Aurelia Butler

Decluttering your entire home is a difficult, timely and personal process, especially when it involves parting with sentimental items you’ve collected over the years. Whenever you’re editing or organizing, remember to give yourself patience and grace — the process can quickly become overwhelming if you take on too much at once. The good news? Once you set up practical organizing systems, it should be easy to keep your house tidy. From time management and impulse shopping to getting distracted by social media aesthetics, we’re sharing the common mistakes professional organizers are sick of dealing with. Plus, they’re offering simple solutions for avoiding these major no-nos. Organizing Advice From the ExpertsTrying to Declutter in One DayFrom cluttered entryways and crowded kitchen cabinets to overflowing closets, clutter may accumulate quickly — but it takes time to declutter and organize. “Many times, clutter stresses people out to the point where they feel like they need to get rid of it immediately,” says Sarit Weiss, founder and lead organizer at Neat & Orderly. “Organizing is a process of planning, decluttering and implementing, which can take longer than expected and cause people to burn out and abandon the project altogether.”SOLUTION: Start with small, achievable tasks and take regular breaks. Create an organization schedule that involves tackling one room at a time. Tidying up Clutter Instead of Tossing It Always start by decluttering, which allows you to purge your belongings and free up space. “Many people try to organize without getting rid of unnecessary items first, and it can end up being a waste of time and feel very frustrating,” says Elsa Elbert, organizing expert and founder of Composed Living. “If you constantly feel like you’re picking things up and relocating them, it might be because tidying doesn’t work without organizing first,” adds Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban OrgaNYze. “Tidying is helpful for daily maintenance, but without an organizational plan, it becomes a draining, never-ending cycle.” SOLUTION: Address the root of your challenges first, whether it’s eliminating unwanted items or investing in storage solutions. You’ll find that daily tidying becomes far less exhausting. Sean De Burca//Getty ImagesTo avoid overwhelm and decision fatigue, work with one drawer at a time.Taking Everything out of Drawers, Closets, Etc. While clearing out a closet or all of your kitchen cabinets can be helpful for categorizing, it can also create stress. “Many people believe they need to empty everything out of the space they are organizing,” says Nichole Gehman, professional organizer and founder of Organize by Designe. “This applies to linen closets, bathroom drawers, dresser drawers, master closets, etc. This can be a huge mistake because they become overwhelmed, quit, then feel like a failure. SOLUTION: “Try focusing on just one drawer or shelf at a time. This approach helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed, allowing you to accomplish more,” says Gehman. Focusing Too Much on AestheticsBefore shopping for chic organizational products your favorite influencers are promoting online, consider if they’ll actually improve your everyday routine. “While social media can offer eye-candy-like inspiration, it’s crucial to ensure those ideas truly fit your daily needs and intuitive habits,” says Kinsella. “Organizing is a deeply personal process that requires understanding your own routines, challenges and preferences to create systems that are intuitive and easy to maintain over time.”SOLUTION: Create practical organizing systems that enhance your daily routine, then make those systems as aesthetically pleasing as possible.Courtesy of Urban OrganyzeOnly invest in storage solutions that maximize and improve your space.Rushing to Buy Organizers”We often see clients purchasing bins, baskets or other storage solutions before understanding exactly what needs to be stored,” says Elbert. Without a clear sense of what you’re organizing, these items will end up adding to the clutter rather than solving the problem at hand.”I see this all the time — I’ve even done it,” adds Bohne Leah of Be Organized Method. “It’s so common to rush out and buy the organizational product when we get the urge to organize… Then we get home and find we have too little or too much stuff to fit, or we simply didn’t get the right thing.”SOLUTION: Declutter and categorize before shopping for storage solutions, like bins, baskets and organizers. Once you are ready to invest in organizing products, always measure to ensure they maximize your space. Creating Systems That Are Hard to MaintainWhether it’s an overly complicated bathroom organizer (hint: way too many sections) or heavy bins at the top of your closet, organization systems don’t work long-term if they’re difficult to maintain. Items you use regularly should be accessible, so it’s easy to quickly put them away — even when you’re in a rush.Especially when it comes to your closet, pantry or kids’ spaces, you should always anticipate getting more items. “A big mistake is not planning for future growth,” says Janelle Lam of Straighten Up Home. “Your space needs to be flexible enough to