud/laundry room, which is how we enter/exit the house.
http://countingwillows.com/command-central-organize-your-familys-schedule/
Emily says
Maureen, can you scale this down for the fridge and gorilla glue some very heavy duty magnets to the back of a frame that you dry erase on? Instead of a photo, print a sheet of paper with your category columns and put that behind the glass (or plastic sheet to make the frame lighter)
I did this with my niece/nephew’s photos for our fridge gallery, and it looks great but I think we’re going to swap some of it out for a general to do house project list since we’re now in a house instead of an apartment. My inspiration came from this: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/263671753153497250/
KiTX says
We have a dry erase board on the fridge, smack in the center, that we keep our grocery list, task list, and errands list on. I think it would be adaptable to a chore chart. It’s just my husband and a 7 month old now, but once she’s big enough to stop being a slacker and pull her weight (I kid, I kid!), I’m thinking we’ll make it a calendar of activities and errand list/grocery list in one section with a chore chart a little lower at kid level. That said, I’m drooling over Sherry’s command center. Wiping-off-the-keyboard drooling.
Jennifer says
Michelle- I love your command center! I was just in the container store checking out the dry erase options! I love your wood wall and how you brought in the color! Nice job.
Tracy says
Maureen – I’m not sure if you are asking because the kitchen is the place where everyone who needs to see it will, or if you’re worried about it in the kitchen because visitors will see all your business…if it’s that second thing, I’ve seen a few where people do them on the inside of a cabinet, particularly a big pantry type cabinet at a good height for that sort of thing, or even inside a pantry door, if you have one. That way it is easily accessible and you can still see everything at one glance, but also easily closed to guests, if you don’t want them seeing that you have a urologist appointment on Wednesday, for example. Some I’ve seen have been chalkboard, whiteboard, or magnetic paint, which then allows you to hang some locker type things if you want to keep items along with your lists and calendar.
Julie says
Maureen, I put our command center (I like that term a whole lot better than “random assortment of household crap” that I’ve thought of it as before today) on the back of our basement door that’s in our kitchen. I have an at-a-glance calendar (we use synced Google calendars on our phones for most of the daily stuff and appointments; kids aren’t old enough to need to look at their own copy yet), our to-be-paid bills, coupons, take-out menus, random bulletin board paperwork, etc. If you don’t have a basement or your door is elsewhere, you could use the inside of a cabinet or pantry. I like having everything accessible but hidden.
Samantha @ Fabulous Fabris says
This looks great!
I always try to do organization systems like this, but I never keep up with it. I always seem to keep everything in my head, so I guess that’s a good thing that I actually remember.
I love the washi tape on the categories!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh if I trusted my head I’d forget my own name! Haha! I have always been a “write it down or forget it forever” person. I’m so envious of people who remember stuff that well!
xo
s
Isabel says
Right there with you! I have a million empty notebooks that I’m constantly giving away to my mom and sister cause once I write something down I never look at it again. It’s all in my head (and on my phone calendar if it’s far away enough that I may forget). I decided my ability to remember everything is related to my love of elephants cause it’s said they never forget.
Jeanne says
I have gone to using my “Notes” on my cell phone. I have an iPhone 4s, but I’m sure there’s any number of apps for the ‘droid’ phones or maybe they have their own version of a resident ‘notes’ app. Anyway, it’s great. That, and I also put my appointments on my calendar in my phone, which happens to synch up with my email (yahoo/gmail). This keeps me pretty well organized.
Jennifer-Mommy LifeAfter Phd says
GREAT ideas! Love the magnet board and could so use that as a busy board in the playroom too. Pinning!
Erin says
Ok- the magnetic list- genius. Love that idea and it looks great too. I would love to have just one command center in our house. We have a corkboard by our backdoor and the rest of house stuff off in my office in a giant pile. But having a command zone is the dream! Also, I have to say having a list posted and then taking a pic of it is possibly one of the best things about a camera phone. I find myself taking pics all the time of my notes and grocery lists because I know I can find them easier than a scrap of paper.
