5. Bust the clutter. "Paperwork is the number one organizing problem of families," says Estelle Gee, a Toronto-based professional organizer. She suggests creating a family management center. "This is a centrally located tool such as a binder that contains various sections for family activities, bill-paying, take-out menus, special projects such as decorating, and frequently used business cards such as the plumber's, and more," she says. "Spend one hour a week on paperwork — only 10 minutes a day! — and you’ll soon see a difference." To help, encourage your children and spouse to drop their paper in the appropriate area (read: not on the floor of their rooms).

6. Add a calendar. Hang it near the binder and make it the central family calendar. "Write down events and appointments on it for everyone," says Elizabeth Pantley, author of Kid Cooperation and Perfect Parenting. "Use different colored pens to code items for easy reading — such as carpool in green, doctors/dentists in purple. And keep the calendar up to date."