accommodate more items down the line” — or else you’ll get stuck in a cycle of constantly re-organizing.SOLUTION: Invest in the proper storage solutions, considering your current lifestyle and whether they can grow with you in the future. Make sure everyday items are accessible and easy to put away when you’re done.Sara Liggoria-TrampCreate space for everyday essentials, like your skincare routine in the bathroom, just as designer Emily Bowser does here.Not Giving Items a Practical “Home”Again, a big part of maintaining an organized home is organizational systems that actually work long-term. It shouldn’t be a hassle to store your makeup after getting ready in the morning and it shouldn’t take long to return spices to the kitchen cabinet. “Make sure the place you designate for your items is the most advantageous place for them,” says Weiss. “For example, if you keep your pots and pans at the far end of the kitchen away from the stove top, it can be impractical to walk each pot to the stove.” SOLUTION: When designating a home for every item, make sure that item can be quickly and easily returned “home” — especially if you use it on a daily basis. Letting Clutter Accumulate, Again”Organization is not a one-and-done task, but an ongoing lifestyle,” says Kinsella, who periodically rethinks her organizational systems, especially around the holidays. “If your space feels overwhelmed and categories start overflowing, it’s a clear sign it’s time for an edit. Respecting your space’s limits and reassessing boundaries as new items enter keeps everything manageable.”SOLUTION: A daily reset is so important! Once you have everything in place, spend a few minutes each day putting things back where they belong.Related StoriesAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

It’s officially time for pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin picking and, most importantly, fall decorating. While it’s always a thrill to transform your home for the crisp autumn weather, it can be difficult to find decor that doesn’t focus on a certain holiday or theme but instead matches your existing design style.”There’s a way to be design-conscious that incorporates cohesive color and patterns to create an inviting fall vibe,” says Katie Schroder of Atelier Interior Design.Whether it’s embracing a fall color scheme, setting out decorative gourds to spruce up your porch or arranging a holiday table that will impress guests, interior designers have tips and tricks to capture the essence of the season. Just keep in mind that when it comes to fall decorating, what’s actually more important is what not to do. But don’t worry — design pros are here to share the most common fall decorating mistakes you may be making when that chill hits the air. The Most Common Fall Decorating Mistakes 🛑 Taking the theme too farWhile there are tons of decorative signs and welcome mats out there with sayings like ‘Sweater Weather’ and ‘Oh my Gourd,’ there are more subtle ways to showcase the beauty of fall. “One of the biggest mistakes we see with fall decorating is the urge to spell out that the season has arrived! Instead of displaying signs that read ‘Harvest’ or ‘Fall Is Here,’ consider making your home warmer by adding simple touches, including layered blankets and throws,” says Diane Rath of The Rath Project. Erin KestenbaumThis living room designed by Diane Rath of The Rath Project pairs fall colors with cozy blankets and pillows for a warm, inviting space. Photo by: Erin Kestenbaum🛑 Focusing only on holiday-themed pieces Instead of going literal with fall decor and incorporating pieces that are specific to certain holidays, try weaving in designs that show off colors and patterns that feel right for the season.Patricia BurkeIn this space, designer Sarah Coleman uses fall greenery and fruits to show the season is here. Photo by: Patricia Burke”Rather than sourcing Halloween or Thanksgiving-specific decor, I prefer to find fall-inspired pieces that feel relevant and festive for the entirety of the season. Our family loves going apple picking, so I always have a large bowl of apples (in various hues) on our kitchen island. It’s such a simple thing and yet it feels so cozy and festive,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Designs. 🛑 Abandoning the little thingsWhile it may seem like there’s a lot of fall decorating tasks to handle, designers suggest keeping it simple by highlighting the small things.”A signature holiday scent, candle light, fall-colored throws and a beautiful frame holding that ‘hand turkey’ your kid painted when they were five can go a very long way,” says Shroder.Jonathan RossThis tablescape designed by Jessie Sierra Ross showcases smaller design touches — like candles and small pumpkins — that contribute to an overall fall mood. Photo by: Jonathan RossEmily Minton RedfieldYou can even use comfy seating and interactive board games to create a warm autumn mood. “Putting out a few poufs by the fireplace and adding books and games to your coffee table for the fall is a way to decorate by bringing people together,” says Rath.