What "rules" do you have for yourself?

I can only go to the thrift store if I have something specific to look for and I can't buy anything unless I also buy that item.

Oooo, I also do Adapie's rule. Took a ridiculously long time for me to start that one though.

Try to pick up every night before bed.

Try to pick up daily before I leave the house.

Clean up right after a meal before I do anything else.

Try to purge my closet every 3-4 months of items I have not worn.

Clip anything that I like out of magazines and put into my binder of clipings. Then recycle mag.

I have a household desk binder that keeps all "need to keep" out papers that can not be filed (rebate to file in 2 months, medical bills waiting to process, sign up sheet not yet due, reminder schedule for son's preschool etc). Plastic sleeves keep everything organized into category. I keep everything in it including postal recepits for ebay mailing, postage stamps, household info.

Kids room is picked up every night.

If something needs done..do it then. it will only get worse if you wait.

Exercise as early as I can in the day as I will likely find an excuse the later I put it off.

I've stopped buying things "because they're a good deal." Thats an unacceptable only reason to buy something- though a great perk if I'm looking for XYZ in the first place

I keep a list of things that need to be done. I break each large task into small ones (instead of the generic "clean kitchen", I get more done if I can cross off small bits like "load dishwasher", "clean sink", "wipe down counters") I also won't procrastinate as long on doing chores if I know I can do two or three small things and still cross things off my list.

I clean and cut as much produce as I can when it is purchased- makes food prep faster and I'm less likely to claim I'm not in the mood to cook if all I need to do is dump a few containers of vegetables into the pasta, and toss together things for the salad instead of washing, slicing and chopping.

I make a list of meals we will be eating over the next week. I juggle them to allow for DH to take leftovers to work, and for (rapidly) perishable items to be used on consecutive nights so we reduce waste. Then I make a groccery list based on the list and don't buy things based on random inspiration at the store (Random inspirations spurred by seeing one ingredient will still be there next week when I can think out what we'll need and how it will fit in with other ingredients better.).

I give myself a few choices of active things to do. Once upona time , my only option seemed to be to get dressed, look respectable and go for a walk. Investing ina few yoga DVDs and some other planned routines ensures that I actually do move my lazy butt for a little while each day (and I don't dread going outside in the rain for a walk ).

Deal with the mail as soon as it comes...Otherwise I have a week's worth of mail piled up and don't feel like dealing with it