I'm sure discussions of this nature have happened more than once and in more than one place, but I thought I'd poll my friends. In less than a week or so, I'll be making a move toward greater independence. What I want to know is, what tools, tactics and tricks have you learned that you think I should know?

To put it another way, what is the most valuable advice you would give a person trying to increase independence, especially around the hous? Please comment freely, have discussions, invite your friends to this post, email me or tweet me your best thoughts. No thought is stupid or wrong. If it doesn't work for me, I'll learn that soon enough.

Thanks, loyal friends for your help!