Aurelia Butler

If there’s anyone who knows the ins and outs of home renovation, it’s real estate investor and HGTV star Tarek El Moussa. Known for hit shows like Flip or Flop and The Flipping El Moussas, Tarek has years of experience transforming distressed properties into forever homes. In his latest television adventure, The Flip Off, Tarek pairs up with his wife, Heather Rae El, Moussa in a house-flipping competition against his ex, Christina Haack. The reward? Ultimate bragging rights and a first-class vacation paid for by the loser. While the stakes certainly add a bit of humor to the series, the real focus is on all things renovation.With all his years of flipping houses, it’s no surprise El Moussa has learned a thing or two about what to do (and what not to do) when preparing for a remodel. We spoke to him about his top renovation mistakes, what to know before hiring a contractor and his most important piece of advice for homeowners. More HGTVTarek’s Top Renovation MistakesCourtesy of HGTVNot asking for all the details. The process of getting a quote from a contractor might seem pretty simple, but El Moussa warns there are many details to consider before signing a contract. “People don’t get details from the contractors and subcontractors of the work that’s to be done. An example of that is a bathroom remodel — $30,000 right? But does $30,000 include labor? Does that include material? What is the budget per foot for the material? Who’s paying for the grout? In estimates themselves, it needs to be very, very detailed,” says El Moussa. If you’re not 100% sure what’s included in the price, don’t be afraid to ask your contractor. The more detail, the better. Paying the contractor ahead of schedule. 10255185_880//Getty ImagesOnce you make the decision to renovate, you’re forced to place all of your trust in your contractor. And if you’ve done the right research, you should be comfortable doing that. However, there’s one thing you should avoid at all costs.”Never pay the contractor ahead of schedule. And 99.9% of contractors are going to try to get paid ahead of schedule, and the second you do that, you lose all control and all power. The only control a homeowner has is the payment,” says El Moussa. “They’ve got to hold that payment until they see that work done.”Not having everything in writing.Sometimes what you’re asking for might not be clear to a contractor. To make sure you’re both on the same page, double check that everything you’re paying for is in writing. El Moussa has personal experience dealing with this mistake after purchasing a high-end ocean view home a couple years ago. “I hired a company to fix the foundation. They charged me — I think it was around $100,000 — and they fixed it. Then, I looked and the entire house was crooked,” says El Moussa. “When I called the foundation company, they said they secured and fixed the foundation. They never said they were going to level the house, and that was an additional cost. I ended up having to spend way more money to get that fixed, because in writing, I didn’t have all the details.”Living in the construction zone. Ed Bock//Getty ImagesYes, moving out of your house isn’t the most ideal situation. But if you’re in the midst of an extensive renovation, it’s best to let the contractor do their job. “If someone’s doing a big remodel, I’m a big believer in moving out of the house,” says El Moussa. “The contractor will get it done faster, the work will be better and life will be much easier. I’ve lived in construction zones. That’s not a lot of fun.”Being unaware of what you’re liable for. El Moussa learned a valuable lesson on liability while working on the second house he ever flipped. After hiring a general contractor, remodeling the house and driveway, he ran into an issue with one of his contractor’s subcontractors. “It turns out the contractor I hired, hired a company to do the driveway. I hired the contractor, I paid him. The contractor hired the company to do the driveway, but he never paid them. In the end, because I own the house, somehow I was liable, and I had to pay off that lien because I couldn’t contact the contractor. He disappeared,” says El Moussa. Although it might not seem like your job, take it upon yourself to make sure your contractor is reliable. Sinenkiy//Getty ImagesWhat to Know Before Hiring a ContractorIf you’re not at the renovation stage just yet but are searching for a trustworthy contractor, El Moussa recommends researching the following:Past work: Whether you ask them directly or search on their site, make sure you think their work is up to your standards.Former clients: Read testimonials closely! If you know a former client personally, that’s even better. Reach out for all of the details about their experience. How long they’ve been in business: Years of work reflects experience, skill and reputation. The Bottom LineWhen it comes down to it, all of these tips — securing a qualified contractor you can trust, signing a detailed contract, knowing exactly what you’re getting — stem from one simple yet major piece of advice. “You have to ask the tough questions,” says El Moussa. “People are terrified to ask the tough questions, and if you don’t ask them, you’re going to end up hurting yourself in the end.” Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle 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 pop culture updates.  More

