Before you tackle the nitty-gritty, start out by doing a quick, 5 minute surface cleaning. Do it now, and do it F.A.S.T.

F: Fix a time.

A: Anything that you haven't used in 12 months (or that you all agree can go) should be tossed.

S: Stuff that belongs anywhere but the kitchen -- school books, mail, magazines, and articles of clothing -- should be whisked away.

T: Trash. Get rid of it.