If your home is like many home, the Kitchen is the center of life. Keep it ready to prepare the family meal and a cup of tea for a friend who needs your council or to drop the latest gossip.

The kitchen naturally and almost effortlessly has a way of accumulating papers, mail and a variety of misplaced possessions. Yet, it happens to be the most popular place in the home to invite guests. Keep is organized, clean and sorted.

Incoming! Dedicate a place for daily drop-offs such as mail and newspapers to be sorted into actionable categories.

Create a plan of attack, including a reference binder to create a permanent home for take-out menus, coupons, gift certificates and commonly reached-for numbers such as the dry cleaner, your florist, hair stylist and movie theatre.

Strategically place a trash, recycle and shred receptacle, essential tools for eliminating junk and keeping the paper from piling up.

Create a communication command center by setting aside a place to take and leave messages, and write notes to family. And, use your computer as a tool to manage the household calendar.