🛑 Being afraid to go moody”Color is so important to seasonal storytelling: Summer is often filled with shades of light blues, sunny yellows and playful corals. Fall is a bit moodier; one of the best ways to make sure your fall home transitions with impact is to incorporate that richer palette,” says Jessie Sierra Ross, author of Seasons Around The Table.Ross suggests looking to fall foliage for inspiration, incorporating “golden yellows, fiery oranges and deep reds.” But if these colors are too much for you, try offsetting them with lighter tones. Sarah BakerDesigner Kimberly Schutz incorporates fall foliage in this beautiful home. Look to colors in nature to inspire bold hues throughout the season. Photo by: Sarah Baker🛑 Forgetting about textureDecorating for fall is more than what we see around the house. It’s also about what we feel. “Fall is about warmth, so incorporating different textures (like soft throws, wicker and natural elements) can enhance the cozy vibe,” says Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories.Ross suggests going for one of her favorites — velvet decorative pumpkins. You can also try piling up some cozy throw blankets and pillows on the couch for a warmer, more inviting environment. 🛑 Overlooking your existing home decorWhile decorating for any season is a chance to add new life to your home, don’t overlook the design decisions you’ve already made. Try matching fall decor with your home’s personality for a more cohesive look. “It’s always important to stay true to your personal design aesthetic, no matter how maximalist or minimalist you are,” says Samantha Stathis, Marshalls and T.J. Maxx Home Style Expert.Sarah BakerThat means not being afraid to embrace your style, regardless of whether you’re into sleek, modern design or bold, patterned eclectic decor. Have fun choosing fall-related pieces that complement your interior design preferences, and enjoy the season!Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates. More

There are so many great cleaning tools out there — from autonomous robot mops to powerful carpet cleaners — but a hardworking vacuum is one we’d be hard-pressed to live without. The versatile cleaning tool can be used both indoors and out to rid your space of dirt, dust, allergens, pet hair, and other debris. Some of the best vacuums equipped with HEPA filters can even help improve the overall air quality inside your home. But what you might not realize is your vacuum can do more than clean your floors — so much more. Vacuums, particularly those equipped with multiple attachments and various suction levels, can be used in virtually every room of the house for other tasks like dusting blinds, refreshing mattresses and keeping appliances in check. And doing so can help you keep your entire home cleaner in a fraction of the time you’d spend on other methods. First, Do You Have the Right Vac?To help you speed through your cleaning routine in record time, our pros explain how to make the most of your go-to vacuum cleaner. 1. BlindsYou can clean all types of shades and blinds using your vacuum cleaner. For Roman and cellular shades, use your vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment on low suction. Sheers and panel track shades are similar — simply glide your vacuum dust-brush tool over them on the lowest setting. For aluminum and vinyl blinds, pull the blinds slightly away from the window, keeping it taut. Then, attach the soft dusting-brush tool to your vacuum cleaner and vacuum a few slats at a time, using a side-to-side or top-to-bottom motion.Related Story2. MattressesKeep your bed dust- and odor-free using your vacuum’s upholstery and crevice tools. Using the upholstery tool, go over the top and sides of the mattress and as much of the box spring as you can access, pressing down firmly to draw out dust beneath the surface. Then, use the crevice tool to get into any grooves in the quilting, along the edge welting and where any pillow top is attached. If your mattress has any lingering odors, you can sprinkle baking soda onto the mattress, brush it in lightly, wait 15 to 30 minutes, then vacuum.3. Ceiling fansAfter turning off the power source, you can remove caked-on dust from the blades of your ceiling fan by using the extension wands and soft dusting brush on your vacuum cleaner — no step stool required. If your vacuum comes with a bendable elbow attachment, pop it on between the wand and brush to more easily clean the entire surface of the blade. If any fine particles remain, use a damp microfiber cloth with a grease-cutting all-purpose cleaner and wipe down both sides of the blades. For this, you’ll need a step stool.4. Molding and baseboardsFor floor-to-ceiling woodwork, your best bet is a vacuum that comes with multiple attachments — particularly a machine that comes with a hose, extension wands and either a small round dusting brush or a clean bare floor brush. Working from top to bottom, vacuum molding and baseboards with the brush to remove dust. Then, tackle any lingering spots using a wet cloth lightly sprayed with water or an all-purpose cleaning solution. 