Clutter around the house? You're not alone.
We're all guilty of using the kitchen counter as a dumping ground or letting the kids leave their toys out because it's easier than cleaning up.
And while the thought of getting organized and cleaning might make our stomachs turn, there are actually some easy ways to make things look tidier without doing much. Now that's music to our ears!
Amy Brightfield of Better Homes and Gardens shared some of her best tips.
Living room
One of Brightfield's best tricks starts with the couch. Instead of going for that luxe leather sofa, pick one that's faux leather or made with outdoor fabric. They make wiping off stains a breeze.
Now for the bookshelves: It's easy to fill them with trinkets and knick-knacks that need a home, but Brightfield says less is more. She recommends going for a minimalist and color-coordinated look to instantly give the appearance of a tidier space.
When it comes to decorative pillows, Brightfield recommends pulling in the same colors from the shelves for an instantly unified look.
And if you have a pet around, it's all about functionality. She loves the idea of using an end table that doubles as a dog crate. Talk about a space-saving trick!
Newport Pet Crate End Table, $90, Hayneedle
For the little ones, use a bean bag chair that has storage in it for toys. It will leave them easily accessible for playtime without creating extra clutter.
Stuffed Animal Storage Bean Bag Chair, $25, Amazon
But one of Brightfield's best secrets for making your house look more organized is to use ... scents. Yes, really! She says that nice smells can distract people from seeing the clutter and chaos in a room.
Entryway
People say first impressions count, and the same goes for your home.
One of the easiest ways to clear up clutter is to get a basket for mail. Then, put a trashcan nearby, so you can throw out the envelopes and junk mail right away instead of letting them pile up.
Brightfield loves the idea of keeping things accessible, but hidden. One of her best tricks is hiding a key rack right behind a piece of art, so you'll always find them without them being in the way of everything else. Genius!
Home office
Printers are big and bulky, but they don't have to be in the way. Brightfield suggests investing in a desk with drawers big enough to store a printer inside.
For the cables, which undeniably annoying, she likes hiding them in a basket under the desk. It keeps them contained and off the floor.
How easy is that!
