30 Life Hacks That Might Redefine Genius
Life can be difficult, even on the best of days. That's why when we can find little ways to make it easier, it's good to share. Sharing is caring! These are some genius life hacks that will turn everyday struggles into no struggle at all. Some will even have you asking why you didn't think of them first.
Cut Your Microwave Wait Time Down
If you put a cup in the middle of one of the plates in the microwave, you can stack another plate on top of the glass to help heat things up quicker.
Just make sure everything you use is microwave safe!
Who Else Struggles With Finding The End Of The Tape Roll?
I also struggle with bread tags and find them super annoying, but now it seems that they serve a post-bread purpose after all.
Keeping them stuck to the end of a tape roll is so helpful.
I Can Breathe Easier Just Thinking About This
Mix one liter of boiling water with two tablespoons of Vicks's Vapor Rub, stirring until they're combined.
Then, freeze them overnight and put one in the bottom of your shower and let the steam do wonders for plugged ears and noses.
Have We All Been Doing This Wrong?
Placing the strainer over a pot of pasta and dumping out the water instead of dumping out the pasta is the way to do it.
It's a lot less work and you don't have to worry about spilling boiling water on yourself.
Never Worry About Having Your Things Stolen Again
Carry a clean diaper with you when you go to places like the beach or the park.
When you want to take a dip or play some catch, just put your things in the diaper and close it up.
Don't Have The Right Size Pan?
No problem! You can use tinfoil to make a pan you do have into the right shape.
It probably isn't going to be a foolproof plan, but it will certainly work well enough!
I Never Know What To Do With These Department Store Hangers!
I usually just end up throwing them out because who wants junk lying around?
But if they can be used to keep my chips crisp, then I'll be hanging onto those bad boys.
Easily Extend Your Counter Space
The total lack of counter space is one of the worst parts of living in a tiny apartment. This is genius!
I'm not sure I ever would have thought of this before. The only trick is finding a perfectly sized cutting board.
How Has No One Told Us About This?!
I might be a fool, but I never thought of locking two ziplock bags together. If you turn one inside out, they fit together perfectly and close, no problem!
You can even put larger items, like this keyboard, into them for safekeeping.
Oh Avocados...Never Ripe At The Right Time
But, that's all about to change. If you buy an under-ripe avocado and put it in a beer cozy, it will be ripe the next morning!
It's almost as exciting as Christmas.
A Makeshift Paint Spout
If you forgot to pick up an easy pour spout for the paint can, don't worry!
If you have painter's tape around you can use it to make one until the next time you're at the hardware store.
Everyone I Know Has A Plastic Bag Full Of Plastic Bags
One of the markers of your adult life is when you start collecting plastic bags and keep them inside one king plastic bag.
Well, the next time you do that, opt for this super cute tissue box option to keep all your plastic bags together.
What A Brilliant Way To Move Clothes
This is the best way to transport clothes.
No need for bulk boxes, your clothes will stay clean and be less wrinkled, plus you'll be able to keep better track of them in a move.
Forgetting Your Chargers Is So Frustrating
Attaching your keys to a loop in your charger will help you remember it next time you go on vacation or stay overnight somewhere.
No one likes having a dead phone or a missing charger.
This Is Perfect When You Want To Keep Your Hands Clean
I always put my hands way too far into the glass and full drown my Oreo.
This will ensure you get the right cookie-to-milk ratio and greatly improve my quality of life.
If You Don't Have Time To Make A List...
Take a picture of the inside of your fridge. That way, if you're not sure if you need something or not, you'll be able to look.
It's not a foolproof plan but works in a hurry.
Here's Another Way To Keep A Work Book Open
This is perfect for those self-care nights in when you want to do some coloring in your adult coloring book but don't want to struggle to keep it flat the whole time.
This hack is here to help you out!
Everyone's Biggest Fear
Fret no more. Someone figured out a great way to make sure you never get caught without TP.
Just placing the empty roll under the seat lets the next person know that there's no TP left.
Prevent Your Sideview Mirror From Freezing
It can be difficult enough to arrive on time with traffic and the rest of the daily grind but having to scrape ice off your car is the pits. Prevent your side-view mirrors from freezing with this hack.
Use a ziplock bag and rubber bands or tape to cover your mirror and secure it, once you're parked. This will prevent the condensation sitting on your mirror and causing it to freeze over when the temperature drops.