Not every couple would be willing to purchase a 133-year-old house and embark on a complete gut renovation. However, when Laura Kim and Chip Newton discovered a charming row house in the historic Georgetown neighborhood in Washington. D.C., they just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to breathe life into it. The seven-bedroom house had been poorly renovated multiple times since its original construction in 1891. The homeowners, who split their time between D.C. and Florida, wanted to reconfigure the layout and maximize space while paying homage to the property’s rich history. For help, the pair tapped the team at BarnesVanze Architects and interior designer Maria Pollard of Crosby Design. “The home had the square footage they needed and they saw the potential,” says Stefan Hurray, associate at BVA BarnesVanze Architects. Much of the interior was repaired and rebuilt, including walls that separated rooms on the first floor. “At one point, the townhouse may have been used as apartments,” says Hurray. “We attempted to rebuild what we believe would have been the original floor plan, but with larger openings between rooms, so there would be a more modern flow.”Pollard worked closely with the homeowners to furnish and decorate the home, weaving in their personal antiques and collection of artwork. “Every room features a mix of vintage, antique and custom-made pieces, creating a balanced and collected look,” she says. Step inside this historic abode to admire every detail.Entry Nick JohnsonReminiscent of what’s to come, the home’s entryway features a seamless blend of vintage and modern. “Halfway through construction, the foyer felt a little plain — Maria had the idea to install wainscoting, which adds a nice detail to the room,” says Hurray. An abstract design — Phillip Jeffries Collage in Awakening Blue — on the upper walls and a beaded chandelier further elevate the space. Living RoomNick JohnsonEnter a modern living room where curved bay windows welcome a surge of natural light. In an effort to honor the home’s history, the team draws focus to the historic fireplace and recreates plaster moldings. “During construction in the living room, we found a piece of the original plaster crown molding, so we recreated it on the entire first floor,” says Hurray.Courtesy of BVA BarnesVanze ArchitectsBEFORE: An all-white interior showcasing the original fireplace.The walls are painted a creamy beige and the space is filled with a mix of antique and modern furniture. The large front windows are dressed with floral drapes, while a statement fixture is hung in the center of the room. “The art over the living room fireplace is a piece from the homeowner’s collection — it fit beautifully into the design,” says Pollard. Previously, the living room had a built-in bookshelf next to the fireplace. It was removed to create a more spacious interior. Recessed lighting was also removed.Dining Room Nick JohnsonCourtesy of BVA BarnesVanze ArchitectsBEFORE: A tiled fireplace surround showcases an ’80s style.From statement lighting to large-scale art, the details are what bring this dining room to life. “Art adds so much personality to a home, and this one is no exception,” says Pollard. “The large painting in the dining room, which I found through a dealer in Washington, D.C., is a vintage piece. The Hunt Slonem artwork above the dining room fireplace was part of the client’s collection.” Pollard installs a textured wallpaper on the ceiling — “the subtle pattern glistens a little bit, so it picks up the natural light,” says Hurray. The decorative fireplace, previously surrounded by ceramic tile, also received a subtle facelift. “We didn’t want to compete with the living room fireplace — which is roughly 10 feet away, so we did a simple plaster mold that feels classic, but quieter.”Powder RoomA tiny half bath is adorned with a hand-painted Chinoiserie wallcovering — Fromental Rainerri — and a black marble sink that extends to the floor. The wall is angled, as is the mirror and marble slabs, on each side of the sink to create an illusion of a larger space. “It’s hard to tell, but the sink is only about 9 inches deep — the angled mirror reflects light and helps to open up the space,” says Hurray. Nick Johnson KitchenNick JohnsonCourtesy of BVA