Are you often left feeling like you’re stuck in a time crunch, wishing you had just a few extra hours to spare? While we can’t actually add more hours to the day, we’ve curated 17 ingenious life hacks to help you make the most of your time. From streamlining your schedule to extending the shelf life of your groceries and taming the chaos of cords around the house, these hacks will give you a little breathing room and make your life significantly easier.
We’ve put many of these tips into practice at home and can confidently say they’ve made a huge impact on our daily routine. If you have questions about any of these hacks or want to learn more, check out our YouTube video on the same topic or leave a comment below. Our hope is that one or two of these tips will resonate with you and make your life just a little bit simpler.
Watch: 17 Practical Life Hacks You Need!
Organize Cables and Prevent Tangling
For many of us, there’s a daunting corner of our home where all sorts of technological detritus accumulates. I know I had my own stash of cords and gadgets until I dedicated an afternoon to taming the chaos. By categorizing the essential items and donating or repurposing the rest, you can bid farewell to the frustration of searching for that one elusive cable. And if you’re feeling crafty, why not transform some spare paper rolls into unique creations? The possibilities are endless!
Plan Your Time with an Editable Excel Planner
Organizing your schedule with an Excel spreadsheet offers numerous advantages. Its shareable nature makes it easy to collaborate and adjust plans as needed. Moreover, spreadsheets are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your unique style, the number of people involved, and your specific scheduling needs.
If you’d prefer a pre-made template, feel free to download one from our website, which is optimized for use on various devices.
For a visual representation of the benefits, watch this brief video showcasing the effectiveness of using an Excel daily planner.
Use Can Tabs to Create a Double Hanger
Transforming your closet into a functional haven requires innovative solutions, especially when space is limited. The humble aluminium can tab can be repurposed to maximize storage capacity. Simply collect the tabs and stack your hangers in a creative manner. By threading one hook through the first hole and another on the opposite side, you’ll create a staggered effect that provides extra space for your clothing.
This clever hack not only frees up valuable real estate but also allows for effortless outfit planning and coordination, making it a game-changer for individuals with busy lifestyles and families.
Keep Textbooks Open with a Pen
When trying to keep track of important pages or quotes in a book, traditional bookmarks often fall short. They can be too small and easily lost or too bulky and prone to slipping out. A simple solution is to use a pen with a clip, which can securely mark the page you’re on. For instance, I personally prefer using pens like [these pens](link) because they fit well with my reading habits.
Taking notes while reading was a natural extension of this habit, making it an excellent idea for college students seeking to stay organized and engaged.
Use Binder Clips to Organize Wires Around Your Desk
The perpetual struggle with wayward wires is a common affliction many of us can relate to. And, let’s be honest, nowhere is this frustration more pronounced than at our desks. A sea of chaos can quickly ensue when cables start to get tangled and knotted out of control. However, there is hope for those seeking order in their workspace.
A simple yet effective solution lies in the humble binder clip.
By securing it to the edge of your desk and leaving the legs pointing outward, you can create a makeshift cable management system that will keep your cords tidy and organized. Simply thread the cable through the clip and secure it in place, ensuring it stays put.
This nifty hack has saved me countless hours of searching for lost or buried cables, and I’m confident it will do the same for you. No more wrestling with errant wires – just a peaceful, clutter-free workspace waiting to be enjoyed.
Use Command Hooks to Store Accessories
When it comes to maximizing bathroom space, every inch counts. That’s why command hooks are a game-changer – they not only save valuable under-the-sink real estate but also keep essentials organized and within reach. By installing a few hooks beneath the sink, you can hang styling tools, cleaning products, or any other items that need to be stored, keeping your bathroom tidy and functional.
With this clever hack, everything has its place, making it easy to find what you need when you need it – no more digging through cluttered cabinets or messy countertops.
Use Washi Tape to Organize Chargers
Ditch those pesky wires and add some personality to your cord clutter! Try using colorful washi tapes to label cords and make identification a breeze. Not only will this keep things organized, but it’s also a fun activity you can share with others in the house. Imagine the joy of having a unique and recognizable cable that sparks happiness every time you see it.
Increase Cell Phone’s Alarm Volume by Putting It In a Glass
Despite its unconventional nature, this hack is surprisingly effective. By amplifying sound waves as they resonate through the glass, it’s possible to boost audio playback. If you’re someone who frequently hits the snooze button or wants to enjoy their favorite tunes at a higher volume, this method is definitely worth a try. I’ve even used it in pinch situations when my Bluetooth speaker has failed me – simply place your phone near the glass and adjust the angle for optimal sound quality.