5. TVs and other electronicsTo remove dust from vents, ports and cable connections on your TV, computer or other electronics, use your vacuum’s soft dusting brush on low suction. Just be sure to turn off and unplug any devices before cleaning.6. Air vents and filters To help improve the indoor air quality in your home, vacuum the slats of any wall, ceiling and floor registers with your vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment as part of your regular cleaning routine.7. Window AC unitsTo keep your window unit running efficiently, regularly vacuum the front grilles, body and control panel with your vacuum’s soft dusting brush tool to remove any loose dust and debris. You should also check the foam filter monthly for dirt, lint and hair. If needed, vacuum on low suction with the upholstery tool. Related Story8. Clothes dryerFor regular maintenance, use the crevice tool on your vacuum to quickly remove lint from down inside the lint filter chamber. We also recommend a deeper clean once per year. Pull your dryer away from the wall, disconnect the duct and use the hose of your vacuum cleaner and crevice tool to reach as far into the duct and back of the dryer as far as you can. 9. Yoga matSweat and natural body oils can cause bacteria to breed on your favorite yoga mat. To absorb oils and give the oft-used surface a refresh, sprinkle and rub baking soda on the surface of your mat. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then vacuum up the excess. Related Story10. Pet bedsSimilar to your mattress, you can clean and deodorize your pet’s sleeping spot by sprinkling the surface with baking soda, letting it sit for 15 minutes and then vacuuming it up.Related StoryBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More

There’s no denying that our lives have been made so much easier thanks to the almighty dishwasher. Few kitchen appliances have revolutionized the cleaning world like the dishwasher has when it comes to how we keep our homes tidy and safe. But while the best dishwashers are magical for their abilities to leave our drinking glasses and dinner plates free of spots and baked-on messes, the truth is, not everything in our kitchen is dishwasher safe.Apart from learning the proper way to load a dishwasher and figuring out the best dishwasher detergent for your machine, it’s equally important to know the cookware items that don’t belong in the dishwasher. What happens if you don’t? Long story short, things can get ugly quickly. In some cases you can fade your dishware, in others, your items may be permanently damaged or you may even damage your dishwasher.To help you out, the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab is laying out the exact kitchen items and cookware pieces you’re better off washing by hand to be safe. Keep these things far away from the dishwasher, and you’ll be just fine: 1. Cast-Iron SkilletYou know how you have to season your skillet before using it? Well, when you put it in the dishwasher, you’re basically undoing all of that hard work. There are a few different ways to effectively clean your cast iron without damaging the skillet, some involving vegetable oil and others involving salt. But as Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, stresses: “Your cast iron skillet should never be soaked in the sink or put in the dishwasher.” Learn More:2. Wooden UtensilsThe hot water and heat for drying in your dishwasher are too harsh for your mixing spoons, spatulas, or any other kitchen tool made of wood. Your utensils will likely warp, split and lose shape over time, which nobody wants.3. Wooden Cutting BoardsLike the wooden spoons, hot water will cause the finish of your favorite wooden board to dull and possibly warp or split, says Forté. Instead, use a mixture of three tablespoons of bleach per quart of water to scrub it clean.4. Grandma’s Vintage PlatesIf you were gifted the family china when you got married, be wary of exposing it to the hot water and detergents that can eat away at any gold trim or hand-painted details. To be safe, gently wash all of the dishes by hand to ensure they will live on for generations to come. Anna Kurzaeva//Getty ImagesVintage plates and china are best washed by hand to avoid any potential damage.5. Garlic PressThey speed up supper, but you’ll need to slow down to clean them. Since garlic is sticky in paste form, bits of it get stuck in the crevices. It can be a hassle, but chances are your dishwasher won’t totally get rid of all the garlic residue. Wash yours by hand to ensure it’s totally spotless for your next meal prep session. 6. Insulated MugsOverall, Forté advises that it’s best to check and follow the mug manufacturer’s directions to be sure auto dishwashing is safe. Some newer travel mugs are dishwasher safe, but your dishwasher could destroy the insulation on some, so it can be best to do a quick wash in the sink instead. 