YoungHouseLove says
YES! I love just looking on my phone for something instead of digging through my purse and pulling out ten scraps of paper to find the right one!
xo
s
Tracy says
A little secret app – Ziplist. Put in all your recipes (or you can easily add stuff if you regularly get recipes from blogs or other sites) and it has a built in meal planner so you can pick (I do this weekly, so 7 meals) from your recipe box, add them to a meal plan, and then you can tell it to make a list of all the ingredients you need for those 7 meals. Really easy to edit, so if you already have a box of pasta, you can take it off (it also assumes – but asks – that you have stuff like salt, pepper, flour, etc.) You can add other stuff you need outside those lists. It has a web component, and Android and iPhone/iPad apps, so I might do the list on the computer while I’m at work, but then pull up the app when I’m at the store….and there’s everything I need in a nice little checklist. It’s amazing, I tell ya.
Page says
You all might like the app ShopShop. My husband and I love it because we can text each other updates to the shopping list while we’re out and about separately. And you can make different lists for each store or person. The possibilities for organization are endless :-)
April says
Another app that actually acts just like your new boards is Trello. You can Google for more info, but it’s really JUST like the system you set up, only all on your iPhone. And you both can look at and add to the same lists! You might like it.
not her, the other girl says
I don’t know how well it would work for more than one person, but I like the Workflowy app/website. All the bullet pointed lists and sublists a girl could want, and searchable hashtags if you’re feeling wild and crazy.
Just curious, what’s the octopus picture say?
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the app tip! As for the pink art, that’s a funny quote from a TV show that cracked us up a few years back (John had a poster shop make it into a print to surprise me). It says “When I grow up I want to be a photographer or an octopus.” Gotta dream big!
Update: Here’s the old post about it with a link to where John ordered it.
xo
s
Nancy says
I live and die by rememberthemilk.com a task manager app that syncs with my phone/computer
Laura says
I love your organization boards! What a great idea, and they look good on the wall too, unlike a lot of organization items you can buy. I have been reading your blog for years, and I thought it was about time I commented. Amazing to read! Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Laura!
xo
s
Amber says
Dry erase magnets!?! Genius!
Allison / Joy and Ivy says
I think this is such a great idea and it makes me want to run to Home Depot right now and to purchase those awesome dry erase magnets! I love anything office supply and To-Do list related. Right now I have everything written on random pieces of paper or notecards because I never go into my purse to retrieve my planner. This could be the perfect solution!
Leslie says
I totally needed this. I have a notebook with 20 million different lists in it and I spend more time trying to find the right list than actually knocking stuff off the list. *le sigh*. Now I know exactly what I need to do! I better make a list….. :) Thanks guys!
Rachael says
What does Clara’s quote say? Something about an octopus?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a funny quote from a TV show a few years back that cracks us up (it says “When I grow up I want to be a photographer or an octopus”). Gotta dream big ;)
Update: Here’s the old post about it with a link to where John ordered it.
xo
s
Amanda K. @ Living on Grace says
Haha, I was SURE that octopus quote was a Clara-ism!
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds like one, right?
xo
s
Ambi says
The octopus print is for sale at “A Vintage Poster”
http://www.avintageposter.com/product/dreamin
Yay!
Marilyn says
Just wondering why you don’t paint your room first. You work so hard to put all that stuff up but now you will have to take it all down to paint.
YoungHouseLove says
Check out the second paragraph (right above the first pic) for that info :)
xo
s
Erica Baker says
What a fabulous command center! I love the magnet board. Great idea!
Sarah @ Sarah's Daybook says
Oh my goodness! I am obsessed! Can’t wait for the paint and it will look so much more complete!
Sarah
http://Www.sarahsdaybook.wordpress.com
Cheri says
Long time reader – first time commenter. I LOVE organizing!! Your magnetic board is a great idea! Just wanted to share – for grocery lists and things-to-buy my husband and I use the app “Any List”. The lists can be shared and it populates with the most common items with a few key strokes. It’s nice to write things down when/where you think of it rather than having a list only at home. Love your blog!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for the tip Cheri!
xo
s
Carrie K says
My husband and I use the Out of Milk app and it syncs our phones so whichever one of us goes to the grocery store has access to the list. I can update from home while he’s at the store too! :)Just another idea….
YoungHouseLove says
So funny! We tried something called Don’t Forget The Milk (I think that was the name) but it went under about 3 months after we got it. Then we got one called Orchestra and it shut down like three weeks later! We joke that it’s a curse when we try an organizing app!
xo
s
Bea H says
My hubby and I use Wunderlist and it sounds like it works like these apps too!