BarnesVanze ArchitectsBEFORE: Wood cabinetry is paired with granite countertops. Two-inch wide oak flooring, which is what would have been used when the house was built, brightens up the kitchen. “We added in windows for more natural light and removed an elevator from the 1970s, adding so much space to the kitchen,” says Hurray. New cabinetry and trim is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Ice Fog, a gray with blue and green undertones. A white marble countertop and backsplash replaces what used to be outdated granite and stone tiles. Breakfast NookNick JohnsonFolding glass doors open this simple breakfast nook to the scenic backyard, which is home to an ancient tree. “A lot of care was taken during construction to not disturb the tree roots or hurt this beautiful tree in any way,” says Hurray. To complete the space, Pollard installs a patterned wallpaper on the ceiling and hangs a shiny gold chandelier. Primary BedroomNick JohnsonLocated directly above the living room, the primary bedroom shares the same curved windows — “they fill the room with natural light and create a cozy, inviting spot for conversation,” says Pollard. As for the calming color palette of soft blues and creamy neutrals, Pollard says her intention was to “evoke a sense of modernity” while considering the home’s history. Guest BedroomsNick JohnsonNick JohnsonStep into the smallest of the bedrooms, which had some quirky angles and an awkward alcove that the homeowners requested become a built-in bookshelf. “The space is so cozy — it’s kind of my favorite bedroom,” says Hurray. Facing the back of the house, another guest room is defined by a wall of geometric curtains. Since the home is located in a historic district, the architect team wasn’t allowed to move certain windows. The floor-length curtains distract from the fact that the bedroom window isn’t centered on the wall — “it brings a little bit of light and whimsy,” says Hurray.See More of Our Favorite HomesAlyssa 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

When your laundry pile runneth over, it’s tempting to shove every last item inside the drum of your washing machine to just get it all done, but you probably already know that’s not the right way to do laundry. Regularly over-filling your machine can not only strain the motor and various parts of the appliance, but it can also prevent your clothes from getting a thorough clean and even damage your favorite duds over time. But exactly how full is too full? While extra-large residential washers can often handle mixed loads of 22 to 24 pounds, our experts don’t recommend tipping the scales. You need a bit of wiggle room in the machine for greater efficiency, says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. And it turns out she has a quick trick to help you determine whether you’ve over-filled your machine — all you need is your hand. Whether you’re using a front-loader or top-loader, you should be able to fit one hand in the drum and still have a little room to move it around, says Forté. This will accommodate a rather large load of laundry — a nearly full drum! — but still allow enough room for clothes to circulate in a pool of water and detergent that will get them as clean as possible. It also helps prolong the life of your clothes, since that extra wiggle room helps ensure fabrics don’t rub together, putting strain on the fibers. If you can’t fit your hand in the drum, it’s time to take something out. There is one exception to the rule? Exceptionally bulky items, like weighted or very heavy blankets. Though the manufacturers of some large and weighted blankets may claim these items are machine washable, it’s important to consider the size and capacity of your washer before doing so. A single 20-pound item can put a strain on a machine — even a large-capacity one. In general, our experts do not recommend washing a single item that weighs more than 15 pounds, even if your washer can typically handle 20-pound loads.These rules apply to the dryer, too. Dryers generally have a smaller capacity than washing machines, so it’s a good idea to check your appliance’s manual for specifics. Depending on how much you have to dry, you may even consider splitting large loads into multiple batches, since overloading a dryer can lead to uneven drying and wrinkled clothes, plus increase energy use. More Tips from our cleaning LabBrigitt 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

