Life sometimes gets overwhelming, and simple things seem harder than usual. So we've gathered some practical tips and tricks to make your day-to-day more organized and less complicated. Whether at home or on the go, these handy hacks will help you enjoy more and stress less. So if you're ready for that (and who isn't?), take a look at these do-it-yourself creations that require minimal effort.
Command Hooks for Pot Lids Saves Space and Effort
Command hooks can basically be used for everything and do a great job of sticking to the wall so you can hang your items. They can be used in every single room and corner of the home, but did you know that they could also be a great kitchen tool? If you struggle to store the lids for your pots and pans, then this handy tip is for you.
Simply stick a few command hooks to your cabinet door and slightly angle the hooks. Then, you need to slide those lids into place, and you're done!
Straws Are Perfect for Buttering Popcorn
Movie night is one of the best nights, and popcorn makes it even better. Sometimes, getting the butter to spread evenly across every piece of popcorn is nearly an impossible task. This new hack will seriously solve all of those butter-spreading problems. Insert a straw into the bucket and pour the butter into the straw instead of directly into the container. This will make the butter spread as you move the straw around.
This method allows the butter to be pushed further down, letting you mix it into the popcorn with ease. Make sure to recommend this trick to all of your friends!
Moving? Here's How to Efficiently Transport Your Clothes
Packing a suitcase for a trip might be one of the most stressful parts of traveling. The only thing worse than that unavoidable activity? Packing clothes for a move. Whether it's cross-country or across the blocks, it's no secret that moving is a pain in the butt. But this simple hack can make it a lot easier. Instead of folding and packing all of your clothes just to unpack them and restore them in your new closet, do what you see below.
Keep your clothing on the hangers, then wrap a trash bag around them. You can put them into your suitcase and straight into the closet on arrival with minimum hassle.
Use Salt to Remove Pungent Smells From Your Hands
We tend to get messy with our hands, especially when working a job in mechanics or even something as simple as gardening. That fresh dirt smell won't seem to go away, or that dark black oil grease seems like it might be permanent. There is a great way to deal with this; the solution is likely just sitting in your kitchen. Can you guess what it is? Yes, salt. It works like a charm!
When washing your hands, pour a large amount of salt onto them and start scrubbing. This will add extra friction, and your hands will become cleaner than ever.
Ice Will Keep Your Cereal Crunchy
Most people don't like when their cereal gets soggy, which is why eating it as fast as possible has been the latest solution to that issue. Believe it or not, there's a better way to solve this. Grab an ice cube from the freezer and put it into your bowl. You might be surprised about how well this actually works. Your cereal will stay as crunchy as when you first poured it.
Typically, cereal gets soggy as the milk in your bowl warms up. The ice will keep it cold, and your cereal will stay fresh. You could even freeze milk instead of water which is a great idea.
No More Avalanches of Frozen Food
Most refrigerators also come with a freezer, but they are usually small in size and tend to fill up quickly. This is why keeping it organized can be really helpful, especially when you need to start looking for something frozen. A great way to do this is by using those bag clips that help keep food fresh or even office clips. They can seriously help you stay organized both in and out of the fridge.
All you need to do is clip them onto your frozen bags and then individually hang them from the freezer racks. Everything will be so easy to find and reach when you need them.
Turn an Earring Into a Button
Not all clothing items have buttons in places where they should be, and if you find yourself in the situation, there's no reason to worry. We're here to save the day with this amazing clothing hack. If you wear earrings, you likely have a bunch of extra ones just lying around in a drawer someone. No need to store them because you can use them as buttons for any object of clothing.
Thankfully, this trick is basically invisible; nobody will notice that you're using an earring instead of a button, and all your clothes will fit comfortably - as they should.
Use Cornstarch on Bleeding Cuts and Scrapes
A cut or a scrape is bound to happen at some point. Often they're minor; other times, you find yourself bleeding from an open wound and aren't able to make it stop. A typical household item can actually help you control the bleeding in no time. Cornstarch can act as a coagulant and is excellent to use in this scenario. Simply pour a small amount of it onto the surface area of your injury.
