A Room-by-Room Tech Makeover for Your Home

Technology is supposed to help us get organized, communicate more effectively, eliminate paper, and store huge amounts of information on tiny devices. So why is the house a shambles? Oh, that would be the rat's nest of wires in the living room, the video games in the family room, and the chargers all over the place. Yet despite the potential for tech to create mess, I'm obsessed -- because as the working mom of two tweens, I love anything that helps me take care of my family, meet my obligations, and simplify my life. If that sounds good to you too, follow me from room to room and I'll show you some geeky ways to manage clutter, get rid of stray papers, and streamline household operations. Sometimes a purchase is in order, but often a free Web site or service can do the trick.