Now that you've gotten things where you want them, how do you keep them that way? Here are five of my very best techniques for doing just that.

• Catch backslides early. Things will get messy. The key is to catch yourself before you're overwhelmed.
• Use the two-minute rule. If you can do a task in two minutes or less, do it right away. Examples: hanging up your jacket instead of slinging it over a chair, sorting incoming mail rather than dropping it on the counter, putting dirty dishes in the dishwasher instead of leaving them in the sink.
• Spend time wisely. Work in 18-minute blocks once a week to keep things tidy.
• Establish "junk jail." Collect toys, shoes and books left around the house by the children. Charge kids an extra chore to bail out their items.
• Create a lost-and-found drawer or basket. Stash cords, clips, toy parts and other things you find, so everyone knows where to look for that lost key or hair band.

Now you have a fail-safe plan for conquering clutter and maintaining the organization in three basic areas. Remember, you'll burn out if you go full speed. Instead, work in small, manageable blocks of time and be sure to get support and ideas from others on the Real Organizing for Real People message boards.