Cornstarch has all kinds of fantastic uses, from fun crafts to cleaning. Not many people know that the common household item can also be used as first aid after an injury.
Stop Buying Air Fresheners and Keep Yours Smelling Good Forever
Air fresheners are popular items and are great for giving your vehicle that new car smell. Unfortunately, they don't last very long and tend to lose their scents after a short time. Next time that happens pour a few drops of essential oil onto your old freshener instead of buying a new one. It will restore it in no time, and you can even control exactly how you want it to smell.
The best part about essential oils is that you can mix so many different scents to create an even greater one. Your future passengers will certainly be impressed with your great-smelling car.
Use a Flat Iron for a Wrinkles Quick-Fix
We all know that regular steam irons are what we usually turn to in order to flatten out wrinkles, but sometimes, there isn't always one available. Flat irons are used for straightening hair, but they also have a similar effect to a clothing iron. Simply run the heated plate over the crease or wrinkle in your clothing, and it will be gone before you even have the chance to blink.
This hack is perfect for vacations when you're staying in a hotel and can't seem to find an iron. You won't even really need an ironing board for this trick.
Easily Get Everything Out of Your Product Bottle
Sometimes, getting your money's worth from certain retail products doesn't always happen. Either your chip bag is mostly filled with air, your lotion bottle is half full, or the rest of the shampoo bottle won't come out. Well, instead of shaking and squeezing it until you get the last drop, you can try doing something else. It will certainly help make sure that the bottle is completely empty.
Grab the closest bread knife and cut your bottle in half. Then, you'll be able to scoop out the rest by using your hands while getting total value for your money.
Chic Decor From the Hardware Store
Normally, hardware stores are the perfect place to find parts for household items that need some fixing. Most people wouldn't go there for party items like coasters and cheese boards, but it's actually an excellent place for that, too. Slabs of concrete or marble can go a long way, and hardware stores have lots of hidden treasures for party items. Your guests seriously won't be able to tell the difference.
Your table will look amazing while saving you a ton of money. You will spend way less for your party at the hardware store than anywhere else.
Make Your Own Stand Mixer
Stand mixers are a great thing to have in the kitchen, especially when you find yourself baking. The negative side to stand mixers is that they're so costly, which doesn't make them affordable for everyone. Someone managed to find a way to solve this issue by creating their own; it may not be the same, but it works. They went ahead and fastened a towel to their above cabinet handle and then tied the other end to a cheaper hand mixer.
Instantly, they've made a stand mixer with minimal effort. We might not recommend doing this for safety reasons, but the creativity is incredible.
The Perfect Display for Your Glasses
Losing glasses is easy because we tend to place them in random areas when we're done using them. This is why a designated place to put them after use is a great idea. This hanging display is perfect for that, and you won't have to worry about helplessly looking for your glasses ever again. If you don't want to buy one, don't worry - they're actually super easy to make at home.
This hanger can also prevent your glasses from getting scratched. Let's not forget that new frames and lenses are expensive, so having a safe place for them is great.
Create the Illusion of Sunshine With LED Windows
Let's face it, dark basements are spooky and are the starting point of most horror stories. Most times, we have absolutely no interest in going there alone, especially when the sun's gone down. But we've got the perfect hack: LED windows. It's an easy DIY that gives your dark rooms a natural-looking feel. From afar, it even looks like the bright sun is shining through, so your guests surely won't be able to tell the difference.
This is super easy and can be completed after just one trip to your local hardware store. Buy some old, used windows, frost the existing glass, and install some LED lights behind them.
Use Bread Tags to Mark Your Roll of Tape
Most bread bags come with a small piece of plastic that keeps the bag closed and the bread fresh. Most of the time, throwing them out is easier than keeping them. They can actually be really useful in certain situations. For example, finding the end of the tape can be frustrating. Bread tags can help, so you'll never have to struggle with a roll of tape again.
