1. Binder Clips
Binder clips are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes beyond just holding papers together. Here are some genius ways to use them in your daily life:
Cable Organizer
Tired of tangled cables? Use binder clips to keep them organized and easily accessible. Simply clip them to the edge of your desk and thread the cables through the metal handles.
Phone Stand
Need a quick phone stand? Rest your phone between the lenses of a pair of binder clips for an instant hands-free setup.
Paper Roll Holder
Keep your wrapping paper rolls neat and tidy by securing them with binder clips. The clips will keep the paper in place so your rolls are easy to organize, but without the risk of tearing that you get when you secure them with tape.
Bookmark
Use a binder clip as a bookmark to keep your place in a book. It’s a simple and effective way to ensure you never lose your spot.
Binder clips are a must-have for anyone looking to simplify their life with minimal effort.
2. Rubber Bands
Rubber bands are incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous ways to simplify your life. Here are some genius hacks to make the most out of these stretchy wonders.
Keep Clothes Organized
Traveling with kids? This rubber band hack will free up space in your luggage. Here’s how it works: the next time you’re laying out clothes for your kid for a trip, lay out their attire as complete outfits—shirt, pants, underwear, socks—then roll them up and secure each outfit with a rubber band. This keeps everything together and makes it easy to grab an outfit each day.
Prevent Paint Drips
Putting an elastic band around the open paint can eliminate the abundance of paint from your brush. Simply stretch a rubber band across the top of the can and use it to wipe off excess paint from your brush. This keeps the can’s edges clean and prevents drips.
Secure Lids
Use rubber bands to secure lids on containers, especially when transporting food. This ensures that nothing spills and everything stays fresh.
Phone Stand
Need a quick phone stand? Simply wrap a rubber band around your phone and a sturdy object like a water bottle. This creates an instant, hands-free setup for watching videos or video chatting.
Rubber bands are a simple yet effective tool that can solve many everyday problems. Keep a stash in your home, car, and office for quick fixes and organization hacks.
3. Command Hooks
Organize Your Kitchen
Command hooks are perfect for hanging utensils, measuring cups, and even small pots and pans. This keeps your kitchen organized and frees up drawer space.
Create Extra Closet Space
Use command hooks to hang scarves, belts, and bags. This simple trick can instantly double your closet space.
Cable Management
Tired of tangled cables? Use command hooks to keep them organized and easily accessible. Attach them to the side of your desk or behind your entertainment center.
Temporary Decorations
Command hooks are great for hanging temporary decorations like holiday lights or party banners. They are easy to remove and won’t damage your walls.
Command hooks are a versatile and affordable solution for many household needs. From organizing your kitchen to managing cables, they offer a quick and easy fix for clutter.
4. Mason Jars
Mason jars are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes beyond just canning. One of the most popular uses is for meal prep.
5. Velcro Strips
Organize Cables
Velcro strips are perfect for keeping your cables organized. Simply wrap a strip around your cables to keep them from tangling. This will save you time and frustration when you need to find the right cable.
Secure Rugs
Use Velcro strips to keep rugs in place. Attach one side of the Velcro to the floor and the other to the rug. This will prevent slipping and make your home safer.
Hang Items
Velcro strips can be used to hang lightweight items on walls. This is especially useful for items like remote controls or small tools that you want to keep within easy reach.
Velcro strips are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to simplify your life instantly.
6. Ziplock Bags
Keep Food Fresh
Ziplock bags are perfect for keeping your food fresh. Whether it’s storing leftovers or packing snacks for a trip, these bags provide an airtight seal that keeps food from spoiling quickly.
Organize Small Items
Use Ziplock bags to organize small items like office supplies, craft materials, or even toiletries. This way, you can easily find what you need without rummaging through drawers or boxes.
Leak-Proof Travel
When traveling, use Ziplock bags to store liquids like shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. This prevents any leaks from ruining your clothes or other belongings.
Marinate Meat
Ziplock bags are great for marinating meat. Simply add your marinade and meat to the bag, seal it, and let it sit in the fridge. The airtight seal ensures that the flavors are absorbed evenly.