7. Bottles or Jars With Labels on ThemIf you want to keep your pickle jar, just make sure you remove the paper label and any adhesive remnants first — those materials usually come off in the dishwasher and can get stuck in the filter, which might lead to more serious problems later (problems that cost way more to repair than the pickle jar is worth).8. Aluminum CookwareCookware that is made of aluminum will become discolored and damaged. Best to just use a bit of elbow grease the next time you need to scrub your cake pans. 9. Cheese GraterThe cheesy goodness you just grated for mac and cheese may still be stuck in the holes even after a cycle in the dishwasher. Instead, use soap and a sponge or brush to wash it by hand and ensure today’s cheddar doesn’t mix with tomorrow’s mozzarella.10. Fancy Chef KnivesSince the nylon racks and tines in your dishwasher shouldn’t be nicked, you should keep your knives far away from them, Forté says. Plus, when knives rattle around in the dishwasher, it can damage the blades, and wooden handles can split and dry out. But, if your dishwasher has a dedicated rack for knives, you’re the exception to the rule. Plastic-handled knives may be safe to put in. Lucky duck!11. Copper Pots, Pans, and MugsIf you enjoy a tasty Moscow Mule in a copper mug as much as we do, you know half of the appeal is your cup’s beautiful color. The thing is, the harshness of the dishwasher can cause any copper surfaces to dull or fade, which is why it’s better to wash your copper mugs, pots, and pans by hand to be safe.12. Non-Stick CookwareMany non-stick cookware brands say it’s safe to wash in the dishwasher. It is occasionally, but Forté says to keep in mind that, over time, it can degrade the non-stick finish properties. If you want the cookware to last, wash it by hand.13. CrystalYou can check with the manufacturer — some crystal is dishwasher safe. In fact, some dishwashers even have crystal cycles. But for crystal, it’s best to think twice. Hot water, especially hard water, and detergent can leave it cloudy and spotted. Load it incorrectly and it can emerge chipped and cracked. Antique and hand-painted crystal should always be hand-washed to be safe.More Cleaning Tips and Advice:Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.Expert consulted:Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive DirectorCarolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

The best dishwashers get a lot of attention as lifesavers in the kitchen, but the humble garbage disposal is another true workhorse that can help make clean-up a breeze. If you’re lucky enough to have the appliance installed in your kitchen sink, you know that it can take care of food scraps in a flash, leaving your garbage less stinky, plus help prevent backed-up sinks that are just plain gross to deal with. But as effective as they are, garbage disposals can also be finicky machines, prone to breakage and less-than-pleasant backups when you put the wrong things inside. Not to mention, they can be costly to repair. Related StoryTo help ensure your machine runs at peak performance for many years to come, we tapped the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab for some pointers on what items should never make their way into your garbage disposal. Instead, you can throw these food bits in your regular garbage, or opt for composting them. 1. BonesThis one may seem obvious, but big bones from chicken carcasses, ribs and other animal proteins shouldn’t make their way into your disposal. They’ll simply spin around, possibly even damaging the blades. And while some may say small bones from food like fish can go down the disposal, we caution against it and suggest taking these items to the trash instead. 2. ShellsSimilarly, you should never put oyster or clamshells down the disposal — they’re much too hard for the blades to tackle. The hard exoskeletons of other shellfish, including crabs, lobster and shrimp, are also better off in the garbage can, as they can cause damage to both your system’s blades and pipes. 3. Coffee groundsYou may have heard conflicting advice on coffee grounds — there’s a common misconception that they can help clean your disposal. And while they do seem innocent enough, our experts say they can actually pile up in the system, leading to a sludgy mess that could potentially clog your pipes.4. EggshellsEggshells are another item that gets tossed around as a good way to clean your machine or even sharpen the blades, but we advise against this as well. The membrane lining inside the shell can also build up, leading to trouble. More Home Mistakes to Avoid5. Fibrous vegetablesGarbage disposals make quick work of discarding veggie scraps, but foods like celery, asparagus and corn husks should never make it into your disposal. The long, fine strands that compose these items can get tangled up in the blades, wreaking havoc on the machine’s efficiency. 6. Produce stickersYou know those little stickers that detail the food’s PLU code for reference at the grocery store? Make sure to peel those off and toss them in the trash before discarding any food scraps in the garbage disposal. They can attract other bits of debris that could eventually causing a blockage. 7. PitsThe pits from fruit like peaches, plums, mangos and avocado should never make their way down your drain. Like bones, they’re much too tough for the blades and can cause damage. They may also get lodged in pipes if they happen to make their way through. 8. Pasta and riceKids left some macaroni, a hunk of lasagna or remnants of fried rice on their plate? Scrape that right into the trash before rinsing the dish — starchy foods like pasta and rice expand when exposed to liquid, even after they’ve been fully cooked. This can cause buildup in your disposal, eventually leading to plumbing problems. 