What Is a Mother-in-Law Suite, and Does It Add Property Value?

Dusty Rhodes • June 2, 2025

Ever feel like you could use a little more… personal space? Or perhaps your family dynamics could benefit from a touch of architectural ingenuity? Enter the granny pod, also known as the mother-in-law suite, an increasingly popular housing solution that’s way more than just a spare bedroom. These aren’t your grandma’s dusty attic; they’re thoughtfully designed, often self-contained living spaces popping up in backyards across the country. 


Paola Jean-Marain with Tiny Eco Homes UK shares, “Mother-in-law suites offer a unique way to keep loved ones close while still maintaining independence and privacy. With thoughtful design, these compact homes can feel just as warm, personal, and inviting as the main house — tailored to meet both emotional and practical needs in a beautifully small footprint.” From planning a new build in Newnan, GA, to upgrading an existing property in Austin, TX, or preparing your Suffolk, VA home for aging parents, this guide offers comprehensive insights into navigating alternative living spaces.


What is a mother-in-law suite?


In its simplest form, a mother-in-law suite is a residence created within a home, an addition built onto a home, or a separate dwelling unit intended for the use of an in-law or relative. The suite can be either connected to or built on the same lot as a home that’s occupied by other family members. Often, the purpose of a mother-in-law suite is to make it possible for elderly family members to live near their adult children or family members, yet still, maintain their independence and privacy. This is very common in multi-generational households where children often live with their parents and grandparents in the same house. 


The concept of a mother-in-law suite, or now more popularized as the “granny flat,” has been around for decades. It was most popular in post-WWII America until zoning laws were put in place that eventually shut down their construction. Today, the mother-in-law suite, whether it’s a portion of a house that has been remodeled to accommodate a relative, or a smaller, detached “granny flat,” is beginning to see a resurgence with homeowners.


What makes up a mother-in-law suite?

A typical mother-in-law suite consists of a sleeping quarter, living quarter, kitchen, and bathroom. Though it can be attached to the main house, the living quarters typically remain separate from the rest of the house and household, yet close enough so grandparents can help with grandchildren, and/or adult children can care for their parents.


Mother-in-law suites can be as simple as a single room that has a bed, couch, and place to eat, along with access to a bathroom, but ideally, it would have its own private bathroom.


They can also be located in a separate portion of the house, such as a basement with a separate door, garage, or attic that has been remodeled and suited to the residents’ needs.


The growing allure: Why are mother-in-law suites gaining traction?


Mother-in-law suites are becoming an increasingly popular home trend among families. One significant driver is the rise of multigenerational households; according to USA Today, approximately 51 million Americans live in such arrangements, a 10% increase since 2007. This living situation allows both generations to share in the financial responsibilities of homeownership.


Beyond financial sharing, these suites can offer independent living for post-graduate adult children, helping them manage debt as they begin their careers and save for their own homes. The sharp increase in assisted living facility costs for aging adults is another compelling reason for their popularity. The national average monthly cost for assisted living in 2024 is around $4,917, a sum that can create a financial strain on both parents and children. A granny pod, however, can be a more affordable long-term solution, potentially breaking even within a few years when compared to nursing home care, which can average over $100,000 per year for a private room.


Finally, the surge in permanent work-from-home arrangements has also fueled interest in in-law suites. Pew Research indicates that about 54% of employed workers desire to work from home, nearly a 30% increase from before the Coronavirus pandemic. Many prefer a designated area for work, keeping it separate from the main family living space.


What are the common types of mother-in-law suites?


Mother-in-law suites come in several forms, each offering distinct advantages:

  • Interior mother-in-law suites: These are situated within the main family residence. This could involve a converted basement or a section of the main house, like a study or den. Some homes are designed with floor plans that readily accommodate extended family members, featuring bedrooms at opposite ends of the house and separate bathroom facilities for both generations, though they might share a living room, dining area, and kitchen. If a basement is transformed into an in-law suite, it typically includes its own kitchen, bedroom, bath, and living area, often with a walk-out basement providing a separate entrance. 
  • Attached mother-in-law suites: This type involves a separate living space built onto an existing home, often as an addition to the side or back of the house. 
  • Detached mother-in-law suites: Detached mother-in-law suites, also known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or secondary suites, are typically smaller, independent homes built on the same lot as a single-family residential house. These structures offer significant flexibility, varying in size, features, and styles to suit individual tastes and needs.
  • Ian Butcher, Founding Partner of Best Practice Architecture, frequently receives inquiries about these detached units. He notes they are excellent for helping aging family members live autonomously yet safely close by, or they can serve as a valuable source of passive income or a supportive landing spot for a college graduate returning home. While regulations for detached ADUs are easing, such projects can still be complex and expensive. Even if simple, they are complete homes requiring a kitchen, bathroom, and all systems of a larger residence. Butcher emphasizes understanding local development rules, including property lines, setbacks, lot coverage, and parking. He stresses that hiring a licensed professional is crucial to navigate the project. He also recommends planning for flexible usage and creating distinct private yard spaces for both the primary home and the new detached ADU
  • Attic or garage In-law suites: This involves remodeling the garage or attic portion of the home to accommodate relatives. The remodel usually includes a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area. An attic space over a stand-alone garage can offer even greater privacy than an attic within the main house.


