13. Clean your sink. Really clean it. First rinse it with very hot water. Then use a nonabrasive all-purpose cleanser (such as Bon Ami) to avoid scratching. “Gently and briskly rub with a damp sponge or cloth,” says Brian Sansoni, vice president of communication for the Soap and Detergent Association. Rinse and dry with a clean towel, then pour baking soda down the drain to reduce odors.

14. Make your own trail mix by combining the last bits of cereal, raisins, and nuts stashed in the rear of the cupboard. Try leftover Cheerios, pretzel pieces (including the salt at the bottom of the bag), almonds, and chocolate chips.

15. Create your own “Best of 2006” tally. With all those must-see, -read, and -hear lists popping up at the end of the year, it can be hard to keep track of what you wanted to check out. See Best of 2006 Lists for lists of the top-10 movies, books, and songs of 2006, according to the editors of Real Simple’s sister publication People. Note the items that caught your eye over the past year.

16. Clear all expired food from the refrigerator. For specific guidelines about when to throw out everything from cherries to ketchup, see Surprising Expiration Dates.

17. Create a list of parties you think would be fun to throw this year. Then later you can pick one and make it happen. Come up with a fun theme, such as winter carnival, where couples or kids compete for the best snowman and play tug-of-war and snow soccer.

18. Restack nesting bowls and Tupperware. Match lids with bottoms and toss oddball items.