Once you've found the end of the tape, stick the bread clip onto it. All you'll have to do next time is grab the end of the clip to unroll your tape.
For When You Need More Privacy in the Office Bathroom
Sometimes, bathroom stalls don't provide the type of privacy you are looking for. This issue especially happens in public toilets and restrooms. It might even make it super difficult for you to be able to do what you came in there for, but there is an effortless way to solve this problem, and you don't even have to leave the stall to do this. The solution is right at your fingertips.
Grab the end of the toilet paper roll and extend it up to the length of the stall door. Congratulations, you've just created your very own and very effective privacy curtain.
Catch Leaks Using a Plastic Bottle DIY
There isn't much you can do when something like your water filter starts leaking. Eventually, you'll just be left frustrated after having to clean up the mess. Thankfully, there is an easy solution for fixing literally anything that is starting to leak. Simply look for an empty soda bottle from your refrigerator or a nearby recycling bin. After a few steps, it will end up saving you from a messy disaster.
After you find a bottle, cut it in half but leave the bottom part the same. Next, you'll have to cut a hole through which your dispenser can fit like a hook.
A Homemade Razor for Those Harder-To-Reach Spots
Many of us often have to shave hard-to-reach places while in the shower. Sometimes, standard lengthened razors aren't long enough to reach those places. Unfortunately, extra long razors aren't being sold in the current hair-care market, but that doesn't mean they can't be easily made at home. Something like the device pictured here can be easily assembled and could help you quickly and efficiently reach those hairs without breaking your back.
Get a back scratcher, some tape, and, of course, a razor. Assemble them by taping the razor to the top of the scratcher, and suddenly you have an easily created tool.
Candle Lids Can Double as Coasters
Coasters are handy items that can spare your table from any potential water stains and damage. A great way to reduce, reuse, and recycle is to use old candle lids as coasters. Most cups tend to fit perfectly inside them, and candle lids usually end up in the trash anyway, so this is an excellent idea for many reasons. If you use candles, you won't ever have to buy coasters again.
With this hack, you'll be able to keep your table safe and clean. That means no more cleaning up those leftover water rings and marks. Who knew that candle lids could come in handy?
Tupperware or Pencil Boxes Keep Your Glove Compartment Organized
So many people spend their day driving around in their cars. All of this time might make it hard to keep the vehicle tidy. This section likely contains all of your critical documents like personal belongings and even essential papers that you won't be able to drive without. This is precisely why it's vital to keep the glove box as tidy as possible, so you can easily reach there.
You'll need an extra container to get this done. In no time, you'll be able to have all your essential items in one place that's easily accessible from the driver's seat.
No More Automatic Flushes Splashing on You
Automatic toilets work great and can even be appreciated; that is when you're finished doing your business. One of the worst parts of these kinds of bathrooms is that they often flush when you're not even done. You might even get splashed with that really gross public restroom toilet water. Thankfully, you can quickly stop this from happening before you even sit down on it, and it's so simple to do.
Just grab a small piece of toilet paper and place it on top of the sensor that flushes the toilet. Then, remove it when you're finished. Works like a charm.
How to Remove Sticky Stickers
One of the most frustrating things in life can be removing stickers from cups and bottles. Have you ever spent too much time running hot water onto them? Twenty minutes later, and still no luck? If so, then this hack was basically made for you. Simply put the bottles into the freezer for a few hours. You'll seriously be able to strip them off in no time and with minimum hassle.
This trick will save you both time and energy, and you'll be able to remove those stickers way faster than ever before.
A Great Way to Keep Your Bag Safe
Grocery shopping is a big part of everyone's life, and most of us are at the supermarket at least once a week. However, keeping track of your purse or bag can be slightly difficult when you're shopping alone, especially when you have to step away to grab something from one of the isles. Thankfully, there is a really smart and simple hack that can help you keep an eye on your bag.
