Make Me Better Thrive

Life is full of little challenges, and sometimes, the simplest solutions can make the biggest difference. Here are some life hacks that can help you streamline your day-to-day activities, save money, and reduce stress.

1. Freeze Herbs to Keep Them Fresh

Fresh herbs can elevate any dish, but they tend to spoil quickly. To keep your herbs fresh for longer, chop them up and place them in an ice cube tray. Fill the tray with olive oil or water, and freeze it. This way, you’ll have ready-to-use herb cubes that you can pop into your cooking whenever needed.

2. Place Scented Soap in Your Clothes Drawers

Keep your clothes smelling fresh by placing a bar of scented soap in your drawers. Not only does this prevent musty odors, but it also infuses your clothes with a pleasant fragrance. As a bonus, it can help deter pests like moths.

3. Use a Rubber Band to Keep a Door Unlocked

If you need to keep a door from locking itself, wrap a rubber band around one doorknob, twist it into an “X” shape, and secure it to the other doorknob. This way, the latch won’t engage, and the door will stay open. It’s perfect for moving items in and out or for a busy day at home.

4. Store Bed Sheets in Pillowcases

To keep your linen closet neat and organized, store each set of bed sheets inside one of its pillowcases. This not only makes your closet look tidier but also makes it easy to find a complete set when you need it.

5. Use Vinegar to Clean Your Showerhead

Showerheads can become clogged with mineral deposits over time, reducing water pressure. To clean your showerhead, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band. Leave it overnight, and in the morning, the deposits will be gone, and your showerhead will work like new.

6. Keep Your Laptop Cool with an Egg Carton

Laptops can overheat if they don’t get enough airflow. To prevent this, place an empty egg carton upside down on your desk and set your laptop on top. This creates space for air to circulate, keeping your laptop cooler and running more efficiently.

7. Use a Clothes Pin to Hold a Nail

When hammering a nail, use a clothes pin to hold it in place. This keeps your fingers safe from accidental hammer strikes and makes the task easier and more precise.

8. Get Rid of Odors with Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are excellent at absorbing odors. Place a bowl of used coffee grounds in your refrigerator or freezer to neutralize unpleasant smells. You can also use them to deodorize your hands after handling garlic or onions.

9. Keep Boots Upright with Pool Noodles

Tall boots can lose their shape and develop creases if they flop over. To keep them upright, cut a pool noodle to the height of your boots and place them inside. This maintains their shape and makes them look better organized in your closet.

10. Prevent a Mess with a Pancake Batter Dispenser

Pouring pancake batter from a bowl can be messy. Instead, use an empty ketchup or mustard bottle as a dispenser. This allows you to control the flow of the batter and create perfectly sized pancakes with minimal mess.

11. Use Bread Clips to Label Cords

It’s easy to mix up which cord goes to which device, especially in a tangle of wires. Save the plastic clips from bread bags and use them to label each cord. Write the name of the device on the clip and attach it to the cord near the plug. This way, you’ll always know which cord belongs to which device.

12. Keep Wrapping Paper in Place with Toilet Paper Rolls

Wrapping paper can unroll and get wrinkled in storage. To keep it neat, cut a toilet paper roll lengthwise and slip it over the roll of wrapping paper. This keeps it tightly wound and free from damage.

13. Use a Razor to Remove Pills from Sweaters

Sweaters can develop unsightly pills over time. To remove them, gently run a disposable razor over the fabric. This will shave off the pills and make your sweater look new again. Be careful to use a light touch to avoid damaging the fabric.

14. Keep Your Bathroom Mirror Fog-Free

To prevent your bathroom mirror from fogging up during showers, rub a small amount of shaving cream over the surface and wipe it off with a clean cloth. This leaves a thin, invisible layer that prevents fog from forming.

15. Extend the Life of Your Razor Blades

Razor blades can dull quickly. To extend their life, dry them thoroughly after each use and store them in a dry place. You can also run the blades along a pair of jeans (in the opposite direction of shaving) to keep them sharp.

16. Use a Muffin Tin to Serve Condiments

When hosting a party or a barbecue, use a muffin tin to serve condiments and toppings. This keeps everything organized in one place and makes cleanup easier. Plus, it adds a fun and practical touch to your table setting.

17. Stop Potatoes from Sprouting

To prevent potatoes from sprouting, store them with an apple. The ethylene gas released by the apple helps inhibit the growth of sprouts, keeping your potatoes fresh longer.

18. Clean Your Microwave with Lemon

For a quick and natural way to clean your microwave, fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add slices of lemon. Heat it on high for three minutes, then let it sit for five minutes without opening the door. The steam will loosen any grime, making it easy to wipe clean.

19. Use Binder Clips to Organize Cables

Binder clips are great for keeping your cables organized and untangled. Attach them to the edge of your desk and thread your cables through the handles. This keeps them within reach and prevents them from falling behind your desk.

20. Make a Quick Ice Pack with a Sponge

For a quick and reusable ice pack, soak a sponge in water and freeze it in a plastic bag. The sponge will stay cold longer and won’t drip as it thaws, making it perfect for injuries or to keep your lunch cool.

21. Fix Scratched Furniture with Walnuts

To fix minor scratches on wooden furniture, rub a walnut over the scratch. The natural oils in the walnut will darken the wood and make the scratch less noticeable. This works best on small, superficial scratches.

22. Keep Your Trash Bag in Place

To prevent your trash bag from slipping into the can, use adhesive hooks. Attach two hooks on either side of your trash can and loop the drawstrings of the bag around them. This will keep the bag securely in place.

These life hacks are designed to simplify your life, save you time and money, and help you maintain an organized and efficient home. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can tackle common challenges with ease and enjoy a more streamlined lifestyle.