From struggles, inconveniences, and sometimes, short tempers, stem really great ideas… The kind that change the world and make life a little (or a lot) easier for everyone. It lessens complications, saves time, and just does so much for your patience and satisfaction. The masterminds behind these ingenious tips and tricks don’t always realize how impactful their bright ideas are. After all, for them, these little hacks were simply born from frustrating situations.
Thankfully, they were also smart enough to document the whats, hows, and whys.
Sheer genius, really. You’ll love how inventive these are!
Never lose a bobby pin again.
Don’t toss out the container once you’ve finished all your Tic Tacs. The small, transparent case is perfect for storing bobby pins, and the flip lid makes it easy to get bobby pins in and out, too! You’ll appreciate this hack even more when traveling. No more misplaced/lost bobby pins!
Say hello to hands-free movie time.
When you’re stuck waiting and the only thing left to do is watch a few videos (or a movie) on your phone, it can get pretty tiring to hold the device up with your other hand. Thanks to this guy, we can watch hands-free now! All you need is a charger plug to prop your phone up safely while you watch. It definitely makes all the difference.
Makeup always on point
… even when you’ve totally spaced and forgotten to wash your hair! Don’t worry about wasted time or messed up makeup – this Tumblr user just thought of the perfect workaround: goggles! Of course, we’ll have to figure out how to avoid that straight line across the forehead, though…
Proper grocery bag storage
If you’re not one to toss out grocery bags but aren’t too keen on seeing them stuffed in a drawer or piled up in a cabinet, there’s a much easier way to store them. All you’ll need is an old, oval wipes container. You can even get crafty and decorate the outside if you’re up for it! Leanne from Organize Your Stuff Now shows us how in this quick and easy tutorial. We love an organized kitchen!
Party at my place!
Jokes aside, this isn’t really genius genius but you have to admit it’s pretty sly. When dad pulls out all the stops before going on vacation, the ideas start coming in. This involves working around the cameras your parents have installed. I guess this is for the happy-go-lucky, party-now care-later crowd?
Keep your iced coffee tasty.
Ice cubes tend to dilute the coffee and turn it bland. Well, there’s a simple solution that we all wish we’d thought of: coffee ice cubes! Enjoy your coffee cold and tasty with this easy hack.
A safe place for valuables
Keep your valuables safe by hiding them in a clean, disposable diaper. Thieves… They’ll rummage through drawers and bags but they won’t think of inspecting diapers, will they? While there are a ton of other foolproof ways to store your valuables safely and properly, this is great for moments when you’re rushing or don’t have time to look for a better place.
Clutter-free cords
Cords that are tangled and scattered are such an eyesore. Thankfully, there’s an easy and inexpensive way to deal with the mess. Use a basket to store extension cords in so they won’t be in the way. The basket adds a nice, decorative touch to any room, too.
Cardboard tubes for organizing cords
Fishing a cord out from a box of other cords will only give you a big, tangled, frustrating mess. Waste no more time untangling cords and get what you need easily with the help of these toilet paper cardboard tubes. Simply prop them up alongside each other in a box and see it make all the difference.
Overhead bins for a neater garage
When done properly and secured safely in place, these overhead bins are great for decluttering your garage and keeping it clean and organized. No one wants a garage floor covered with boxes and what-not. With enough patience and the right tools, you can DIY overhead storage in no time. Pretty neat, huh?
Balls in place!
Whether for the attic, garage, or the basement, these bungee cords will come in handy for keeping your sports equipment in place. We love how the balls stay neatly stacked up in place as opposed to just stuffing them in a closet or having them roll around the floor.
Wine didn’t I think of this sooner?
Wine lovers, rejoice! This clever hack allows you to enjoy your comfort drink straight from the bottle. Give off major Captain Jack Sparrow vibes with this drink spout.
Never miss a moment.
Ever had to rush through using the bathroom just so you wouldn’t miss too much of the movie? Twitter user Nick__Frady came up with a simple yet genius idea: to have mini screens in movie theater bathrooms!
