A Peaceful Home is Possible.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it can also be a major source of stress. A cluttered counter or a sink full of dishes can create unnecessary tension. Here are five simple tips to maintain a cleaner, happier kitchen and foster better communication with your housemates.

1. The "One-Touch" Rule

Adopt a "one-touch" policy for items. Instead of putting mail on the counter to sort later, deal with it immediately. Put groceries away as soon as you bring them in. This prevents clutter from ever starting and takes only a few seconds in the moment.

2. Reset the Sink Every Night

Make it a household rule to never go to bed with a dirty sink. This single habit can transform your mornings. Waking up to a clean, empty sink is a calm and positive way to start the day. Use the House app to create a recurring task and assign it on a rotating schedule!

3. Define Clear Zones

Visually divide your kitchen into zones. This could be a "coffee station," a "snack area," or a designated spot for clean dishes. When everything has a home, it's easier for everyone to put things back where they belong, reducing clutter and confusion.

4. Use the House App for Shared Grocery Lists

Instead of scattered notes, create a shared grocery list task in the House app. Anyone can add items as they run out, and whoever goes to the store knows exactly what to get. This prevents buying duplicate items and ensures you always have what you need.

5. Communicate with Positivity

If a mess is bothering you, avoid passive-aggressive notes. Use the House app's AI Coach to phrase your request in a positive, collaborative way. A simple "Could someone help with the dishes?" is much more effective than a demanding note and fosters a better home environment.

The "Sunday Scaries" are real, but a "Sunday Reset" can be the perfect antidote. Taking an hour or two on Sunday to prepare your home and your life can lead to a calmer, more productive week. Here's how to do it.

1. Tidy Up, Don't Deep Clean

The goal isn't a perfect home, it's a reset. Spend 15-20 minutes tidying common areas. Put things back where they belong, clear off surfaces, and fluff the couch pillows. This quick visual refresh has a huge psychological impact.

2. Plan Your Week with the House App

Open the House app with your partner or roommates. Look at the week ahead and assign any major tasks. Who's taking out the trash on Tuesday? Who's responsible for watering the new plants? Planning ahead eliminates in-the-moment conflicts.

3. Meal Prep (Even a Little)

You don't have to cook every meal for the week. Even small preparations, like chopping vegetables, pre-cooking some rice, or planning your dinners, can save a huge amount of time and stress during busy weeknights.

Living with roommates can be a fantastic experience, but it also comes with its challenges. The number one cause of conflict? Communication breakdowns. Here's how to talk about issues without starting a fight.

1. Use "I" Statements

Instead of saying "You never do the dishes," try "I feel stressed when the sink is full." This focuses on your feelings rather than placing blame, which can make the other person less defensive.

2. Be Specific and Positive

Don't just say "Clean up your mess." Instead, use the House app to create a specific task like "Please wipe down the kitchen counter." The app's AI Coach can help you phrase it in a positive and collaborative way, which makes a huge difference.

3. Have Regular Check-ins

Set aside a few minutes each week to talk about how things are going. This creates a safe space to address small issues before they become big problems. It's all about proactive communication.

A cluttered home can lead to a cluttered mind. Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down room by room makes it manageable. Here's a simple guide to get you started.

1. The Living Room: Focus on Surfaces

Start with the flat surfaces: coffee tables, end tables, and shelves. Remove everything that doesn't belong. Create a "home" for remote controls, magazines, and other common items.

2. The Bedroom: The Closet is Key

The biggest challenge in the bedroom is often the closet. Use the "one year" rule: if you haven't worn it in a year, it's time to donate it. This single rule can free up a surprising amount of space.

3. The Kitchen: Expiration Dates are Your Friend

Go through your pantry and refrigerator and be ruthless about expired items. You'll be surprised how much space you can create by simply getting rid of old spices, sauces, and canned goods.

Home maintenance can be a tricky balance. Some tasks are perfect for a Saturday afternoon DIY project, while others are best left to the professionals. Here's a quick guide to help you decide.

DIY Projects

Tasks like painting a room, assembling furniture, or fixing a running toilet are generally safe and rewarding DIY projects. They require basic tools and have a low risk of causing major damage if you make a mistake.

Call a Pro

For anything involving electrical work, major plumbing, or structural changes, it's always best to call a professional. The risk of injury or costly damage is too high. The House app's contractor marketplace is the perfect place to find a trusted, vetted pro for these jobs.

A "command center" is a central spot in your home where you can manage schedules, mail, and important reminders. It's a simple concept that can revolutionize your family's organization. Here's how to create one.

1. Choose a Location

The best spot for a command center is a high-traffic area, like the kitchen or near the main entryway. It needs to be a place everyone sees every day.

2. Key Components

A great command center includes a calendar, a place for incoming and outgoing mail, and a spot for keys. A whiteboard or chalkboard for quick notes is also a great addition.

3. Integrate with the House App

Your physical command center is great for at-a-glance info, but the House app is your digital command center. Use it to manage the details: assign tasks related to the calendar, add items to the shared grocery list, and communicate about upcoming events.