“As these specific tiny units are meant to be occupied by elderly people who may have some mobility difficulties, it is essential to consider accessibility and ergonomics. Typically, when designing in a tiny space, some recommended distances and sizes are reduced to fit more in the limited space. 


But when elderly people are the inhabitants, it is crucial to have enough free space and room around objects, and this is especially true if we talk about the bathroom. Tiny enclosed shower cubicles are definitely a no-go, as well as high thresholds. When planning for an appropriate position in the garden, consider having wider, lower steps with a good, solid railing for support, if the house is raised above the ground level. Ideally, accommodate a gently inclined ramp instead of stairs.” – Hristina Hristova, Co-founder/partner at Koleliba


How much does a mother-in-law suite cost to build?


The cost to build a mother-in-law suite varies greatly depending on which type of mother-in-law suite best suits your situation, how big of a suite you plan to build, and the specific amenities you want to incorporate into the space. Let’s look at each option a little closer.


  • Interior mother-in-law suites: Like each of these options, you can spend quite a bit remodeling or finishing a basement into a mother-in-law suite. However, redoing a basement or portion of the main house into a separate suite for mom can be a less expensive option than building a detached mother-in-law residence from scratch. According to HGTV, it can cost less than $3,000 to more than $200,000 to convert a basement into extra usable space. Keep in mind when working in a basement, you could run into problematic issues such as water damage that would require costly remediation before you ever even get started on the actual addition.
  • Attached mother-in-law suites:  Buildinganadu.com states that the cost to build a 500 square foot attached mother-in-law suite costs as little as $106,000 or up to $216,000 depending on the full scope of the project. Again, this can vary depending upon the size of the space, how elaborate it is, and whether you decide to do any of the work yourself.
  • Detached mother-in-law suites:  According to Bob Vila, the cost to buy a new prefab detached granny pod can range from as little as $30,000 for a “bare-bones” structure, up to $125,000 on the high end. This includes the cost of delivery and placement on an already constructed concrete pad. Of course, the cost to build a detached structure can be much higher, should you decide to create a smart home for example.
  • Garage mother-in-law suites: Expect to spend $15,000- $20,000 to convert a garage or existing shed into a mother-in-law suite, according to Bob Vila.


Typical ranges and variances


The cost of a mother-in-law suite varies significantly, as it’s influenced by numerous individual factors. While pinpointing an exact price is challenging, utilizing existing spaces like a basement, attic, or garage can significantly reduce expenses compared to building a new standalone structure. Overall, the cost to create a mother-in-law suite can range from $5,000 to over $300,000. According to HomeGuide, converting an existing space typically falls between $5,000 and $100,000, whereas new additions or detached structures can range from $30,000 to $280,000.


How do you build a mother-in-law suite?


Building a mother-in-law suite takes forethought and planning, as you might expect. Whether you are adding an addition to the main house, remodeling a garage or basement, or going all out and building a separate structure in the backyard, you will need to check codes and ordinances to determine what is, and isn’t allowed in your area. These zoning laws, occupancy codes, and even homeowner’s association covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CCRs) will dictate exactly what you can do.


Once you have verified that your project is permitted, you will need to decide how much, if any, sweat equity you will put into the project, or if you would rather pay to have someone else complete the whole project for you. 


As you prepare to start building, think about the future use of the suite, especially if you are building a detached unit. You may want to rent the unit out and having separate electricity, water, and gas run to the ADU will enable you to keep utilities separate from the main house. This will also allow you to shut them completely off if the building were to be vacant for a period of time.

 

Keep your relative’s needs in mind when you are in the design stage as well. Will doors need to be built that can accommodate a walker or wheelchair? Do handrails need to be placed in the bathrooms? How about a zero-curb shower entrance? Thinking about the future can make a more seamless transition for your relatives down the road. 


