How to Create a Stylish, After-School Drop Zone

When it’s time to get back to school, the whole family needs to get their act together. This stylish command center will help you do just that.

July 04, 2021

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Streamline Your Routine

Transform a blank wall into a command center that'll help keep everyone organized and on track by hanging clipboards, frames and cork boards to wrangle important contact information and documents. Add even more functionality with colorful hooks for keys, totes and backpacks.

User-Friendly Design

As you arrange elements like ledges, bulletin boards, and hooks, carefully consider who’ll be using it most. Keep hooks for kids’ backpacks and small coats at their height. And if you want to control what's on the calendar, hang it high so that kids won't have easy access.

Instant Messaging

Turn a small wipe board into a piece of art with a positive message everyone will see as they start and end their day. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with fast-paced, busy schedules, so tailor it to your family’s lifestyle, goals, and interests.

Get Kids Keyed Up

Getting the kiddos excited about getting back to school (and organized) can be a challenge, so involve them early on and in a creative way. These cute DIY keychains are a fun craft project that you’ll actually use. And there’s one for every skill level, which we love.

Stylish Arrangement

As you pull together the elements for your family command center, lay them out on a flat surface so you can visualize how everything will look. It’s best to start with one large item, like a calendar, then arrange everything else around it. Use Command™ Products, so you don’t have to worry about putting dozens of holes in your wall. You’ll end up with a balanced look that feels more like a stylish gallery than a jumble of family reminders, notes, and party invites!

Pretty and Personalized

Your communications hub doesn’t have to be all-biz, all the time. Add stylish touches like greenery, family mementos, and photographs that blend with your home’s existing décor and feel welcoming. The more personalized this area is, the more everyone will enjoy using it.

Go Old School

Even if you track most family activities and important dates on your smartphone, there's something to be said for creating an “old school” calendar. It’s a quick, affordable way to get all family members on the same page- especially younger kids. HINT: Set a weekly reminder on your phone to update the wall calendar for the week ahead.

Playful Touches

Throw in a few quirky, playful elements, too. Kids will love having their artwork or toys featured! Wrangle party invites, important tickets, and soon to expire coupons with small-scale corkboards in unique shapes. Not only are they cute, their size helps keep the command center from becoming overly cluttered with loads of paper.

Prime Location

Scout your home for a central location where everyone tends to gather or at the minimum, passes on the way in or out of the house. If your family command center is going to be effective, it needs to be front and center in a heavy-traffic area.

Worth the Weight

As you select hooks and picture hanging strips, take into consideration how much weight they’ll need to support, so you buy the appropriate size and type. For instance, you'll need more substantial, stronger hooks for backpacks or tote bags.

Strip It Down

Command™ Brand Products allow you to get super-creative with your organizational and storage solutions. This inexpensive towel holder is ideal for wrangling the family's sunglasses. You could also use it for dog leashes or scarves- the possibilities are endless.

Set Up for Success

With a well-organized and stylish space for back-to-school clutter you'll get your family out the door in no time.

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: Tomas Espinozaa