All you need to do is put your bag into the front section of the shopping cart, this is where babies sit, so there is a seatbelt, and clip it onto your bag.
An Easy Way to Keep Your Room Dark for Better Sleep
The biggest disrupter of sleep is the sun. The worst thing is when your blinds are shut, but those rays still creep through tiny little openings on the sides. Most of us want to sleep in on vacation, especially when staying in a hotel room. The good news is that you won't even have to leave the room in order to create a DIY solution for this incredibly common issue.
Every hotel room has hangers. Clip the two curtain pieces onto each end of the hanger, and you'll be able to get some good quality sleep without any disruptions.
Painter's Tape Is a Total Hack When Putting up Frames
Sometimes, hanging things on the wall with traditional nails or other mechanisms doesn't always work out the way you originally intended. It might even end up being a big fail; either it doesn't stick, or everything is simply crooked and out of place. Thankfully, there is a quick and useful way to make sure that everything goes according to plan. All you need is a bit of ready-to-use painter's tape.
The tape can highlight the exact spot you need to put your nails or hooks on. Painter's tape is good for lots of things, so it's great to have it around.
Sweetened Condensed Milk as a Cure for Nausea
One of the last remedies you might think of when you're sick to your stomach is sweetened condensed milk. It's sweet, and the first thought that comes to mind is that this might make you feel worse. If you just can't seem to keep anything down, sweetened condensed milk, mixed with some water, could actually make you feel so much better. It's basically a secret cure to an upset stomach.
The mixture actually covers the outer lining of your esophagus. This can reduce both nausea and vomiting, so try this next time when store-bought medications just don't seem to be working.
You Don't Need to Spend Time Slicing up Your Watermelon
Sometimes cutting watermelon into bite-sized pieces can be both messy and time-consuming. Not only that, but the sticky juice can be super hard to clean up afterward. There's actually a much simpler way to eat watermelon, and this method might even give you vacation vibes. It's easier and just as tasty as the traditional way of cutting into them. You don't have to work as hard as you normally would.
As soon as you've cut off the top, grab a spoon and start mashing it up. Then, you could even use a straw to suck up the remaining juice at the bottom.
How to Disable a Childproof Cap
Most medicine bottles are childproof to prevent kids from opening them up. It's a really great and protective invention that has surely prevented a handful of accidents. The issue with them is that they can be extremely difficult to open, even for adults. There is a really simple way to disable the childproof mechanism, and you won't ever have to struggle with opening your pill bottles again.
Many people don't know that turning the medicine cap upside down will both seal your bottle and will make it way easier to open; just make sure it's out of reach from any children.
Make the Perfect Baby Food Using a Garlic Press
Parents have creative ways to make food for their babies, so they don't have to buy a premade can from the store. This is because making it at home can be a healthier and more nutritious alternative to buying it ready-made. Boiling and blending are great techniques for mashing, but a garlic press can work just as well, if not better. We'll tell you exactly how to do it.
After boiling, put the veggies inside of the crusher and squeeze. The great thing is that you won't ever need to worry about the ingredients in your child's food ever again.
Paper Cup Speakers for When You're in a Crunch
Speakers are a loved item that is perfect for parties and road trips due to the fact that they're portable. They're so easy to grab but even easier to forget, which can be frustrating sometimes. Luckily, there is an easy way to build your own speaker. All you need to do is find a paper cup, make a cut in the bottom, and slide your phone through with the speed side pointing down.
If you can't find a cup, there are so many other ways to project your music. You can even just put the phone into a container or box, and it will perfectly play your tunes.
An Easy Coat Rack for When You're Flying
Airplanes, while in flight, are probably one of the coldest places ever, so you often have to bring a coat onto the place, even if you're flying in the middle of summer. Yet, the airplane often feels like the Sahara Desert, which is why carrying a coat can be difficult during a long journey. Thankfully, you can easily create a makeshift coat hanger that will make your journey less stressful and complicated.