12000 – Cappuccino BrownIvanWuPI//Getty Images“Beige is a tried-and-true favorite, but in the early 2000s, there was an urge to spice it up a bit,” says Noval. This cappuccino brown shade is built on the beige foundation, but it also brings a modern spin to an old staple—which is why so many people gravitated toward it.22001 – Glistening Pearlphototropic//Getty Images“Kitchens in 2001 embraced a more natural, sophisticated aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean they were boring!” says interior designer Liz Williams, founder of Liz Williams Interiors. By using gloss on regular white paint, designers at the time created a glistening pearl shade that kept things elegant and sparkling.RELATED: 10 Best Cabinet Paints, Tested by ExpertsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below32002 – Linen WhiteKanok Sulaiman//Getty ImagesAccording to Williams, soft white was a staple this year, with designers going for a clean look that remained uncluttered. “Linen white refers to a softer white that pairs well with sophisticated countertops like granite,” she says. The focus was on the stone, so the kitchen needed a lighter base to let it stand out.42003 – Azure BlueGladiathor//Getty Images“Azure blue is light and breezy, reminding us of joyful optimism and crisp ocean waves,” says Noval. “This serene color fits perfectly with the neutral theme of the decade, but it wasn’t dull.” Soothing themes were the central aesthetic this year, she adds.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below52004 – Cherry RedGladiathor//Getty ImagesAfter the tranquil tones in the first half of the decade, people began to look at pops of color in their kitchens. “Cherry red was huge this year, especially since it added a playful tone to spaces, and allowed for the kitchen to become a statement in the home,” says Noval.RELATED: The Biggest Paint Color Trends of 2025, According to Design Pros62005 – Cool TurquoiseAndreas von Einsiedel//Getty ImagesAccording to Williams, turquoise was the perfect mix between tranquility and colorful, which is why it was so popular in 2005. “It merged the two desires of the decade effortlessly, and it had a calming quality to it,” she says.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below72006 – Clay Orange Yury Gubin//Getty Images“Bold orange was the equivalent of rebellion—and it was also the time when millennials began to come of age,” says Noval. This allowed for brighter colors than had ever been seen in kitchens before, and this extra daring orange was a reflection of that.82007 – Sky BlueGladiathor//Getty Images“Pastels shone at the end of the decade, and light blue was incredibly popular this year,” says Williams. “This shade created an open, fresh feel, and made kitchens appear more spacious, especially in popular open floor plans.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below92008 – Light PinkBongkarnThanyakij//Getty ImagesIn that same pastel vein, light pink was added to the mix in 2008, which lent a tranquil feel to the home. “Pink suddenly became a very popular shade for kitchens, especially as people realized it was neutral, yet sunny enough for added warmth,” adds Williams.102009 – Chic Violetismagilov//Getty Images“Violet was very popular at the end of the decade, as people leaned into muted tones for added sophistication,” says Noval. “Earlier, these colors were simply accents, but now, they were statement-making all on their own.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below112010 – Complex GreySolStock//Getty Images“Grey was a new way to bring in dark, moody hues into a kitchen without going overboard,” says Noval. “White finishes made sure there was still a brightness to the room, but the focus was definitely on duskier looks.”122011 – Millennial Pinkizusek//Getty ImagesIs anyone really surprised this was the color of 2011? “Millennial pink was everywhere, so it naturally made its way into our homes,” says Noval. It was the color that could go equally well with soft whites as it could with stronger hues like navy, so it was versatile for every home.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below132012 – Sunny YellowJacek Kadaj//Getty Images“Bold tones took center stage this year, and yellow was the standout,” says Noval. “There was a desire for brightness in the home, and often in an overwhelming way.” Yellow represented a fresh feel and the desire for new, along with a renewed sense of using the kitchen as an entertaining space.142013 – Striking Off WhiteJohn keeble//Getty ImagesPeople were over all the color this year, but instead of returning to snowflake white, they went for off-white instead, says Williams. “Off-white was especially used in smaller kitchens since it helped the space seem larger, and it also provided a gentle brightness that regular white couldn’t do,” she adds.