14 Ways To Make Your Home - And Your Life - Easier

Written by Jaymi Naciri Posted On Thursday, 05 February 2015 12:46

Life is busy. Everyday, so many things to do. Finding a few shortcuts is key to keeping on track—and keeping your sanity. Employ a few of these tricks to make your life easier (and better!)

1. Put it on the list

It stinks to be driving home from Lowe's only to remember the one thing you didn't pick up. Or be reminded of four other things you wanted your handyman to fix—after he's already left. Keep two running lists on your phone: one for the home improvement store and one for your fix-it person. That way you'll always have the lists accessible and can add to them as necessary.

2. Stock up on vinegar

It can be used to unclog a drain, take ink off a wall, freshen up your washing machine, clean your coffeemaker, get rid of bugs, and about 90 other things.

3. Throw that newspaper in the trash the right way.

Wadding it up at the bottom of your trash gives you a place to soak up food juices and keep your trash can fresher.

4. Personalize your luggage.

Run a line of colorfully patterned tape across the top of your suitcase. When everyone else is trying to figure out which black bag is theirs, you can easily swoop in, gather your stuff, and be on your way.

5. Set an appointment.

No one knows when it's time to change their air filters. It's the truth. But keeping them clean is key to having an efficient heating and air conditioning system. And don't forget about having good tasting water from your fridge thanks to a properly working filter. According to Energystar.gov, you can check the product information on the filters for the manufacturer's suggested usage. Then, put the change-out dates in your phone's calendar so you'll always know when it's time for a new one. Do this with your dryer too so you know when it's time to have the lint trap cleaned.

6. Avoid the beeps.

Apply the same idea to your smoke detectors. Because when the batteries die, they will die at 3am.

7. Go LED.

Climbing ladders to change a bulb is no fun. Using the longest-lasting bulbs on the market will cut down on ladder time and also save on energy bills.

"LEDs have a lifespan of up to 60,000 hours compared to 1,500 hours for incandescent bulbs," said myLEDlight. "An LED light will last over 7 years (constant use) before needing replacement. And, LEDs consume up to 90% less power than incandescent bulbs."

8. Shortcut your cleaning.

Investing in a few products that do the work for you can help cut down on the time you spend scouring. For bathrooms, good old Scrubbing Bubbles is a favorite because you can spray it in your tub, shower, or toilet, and come back in a few minutes and wipe away. The Bissell Spotbot is one of our favorite items ever. This hands-free carpet cleaner allows you to spot clean with no effort at all. Put it on a spot, turn it on, and leave. Come back in a few minutes and the spot is gone.

9. Keep the sun out.

Looking for a way to cut your electric bills? Solar screens are effective and cost-effective, dropping the temps inside your home by 10 to 15 degrees and energy bills by 20 percent.

10. Keep your shoeboxes.

"Why pop for manufactured drawer dividers? You can make a completely customizable set with just scissors and shoeboxes," said Real Simple. "Simply cut the boxes in half by length or width, as needed for your space, then tuck into a drawer."

11. Go nuts

Forget about spending money on expensive furniture polishes. "Just rub a shelled walnut on the damaged area, and watch in amazement as the dings, scrapes and scratches all begin to darken and disappear," said Apartment therapy.

12. Charge it!

Add USB chargers to your electrical outlets and end your constant search for a charger. Adding electrical outlets inside bathroom and kitchen drawers will greatly increase the functionality of your spaces while streamlining the look.

13. Make-your-own cleaning wipes.

Perfect for the DIYer, Paper towels and Pine Sol are a magical combination.

14. Mulch it.

A few bags of the stuff can transform your front yard, improving your curb appeal and providing great ROI—up to a 200 percent return on investment!

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