Your home is where you find peace and solitude. But there’s a lot that goes into making a home this way. Location, space, structure and dècor all affect the feel of your space — from choosing the right home for your family, to keeping it a clutter-free and comfortable place to retreat to at the end of the day. Here are some little things you can do to make your home clean and cozy, and keep your family healthy.

Look for High Ceilings

Rooms that feature higher-than-average ceilings positively affect our overall psychological well-being. Ceiling height directly relates to whether we feel confined and restricted, or free and open. Your kids will feel better and less stressed out if their home is more open and accessible and they might naturally gravitate toward rooms with higher ceilings. Natural light affects our attitude and mood for the better; and since high ceilings and natural light often go hand in hand, it’s a win-win.

Reduce Artificial Light

During the daytime, push aside the curtains, open your blinds and let that natural light shine in. Parents and kids should be aware that too much artificial light is bad for physical and mental health. Keep indoor lights off during the day, and let that sun shine in through the windows. If you lack natural light sources or have rooms that are dark, get creative by routing some sunlight into rooms or common areas using mirrors.

Remove Electronics from Bedrooms

From television screens to smartphones, electronics infiltrate every part of our lives. Tech helps us through the day, from our wake-up alarms to our calendars and communication. What it doesn’t help is our sleep. These sources of artificial light, especially when viewed just before bed, affect our ability to get a good night’s rest.

Limit evening screen time by putting a cap on television time. If late night homework on the computer is a necessity, use a screen shade to ease eye fatigue. Encourage (or require) the kids to leave their phones charging in the kitchen at night. Or create a charging station in your home. This way, they won’t be tempted to stay up late playing games on their phones and texting.

Declutter

A lived-in house is a sign of a happy home, but clutter can affect your stress. Coming home to a mess of strew-about toys and a week’s worth of mail on the table can be overwhelming at the end of a long day. Keep the house picked up. To do so, spend 10 minutes each day doing a “quick pick up.” Set the kitchen timer and have everyone — kids included — tidy up the house. Put a basket or shoebox in the doorway of each room and place any items that don’t belong in that room in the basket. Once each room is picked up, put away the things in the baskets.

Maintain Air Quality

Dusting and vacuuming frequently can do wonders for maintaining good air quality. Clean air means fewer allergies, more energy and a happier family. Open windows as often as the weather allows. Use fans to keep air circulating. Replace AC filters each month. Consider a dehumidifier if your area tends to be humid. It will cut down on the potential for mold and mildew, both of which can impact your family’s health.