9. Potato peelsSimilarly, the starch from potato peels can swell and get gummy in your garbage disposal, causing issues down the line. Liudmila Chernetska//Getty Images10. OatsDon’t dump the last bits of your morning oatmeal into the disposal, either. Like other starchy foods, this seemingly innocent item expands and can create a sticky mess inside the appliance. 11. BeansChickpeas, white beans, black beans… whatever legume you enjoy, they should end up in the trash rather than the disposal. Like starches, these items have a tendency to get sticky inside the machine and may even coat the blades, leading to efficiency issues and even full malfunction. 12. Onion skinsSimilar to eggs, the thin membrane on the inside of an onion’s skin can get lodged in the drain, which can trap other food that would otherwise make it down the pipes and cause clogs. Onions and their skins also tend to be stringy and can wrap around the blades. 13. NutsNuts are not only hard and can eventually dull your garbage disposal’s blades, but they can also create a muddy mess inside that can eventually lead to blockages. Think about it: Nut butters, like peanut and almond butter, are made by grinding the nuts into a paste! 14. Grease, oil and other fatsGrease, oil and other fats like melted butter should never go down your sink — regardless of whether you have a disposal. It’s the same concept as what fat can do to your arteries. When it hardens, it can cause stubborn clogs in your drain and pipes. Related StoriesBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

Maybe you’re nowhere near retirement, but Mom is moving in. Maybe you frequently host guests with mobility issues. Or maybe you’re simply looking to ensure a safe living space for yourself as you age that doesn’t put you at risk of dangerous falls. “More than one in four adults aged 65 or older fall every year,” says Dr. Alexander Billioux, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare. “This is the leading cause of injuries for older Americans. The good news is there are ways to reduce risk by making simple changes in your home.”Whatever your reason for adding aging-in-place modifications to your home, you’re not alone: More seniors live alone or with only their spouse in the U.S. than in most other countries worldwide. At the same time, more and more families are welcoming the idea of multigenerational residences. In short: Universal design is a universal concern. And while creating an accessible home can require professional renovations, this isn’t always the case — there are plenty of low-lift home improvements that anybody can make. Here, Jamie Gold, a wellness design consultant and author of Wellness by Design: A Room-by-Room Guide to Optimizing Your Home for Health, Fitness and Happiness, shares her top design tips to enhance your home’s accessibility — with no contractor required. BedroomBeing well-rested is a prerequisite for staying healthy, but aging brings a host of mental, physical and lifestyle changes that can disrupt sleep patterns and quality. Happily, there are ways to minimize them. “Start by controlling your bedroom environment,” says Gold. “Look for window coverings that block out light and noise — especially automated treatments that can be raised and lowered with the touch of a button, so you don’t even have to get out of bed.” Installing circadian light bulbs in your bedroom is another way to instill a sense of routine into your sleep pattern. To prevent falls, make sure to move any cords, clothes or bedding that may cause you to trip.Bathroom“You should prioritize a shower seat and a handheld showerhead,” says Gold. “The great thing about the handheld is it makes it easier to clean yourself and the entire shower area.” She also recommends adding bidet functionality to your toilet, as this decreases the need for those with mobility limitations to use the tub and shower for cleaning—thus lessening the risk of tub and shower falls. Place nonskid mats in the shower and bath to further protect against falls. An en suite bathroom is ideal for seniors (not to mention everyone else), but if that’s not an option, establish the senior’s bedroom as the one closest to the hallway bathroom. Then line the hallway with night-lights to ensure a safe path there and back. KitchenThis space can be a hotbed of hazards for older members of the household. “Invest in tiered, pull-out shelving for cookware and pantry items,” says Gold, so no one has to get down on their knees to rummage through lower-level cabinets. Additionally, she recommends an induction cooktop, which heats using magnetic fields, to reduce fire and burn risks (portable versions of these are also available for a less expensive upgrade). Make a constant effort to keep the kitchen floor dry, as water from the sink can lead to slips and falls if not cleaned up. If your home is multi-level, you can even indulge your inner college student and create a DIY kitchen in or near the bedroom by stocking it with a mini-fridge, microwave, water cooler and coffee maker.Additional Tips“Do a physical walk-through of the entire space, focusing on potential trip hazards,” says Gold. Look for loose rug corners, super-slippery floors, wired chargers underfoot—anything that could cause a fall. Additional tips to guard against falls include removing furniture from common walkways, avoiding throw rugs, and covering wood stairs with carpet or non-slip covering.Don’t just consider your home during the daytime—think about how it will look and feel at night as well. Adding plug-in lights along the stairwell and low-level lights in hallways can make navigating these transitory spaces safer for those with decreased mobility or vision. And to help keep everyone on schedule, consider installing smart technology that reminds seniors to complete their daily tasks—as minor as taking the trash out or as major as feeding themselves or taking their medications. With a home that’s there for you, you’ll have more of the security you need to age healthily, safely and happily in place. More

