The difference between people who maintain order consistently and those who have to go back constantly and straighten up messy areas is this: orderly folks hop quickly to a solution when something needs to be done.  Simply put, as soon as there is a job to do, they do it.

You’ll keep chaos under control too if you get in the habit of tackling jobs quickly:

•   Unload the dishwasher when the load is finished. Empty the dryer, fold clothes, and put them away immediately.
•   Insist that kids put away toys they’re no longer using before dragging out new ones.