For the times you can't be bothered with housekeeping (like, always), here's a handy guide on how to squeak by without having to be squeaky clean.

Inevitably, the day dawns when you can no longer see the top of your dining room table. Or you're afraid to walk through the living room in the dark. Or your kid tells you how squishy and fun it is to play with the slime in the corner of the tub. Well, there's only one thing to do: Invite people over.

Assuming you're not a member of the Collyer family and you've never appeared on an episode of Clean House, this technique actually works. After all, there's nothing like a little fear of public humiliation to get the hostess most motivated.

Now, we're not talking major overhaul here—just enough to get your house looking presentable and maybe even smelling fresher. Keep it simple: Lose the clutter and clean the visible surfaces. Ready?

Pretend you're visiting. The problem with clutter is that the longer it's there, the less you notice it. So walk through your house as if you're a guest and take stock with a fresh eye, so you know what you're up against.