Once you experience the convenience of a dishwasher, it’s nearly impossible to look back. The best dishwashers not only save you time and effort, but are also more water- and energy-efficient. Not to mention, they keep with features like auto dispense detergent and Microban-treated parts, they get your dishes squeaky clean and can even help keep itself germ-free.And, as it turns out, a dishwasher’s prowess doesn’t end with the usual suspects: dinnerware, flatware and cookware. Carolyn Forté, Home Care and Cleaning Lab Executive Director and a consumer products expert with over 40 years of experience evaluating cleaning products and appliances for Good Housekeeping, knows a thing or two about dishwashers, and says the appliance is a quick and easy cleaning solution for all kinds of items in your home, from kids’ toys to gardening tools. Forté doesn’t recommend washing fabrics or soft items, like hats, plus cautions against washing shoes and flip-flops for sanitary reasons. Instead, look to the humble appliance to help clean hard plastics, metal and glass items like scrub brushes with plastic handles, pet toys and bowls and even manicure tools in a flash. All About Your DishwasherJust don’t forget: In general, you should always check the manufacturer guidance on whether a product is dishwasher-safe, and choose a quick, express or delicate cycle. And if anything is particularly filthy, you should wash it by hand.Ready to speed through your cleaning checklist? Read on to learn more about the surprising items you can deep clean in your dishwasher. Plastic toysSmall kids’ toys like plastic boats for the bath and plastic building blocks should go on the top rack of the dishwasher. Put anything particularly small in a mesh bag to prevent them from dropping through the racks. Never put any toys with internal or electronic parts in the dishwasher. You also want to make sure toys are thoroughlydry inside to prevent mold growth.Suzi Media Production//Getty ImagesScrub brushes with plastic handles Put these cleaning tools in the top rack of your dishwasher to freshen and clean them.Toothbrush holderRemove all of that gunk and grime from the bottom of your toothbrush holder by placing it in the upper rack of your dishwasher, where you put glasses. Plastic and acrylic organizersClear any large crumbs or debris from plastic organizers — can holders, utensil caddies or even shoe bins — then pop them onto the upper rack of your dishwasher to thoroughly clean them. Glass microwave turntableFirst, check the manufacture’s instructions. If it says it’s dishwasher safe, remove the turntable from the microwave, then load it into the lower rack of the dishwasher like a plate. Just make sure it not too tall that it hits or block the middle spray arm. Shower poufThis bathroom accessory can safely be put in the upper rack of the dishwasher. Related StoryPacifiersRubber and silicone pacifiers do well in the utensil rack or caddy of your dishwasher. Many are even sturdy enough for a sanitize cycle, but we recommend checking manufacturer instructions first. Sold plastic dustpan/vacuum attachmentsClean your cleaning supplies — plastic or metal dust pans, vacuum attachments and washable filters, for example — in the dishwasher. Place smaller items, like vacuum attachments (but not brushes or tools with fabric attached), upright on the top rack. Larger items, like a dustpan, can go face down on the top rack; some, depending on the material, will do just fine on the lower rack if extra space is needed. Nail clippers/tweezersManicure and grooming tools, including nail clippers, cuticle clippers and tweezers, can go on the upper rack of your dishwasher like utensils. Alternatively, you can place these tools in the utensil caddy. CombsCombs and other plastic hair brushes (avoid putting boar bristle brushes in the dishwasher) should be placed on the upper rack of the dishwasher, bristle-side down. Pets toys/bowlsMetal, ceramic or plastic pet toys and bowls tend to be dishwasher-safe. Place plastic items, like chew toys, on the upper rack; metal and ceramic items, including bowls, go on the bottom rack. You can also send protective rubber floor mats through the dishwasher by placing them in the main compartment of the dishwasher like a plate, avoiding the spray arms. LenaMay//Getty ImagesCeramic potsPlanters, berry baskets and other ceramic pots can safely go in the upper drawer of the dishwasher. However, if the item is particularly special, handpainted or delicate, it’s recommended to handwash it to avoid possible fading or other damage. Phone casesPlastic and silicone phone cases are generally dishwasher-safe face down on the top rack, but avoid washing any cases with accessories like rhinestones or other attachments that could be damaged or even fall off during a cycle.   