Ice cream in a cone minus the mess
There’s nothing more annoying than enjoying an ice cream on a cone and having it drip out of the bottom. Your hands get sticky, it gets on your clothes, the floor, etc. Amazingly enough, moms found a brilliant way for kids and grownups to enjoy the ice cream minus the mess – stuff a marshmallow down the bottom before scooping some ice cream on the cone to plug the small hole! We love, love, love this.
Keeping bath toys clean
You know how most squeaky bath toys have holes on the bottom? Well, when water and soap get stuck inside the toys, it’ll eventually get grimy. But there’s nothing a glue gun can’t fix! Seal the hole with a dot of hot glue. The toy will still float and you won’t have to worry about mold and mildew. Awesome hack!
Sturdier grocery bags
Saggy grocery bags and products knocking against each other or flipping sideways and upside down is pretty annoying. And since many others share the same frustration, quite a bright idea that stemmed from it: sturdier, DIY shopping bags! A small cardboard box that fits perfectly in a canvas bag does the trick. Like many other creative ideas on this list, you can go all artsy and decorate this, too.
Just in time for gift-wrapping season!
No tape dispenser at home? Then you know that there’s nothing more annoying than not being able to find the end of a roll of tape right you need it. Turning the roll around and around and squinting just to find it is honestly such a waste of time. Fortunately, a simple paper clip can make it much easier!
Locked out no more
Doors accidentally closing and locking behind you can cause quite the hassle. You’re lucky if you keep things organized and know where spare keys are, but what about the ones who don’t? You’ll have to call a locksmith. Luckily, getting locked out can be prevented with the help of a rubber band. This will surely come in handy when you have kids and pets around.
No more rusty tools!
Don’t be so quick to toss out the gel packets that come with your shoes and bags. These are actually great for keeping your tools in tiptop shape! Toss one in the box and let it keep your tools from rusting. Kudos to the brilliant individual who discovered this nifty hack!
DIY after-sun care
Those refreshing dips in the pool and hours spent baking under the sun will eventually take its toll on your skin if you’re not using the right products. In case of sunburn, don’t stress. Make aloe vera ice cubes! Aloe vera gel freezes nicely and brings instant relief. We love hacks that are inexpensive, easy, and effective!
Lighting candles the easy way
Instead of using matches that could burn your fingers or burn up even before you’ve lit all the candles, try using an uncooked spaghetti noodle. It’s great for taller candles, too. Light your candles with ease with this simple trick.
Stack ’em up!
Here’s a genius idea for keeping your board games organized: use a hanging shelf! That way, you can keep puzzles and board games together and not worry about pieces lying around. It’s a great way to enforce the “put things back in their proper place” rule, too!
Clever Barbie collection storage
Over-the-door shoe organizers can be used for many other things, too, like Barbies! There are compartments you can store Barbie clothes and shoes in, and perfect-sized pockets for the actual dolls. Kids will love how it looks, too.
Easy bath time clean up
Bath toys are great for keeping kids entertained – especially the ones who tend to act up a bit when it’s time to get in the bath. No matter how many toys get tossed in the tub, don’t worry about putting them away after you’ve rinsed them. A simple DIY hack will speed up the cleanup process and teach your kids to put away the toys themselves. Moms are just so smart, aren’t they?
Pack your shoes minus the mess.
Who knew using a shower cap would come in handy for packing shoes in suitcases or keeping them in closets? If you don’t have time to clean your shoes just yet but don’t want them dirtying up the closet floor or your bags, use a shower cap!
Hairstyling devices packed right
Don’t have time to let your styling tools cool before packing them in your bag? Use a potholder! That way, you won’t accidentally burn your hands or any other items in your suitcase. This helps cushion the tools, too, so they don’t just knock around.
No more lost earrings.
Thanks to this smart and simple hack, you don’t have to lose earrings when you pack them in your bags. Use a button so that you can easily locate your earrings. Practical, right?
