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Maybe you just remembered it's your turn to host bridge night. Or your mother-in-law called to announce she's dropping by. Whatever the reason, your home needs to be straightened up, stat! If you don't have time for a floor-to-ceiling cleaning—and really, who does?—follow our room-by-room tidying guide, which offers expert tips that bring order in a hurry.

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Entryway: Make Room for Visitors' Things
Use a laundry basket to gather loose accessories, shoes and stray personal items, suggests Stacey Platt, author of What's a Disorganized Person to Do? Straighten out what's left; tuck jackets into the closet and close the door. Gather any loose mail, tossing junk mail and catalogs into the recycling bin.

Living Room: Do a Quick Pickup
Grab your laundry basket from the entryway and toss in books, clothing, shoes and whatever else belongs in a different room. Have a few minutes to spare? Vacuum the floor and sofa cushions. Donna Smallin, author of A to Z Storage Solutions, suggests making a new family rule when your company clears out: "If you own something in the basket, you need to do a chore to get it back."

Bathroom: Clear Clutter
First, drop two Alka-Seltzer tablets into the toilet, a trick favored by Platt. While the citric acid fizz is working its magic, grab a basket to corral hair and beauty products that have migrated to the countertops and then stow it under the sink. Use a couple of squirts of glass cleaner to wipe down any mirrors. After, run the cloth over hardware in the sink. Come back to flush the toilet in about 20 minutes.

Kitchen: Clear the Countertops
Stash dirty dishes in a dishpan under the sink and toss takeout menus and magazines in a basket. If you have time, wipe the front of appliances with a dishcloth that's been dipped in hot, soapy water and wrung out; dry with a dishtowel. In the future, follow Smallin's guideline for appliances: "If you use it every day, it gets to stay on the countertop. Otherwise, put it away."

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Dining Room: Dust
"When a room isn't used often, dust buildup will make it look messy," Smallin says. Start with lighting fixtures or ceiling fans. Next, dust the tables, chairs, windowsills and other flat surfaces. Use a microfiber cloth or glove and you can skip the polish. If you have time, set the table, which will deter your family members from using it as a dumping ground.

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Bedroom: Make the Bed
"You should be able to make a bed in two minutes or less," Smallin says. "Knowing that should make it a less dreaded chore." Toss any clothing that's lying around into a hamper or closet. Sweep clutter off the tops of dressers and nightstands into drawers.

Kids' Room: Close the Door
Often children's rooms are too far gone for a quick tidying-up. Smallin suggests that whatever you do, don't start picking up after them, otherwise they'll come to expect it. When you get a chance, buy clear plastic containers for underbed storage so art supplies, books and toys can be tossed inside at the last minute. Smallin suggests creating more space by placing the bed on risers.

Office: Straighten Out the Desk
"Gather scattered papers into piles, which look infinitely neater than when they're blanketing your desk," Platt says. If you have a few extra minutes, divide your papers into manila folders with labels like "To Do", "To File" or "To Pay." Collect sticky notes and business cards in a single stack, and put pens in a drawer or holder.

Laundry Room: Hide Supplies
Platt suggests putting detergents, fabric softeners and stain removers behind closed doors. If you don't have a cabinet, gather them in a basket. Clothing should be in baskets, too, divided by lights and darks, if you have time.

Guest Bedroom: Freshen Up
Assuming this room is rarely used, it should be clean for the most part. Start by clearing dust off surfaces using a microfiber cloth. To really impress guests, Platt suggests leaving a vase of flowers on the bedside table—as long as they aren't allergic—or an individually wrapped piece of chocolate on the pillow. Keep a basket of travel-size toiletries under the sink so you can pull it out (dust-free) before visitors arrive.

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