Unless you've perfected the art of tidying up like Marie Kondo has, your house probably gets messy just a little too easily. Even after a spring cleaning sweep , it seems like your place returns to its default disheveled mode in five days flat.

But we have some advice that will save your sanity: There are a few places around your house that attract clutter like a magnet, so focusing on those spots will keep your place looking immaculate all month long, with minimal effort.

After all, a clean home is a happy home, and we could all use a little more happy in our lives.

Keep an eye on these 11 things that are secretly making your home a mess.

1. The random piles of paper, mail and newspapers

No matter how many times you file or throw them away, stacks of paper, mail, newspapers and magazines somehow magically appear on random surfaces around your home. Stop this nonsense by organizing your mail or paperwork as soon as you receive it and throwing away old newspapers and magazines.