How do I make my upstairs cooler?

Hi Shannon! Flooring makes a HUGE difference in terms of keeping a place cool - have you considered tiling the floor instead of carpet? Also, you could redirect the AC just for part of the time..

A ceiling fan with a reversible fan. If there is a window upstairs, get one of those window fans, and blow the hot air out in the summer i.e. reverse it If its cooler outside, blow the cool air in at night or early morning, then close window and blinds/curtains. http://www.target.com/p/holmes-174-basic-window-fan-hawf2021tg/-/A-11153980?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Home+Improvement+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Home+Improvement&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9033057&gclid=Cj0KEQjw9YTJBRD0vKClruOsuOwBEiQAGkQjP-jr4EAGb1w38KgbCzrWjmLs9jPJHTZD4T-znJkHUrMaAqqB8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

Add insulation if you have an attic and an exhaust fan.

If one side of your home gets extreme sun consider putting a window film on those windows to reflect heat away. https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=window+fans+lowes&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#q=heat+repellent+window+film

A portable air conditioner. We purchased one at Lowes for about $250. You can move it around easily and comes with window adapter for the hose. It has saved me and the grandsons from the awful heat and humidity!

Heat rises, and carpeting retains the warmth. (Well, in my opinion it does.) I prefer tile floors (cool on the feet) or hardwood if possible. Definitely need ceiling fans with larger blades to circulate the air. Or an oscillating fan. There are a/c wall units that can be installed to help cool the room. Visit your local fan a/c company and inquire about cost and availability. Tint your windows too with reflective film. Best of luck.

put solar screens on upstairs windows....room darkening curtains

A fan at the bottom of the stairs to blow the cooler air upstairs might help a bit.