What's better than waking up and knowing your cup of joe is just one button-press away (or none, if you have a programmable machine!)? Before you go to bed, empty the old grounds and clean the carafe. If you have leftover coffee, don't waste it: Pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it for future iced coffees and smoothies. Then fill the machine with fresh grounds and replenish the water reservoir. Just like that, you've already kicked off a productive tomorrow.

Yes, it's a pain. But if you don't do it at night, it'll still be full in the morning — and we all know what will happen: You'll leave your breakfast things in the sink. And who wants to come home to dirty dishes at the end of the day?

Or hamburger meat, pork loin or whatever frozen item you'd love to eat for dinner tomorrow — if only it was thawed. Move tomorrow's ingredients from the freezer to fridge before lights-out so they have ample time to defrost safely. And while you're at it, jot down any items you need to complete the dish so you remember to pick them up on the way home the next day. Making dinner tomorrow night will be that much easier when you have the right ingredients ready to go.

It's true what they say: a tiny bit of cleaning everyday can help you avoid a major job down the line. And padding barefoot on dropped spaghetti strands and graham cracker bits is no way to start the day. You don't need to get out the mop (save that for the weekend); a quick run of the vacuum is enough to make a difference. Wipe down the counters and kitchen table, too.