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below152014 – Chocolate Brownholub3dmax//Getty Images“Warm and inviting, chocolate brown lent a timeless look to a kitchen,” says Williams. “A return to the all-wood log cabin feel of the 1700s, it provided a nature-inspired vibe that people gravitated toward at the time.”162015 – Forest Greenpiranka//Getty Images“This year, forest greens paired beautifully with deep browns to create soothing spaces,” says Noval. “It was all about adding serenity in unique ways, with darker shades allowing for contrasts that weren’t seen in interior kitchen design before.”RELATED: Popular Bathroom Paint Colors to Match Any Design StyleAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below172016 – Basic Beigeonurdongel//Getty Images“While it can be seen as boring, beige was a staple in 2016 due to the resurgence of the boho chic look,” says Williams. Paired with accents like rattan chairs and textured quilts, beige was anything but boring. In fact, it was just what those accessories needed to feel chic in their own right.182017 – Navy Bluein4mal//Getty Images“Striking navy blue was huge this year, often paired with white cabinets for a two-tone vibe,” says Williams. It was a more subtle take on jewel tones, and it added a brightness that isn’t normally seen with stronger blacks or purples.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below192018 – Daring BlackJohnnyGreig//Getty Images“After the navy obsession of the year prior, people began to play with darker tones like black to really hit the trend home,” says Williams. “It was all about cozying up to those richer hues and letting them steal the show.”202019 – Vibrant TealBulgac//Getty Images“Vibrant tones were huge in 2019, right before the pandemic hit,” says Lina Galvoa, co-founder of interior design firm Curated Nest. “Teal was a major hit, especially because it mimicked a retro vibe, and added the cool factor to a kitchen.”Nikhita Mahtani is an NYC-based freelance writer with six years of experience specializing in design and wellness. She primarily writes home tours, service pieces, SEO stories, and features, offering readers practical tips to personalize current trends. Nikhita holds a master’s degree in magazine journalism from New York University, and her work has appeared in publications such as Veranda, SELF, Allure, ELLE Decor, Domino, and Dwell.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Most of us spend hours every day using technology, and you might be surprised to know that digital clutter can have similar negative impacts as physical clutter. A cluttered device can make us feel frustrated, overwhelmed and unproductive — which is why professional organizers urged me to start the new year with a digital declutter.Below, organizing experts Beata Kozlowski of Tidy Step by Step and Tonia Tomlin of Sorted Out share their advice for decluttering digital devices — from sorting through photo albums, apps and emails to limiting phone notifications to avoid distraction. Tips for decluttering your digital space ✔️ Start with one device. “Your phone is usually the best starting point, since we use it daily,” says Kozlowski.✔️ Don’t try to get everything done at once. Don’t spend the entire day decluttering your device — dedicate 15 minutes at a time and take small breaks in between.✔️ Focus on one category. “Think of it like cleaning — start in one room, rather than trying to clean the whole house at once,” Kozlowski says.✔️ Prevent future clutter. “Take a few minutes every day to prevent clutter from accumulating again — clear your camera roll while waiting for your coffee to brew and delete screenshots right after using them,” says Kozlowski.✔️ Set calendar reminders for regular maintenance. Delete screenshots and downloads weekly, and clean up your photos, videos and apps every three months.More Advice From Pro OrganizersPhotos Kozlowski suggests starting with “obvious clutter,” like screenshots, blurry images and unnecessary photo albums. Turns out, iPhone’s photo app has built-in duplicate detection, where you quickly merge dupes. I had nearly 20,000 photos and videos on my phone — many of which were accidental screenshots of my lock screen, duplicate images and videos I downloaded from TikTok. Within a half hour, I was able to delete 2,000 unimportant images. Apps”Uninstall apps you no longer use to free up space and reduce visual clutter,” says Tomlin. It might be an airline you fly once every few years, a mobile game you haven’t played in months or a brand you rarely shop. As for the apps you regularly use, organize them into folders — some categories I found useful: utilities, shopping, travel and games. Alyssa GautieriAlyssa GautieriNotification controlsWhen your lock screen is overloaded with notifications, you may miss the ones that matter. “Customize your notification settings to minimize distractions,” says Kozlowski. “Enable alerts only for essential apps and messages, helping you maintain focus and reduce digital noise.” Computer filesFrom a cluttered desktop and a disorganized download folder to a nearly full Google Drive, my computer needed a serious declutter. “Go through documents, images and videos,” suggests Tomlin. “Delete