What else can mother-in-law suites be used for?


Sometime in the future, your mother-in-law suite may become vacant. If so, there are various options that you can do with that space, regardless of whether it’s attached to the main house, built into the basement, or is a completely separate structure.

Houses with mother-in-law suites can double as a backyard office, a long-term rental property (check your local codes), an Airbnb, a business endeavor such as a yoga studio or art studio, a home gym, nanny quarters, or even a commercial kitchen for a baking/cooking business. A vacant, detached in-law suite could also just be used as a she-shed or man cave, the possibilities are endless.


Where can you build a mother-in-law suite?


The legal landscape for this living setup, often officially known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), varies considerably across the United States. However, several states have implemented more ADU-friendly legislation, simplifying the process for homeowners to add these structures.


Understanding state-level opportunities

  • California: California leads the movement for mother-in-law suites, having enacted statewide legislation to streamline the permitting process and encourage their development. Cities like Fresno were early adopters. Robert Voight, owner and general contractor in Orange County, highlights that homeowners there can typically build units up to 1,200 sq ft, with four-foot setbacks and reduced parking requirements near transit. He adds that while planning, design, and permitting for a granny pod or mother-in-law suite might take four to six months, construction typically averages another five to seven months. Modern mother-in-law suites now often incorporate smart home integration, energy-efficient systems, and adaptable layouts designed to accommodate multigenerational living, remote work, or wellness spaces. Prioritizing features such as no-step entries, wider doorways, and separate entrances ensures comfort, independence, and long-term livability for residents of these specialized living spaces.
  • Oregon: With a focus on innovative housing solutions, Oregon generally has favorable ADU regulations, particularly in urban areas like Portland.
  • Texas: While considered ADU-friendly, it’s crucial to check local county regulations as laws can vary. Cities like Austin are more progressive.
  • Florida: Several counties, such as Sarasota, are becoming more open to ADUs.
  • Arizona: If a tiny house or granny pod is built on a solid foundation, it’s typically considered a secondary dwelling unit and subject to similar regulations as a detached single-family home.
  • Georgia: This state is also among those with increasing acceptance of ADUs.
  • Colorado: While allowing ADUs, Colorado’s regulations often come with specific conditions.
  • Massachusetts: Some cities and towns offer incentives or reduced restrictions to encourage ADU construction.
  • North Carolina: ADU regulations are typically handled at the county level, so investigating local ordinances is important.
  • Utah: Regarding specific state requirements for mother-in-law suites, JP Coles, chief sales and marketing officer for Nest Tiny Homes, notes that in Utah, an ADU or tiny home must be a permanent structure and cannot be on wheels. This means it requires both a concrete foundation and utilities such as water, sewer, and power. Additionally, engineering and architectural plans must be submitted for permits and approved before construction can begin.
  • Washington: Generally becoming more accommodating towards tiny homes and ADUs, especially if built on a permanent foundation, though some regions may have restrictions.
  • Tennessee: Tennessee has a specific law allowing “temporary family health care structures,” under certain conditions related to the occupant’s health and the caregiver’s relationship.


Do mother-in-law suites add value to my property?


Yes, mother-in-law suites can increase your property’s value, though precisely by how much is difficult to quantify. The variations in in-law suites, finishes, and amenities all impact the value differently. Despite their growing popularity, mother-in-law suites have been challenging for appraisers and real estate professionals to value due to a lack of suitable real estate comparables.


However, national averages offer some insight: a basement remodel can increase a home’s value by nearly $50,000, while adding another master suite can increase it by $80,000 on average. Ultimately, the value gained from adding a mother-in-law suite largely depends on your area and the type of addition you make.


As a seller, recognize that your home might not appeal to everyone, especially if you convert one of two garage spaces into a mother-in-law suite in a neighborhood where two-car garages are standard. Conversely, expanding your home to accommodate a relative could significantly increase its overall value and appeal to homebuyers when you decide to sell. Beyond monetary gain, there’s also the personal value this extra space provides while you’re using it, whether for elderly relatives, frequent guests, or a recent college graduate.


If you want to know more about your property value, use Redfin’s home value estimator to get a free, instant home-value estimate, see nearby sales and market trends, and update your home facts and photos.