Coca-Cola Can Clean Your Wheels
It's incredible what Coca-Cola can clean! And yes, car tires and rims are on the list! Use this simple hack to get the layers of dirt and grime off your car tires.
Pour a bottle of regular Coca-Cola (not diet) over your tires and rims. Give it a few minutes to set it. Then wipe your tires and rims down with a rag. It's really that easy.
Trying To Watch Your Phone In Bed Can Be A Struggle
You've got to get comfortable, but then when you find the perfect position it doesn't work with holding your phone up!
This guy has it all figured out. Now you can be comfy and entertained.
Now That Is A Nice Looking Office
Those plastic mats you put under your chairs are so unsightly, and they don't even work that well. This person had a great idea: buying synthetic wood and using a few panels of that instead.
It looks professional and lets you roll smoothly!
Apparently, Putting Vegetable Oil On Pumpkins Helps Them Last Longer!
This is great news for those of us who count down for Halloween all year. Now, we can get our pumpkins and carve them early, too!
Who doesn't want to make spooky season last?
We've All Had Pants With Worn Out Zippers
Using an old keyring will help with the zipper issue if the pants are still worth keeping.
Just put the keyring through the pull it up and loop it around the button.
Here's A Great Way To Keep Squirrels At Bay
Grab a slinky from the dollar store and spread it over the pole of your bird feeder.
That will keep squirrels and other furry friends from being able to climb up.
Nothing Hurts More Than Breaking In New Shoes
But, if you put on some big wooly socks and wear your new shoes around the house, it will help them stretch out!
That way, when they make their debut, they won't blister so badly.
What Would We Do Without Binder Clips?
They are so wonderful and so versatile. To save space in your freezer, use them to hang frozen bags of fruits and veggies.
This makes them easy to use, easy to find, and keeps them from getting freezer-burned.
No More Losing Screws!
Putting a magnetic band on while doing painting or renovations will help you keep track of all the little screws and tiny pieces.
Otherwise, they'll inevitably go missing, especially if you're moving things around a lot.
Do You Enjoy Wearing Earplugs, But Can't Get Them To Fit Properly?
If you're someone with small ears, but can't stand noises at night, this is the trick to save your night.
Pop some earplugs into straws, throw them in the freezer, then pull them out when you need to use them. They'll fit much better.
Childproof In A Pinch
Cut out an old water bottle and put it over any sharp, toddler-height edges in your home if you have to childproof quickly.
Plus, they're easy to take off after and recycle.
Everyone Hates Stale Cereal
Bobby pins are a great way to keep your cereal and other boxed goodies from going stale sooner than they need to.
Sometimes, rolling the plastic bag down and closing the lid just doesn't do it.
Stop Your Markers From Drying Out
Keeping your markers cap-down is a good way to keep the ink where you want it, but then you have to dig through the cup to find the color you want.
To fix that problem, just tape a small piece of paper with color on it to the bottom of the marker.
Tide Pods Can Do So Much More
Some people swear by this hack. Simply dip a Tide Pod in water for the coating to begin to dissolve, and then start rubbing it against the oven wall grime to easily get the built-up dirt off.
You can also do this with dishwasher pods!
This Has Been An Option All This Time?
Remember as a kid you were always bummed out that you lost a bit of your Freezie because you had to cut the plastic to open it?
Well, if you melt them then put them back in the freezer sitting upright, you get a little space at the top.
Two Problems Solved At Once
Wearing a mask on your face all day can start to be irritating on the ears.
If you use the strings as a hair elastic, it keeps your ears from being irritated, and it keeps your hair out of your face.
This Person Might Actually Be From The Future...
He is living his best life, seriously. He's got that pool noodle resting on his rolled-down window so he can enjoy the breeze AND have a comfy armrest.
It's truly the best of both worlds.... give this one a try and see how much it improves your drive.
Cats Will Be Cats
If you're working from home, as many of us are, you might be getting a bit frustrated with your cats because they have to be all over you stuff at all times.
That's why you use a decoy to distract them.
Who Else Hates Tall Jars?
Tall jars with liquid inside are so annoying! You end up getting pickle juice all over yourself or spilling it on the counter.
Using chopsticks will help you fish out those salty snacks with less mess.
Kids Everywhere Are About To Be Fooled
How come it never occurred to me and so many of us to turn the heel of the bread the other side around?
I'm sure you would never even notice it if you didn't already know.
Recycling And Organizing
It might not be the most glamorous way to store things, but it certainly will work.