Rebecca says
I was looking for someone to mention AnyList!! Seriously. Such a nice app and it’ll send you push notification if someone updates it. Perfect if one person is at the store and the other is at home and updates you on what is needed. I think you should give it a try!
Melissa C. says
My husband and I share the “Our Groceries” app. We have multiple lists going (e.g. groceries, Target, Trader Joe’s) and it definitely saves on the back and forth (and someone forgetting the written lists). How great that there are so many options available!
Regina says
I’ve tried and tried and tried but… what does the Octopus print say?!
PS, looks great! I love how the washi tape adds some pizzazz to the otherwise plain magnets!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a funny quote from a TV show that cracked us up a few years back (John had a poster shop make it into a framable print to surprise me). It says “When I grow up I want to be a photographer or an octopus.”
Update: Here’s the old post about it with a link to where John ordered it.
xo
s
Eileen says
Yeah, I’m one of those people who want to be organized, but apparently not badly enough to actually KEEP organized. The only thing we’ve been consistent is put a magnetic dry erase board on the refrigerator. That way if we’re low or out of something, we put it down, and then we’re constantly seeing it when we’re in our (tiny galley) kitchen. We seem to remember the items more since it’s in our face, and if we don’t, we just write the list down before we head to the store for a formal run.
Amanda says
Love this! It looks great & the Champagne colour looks really nice with the white & pink washi tape.
Caitlyn@ChemGradBoom says
I love this idea. As a college student with things always due/need to get done/updating this is a great way to show it. Making one myself!
Anngela says
Love it! Is that a filing cabinet below? If so, where from?
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Anngela! It’s a filing cabinet from Ikea a while back (called the Effektiv I think). I think they discontinued the line though. Boo!
xo
s
Sammy says
I love me a command center and this is one of the best I’ve seen. Dry erase magnets? Genius!!
Lauren says
I was JUST thinking about that octopus quote print last night. Can you remind me where it was ordered from? I think Etsy, but Etsy is so darn big!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s from an awesome site called A Vintage Poster: http://www.avintageposter.com/ (here’s our old post about it).
xo
s
Lisa@Double Door Ranch says
Great mix of organization and beauty! For me lately, if I don’t have it written down in front of my face at all times, it’s not happening. I have a planner that I keep with me, but even so, I’ve been overbooking myself. My mom joked yesterday that I need Google Glass. I (not so) politely declined. Haha
Courtney says
Just curious as to where you bought the white piece of furniture (file drawers?) under your awesome command center? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a file cabinet from Ikea a while back (called Effektiv, but I don’t think they sell them anymore). We added those knobs though!
xo
s
Amy says
That is nice! The simple color scheme really does go a long way toward keeping things looking simple and organized.
When I worked from home, I had a wall calendar and a picture-frame whiteboard (like the one you just made!), plus a magnetic pad on the fridge for groceries/things to get while out.
Now that I’m having to spend most of my day in the office away from home, though, my whole life is pretty much on my phone. My phone is the thing I always have even when I’m not carrying a purse, and the one thing I can always find in my purse, so that works for me. :)
I use Evernote to keep track of ideas and projects; Any.do to schedule specific tasks + reminders (current day thru upcoming weekend); and Google calendar to sync with my son’s school calendar and to track upcoming appointments/events. If I could figure out a way to sync my son’s school calendar with the Any.do calendar function, I would do that and get rid of the Google calendar (Any.do looks nicer, and it would be nice to consolidate down to only 2 apps), but I haven’t figured out how to do that yet.
A smart phone has definitely made my life easier. I used to lose paper lists left and right, and could never keep anything in my head, so, yeah! Very handy device!
However, I do still have the magnetic pad on the fridge. Love that thing.
Gretchen says
Amy, the Any.Do people just made an app called Cal that sounds like exactly what you’re looking for.
Sherry, I’m going to have to try your Top Tasks idea. I use an app called Trello that’s like a digital version of your boards with horizontal lists and everything. But I still end up writing a to-do list for the day on a post-it. I’m envious of your whiteboard magnets—so fun!