Source: Redfin


Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

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Balancing Wants vs. Needs in Your First Home

By Dusty Rhodes • May 18, 2026
Buying your first home comes with a mix of excitement and pressure, especially when it comes to balancing wants vs needs in first home decisions. It’s easy to get drawn to stylish finishes and dream features, but the most successful buyers focus first on how a home functions day to day – and what they can realistically afford, often using tools like a home affordability calculator to stay grounded. Striking the right balance early can make the difference between a home that simply looks good and one that truly supports your lifestyle. In this guide, we break down how to separate must-haves from nice-to-haves so you can make a confident, practical decision. From navigating your home search in Spokane, WA , to settling into a new space in Austin, TX , these insights are designed to help buyers in any market make smarter choices. What’s the difference between wants and needs in a first home? When buying your first home , understanding the difference between wants and needs is one of the most important steps in making a confident decision. “Needs are the must-haves that make a home work. Good access, enough space for your furniture, a functional layout, and a location that fits your routine are essential,” states Rob Romano, Director of Operations at Coutu Movers . “Wants are the extras that make the home feel great, but don’t impact how easily you can actually live in it or move into it.” Needs are the foundation of a home that works for you day to day. These are the elements that directly impact how easily you can live in the space. Wants, on the other hand, are features that make a home feel more personalized or visually appealing, but aren’t essential. Rob Romano recommends: “From our experience handling high-end moves, clients who get clear on their needs early make better decisions and avoid common headaches on moving day – such as tight spaces, tricky access, or furniture that simply doesn’t fit. When the fundamentals are right, the entire move – from packing to final placement – runs smoother and feels a lot less stressful.” How your budget shapes wants vs. needs Your budget plays a major role in defining what counts as a need versus a want. What fits comfortably within your monthly payment should guide your priorities – not stretch them. Look beyond the purchase price and consider your total monthly cost, including your mortgage , taxes, home insurance , and maintenance. If a home pushes your budget to the limit, features that were once “wants” can quickly become financial stressors. It also helps to leave room for unexpected expenses like repairs or higher utility bills. Choosing a home that fits your budget comfortably gives you more flexibility – and the option to upgrade over time without added pressure. Why function should always come first It’s easy to fall in love with a home based on how it looks, but how it works is what truly shapes your day-to-day experience. A well-designed space makes everything from moving in to settling down feel easier, while a beautiful but impractical home can quickly become frustrating. “The biggest mistake buyers make is prioritizing how a home looks over how it functions,” says Raymond Correira, owner of Correira Brothers’ Moving & Storage . “A true need is anything that reduces friction – layout, storage, accessibility, and how easily the home can be moved into and lived in day-to-day. Most ‘wants’ fade quickly if the space isn’t practical.” Key elements of a functional home include: A layout that flows naturally and fits your lifestyle. Adequate storage to keep spaces organized and clutter-free . Easy access for moving furniture and daily use. Practical room sizes that accommodate how you actually live. Thoughtful design that fits your lifestyle . The hidden costs of prioritizing wants over needs Focusing too heavily on wants can feel rewarding at first, but it often leads to unexpected challenges down the line. While cosmetic features and trendy finishes may make a home feel move-in ready, they can distract from deeper issues that are far more expensive and difficult to fix. Over time, those overlooked “needs” can turn into costly renovations, daily frustrations, or even limitations on how you use your space. Common hidden costs include: Reworking a layout that’s inefficient or awkward. Updating outdated systems such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC. Addressing structural issues or foundational concerns. Expanding spaces that don’t meet your needs. Retrofitting storage or functionality that wasn’t there to begin with. “After years of working on homes across the Carolinas, we always tell buyers to prioritize structure over style,” suggests Lauren Garlock, controller at BGC Expert Contractors . “A bad layout or aging infrastructure is costly to fix, but outdated finishes are an easy upgrade. Buy for the structure, renovate for the style.” Common wants vs. needs examples for first-time buyers When you’re house hunting , it’s easy for wants to feel like needs – especially when a home is beautifully presented. Breaking things down side by side can help you stay focused on what truly matters for your day-to-day life.

Before You Fall in Love with a House, Do This First.