If you have a magazine handy, simply place it into the seat pocket that should be in front of you. After making sure that it's supportive and steady, you'll be able to hang your coat on it.
Effortlessly Keep Your Book Open
Many people are reading books electronically, but there are still many who prefer holding the actual book in their hands. One of the difficulties that come with that is struggling to keep the pages of your new book open. This especially happens when you're reading outside a small gust of wind passes by. Thankfully, there is a really smart item that you can use in order to help you solve this problem.
Once you want and need the book to stay open, grab a hanger, and clip it onto each side of your book. You will have no issue with keeping it open.
Eat Every Crumb of Your Taco With This Trick
Tacos are probably one of the messiest foods to ever exist on the planet. There is literally no way to eat them without all or some of the ingredients falling out at some point. This can create a great disaster on your plate, and you'll probably need a fork to scoop up all of those ingredients. Putting a soft taco shell at the bottom of your plate is a great solution.
The taco wrap will catch all of your fallen bits, and suddenly, you will find yourself with another perfectly made taco that you can quickly grab and eat- without the mess.
Keep a Broken Laptop Open or Create a Tablet Stand
Unfortunately, laptops aren't the most reliable, especially when they need to be. Often, the hinges can become loose or even break, which makes it hard to keep the computer screen open without it automatically falling down. Someone was experiencing this exact issue and found a strange and interesting way to solve this problem by using a readily available household item. It was a great idea and seemed to work like a charm.
They took out the back part of a picture frame and then attached it to the back of the computer with some tape. The structure was able to support the laptop while keeping it from falling down.
Use a Twist Tie When You Need a Tiny Hair Tie
If you have long hair, you will end up having to put it up every once in a while. Especially when it's really hot outside, and hair always seems to get in the way when you're about to take a bite of your food. Hair ties certainly come in handy, but they are so easy to lose. Actually, they even seem to completely disappear on their own after buying an entire package.
If you often struggle to find one, all you need to do is reach for a twist tie, for example, one that closes up packages of break. It works just as well!
Treat Your Pets Using Mascara Wands
Some of us with pets can't help but want to pamper them every once in a while. This might include going out and buying them the tastiest treats and the best toys or even upgrading their beds. One thing that cats and dogs are always in need of is some love and affection, which basically means a belly rub or a back scratch that they just can't seem to ever resist.
If you have any leftover mascara wands, they're perfect for brushing your pet's fur. Of course, this works better with smaller cats and dogs, and we promise that they'll thoroughly enjoy it.
Chopsticks Can Keep Your Fingers Clean
Cheese doodles are one of the best snacks, but unfortunately, dining on a big bag of them will eventually give you cheesy fingers. Could you lick them and move on with your day? Absolutely, but is there an even better way to prevent cheesy fingers in the first place? Of course, and we're going to tell you about it. You might wish that you had discovered this excellent idea way before we did.
Just grab a spare pair of chopsticks that might be lying in a drawer from your last sushi feast. Then, just grab the cheese doodle with the chopsticks as soon as you start eating.
A Landline Phone Can Help Tune Instruments
You might have an old landline phone lying around somewhere. The one that requires you to spin the dial around with the tip of your finger. You might even be a fan of music, and if so, then this trick is definitely for you. We all know that instruments can make music, but not everyone has an instrument tuner available, which is where a landline phone could come in handy.
There is almost always a dial-up tone. This is a perfect F note, and you can use it for tuning your guitar or practically any other instrument that needs it.
Always Have a Screwdriver Accessible in Your Home
If you're a handy homeowner, it's likely that you have a screwdriver as part of your essentials. They are definitely necessary to have around; this is because they can fix so many damaged items like loose handles or screws that don't really seem to want to stay put. If you don't own one, we highly recommend running to the hardware store so that you won't have to borrow from your neighbors.
Screwdrivers come in a variety of sizes, but having a complete kit is a brilliant idea. Just in case you end up needing a specific type of head for a certain project.