Plus, using the toilet paper rolls will stop all your cords from tangling around one another.
Adorable And Useful
This has to be one of the greatest hacks of all time.
You can use LEGO blocks on your keyring to hang them on the wall, and you can use LEGO people to hold onto your charging cables—their hands are perfectly shaped for it!
Is It Just Me Or Does The Tennis Ball Look Like It Isn't Sure How It Ended Up Here?
This is a neat idea for a hack, though.
It is really versatile and a nice change from key racks, especially if you can't make holes in your wall or don't have a lot of space.
Who Carries Change Anymore?
Very few of us! Apparently, if you use the top of a round key, it will slide into the coin slot of a shopping cart no problem.
Hopefully, it will come out OK!
Keep Your Roommates Away From Your Treats
It's amazing what a little bit of food coloring can do. If you like to bake sweets for yourself and yourself only, just add some food coloring to the mix.
It'll immediately identify said treat as yours, (hopefully) keeping roomies away.
Here's How To Tell Which Cable Is Which
TV cables all tend to blend in together, as they're generally all black and unremarkable. Buy some colored stickers from an office supply store to help you sort out the difference.
Considering how awkward it can be to get in behind your TV and mess with the wiring, you'll be glad you made this simple fix.
We've Seen Best Before Dates...How About Open Dates?
Best-before dates are handy, but an "open date" could be even more useful. Just keep a Sharpie near the fridge and jot down the opening date whenever you crack open a fresh container of milk.
It'll give you a quick, at-a-glance way to tell how long it's been sitting there.
Say Goodbye To Junk Mail With These Stamps
These stamps are inexpensive but look very official, so putting them on junk mail and then re-mailing it sends the message that the sender should stop sending this stuff.
It's an intriguing way to limit the amount of unwanted mail that gets put in your mailbox.
Pool Noodles Have A Million Uses
We've seen a few uses for pool noodles, but here's a fun one for those vehicles where the windows won't go down all the way.
Just cut a groove in the noodle and you're good to go.
What's For Dinner? Create A Leftovers Menu!
Set a new rule: Every leftover that goes in the fridge gets written down on a whiteboard on said fridge, creating a leftover menu for your house to consult.
Don't worry, when you do it you'll know that lasagna isn't spelt "lahzonya."
They Can't Steal What They Can't See
It'll require some carpentry skills, but here's a simple way to add some hidden storage to your existing set of drawers.
It isn't as secure as a padlock or a safe, but it's a decent way to keep people from eating your treats.
Red For Right, Nice And Easy
Silicon tips for earbuds are plentiful, cheap, and nearly universal. So if you struggle to tell the left earbud from the right, new tips are an easy way to make the distinction.
Considering these can be bought for literal pennies, this hack is a no-brainer.
Double Up Dishes To Keep The Ants Away
If your pet's food bowls are constantly invaded by ants or bugs, just put the bowls in a shallow dish that's full of water.
This essentially makes their food bowl an island with no ways for bugs to crawl in.
Turn Play Time Into Clean Time
Kids are fascinated by certain items, so if you can get them interested in a Dust Buster or other handheld vacuum, you might just be able to get them to do some cleaning under the guise of "playtime".
They'll catch on to you eventually, but it should work a few times at least.
Keep Ice Cream Cold, Not Your Hands
If it's time to eat a whole pint of Ben & Jerry's, make sure you're doing it the right way: By adding a handle and keeping your hands from getting too cold.
All you need is a mug that's big enough to fit the container.
Put Extra Carpet To Good Use
If you're installing new carpet, make sure to save a few squares if possible. They'll come in handy as mats for your office chairs.
Not only will it blend in perfectly, it'll also save wear and tear on the installed carpet.
Easily Prevent Pump Spills
If you have little ones who like to make a mess, or if you're just a tad careless with these pump bottles, this simple trick will keep things a little more clean.
The clothes pins will prevent the pump from being pushed down as far as it can go.
Over-The-Door Shoe Racks Are Incredible
These shoe racks are handy not just for shoe storage, but also for anything that would fit in the compartments, such as socks or other daily essentials.
You can take things a step farther by attaching labels to help kids keep organized.
Clip Up Your Garbage Bags
If your bags or garbage can (or both) have a way of not adhering, you can easily keep the bag secure with a small binder clip.
This one will really come in handy when you have to throw out something heavy that might otherwise dislodge the bag.