By Dusty Rhodes • April 20, 2026
Be honest. Have you started looking at homes online yet? If you have, it’s already time to get pre-approved . Because here’s what not enough people know. If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – you don’t want to wait until later on in the process to tackle this step. No matter what you’ve heard, pre-approval isn’t about commitment . It’s about clarity . And here are the two big ways pre-approval sets you up for success. You Know Your Numbers Up Front During the pre-approval process, a lender will walk through your finances and tell you what you can borrow based on your income, debts, credit score , and more. And once you have that number, your search becomes a lot more focused. With a mortgage pre-approval, you know what you can borrow, so it’s easier to figure out your ideal price point, and what you can actually afford. And that clarity is key. Because if you just start browsing online and just guess at your price point, you run the risk of falling for a house that’s outside of your price range – or missing out on ones that aren’t. You want this number to be clearly defined before your search. Here’s why. You Can Move Quickly When You Find the One This is how a lot of home searches go today. You scroll through listings just to see what’s out there, and then it happens. You fall in love with something you’ve seen online. If you’re already pre-approved? You’re probably in great shape. But if you’re not… Instead of being able to jump on that house and quickly make an offer, you have to scramble to get a lender, gather the financial documents, and then submit the necessary pre-approval paperwork first. And while you’re waiting to hear back from your lender, someone else who’s more prepared could beat you to the house. As Bankrate explains: “The best time to get a mortgage preapproval is before you start looking for a home. If you find a home you love but don’t have a preapproval in hand, you likely won’t have time to get preapproved before you need to make an offer...” And that’s avoidable, with the right prep. Because while you can’t control when the right home shows up, you can be ready for it. Think of it like showing up to the starting line with your shoes tied and your warm-up done – while everyone else is still looking for parking. It’s not about rushing your timeline. It’s about removing the delay between finding the right home and being able to move on it. One Thing You Need To Know About Pre-Approvals Speaking of timing, pre-approvals do have an expiration date. So, be sure to ask your lender how long it’s good for. The Mortgage Reports explains: “ Mortgage preapproval letters are typically valid for anywhere from 30 to 90 days. However, a preapproval can be updated and extended if the lender re-checks your information.” Doing the right prep and knowing this information can make the whole process a lot smoother. You don’t have to be ready to buy to be ready to buy. Getting pre-approved doesn’t mean you’re committing to buy right now. It just means you’ve taken a step to understand your numbers. And when a home catches your attention, you’re prepped and good to go. Bottom Line Ask yourself this: if your perfect home popped up tomorrow, would you be ready to make a move? If the answer is no and you want to buy, it may be time to get pre-approved. You don’t feel behind before your search even officially kicks off.

