Better option for short term returns?

I’m 24 and am about to start investing my first dollars ever. I have been really bad for just letting my money sit in chequing and never doing anything with it. But now that I have just settled and bought a house, it’s time to start building a portfolio and growing my wealth.

I have $10k set aside right now, and I just made a Wealthsimple account I’m going to transfer it to. I plan on putting at least $5k into XEQT right away. I know this is a set it and forget it kinda thing, but I’m curious if there are any ETFs or other options for more short-term returns (>5 years) that I can put the other half, or atleast some into? (Home renos ain’t cheap.)

I know this may be the wrong sub to ask, but it’s worth a shot. Thanks in advance.