Emergency Ice Packs
Fill a Ziplock bag with water and freeze it to create an emergency ice pack. These are handy for treating injuries or keeping your cooler cold during outings.
Ziplock bags are incredibly versatile and can be used in countless ways to simplify your life. Keep a box handy, and you’ll find yourself reaching for them more often than you think.
7. Toothpaste
Clean Your Headlights
Toothpaste isn’t just for your teeth; it can also be used to clean your car’s headlights. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a cloth and rub it onto the headlights in a circular motion. Rinse with water and wipe dry. This will help remove any grime and make your headlights shine.
Remove Permanent Marker
If you’ve accidentally marked a surface with a permanent marker, don’t worry. Toothpaste can help remove it. Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to the mark and rub gently with a cloth. Wipe clean with a damp cloth, and the mark should be gone.
Clean Rubber Soles
Toothpaste can also be used to clean the rubber soles of your shoes. Apply a small amount to a toothbrush and scrub the soles. Rinse with water and wipe dry. This will help remove any dirt and make your shoes look new again.
Keep a Mirror Fog-Free
To prevent your bathroom mirror from fogging up, apply a thin layer of toothpaste to the mirror and wipe it off with a clean cloth. This will create a barrier that prevents fog from forming.
Clean Hair Tools
Your hair tools can accumulate a lot of product buildup over time. To clean them, apply a small amount of toothpaste to a toothbrush and scrub the tools. Rinse with water and wipe dry. This will help remove any residue and keep your tools clean.
Toothpaste is a versatile household item that can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks. From removing permanent marker to keeping your mirror fog-free, it’s a handy tool to have around the house.
8. Dryer Sheets
Freshen Up Your Space
Dryer sheets are not just for laundry. Place them in your drawers, closets, or even in your shoes to keep everything smelling fresh. They act as a deodorizer and can help eliminate unwanted odors.
Remove Static Cling
Tired of static cling? Simply rub a dryer sheet over your clothes to reduce static. This is especially useful in the winter months when static is more prevalent.
Clean Your Home
Dryer sheets can be used to dust surfaces around your home. Their anti-static properties help to pick up dust and keep it from resettling. Use them on your baseboards, blinds, and even your electronics.
Repel Insects
Keep bugs at bay by placing dryer sheets in your pockets or around your outdoor seating area. The scent helps to repel insects, making your outdoor experience more enjoyable.
Pro Tip: Keep a few dryer sheets in your suitcase when traveling to keep your clothes smelling fresh and to avoid any musty odors.
9. Baking Soda
Clean Your Home
Baking soda is a versatile cleaner that can be used to scrub surfaces, remove stains, and even deodorize your home. It’s a must-have for any cleaning arsenal.
Freshen Up Your Fridge
Place an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb unpleasant odors. This simple trick keeps your fridge smelling fresh and clean.
Unclog Drains
Mix baking soda with vinegar to create a powerful solution that can unclog drains. Pour the mixture down the drain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then flush with hot water.
Soothe Skin Irritations
Baking soda can be used to soothe skin irritations such as insect bites and minor burns. Create a paste with water and apply it to the affected area for relief.
Baking soda is not just for baking; it’s a multi-purpose tool that can simplify many aspects of your life.
10. Ice Cube Trays
Organize Small Items
Ice cube trays are perfect for organizing small items like jewelry, office supplies, or even craft materials. Simply place each item in a separate compartment to keep everything neat and tidy.
Freeze Herbs
Preserve fresh herbs by freezing them in ice cube trays with a bit of water or olive oil. This way, you can easily pop out a cube and add it to your cooking whenever needed.
Make Coffee Cubes
Love iced coffee? Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays to create coffee cubes. These cubes won’t water down your drink and will keep it cold for longer.
Portion Control
Use ice cube trays to portion out ingredients like sauces, baby food, or even wine for cooking. This makes it easy to grab just the right amount without any waste.
Ice cube trays are incredibly versatile and can be used for much more than just making ice. Their compartmentalized design makes them ideal for organizing and portioning a variety of items.