Megan Clark says
Nothing feels better than some good ole organizing, especially before baby! Looks super cute. We have ours in the kitchen – in three places?!?! Magnetic/cork board over my desk, two linen pin boards over the kids ‘days/months/season’ calendar and one dry erase board on the fridge! Sprinkle in projects and artwork on all of the above (plus a cabinet or two!)and there you have it. Can’t say it’s the most attractive option, but I do love the efficiency… and strangely enough, the comforting family chaos it displays is both charming and reassuring. Wouldn’t change it for the world! :-)
Laura says
I love that adding the artwork makes the command center more fun!
It wouldn’t make such a great post, but for organization, have you tried Evernote? Its an app on the computer/phone that lets you organize info- it automatically syncs between multiple devices, so that you can add something to your list on the computer, but see it on your phone. You can also add pictures, scan documents, etc to the files. We have it set up so that both of use can see certain lists- it’s a life saver for us!
YoungHouseLove says
We have heard such great things about it and tried it a bunch but it just doesn’t seem to stick for J and I. I have friends who love it though!
xo
s
Mary Beth says
Such great ideas.. Thank you so much for sharing!
I love your office so much and I am so envious of the space!
One of my goals as my blog grows is to have a designated work space… Right now I have a little desk in my family room, and it’s something – but not much.
I’m working on it!! SIGH
http://hystericallyeverafter.com/2013/06/09/my-new-little-piece-of-heaven/
YoungHouseLove says
We blogged from the corner of our first house’s den for years! You’re in good company I think ;)
xo
s
Lee Ann says
Not sure if these would be a help in any way, but a couple of years ago, I found the DaVinci frames for kids’ art … easy to update when kiddo brings home something new. Kinda like shadowboxes, but easy-open. Might be helpful for storing bulkier project hardware samples, etc??
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo
s
Heidi says
As a parent, it feels like life is just one big list! Grocery lists, meal planning, school parties that you have to remember treats for, science projects, do you need your tennis shoes for gym today?…..mastering the “schedule” is everyone’s goal. Getting there is a different story. Seeing your command center makes me want to go home and get started on ours!!
Beth Sasser says
Going from one child to two children is the hardest thing I have ever done. I am (WAS) extremely organized, but that second baby threw my world into a disaster. I wish someone would have warned me so I could have better prepared. It’s simple things like the “Mommy Planners” and the things that hang in kids closets that hold an outfit for each day of the week. Once your little man gets here you will feel like you are losing your mind…no worries…it gets better after a year or so :)
If I can offer any advice it is find things that make daily routine simple, like the outfit organizer and diaper caddys.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Beth! I am already reeling just thinking about how many things this little man is going to change, but I still can’t wait to meet him! Haha!
xo
s
Lynn says
Hmmm, that is interesting how different experiences can be. I have 3 babies (4 and under) and another on the way, and I have never found that to be a problem. I keep things intentionally simple, however. Simple healthy meals, lots of play/relax time, good sleep schedules, etc. I cleared all breakables and extra furniture out of the living room so we can all have room to just be together. Up until a few months ago, we lived in a tiny 2 bedroom apartment. And thrived there! I miss it sometimes. This may not be others experience but I found it EASIER with each child. Especially when they begin to play together!
Lisa | Winter Heights says
Ah, organization is simply refreshing for the soul. Not that I participate in it often, but my goodness I love it when I do. Your command center looks great! I’m pretty sure your idea of nesting is way more advanced than mine, you guys are just so dang productive. :)
We just upgraded a little front corner of our house with a mail caddy and a dry erase board above that. I’m in organization love. http://www.winterheights.com/2014/03/youve-got-mail.html
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo
s
Jess says
I am so bad at organization and it mostly just stresses me out. I have never, ever wanted a “command center.”
Fun fact: now I do. Holy cuteness and practicalness, Batman!! I love it so much!!
My favorite is definitely the board with all the columns and the separate magnets you can move around! Seriously, it’s genius!!
Beth says
Oh guys, this is so great! I’ve been struggling with this issue myself. I’ve tried white boards, a chalkboard paint door, THOUSANDS of handwritten lists that fall into the abyss that is my purse (so not eco-friendly), and lists on my phone. I can’t tell you how many times my husband and I get to the store and look at each and say, “Did you get the list?” “No, I got the baby. I thought you got the list.” “No, I got the diaper bag.” We shrug, thankful we at least remembered the kid, and work from memory. Then there is much wailing and gnashing of teeth when we get home and remember something that was on the list… that we forgot… for the fifteenth time. I’m LOVING the fact that you can reorganize your tasks to different lists. Genius. And you take a picture of your shopping list before you leave the house. That’s up there with Albert Einstein, Sherry.