How to pack charger cords neatly
Use an eyewear case to neatly pack your cords in. This will keep them from getting tangled with other items in your bag – a dilemma that will definitely result in damage. With an eyeglass case, you won’t have to worry about misplacing your charger or having to dig through a whole lot of other items before you can retrieve it from your bag.
Colorful toy storage hack
Teach your kids to organize toys by kind with the help of these cute drawstring pouches that have clear windows. The clear windows can help the kids find what they need easily. It’s organization, creativity, and fun in one! What a smart hack.
Labeled toy bins
Organizing has never been this easy or satisfying. This is an inexpensive way to keep playrooms clean, and it gives you an excuse to tackle a fun project. This smart idea comes from a mom who’s a whiz at toy storage. Worth trying, don’t you think? You can draw inspiration from this idea and use it for your bedroom or garage, too.
Q-tips packed right
Old pill bottles are just the right size for Q-tips. They keep the Q-tips clean and you don’t have to worry about them spilling. I guess this clever hack stems from situations wherein Q-tips ended up all over the bag, huh? Well now the rest of us don’t worry about that happening, thanks to this helpful hack.
No smudge mascara
Putting mascara on your lower lashes can sometimes result in raccoon eyes and delay you further. If you want to keep this from happening, grab a spoon before heading over to your makeup table! It’s an easy way to apply your mascara without the mess.
Brows always on fleek
Instead of awkwardly tracing around your brows, achieve a clean, natural look with the help of a spoon. The spoon allows you to create an even line. Why didn’t we think of this sooner?
Busted slipper? No problem!
It’s not always beyond repair! A quick fix would be to use a bread bag clip. This mommy blogger shares just how easy it is!
Multipurpose drawstring bags
When you shop for shoes, they sometimes come in washable drawstring bags. Don’t be so quick to toss those out as they’ll come in handy for when you travel. Whether it’s a long trip or a short drive, these are great for packing dirty clothes or footwear in. That way, you won’t have to worry about your other items getting dirty or smelly on the way home. Best part is, these are environmentally friendly, too! Sustainability is always smart.
Not your run of the mill jewelry box.
But it’s not going to attract tempted eyes and it’s definitely going to keep small items like jewelry in place! Thanks to these mint tins, you won’t have to lose earrings and bracelets ever again. They won’t get tangled up with your other items and you can easily retrieve the tin whenever you need to.
Elevated morning walks, anyone?
A stroll around the block with a baby is calming but for some adults, it can get pretty boring. Thankfully, this neat contraption lets you have fun while you’re at it – provided you always exercise caution, of course. If a need for speed runs in the family, then check out this roller buggy! What a smart and fun invention. We can already imagine mom’s or grandma’s eyes widening in horror. But kidding aside, this will come in handy when you’ve forgotten your umbrella and it starts to drizzle, or when you need a bathroom break real quick.
No more stolen lunches!
Seriously, what is up with people stealing other people’s lunches at work? Aren’t you all getting paychecks? This clever invention will definitely cause hands to jerk back once they see what type of sandwich is inside: a moldy, possibly smelly one! Well, that’s the disguise. We’re definitely adding this to our carts!
No microwave? No problem!
What do you do when you’re hungry but you have nothing in the kitchen to heat food with? You plug that iron in, that’s what! It does work. We love when cleverness meets resourcefulness. Just don’t leave it unattended and be sure to unplug it right after.
Well played, smart guy.
I guess he found a way, huh? We wonder what the traffic officers are going to say when the owner of this motorcycle explains how he’s in a perfectly good spot. Street smart takes on a whole new meaning with this guy!
Well, it’s not wrong.
You would notice all the lines on the page, and the instructions did say to encircle the longest one. We love the combination of innocence and intellect!
Sausages save lives.
At least, that’s what this person thinks. His idea does make sense when you think about it. I guess this means everyone’s going to have to stock up on sausages from now on.
Rice for first aid?
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! Rice grains and a sealable plastic bag are all you’ll need. Aside from serving as a great ice pack, it can also be used as a DIY heating pad.
The many uses of disposable diapers
If your kids are already through with diapers but you’ve still got some left over, you’ll be glad to know there are many ways you can make use of them. This illustration shows the many interesting things you can do with clean disposable diapers.
