If you’re familiar with my “little decor ideas” column, you’ll know that I usually share decorating tips and idea that can be transformative even though they’re little tweaks that are very easy to do. Today’s little decor idea is a bit different because it’s not strictly decorative but it’s just as impactful as the others (if not more). So today it’s about instantly making your home tidier.

I’m not talking about some involved cleaning routine or decluttering but instead it’s about a few simple habits that will instantly make your home tidier and keep it that way.

How to make your home instantly tidier:

1. Clear the visual hotspots

Everyone’s got at least one clutter hotspot in their home but often times there’s one in every room. You know exactly where they are in your home so start with the one area that bugs you the most which could be the coffee table, kitchen counter, entryway or something else.

Remove everything, then only put back what’s essential or intentional meaning a decorative item that’s meant to be there. Even this one 5 minute action can make the whole room feel calmer. Do the same for every clutter hotspot in your home and you’ll have a much tidier home very quickly.

2. Use hidden storage

Everyone has some amount of unsightly stuff that needs to be easily accessible. Things like remote controls, chargers, toys, tissue boxes… the list goes on. Even though they’re necessary, these things can make a room look untidy. So instead of leaving them lying around in full view, simply put them away in some closed storage whether thats in a drawer, a box or a basket.

3. Do a quick edit

A few well-chosen pieces are always more impactful in a space than lots of stuff. This is true not only for bigger items like furniture but also for small decorations in full view. So if your table tops and open shelves are looking a little busy, try removing just 2-3 items and because you’ve created some breathing space, everything will look more intentional. You can also re-style your open shelves and tables to make them look even more curated and clutter-free.

4. Keep floors as clear as possible

The more floor space you have visible, the tidier your room will look and feel. So take a moment to move a stray basket or tuck away shoes or put away toys or anything that’s on the floor that shouldn’t be there.  This may seem like a small thing but it has a surprisingly big visual impact.

5. do a quick daily check

This is the real secret to keeping your home looking tidy with minimal effort. A quick 5 minute tidy at the end of each day will make a huge difference and keep your home looking tidy. Things like fluffing cushions, folding throws, removing items that don’t belong and putting things back in their place will take a few short minutes but will prevent mess building up.

image credits: behrer | nordiska kok | norm architects