Transform a little-used wall into a functional message center. For your home office, paint the inside of a closet door or a small wall using chalkboard paint; it's a nontoxic latex paint mixed with carbon (which allows you to write on it with chalk), and it is sold in most home improvement stores. Slather two coats of paint on whatever you want to make into a chalkboard. Then jot down your ideas, reminders and messages on the board.

2/18/09

Tip: Fax yourself important documents like your birth certificate and income taxes to have these electronic files on hand.

2/17/09

2/16/09

Get rid of the antiquated fax machine! Instead, choose a paperless online "fax" service like eFax (www.efax.com) to receive faxes. Not only will it save trees and cut down on paper waste, but you'll be able to file and manage faxes electronically. No more digging around for that important memo!