Small garden tools with plastic handlesShovels, pails and other small metal or plastic gardening tools can get a quick refresh in the dishwasher. After you remove excess dirt, place these tools in the upper or lower rack, depending on size and material. Ideally, plastic should go on the top rack, while metal can withstand a spin on the lower. CupholdersIf your car — or your child’s car seat — has removable cupholders, tap any debris or larger food crumbs out into the garbage, then send them for a spin in the upper rack of the machine like glassware. SpongesYou should, ideally, replace your kitchen sponge every two to three weeks, but in a pinch, the dishwasher may help extend the life of your trusty kitchen tool. Simply tuck your sponge securely into the top rack in a regular load, using the “heated dry” setting.Refrigerator bins and glass shelvesAlways follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If it’s dishwasher safe, after you’ve cleared any food crumbs and debris from drawers and glass shelves, these items can take a spin in the dishwasher — space permitting. We do, however, recommend allowing these items to come to room temperature before washing to prevent cracking, and do not put shelves with LED lighting in the dishwasher.More Trending Home StoriesBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More

ModernMARC MAULDINContemporaryPhil CrozierAs seen in this attractive living room designed by Reena Sotropa of In House Design Group, the sleek nature of modern style balances the daring accents of color and texture. “While often neutral in palette, contemporary spaces can also be elevated with bold color-blocking. The focus is on straight lines and sharp angles, creating an inviting space through texture and mixed metallics — proving that minimalism can be anything but boring,” says Rebecca Ward of Rebecca Ward Design.Photo by: Phil CrozierEclecticSara Ligorria-TrampIf you never get tired of thrifting or find yourself leaning into unique colors, consider an eclectic design style. “Eclectic is often described as contemporary shapes, layered patterns and textures mixed together with vintage finds. This juxtaposition works in favor to elevate the uniqueness of the pieces and often the uniqueness of the color palette,” says Storms.See more at Style by Emily Henderson »Photo by: Sara Liggoria-Tramp Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowFarmhouseKaitlin GreenCoastalMichelle Boudreau DesignMidcentury Kat AlvesIf neutrals bore you, consider this setup from Rebecca Ward of Rebecca Ward Design and go for a midcentury style when designing your home. “Imagine stepping into a 1950s dinner party — the vibrant sofa on tapered walnut legs, a hairpin-leg coffee table and a brass sunburst mirror above it. Mid-century modern design is rooted in the German Bauhaus movement, offering a minimalistic yet retro feel with rich wood tones and brilliant colors,” says Ward.Photo by: Kat AlvesAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowIndustrialalvarez//Getty ImagesInspired by elements like metal, concrete and exposed pipes, industrial interior design works well in lofts and other spaces with high ceilings. Although these layouts often involve gray tones, they can be cozied up with colorful furniture, statement lighting and vintage artwork. TraditionalCaroline SharpnackAlthough traditional interiors can often be described as old-fashioned, there are many ways to incorporate your personality into the style for a polished design with rich colors. Just take note of the playful feel of this traditional living room designed by Debbie Mathews of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. “Traditional design often incorporates symmetry with decorative moldings, columns and wainscoting. It also incorporates neutral colors but can take that one step further with a number of rooms being painted in rich jewel tones,” says Mathews. Photo by: Caroline SharpnackTransitionalPhil CrozierStuck between wanting elegance and simplicity at the same time? Transitional design blends styles for a chic yet subtle look that’s exemplified in this striking living room designed by Reena Sotropa of In House Design Group. “Transitional is a mix between traditional and contemporary, so it is not too fussy or overdone but it is also not cold or austere,” says Sarah Hargrove of The Collective.Photo by: Phil CrozierAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowMinimalismMichelle Boudreau DesignIf living in a space where clutter doesn’t excite you, keep it simple with a minimalist interior. Minimalism is often characterized by carefully curated decor, neutral colors and clean lines, as seen in this sophisticated white kitchen with gold accents designed by Michelle Boudreau of Michelle Boudreau Design.RELATED: 6 Minimalist Design Tips That Prove Less Is MoreMaximalismErin KestenbaumLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More