We’ve all experienced those times when we’re running late and are about to walk out the door then realize we can’t find our keys, or the present needed for the party we are about to attend, or the charger for our phone that’s at 2%. Our anxiety levels skyrocket as we run around the house, tossing couch pillows and blankets to the floor, digging through piles of dirty (or clean!) clothes as well as through mail and magazines. Then the dog starts barking (which never helps). Finally, after a frantic five, maybe fifteen-minute search, we find the misplaced item and run out the door. Phew! The unnecessary stress we put ourselves through.

For some of you, this is a daily occurrence, and you’ve most likely accepted it as the norm. But I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way. All you need to do is organize a home launch pad.
 

What is a Launch Pad?

A launch pad is a designated space near your main entrance that stores everything you’ll need when you leave the house such as the keys, umbrellas, purses, backpacks, sack lunches, mail, possibly coats and cold weather accessories (depending on the size of your launch pad and the season) as well as the daily to-do items (such as the dry cleaner receipt that’ll be ready to pick up on Wednesday or the water bill that you have to pay in person, or the library books that are overdue). It’s also known as a command center.
 

How to Organize a Launch Pad

Step 1: Decide What Belongs in Your Launch Pad

First, decide what items you want to put in this area. Keys, purse, and wallet are number one. Maybe the mail, newspapers, or magazines. Possibly space for shoes or jackets. Finally, a section for your daily and weekly to-do items. Keeping the home launch pad simple helps reduce clutter.
 

Step 2: Choose Your Spot

Now that you know how many items you’ll want at your launch pad, you can choose the best area that’s near the main entrance (e.g. garage, front door, mudroom, or kitchen). The right location will ensure you actually use your launch pad every day.
 

Step 3: Design Your Space

I recommend one of the following four ways to design your launch pad:

• Use a counter, drawer, or cabinet: Empty it for your launch pad items. Then hang individual hooks inside the cabinet door or at the back of the counter for purses, backpacks, keys, or jackets. You can also put color coded mini baskets in the drawer to hold family member’s change, keys, wallet, phone charger, etc.
• Wall organizer: If you don’t have a counter, drawer, or cabinet, you can purchase a wall organizer for the basics (keys, purses, mail, and reminders). Amazon sells this Black Mesh Metal Wall Mounted Storage Rack / Hanging Mail Sorter w/Cork Board & 5 Key Hooks.
• Entryway furniture: Purchase a piece of furniture for the entryway. This Honey-Do 4-Tier Bamboo Entryway Organizer is perfect to store umbrellas, walking canes, as well as shoes, backpacks, purses, mail, magazines, and whichever additional items you need for the week.
• Cubby system: If you have the space (ideal for a mud room like area), you can build a cubby space for each person in the household, with hooks for jackets, purses, and reusable grocery bags, as well as a bottom area for shoes and boots. Then have additional room for sports equipment, backpacks, etc. Here are some examples on Pinterest to start your flow of ideas.

Extra Tip: Add a Calendar

You can also hang a calendar in this area as a reminder of what appointments or special events are coming up (or whose birthday is tomorrow!). As you stop at your home launch pad to grab everything you’ll need for the day, a quick glance at the calendar will have you prepared for the day and week.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Final Thoughts on Organizing a Launch Pad

As you can see, there are limitless design options for your home launch pad. The main principle I recommend you follow when creating one is to choose the organization method that fits your personal lifestyle and the items you use on the daily. You organize for you.
Best of luck to you!
 
Stephanie
 
p.s. check out my other blog post on How to Get Kids Organized for the School Year.
 
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