5 organization tools

While we can't promise you that these nifty items will make you a regular Martha Stewart overnight, we can say that they will make your life about a million times easier, and your house a heck of a lot tidier. (You'll have to work on your children's manners yourself.)

1) Under-the-sink shelving and/or drawer sets

These are great for both the bathroom and kitchen. Home retailers and mass merchandisers (think Target) sell shelf systems and plastic drawer units to give you more usable storage space under the sink -- meaning less clutter on your countertops.

2) An over-the-toilet shelving system

If you're short on linen closet space, add a shelving unit in the usually unused wall space over the toilet. Stock your towels and TP there, and you'll nevermore never have to hang out the bathroom door yelling for someone to bring you one or the other.

3) The SmartPad

This sticky pad will stay put on most surfaces, like refrigerators and dashboards -- and the things you lose the most will stay stuck to it, too. (Think keys, cell phone, pens.)

4) Toy trolley

These look like old coal mining trolleys, but come in bright, kid-friendly colors. Your children can wheel them around the house to pick up their toys, then wheel them back to their rooms.

5) Underbed storage bags

Do you put off storing out-of-season clothes because it's too much of a pain to box everything and lug it to the attic? Save time, space and sanity by utilizing the empty space under your bed. Pick up some underbed storage bags and give your closet -- and back -- a break.

more organizational tools

• 10 Tips to organize bathroom
• 8 Ways to organize your kitchen for better entertaining
• How to organize tax records and receipts