Briseidy says
I love it! great idea
Jen says
I love that cabinet! Where is it from?
YoungHouseLove says
It’s the Ikea Effektiv file cabinet, but they don’t sell it anymore I don’t think.
xo
s
Stardancer says
Mmm, organization makes my heart beat faster.
I would love a command center, but it seems that the larger my system the less I keep up with it. For now I’m using a combination of Evernote and a Google calendar that my husband and I share, with one particular Evernote just labelled “Important”. All the immediate stuff goes there. I’d give it about an 8 out of 10 system.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s smart!
xo
s
Catherine says
Such great ideas for organization! I may have to adapt a smaller scale version of this.
I also have hung art before painting a room. It makes the space feel more homey before you can get around to the bigger task of painting (and less stress about errant nail holes is a nice perk).
One question: where is your file cabinet from?
YoungHouseLove says
That info is on the first page of comments for ya :)
xo
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Karen says
The octopus print is actually for sale on A Vintage Poster http://www.avintageposter.com/product/dreamin
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, that’s where John got it for me (I linked to it a few comments back). He had them custom make it and then they asked if we minded if they kept it for sale for others. Here’s the old post about it: https://www.younghouselove.com/what-santa-brought-us/
xo
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Jen says
Would you please share what size your frame is for your magnetic frame? Thank you!
YoungHouseLove says
The champagne mist one is 30.5 x 20″ and the other one is 21 x 17″
xo
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Katie K says
I have to throw in one more app suggestion! My husband and I use OmniFocus for everything. It’s not cheap, but we are able to keep all of our to-dos easily organized for both of our jobs, our website/business, our personal and household items. You can add/check off on the phone or mac, and organize by where you need to complete the to-do (aka, have to be in the office, can do in the car, etc) Love having the visual reminder on the wall too though!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip Katie!
xo
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Kimberly says
What great timing, this is exactly what I’ve been trying to come up with!! Thanks for posting the pic from Home Depot too, hopefully my HD will have the same set up :-))
A.Marie says
We just started a great..life chart? about 2 weeks ago and it was about 2 years overdue. We have home organization/maintenance as well as personal goals and appointments on it. All color coordinated, of course.
I love this magnet idea though.. I am seeing an upgrade in our future as we develop our “chart”.
Leah says
I love your big board with moveable bits! One of my pet peeves of white boards is that everything is easy to erase and forget.
One addition that might make it more functional: color code the tasks by category. Then, when those tasks get into the “top priorities” list, you still clearly know where that task came from. Uses a little less brainpower that way.
YoungHouseLove says
Smart!
xo
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Annie says
At first glance, I thought you wrote “SHOOT MICE” until my eyeballs focused and realized it said shoot office. I was wondering what you guys were up to (RODENT ASSASSINS) until then haha.
YoungHouseLove says
Holy cow, that would be a violent to do list!
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Gauri says
Oh my goodness, I just want to run around my house and figure out what I can spray paint in the champagne mist color. I love it so much!
Melanie says
I totally misread your top task of “shoot office” as “shoot mice.” You can imagine I was a bit thrown off for a minute!
Love the dry erase magnets. Aren’t they great? I have a really big one on the side of my fridge and write my grocery lists there.
YoungHouseLove says
You’re the second person in about a minute to say that! So funny! My handwriting clearly needs work…
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Brittany says
This is such a clean and simple project! I like that it’s simple and yet still very effective. My planning and organizational skills revolve around the calendar and notes apps in my iPhone. As long as I remember to put the info in there right away, I’m pretty good about getting things done. I love making notebook lists, too. But I mostly keep those for events and such (planning birthday parties/trips and such).
Gabby(Cookie Cutter Unique) says
It’s amazing the things that feel urgent when you are nesting; I had to smile when I read this, I totally get it. I’m 6 weeks from my due date and I’ll stay up at night worried that I’ll deliver before the medicine cabinet gets organized…it’s nuts. I love the command wall though, it turned out great.