We've all been there. A last-minute hosting invitation, guests on the way, and no time to tidy up your space. So, how can you make your home look more put together quickly, and more importantly, without spending a single penny?
You can instantly make your home feel fresh with a few tiny chores, from speedy decluttering to tidying, and everything in between.
Here, organizing experts and interior designers share their top tips so that you can quickly reap the benefits of a tidy home.
Tiny chores to instantly make your home look put together
1. Remove one out-of-place item per room
A super impactful and rapid-fire way to reduce clutter room by room is to remove just one out-of-place item per room.
Anita Yokota, licensed therapist turned interior designer and author of Home Therapy, shares, 'Removing one item per room that you no longer love, use, or need creates instant visual relief, and helps you re-see your space with fresh, focused eyes.
'But, I always tell my clients to give that item a purpose, even in its goodbye. Donate it to someone specific, rehome it to a friend, or assign it to an organization. Letting go with intention lightens not just the space, but your energy too.'
As Anita explains, clutter is visually processed as an unfinished task, which is why removing even one item is enough to lower stress and create calm without buying anything. There are plenty of items to declutter in under an hour, such as expired cosmetics and shabby towels, so if you're struggling to make a start, why not begin there.
If you are feeling extra motivated, you could strive for the 'take away 10' method, moving 10 objects back to their homes or to your decutter pile for a fresh space.
2. Tidy the entryway
It's the very first thing you or your guests see upon entering your home, so taking the time to reduce visual clutter in your entryway and remove any things making your entryway look cluttered can make a real difference.
Sarah Schier, professional organizer and owner of Beautiful Life Creative Organizing in Los Angeles, advises, 'The entryway sets the tone for your entire home. Spend five minutes clearing the shoes, removing things that don't belong in that space, and gathering up all rogue bags, mail, or jackets. It instantly makes your home feel more intentional and less chaotic, especially when you walk in with your arms full and need visual calm.
'Even in small spaces, a tidy entryway can set the tone for the entire home.'
Use a decorative tray, such as The Bistro Tile Stoneware Tray available at Anthropologie, to corral any loose items, and light your best candle for a luxurious touch
3. Make the bed
Never underestimate the power that simply making your bed can have. In fact, there's more than one reason to make your bed every day, and it's not just to make a bed look expensive.
Sarah continues, 'A made bed has a ripple effect – it makes the whole bedroom feel cleaner and more collected, even if there’s still clutter nearby.
'I always say: don’t worry about hospital corners, just straighten the sheets and fluff the pillows. It’s fast, free, and sets the tone for a productive day. If you really want bonus points, make your kids’ or guest beds too – those little details leave a big impression.'
So, you heard it here first. You don't even have to know how to make a bed to make a difference. Just straighten, smooth, and fluff – it's as simple as that.
4. Bring in some fresh clippings
Flowers are often thought of as an expensive luxury, but, as Ariel Roberts, co-owner, principal designer, and creative director of Roberts Studio Design, highlights, they really don't have to be.
She shares, 'I love to bring in some fresh clippings and fill some vases. We all, or most of us, at least, love a beautiful, albeit pricey, floral arrangement. But we have tons of stems and cuts of foliage available to us right outside our doors!'
Ariel recommends taking smaller tree branches with leaves or blossoms, flowering shrubs, and wildflowers growing along the sidewalk before arranging them in a vase, which is a lovely way to improve your bedroom for less than 100 dollars.
'I will often take my children with me on a "foraging walk" and we'll bring a basket and some clipping scissors and bring home anything that catches our eye. We live in an urban neighborhood so trust me, I'm not out picking stunning florals in a knee-high meadow like Elizabeth Bennet!
'I guarantee you'll be surprised by what you can find. A few small vases filled around the house after tidying up will go a long way!'
Just make sure whatever you pick isn't on someone else's land, and you're all set for beautiful blooms without the usual price tag to match.
5. Wipe down your bathroom counter
Pro organizer Sarah says, 'A clear, wiped-down bathroom counter is like a mini spa reset. Put away the products, rinse the sink, and give the mirror a quick polish.'
A microfiber cloth, such as the Great Value Multipurpose Microfiber Household Cleaning Cloth available at Walmart, is perfect for your 15-minute bathroom cleaning and organizing routine, especially when paired with the bestselling and all-natural Method All-Purpose Cleaner, Pink Grapefruit, also available at Walmart.
She continues, 'It only takes a couple of minutes but gives the space that “hotel bathroom” energy – clean, fresh, and under control. No need for new products or décor – it’s about subtracting, not adding.' For that reason, a speedy reset is one of the quick things people with clean bathrooms always do.
6. Rearrange or restyle one surface
Another really easy way to make your home look more put together is to quickly declutter a countertop and refresh the surface, which is a great way to reduce visual clutter in the living room or reduce visual clutter in the kitchen.
Sarah says, 'Pick one surface – coffee table, nightstand, or kitchen island – and give it a quick refresh using what you already have.
'Remove clutter, then group a few items intentionally: a candle, a small stack of books, or something natural like a plant or bowl of fruit. It’s amazing how a small change can make a room feel new again. I do this all the time when I need a little visual lift without spending a dime.'
7. Use your best stuff now
Finally, interior designer Anita stresses, don't wait to use your best stuff, whether you're making your home look more put together for just yourself, or for incoming guests.
'Don’t save your joy for a special occasion,' she says. 'Use the good mug. Light the expensive candle to make your home smell nice. Your nervous system thrives on sensory pleasure. It helps regulate mood and reminds you that you’re safe and cared for.
'This shift is about permission. Using what you already have with intention elevates your home and your emotional baseline.'
Shop your stash to find hidden treasures to elevate your space without the need to buy anything or spend any money – you never know what you might find.
What to shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This beautiful ceramic vase looks beautiful with dried, faux and preserved stems, which you might already have around the house
Clean, dust and polish all around your home with these super soft, absorbent and lint-free cloths for a put together look
This candle smells beautifully unique with a long-lasting, slow burn that lasts for 60 hours.
Meet our experts
For a seriously sanitized space, why not try out our budget cleaning hacks, which prove a spotless home doesn't have to be expensive.
