How to Create a Simple Command Center System (and Finally Get Organized)
If you’ve ever felt like your desk or home office is out of control — piles of papers everywhere, sticky notes scattered, and a million ideas bouncing around your head — you’re not alone.
For years, I struggled with paper clutter and that constant feeling of overwhelm. But I finally discovered a simple system that actually works: the Command Center.
This 3-part system has given me peace of mind, a place for everything, and a way to streamline the constant flow of tasks, papers, and ideas in daily life. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to set it up — step by step.
Why You Need a Command Center
Our brains are overflowing with ideas, reminders, tasks, projects, and family obligations. They pop up at the most random times — walking the dog, driving the car, standing in a store aisle, or even while talking to a friend.
Without a system, those thoughts get lost or pile up as clutter. But with a Command Center, you’ll have one central hub where everything lands, gets processed, and finds its place.
Think of it as your personal control panel for life.
Want to see how I set this up step-by-step? 👉 Watch the full tutorial on YouTube.
The 3 Components of a Command Center
Your Command Center only needs three simple parts:
1. The Landing Pad
This is your mental landing zone — the place you capture ideas, tasks, and reminders as they come to you.
Forget random sticky notes, emails to yourself, or scraps of paper.
Choose 1–2 capture tools max.
Examples: Apple Notes, Trello, Todoist, or even a simple notebook.
My setup:
Apple Notes (for quick ideas, links, and voice memos)
Trello (for tasks and projects)
The goal? Get it out of your head so you can move on with your day.
2. The Inbox Basket
This is a physical basket that collects papers, notes, and small items that need your attention — but not right away.
Place a basket by your desk (I use a woven one).
Toss in things like receipts, forms, birthday cards, or small to-dos.
Process it once a week during your Weekly Review.
This keeps things from floating around the kitchen counter, car, or bedroom dresser. Instead, they have one home until you’re ready to deal with them.
🛒 My favorites: Option A File Box, Option B, Option C
3. The Command Central Folders
Once a week, process your inbox and organize it into folders (digital and/or paper). These give everything a place to live.
Examples of useful folders:
Waiting → things you can’t act on until someone else does something.
Tickler → items for upcoming events (tickets, meeting notes, reminders).
Someday/Time Will Tell → ideas, tasks, or projects you might want to do later.
Personal/Family/Finance → quick-access folders for routines, school papers, receipts, bills, etc.
👉 I keep my paper folders in a wooden file box by my desk and my digital ones in Trello + email.
Free Command Center Checklist
Want a step-by-step printable to set up your own Command Center? 📥 Download my free Command Center Setup Checklist
Resources I’ve Loved Over the Years
I didn’t invent this system from scratch — I’ve learned from some incredible women and teachers along the way. Here are a few I recommend:
Final Thoughts
I’m not an expert — just a mom who’s tried a lot of systems, tweaked them, and finally found something that works. And the truth is, your Command Center doesn’t have to look exactly like mine. Start with these 3 simple parts, make small tweaks, and let it grow with you.
Because when everything has a place, you free up mental space for what really matters.
🌿 Here’s to creating peace of mind, one system at a time.
✨ Over to you: What’s the biggest source of paper or task clutter in your life right now? Drop it in the comments below — I’d love to know!