This DIY solution is just one of many creative ways you can repurpose everyday items to suit your needs.
Prevent Your Laptop from Overheating with an Egg Carton
When laptops are confined spaces without adequate ventilation, they can easily overheat during prolonged use. One effective solution is to place them on top of a couple of natural materials, such as egg cartons, which allow for passive airflow and heat dissipation. This simple trick not only prevents overheating but also contributes to prolonging the computer’s lifespan by reducing the risk of damage from excessive heat.
Color Code Your Keys with Nail Polish
When it comes to managing keys at the door, we often find ourselves juggling and guessing which one is the correct fit. A simple yet effective solution to this problem is to paint each key a unique color. This visual distinction makes it easier to identify and recall which key belongs to which lock. Additionally, it’s crucial to allow the paint to dry completely before reinserting the keys into your loop or ring. By doing so, you’ll no longer be left guessing in the dark (literally!
) which key is the right one. To take this organizational strategy to the next level, consider upgrading your keys with DIY resin keychains, offering a stylish and practical solution to keep your keys tidy.
Keep Your Wrapping Paper Rolled Up
Tame the chaos in your holiday closet with a simple, yet effective hack. Instead of letting wrapping paper clutter dominate the space, corral it using toilet paper or paper towel rolls. Simply slice one side open and slide it over any opened wrapping paper as you go along. As the season unfolds, collect these tubes and set them aside for later use. Once the gift-giving frenzy has passed, retrieve your collection and utilize them to bring order back to that closet. And the best part?
If they get damaged or worn out after a few seasons, it’s easy (and essentially free) to replace them with new ones.
Keep Your Groceries Fresh for Longer
To extend the shelf life of your herbs and other fresh produce, try storing them with a plastic bag over the top. This technique helps maintain humidity and prevents dehydration, making it suitable for a variety of items such as leafy greens, carrots, celery, and even avocado halves. When selecting storage containers, consider the specific item’s needs – some may thrive in glass jars, while others do better in low, shallow Tupperware.
Be sure to research the best storage method for each type of produce you’re working with.
Use Velcro Strips to Prevent Rugs from Moving
To keep your rugs in place and prevent them from slipping or moving, this hack is perfect for anyone who loves animals, kids, or even adults! The solution lies in applying velcro strips on both ends of the carpet, making it easy to remove when you need to wash, rearrange, or replace it. Simply look for removable velcro strips like these when it’s time to take care of your rug.
Organize Jewellery in Ice Cube Trays
When jewelry collections grow out of control, consolidating the space they occupy can be a challenge. One effective solution is to store smaller pieces in an icecube tray, which makes it easy to browse through options and put them away neatly. Larger items like statement earrings may require multiple cells, but stackable ice cube trays provide a convenient alternative.
Remove Highlighter Stains
When reading through a page, there’s always that pesky highlighter mistake – a streak of color that ruins the aesthetic appeal of the text. But fear not, dear readers! I’ve stumbled upon an ingenious solution that will make you wonder how you ever lived without it: using lemon juice as an eraser for those unwanted highlights.
All you need to do is gently dab a small amount of lemon juice onto the offending area and voilà!
As the citrusy liquid dries, the highlighter mark will vanish into thin air. It’s truly a game-changer for students, avid readers, and researchers alike who value their notes’ visual integrity.
Use a Picture Frame to Write Down Reminders
Transforming the way you take notes has never been easier or more eco-friendly. Instead of relying on paper and pens, consider repurposing a picture frame as a unique note-taking tool. Simply insert a light-colored sheet of paper into the frame’s background, allowing you to jot down your thoughts and ideas directly onto the glass surface. When you’re finished, simply wipe away any residual marks with ease.
This ingenious hack not only helps reduce waste but also provides an opportunity to showcase your personal style by selecting a frame that reflects your individuality or suits someone special in your life. Whether you opt for a frame with a playful touch or keep it minimalist, this creative solution is sure to bring a smile to your face and inspire a more thoughtful approach to note-taking.
Organize Cords in Toilet Paper Rolls
A clever solution for managing cables is to repurpose toilet paper rolls as cord organizers. Set aside some spare rolls to create a tidy system. Label each roll with the corresponding cable’s name or function, making it effortless to identify and retrieve them later. This approach also allows you to retain the tape for future projects. To take it further, designate a convenient storage box or container and store your labeled cables within.
This organized setup will ensure that your cords are always easily accessible and within reach.