duplicates, outdated files and anything you don’t need. Set up basic folders like “Important Documents,” “Photos” and “Work Files.'”EmailsI get hundreds of emails per day, so it’s impossible to completely clear my inbox — but creating a folder system has made it easier to find important emails when I need them. “Unsubscribe from unnecessary mailing lists and regularly sort through your inbox,” says Tomlin, who suggests deleting unimportant messages and archiving important emails every week to stay organized. andresr//Getty ImagesEntertainment filesSort through downloaded content on your phone, deleting playlists, podcasts and movies that aren’t of interest anymore. These files take up a lot of space if you’re not enjoying them on a regular basis. Passwords and accounts”Review your online accounts and delete or deactivate any you no longer use,” says Tomlin. For me, this was old email accounts, social media profiles and memberships with retailers I never shop. “Consider using a password manager to keep track of important logins without cluttering your memory.”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

Homeowner Emily Harnasz knew she was in for a long renovation journey when she moved into a quirky Scottish Victorian villa a few years ago. But there was one thing she didn’t see coming — a discovery that would go viral on social media. Nestled inside her soon-to-be home office was a boarded-up spot on the wall. Thinking it could be rubble or something even messier behind there, Harnasz decided to ignore it and postpone the stress. “It was literally a random day a few months later when I was sat at my desk and I was like, ‘I’m going to take that board off and look,'” says Harnasz.Courtesy of Emily HarnaszCourtesy of Emily HarnaszTo her surprise, she discovered a fully intact fireplace, painted a cream color. Her Instagram followers were pretty shocked too, commenting that it looked like the creepy door in the animated film Coraline. Some even said it resembled a urinal. Harnasz, on the other hand, saw its potential.”I just thought I struck gold,” she says. “So I was like, ‘I’m going to need to continue on this journey. This is definitely not the end.’ That’s when I decided I was going to strip all of the paint back and see what was further underneath it.”Having never renovated before, she turned to Google and social media for answers, which eventually helped her come up with an action plan that involved a peel-it-off paint remover called Kling-Strip and many, many buckets of water. “It was not fun, but it was worth it,” she says. The fireplace turned out to be cobalt blue, which is surprising enough on its own. But there’s another layer to the fun: Harnasz just happens to be a color consultant. “I love color. I love paint. I love interiors. So I’d already had a vision for how I wanted the space to feel. I’ve got a bright green ceiling. I’ve got a bright yellow radiator. I very much like to have these pops of color. I feel like this house was made for me,” she says. “Not many other people would have appreciated finding such a bold thing.”Courtesy of Emily HarnaszAnd so she continued on her color journey, painting the surrounding area of the fireplace a similar shade of blue, which not all of her followers approved of. But Harnasz didn’t mind at all. Her office brings her joy, which to her, is all that matters. “One of my favorite comments that I got was someone saying that it’s ‘endearingly ugly’,” she says. “That almost sums up my personal style. I find the beauty in ugly things. I’m always wanting to find the weird stuff. I really liked that.” Whether or not you think the fireplace is ugly, there’s no denying that it has personality. Today, creating a home that reflects who you are — rather than sticking to minimalist trends and neutral colors — is becoming more and more popular in interior design. And clearly, other social media users think so too (her original fireplace discovery video garnered almost 200k likes on Instagram). “Our home shouldn’t be a serious place. It should be a place where you can go and feel joy. I think the space resonates with people’s playful side,” she says. “And people also just love other people doing controversial things, don’t they?”Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle 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 pop culture updates.  More

