"Making a mess" is a common phrase that refers to creating a disorderly or untidy environment. However, there are many synonyms that can be used instead, depending on the context. Some of these synonyms include "creating chaos," "causing a ruckus," "being disorderly," "making a commotion," "disrupting order," "creating a disturbance," "unsettling the peace," "disorganizing," "muddling," and "disarranging." Each of these synonyms emphasizes a different aspect of the original phrase, and they can all be used to convey different degrees of severity or tone. Ultimately, the right synonym will depend on the specific situation and the writer's desired effect.