We’ve all been in that situation — doing everyday tasks, wondering if there isn’t a better, smarter way to do them. We’re prone to complicate life, but often the simplest solutions are just sitting there. Not just for home improvement or Pinterest-worthy projects, DIY hacks are for everyone. It’s about discovering creative and practical ways to make life easier and better. If you’re sick of clutter, looking for ways to speed up your routine tasks, or simply seeking some clever solutions, these hacks will provide you with the arsenal you need to make your life a whole lot smoother.
All of these DIY hacks use things you already have at home! Therefore, prepare to save time, money, and maybe even a little sanity. In these hacks, you’ll learn how to reimagine everyday problems and how to make them work for you.
Want to Make Your Phone Charger Last Longer? Hack It
We’ve all been there when your phone charger starts to fray, always at the worst possible time. It’s not something you need to rush out and buy a replacement for though, there’s an easy fix. Just use a spring (from a pen) and put it around the base of your charger cable. This not only prevents the wire from bending and breaking, it looks kind of cool too! To be honest, it’s quite effective and simple. The best part? If you have a pen and a spare spring lying around, it’s free.
Keep Cord Organized With a Bread Tie
We all tend to gather our phone chargers, computer cords, and headphones in a big pile of tangled wires. A great DIY fix? Use a bread tie! Believe it or not, that little plastic clip that comes in your bread bag really can work wonders. They can be used to tidy up cords so they don’t get tangled. Simply wrap the cord around, tie it with the tie, and voilà, no more chaos! Not only is this trick practical, but it’s ridiculously easy to do.
Make a Cereal Box Into a Desk Organizer
The next time you finish a cereal box, don’t throw it away! It’s not too hard to recycle it into an organizer for your desk or drawer if you get creative enough. Wrap the box with decorative paper or fabric, but cut it up into smaller sections. Not only will you have a place to put all your pens, paperclips, and other small things that tend to disappear in the mess, but you’ll have an instant holder for them. It’s one of those things that’s nice to finish and quite useful in a surprising way. You’re recycling while you do it!
Open Jar Lids With a Rubber Band
A stubborn jar lid that won’t budge can be really irritating if you’ve ever had one. Rather than going ahead with every tool in the kitchen, try this hack. For an extra grip as you’re opening, push a rubber band around the lid. This added friction will allow it to be much easier to twist open. This is a simple fix but it will save you time and frustration. You don’t have to worry about using a knife or a spoon, which usually end up scratching your lids.
Make Your Own Picture Frame
Frames for pictures can be expensive, but, if you get inventive, you can make your own using things around the house. You can turn old cereal boxes or popsicle sticks into attractive, handmade frames. Paint, fabric, or even newspaper clippings can be used to decorate them to your own tastes. This is an easy and inexpensive DIY, and it’s a great way to display memories without spending a fortune. Also, you have complete control over the design when you make your own frame.
Use a Toothpaste Tube Roller
Squeezing the last bit of toothpaste out of the tube is always a Herculean effort. But here’s a nifty trick: Use a toothpaste tube roller to ensure you squeeze that last drop out of your toothpaste tube. These rollers will be found easily at the store or can be made with a piece of plastic or metal. This DIY hack ensures you don’t waste a drop of toothpaste and saves you money by getting every last bit out of your tube.
Protect Car Doors With a Pool Noodle
If you constantly bump into the side of your car with your garage door, you’ll love this hack. Cut a pool noodle to the length of your garage wall and stick it there with adhesive. If you’re sick of your car doors getting dinged against the wall every time you pull into your driveway, this DIY protector will help. It’s cheap and easy to do and a really clever way to repurpose an old pool noodle!
Lightly Rub a Lint Roller Over Your Pet’s Fur to Remove Pet Hair
You know that struggle of pet hair. There seems no end to the battle to get rid of those pesky hairs, whether they’re on your clothes, furniture, or even in your car. The good news is a lint roller is your new best friend. Then just roll it over any surface and the sticky sheets do the work of pulling the hair away. In a pinch, you can even use tape to do the job if you don’t have a lint roller. This is always popping up unexpectedly, but it’s a quick and easy fix.
To Organize Loose Papers Use Binder Clips
Binder clips are a game changer in the never-ending battle with paper clutter. But these little tools aren’t only for keeping reports together; they’re also great for holding loose papers that collect on your desk. If important documents, receipts, or notes would otherwise get lost in the shuffle, clip them together. You can even color-code your clips for added organization. This is a great, cheap, simple way to keep your workspace neat.
Turn a Tin Can Into a Lantern
Those empty tin cans aren’t going into the trash yet! With a little creativity, some nails, and a little hammer, they can be turned into cute lanterns. You can just punch small holes around the can and put a candle or string lights inside. The light will shine through the holes, making any room cozy. This is a fun eco-friendly DIY project that will bring some fun charm to your home decor.
Drying Shoes On A Clothes Hanger
If you hate shoes cluttering up your dryer, drying rack, or floor, use a simple clothes hanger to dry them instead. All you have to do is hook the hanger through the shoe’s heel or laces and hang them upside down. This way ensures that your shoes dry evenly and remain off the ground. It saves space fast and with style and is great for shoes that get a bit wet and need that extra air circulation.
To Remove Smell, Use a Tea Bag
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. For removing odors from shoes, drawers, or any small space, a used tea bag can work wonders. Simply put a dry tea bag in the stinky place and let it do its work. The tea’s natural materials will absorb odors you don’t want, leaving everything smelling fresh. It is a low-cost, eco-friendly way to keep your space smelling great without the use of artificial air fresheners.