I have lived in a number of apartment-style complexes throughout my life. I love the convenience of an urban, walkable area and the community feel they all seemingly share. However, there’s another dreaded thing they have in common: shared laundry. While I typically enjoy shared community spaces, laundry rooms are the exception. I’ve waited hours to use a machine that’s no longer running but still has clothes in it. I’ve had my laundry removed by another tenant before it was even done. And let’s not forget the mess people can sometimes leave behind. To put it simply, I’ve seen it all — and I’ve decided it’s finally time to take action and come up with some clear-cut shared laundry guidelines. After speaking to etiquette expert Elaine Swann, I’ve rounded up a list of six simple rules you should always follow in shared laundry spaces (including what to do if they aren’t followed by your neighbors).Related StoriesThe Rules of Shared Laundry 1. Do NOT leave your laundry for more than 15 minutes after it’s done.bymuratdeniz//Getty ImagesThere is no circumstance where you or your neighbors should leave laundry in a machine for more than 15 minutes after the cycle is done, especially during peak times. If you think you’ll have to leave the building for some time, wait to start the load once you’re back and available to either switch your clothes from the washer to the dryer or take them out all together. “Use your cell phone and set an alarm for yourself,” says Swann. “What we have now is an actual alarm clock in our pocket. It’s really important for us to utilize our digital assets to keep us on track.”Tip: Set a timer for five minutes before your cycle is expected to finish so you have ample time to make your way to the laundry room. 2. Handle other people’s laundry with care. So the 15-minute grace period has passed. Now what? Swann says it’s OK to go ahead and remove the laundry that was left in the machine. However, it’s important to keep one thing in mind. “When you take the laundry out, make sure it’s not just strewn to the side somewhere, but that it actually appears as though it’s been done with some sort of care. You want to give the impression that you put some thought into moving this stuff to the side,” says Swann. While you don’t have to fold your neighbor’s clothes, make sure you put it back in the basket next to it or carefully on top of the machine. 3. Stay in communication with your neighbors.The more neighbors you know and develop a relationship with, the easier shared laundry becomes. Of course, it’s impossible to be friendly with everyone in the building. But every time you introduce yourself to someone new, try exchanging numbers or contact information if you’re comfortable. “A lot of things can be taken care of very quickly with a quick text or phone call. I really stress to folks that as you start to run into individuals, share your contact information,” says Swann. “You can squash some future conflict just by having their information.”4. Assess the room before doing multiple loads. Ana Rocio Garcia Franco//Getty ImagesWhile not necessarily ideal for the people around you, it is acceptable to do a couple loads of laundry in one day. But if you’re hoping to do multiple loads, ask yourself a couple of questions first: Is it a peak time to do laundry? How many units are available? Are there other people who have been waiting all day?Make the decision that’s best for the people around you. For example, if there are several machines open, you can use two machines at once so you’re in and out as fast as possible. If there’s only one machine available, stick to the one you have and keep the other open for your neighbors. And if it’s extra busy at the moment but you know you’ll have time later in the week at a non-peak time, save one for later.Tip: Swann recommends making sure there are 1-2 machines available before starting your second load. 5. Get out by 9 p.m.If your laundry room doesn’t have any hours listed, try your best to leave by 9 p.m., especially if there are apartment units next to, above or below the shared the space. “This is when we should stop daytime social activities, everything from doing laundry, playing music, calling people, texting people — that 9 p.m. time frame is when we should be shutting it down,” says Swann.If you’re the one being disturbed by late-night laundry noises, Swann suggests involving an authority figure, whether it’s management or a landlord. 6. Clean up after yourself. Catherine McQueen//Getty ImagesThis should go without saying, but it is essential that everyone cleans up after themselves in any shared space. Whether it’s wiping down spilled detergent or cleaning out the lint tray, always do your part. And if you’re noticing others aren’t, inform management to ensure the laundry room stays clean. The Bottom Line Most of the time, there aren’t any real rules listed in shared laundry spaces. However, if we’re considerate of the people and the space around us, there shouldn’t be any issues. “When we think about etiquette, it’s not just about all these rules and guidelines. We should look at it from the perspective of putting others at ease and being thoughtful,” says Swann.Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle 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 pop culture updates.  More