Nothing an iron can’t fix!
Ironing clothes, heating up pizza, what else? You can smooth out dents in wooden surfaces, too! Macgyverisms shows you how in a few easy steps. We love this smart DIY hack!
No highlighter? No problem!
Make those cheekbones pop with Vaseline! Apparently, it can double as an inexpensive highlighter dupe, too! Who knew Vaseline had a thousand uses? Hats off to those who discovered tricks like these!
Keep apples from rotting.
If all you’ve consumed are a few slices, keep the rest from rotting with the help of a thick rubber band. Hold the slices in place and you’ll still have fresh fruit to enjoy when you’re ready for more.
How to dab off excess paint
Avoid wasting paint and use only the amount you need by tying a rubber band around the top part of an open can. That way, you can use it to get rid of excess paint from the brush.
Keep clothes on hangers in place.
A rubber band helps thin or silky straps from sliding off the hangers and falling on the floor. Instead of using pegs that leave marks on the clothes, simply tie a rubber band around the ends of the hanger to keep your clothes in place. Genius.
Bye, fuzzballs!
Pills on clothes are pretty annoying. Before heading out in your favorite sweater, you have to spend time trying to get rid of the small balls of fibers. Thankfully, The Burlap Bag discovered a way to get rid of these pills faster: shave them off!
Organizing your food container lids
De-clutter your kitchen with a smart hack like using dish drying racks for food container lids. Now you won’t have to rummage through drawers or look through cabinets for containers and lids.
Keep those wires in place.
Organize your living room and home office with the help of bread clips! These are great for separating wires and keeping each one in place. No more tripping over wires or wasting time detangling – just clip away and enjoy the results!
Baby proof with cookie cutters!
Toddlers just love cabinets and drawers, don’t they? Fortunately, you don’t always have to invest in expensive baby proofing items to keep your house and your kids safe. This cookie cutter trick works wonders! Doesn’t hurt that they look pretty cute, too.
DIY French tips!
French tips only look pretty when they’re done neatly. Fortunately, you can achieve this with the help of a rubber band. Secure the band around the nail you’re currently painting and achieve the French tip you’ve always wanted.
Floating drinks, anyone?
Make pool parties more enjoyable with floating drinks! Pool noodles will do the trick. A few easy steps are all it takes to come up with a beverage boat.
Keep fabrics neatly in place with pool noodles.
Wrap cloths and other fabrics around pool noodles so you can store them together in one area of your crafts room. It’s easy and inexpensive, and it keeps your supplies organized.
How to store canned food
Stack ’em? Nah. Line them up on a shelf? So so. Use a wire rack and save space? YES! This brilliant kitchen hack means no more forgetting about certain canned food or having to reach far just for one.
DIY Office supplies organizer
This is another smart hack that gives you an excuse to get creative. Take a dish carrier and decorate it any way you want, then use it as a crafts supply organizer. It holds scissors, pens, and markers well. Now you’ll only have one place for these materials instead of searching all over the house when you need them.
Gift wrapping paper storage
No spending for this hack! The brilliant and organized have come up with a simple solution to storing gift wrapping paper neatly: use the cardboard rolls from toilet paper! No more wrinkled or torn wrapping paper lying around the house. Thanks to this idea that encourages recycling, you have a more organized way of keeping leftover gift wrapping supplies neatly in place.
A simple yet effective home office hack
Nothing organizes cables better than paperclips. Work smarter in a space kept clean and organized, thanks to easy hacks like this one. You’ll realize how functional some office supplies truly are!
While this interesting (and entertaining!) list combines “Well played” with “Why didn’t I think of that?”, there’s no denying how much thought and wit were put into each idea. We’re grateful these brilliant folks decided to share their discoveries with the rest of us. Who knew everyday household and office items could play such big roles in making things so much easier?
So the next time you get a lightbulb moment from a time-consuming or frustrating situation, don’t hesitate to share it with everyone else! Amazing ideas are always welcome.
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