How to Form New Habits To Keep Your Home Clutter-Free

By Dusty Rhodes • April 13, 2026
Tired of an untidy house? Try a new approach by adopting habits that automatically keep your home orderly Keeping our homes orderly and free of clutter is a struggle for many of us, especially if we’re not naturally organized . If you fall into this category, there’s definitely hope — you just may need to change your habits. Before you roll your eyes and shrug off that idea as impossible, let me tell you what has helped me keep a tidier home. I tried a concept called the “habit loop,” which is described in The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business, the best-selling book by Charles Duhigg. The habit loop consists of three steps: cue, routine and reward. The cue is a reminder that initiates the new behavior. The routine is the behavior itself. The reward is the benefit you get from implementing the new behavior. Duhigg says that during the first two weeks of developing a new habit, it’s important to give yourself a treat that you really enjoy right after you complete the new behavior. This will teach your brain to enjoy the new routine. While I’m a professional organizer and really do enjoy decluttering and organizing, I also have an extremely busy life and like to do a lot of other things besides organizing my house. Using the habit loop really helped me get into daily, automatic tidying habits. Perhaps this approach could offer a fresh, effective way for you too to conquer clutter in your home. Here’s how I use it. Tackle Your Own Spaces First If you want to form new no-clutter habits, it’s usually easiest to begin by dealing with your own possessions in spaces you don’t share with all family members. Personally, I live with some wonderful but messy people, so if you’re in the same situation, I recommend you start with your bedroom and bathroom. Duhigg says there’s no precise time frame for how long it takes to form a new habit, but other researchers report it takes 21 to 66 days or even longer. Personally, I needed 21 to 45 days of the habit loop to form a new habit, depending on what the routine was. After that, the behavior became automatic. 1. Make your bed. No matter how messy the bedroom is, a made bed makes it neater. To create a cue for making the bed, pick something you do without fail every day, such as turning off your alarm. It’s best to do the new behavior as soon as possible after the reminder. (I sometimes get distracted if I don’t make my bed right after my cue, and then the bed might remain unmade all day.) After you make the bed — or, for that matter, after you do any new task you’re trying to make habitual — be sure to reward yourself. Your reward can be as simple as a silent “Good job!” you tell yourself or as ritualistic as brewing your morning cup of coffee and then enjoying sipping it. Just remember to give yourself a compliment or perk for working toward your tidy-house goal. 2. Clear your bathroom counters. Brushing my teeth has become the cue I use to trigger my habit of clearing my bathroom counters both morning and night. Each morning after I brush, I put away my makeup, hair products, blow dryer and toothpaste. Then I wipe off the water that has collected on the countertops. I repeat the routine at night, putting away my lotion and other nighttime beauty products. Then I congratulate myself on a job well done. Though I didn’t get it right the first few days, within 21 days I knew I’d managed to develop this habit when I automatically began clearing the counters after brushing. For me, coming home to a clean bathroom is the greatest reward! 3. Put away your attire after wearing it. On most days I wear two different outfits, one for work and one for exercise. If I’m not paying attention to where I put my things, a mess can quickly build up. So I decided that removing my clothes would be the cue to place dirty clothes in the hamper and those I’ll wear again neatly in the closet. If you share a closet with a partner who doesn’t want to participate in this routine, you have a couple of options: You can put your partner’s clothes away or leave them out, knowing that at least half the mess is put away. Since nagging or brooding rarely changes other people’s habits, it might be better to give yourself a reward for cleaning up your own mess and move on. Tackle Common Rooms Next As you move into the common areas of your home, prepare for potential barriers to establishing tidy habits since you may be dealing with other family members’ messes. While this can be frustrating, if family members aren’t cooperative I recommend simply focusing on clearing your own mess. Hopefully, your new habits will eventually rub off on your family. If not, well, your home will still be less cluttered than it was before your new habits. 4. Unbury coffee and end tables. Your cue for clearing the tables in your living room could be turning off the television or putting down the book you were reading. Remove cups, glasses and bowls from the room’s flat surfaces and place them in the dishwasher. Put magazines back in their rack or recycle those you’ve finished reading. Place remote controls in a basket next to the television. Put away books and papers and anything else left cluttering the room. Then congratulate yourself. Your living room will look great in the morning when you start your day. 5. Clear the kitchen counters. Mail, school papers, ear buds, cellphones, vitamins, dog treats, receipts, tissue boxes, keys and more can litter kitchen countertops, making food prep difficult. Plus, this type of miscellaneous debris makes the kitchen look messy and disorganized even if cooking surfaces are cleared. My personal cue for clearing my countertops each night is closing my dishwasher door after I load it. I then scan all the miscellany on the counters and quickly sort and put everything in its place. This may take me an extra 10 minutes, but by doing it each evening I find it is easier to keep the counters clear during the day. I then reward myself with a small piece of chocolate since this habit is much harder to implement than others! My other reward is coming downstairs in the morning to a clean kitchen. 6. Tidy your front hall. I walk through my front hallway on the way to bed and use the walk as my cue to tidy up the space. We have a hall closet where I can store shoes and coats, and each family member has a basket in the closet for personal items. If you don’t have a front hall closet, you might consider storing catchall baskets under a decorative table. I tell myself, “Great job!” before I head off to bed. It’s wonderful having a clutter-free front hall, especially when unexpected visitors stop by. Develop New Habits on What You Bring Into Your Home 7. Manage your mail. Mail is a major source of clutter in many homes. To cut down on the volume, you might want to receive bills and magazines electronically. There are also tools available for unsubscribing from catalogs and unsolicited credit card offers; visit DMAchoice.org or Catalogchoice.org for more information. Even with these steps, mail still has a way of piling up and causing a mess. One relatively easy habit to develop is sorting your mail before you enter the house. I collect my mail from the mailbox and walk directly to my recycling bin, where I immediately place advertising circulars. I then open unfamiliar envelopes (which usually are ads) and toss them in the bin. Since I receive most of my statements electronically, I’m left with very little to bring inside. Remaining items go into an inbox for incoming mail. I then give myself a pat on the back for preventing clutter from entering my house. 8. Be intentional with your purchases. Another habit to consider implementing is being mindful of your purchases. I’ve developed the habit of thinking seriously about the clutter factor of every purchase before buying. As I reach for my credit card, I am reminded to stop and consider whether I already own something that will suffice. I also think about where I’m going to store the item or what I’ll get rid of to make room for the new purchase. For example, when I’m considering a new pair of pants, I ask myself what I have in my closet that might be similar. If I already have too many similar items and don’t want to part with any I already own, I skip the new purchase. I use a similar approach when considering household and kitchen items. My purchases are always intentional because I’m working hard to live in a clutter-free home. I deserve a big pat on the back for working on this habit. I’m not only reducing clutter but I’m also leaving more money in my bank account at the end of the month to spend on things I truly want or need.