People Are Sharing The Products They Have Bought That “Changed Their Lives”, Here Are 30 That You Might Need Too
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Work smarter, not harder”? That little mantra really stuck with me the first time I heard it, and it can be applied to almost all aspects of our lives. Why waste unnecessary amounts of time and energy on tasks that can be done in more streamlined ways?
In the spirit of working smarter rather than harder, one man recently reached out to other Twitter users asking for “a thread full of life hacks”, and people did not disappoint in the replies. Thousands of readers responded with their favorite products that have changed their lives, so we’ve gathered some of the best ones down below to share with you. Enjoy this list that might allow you to take some shortcuts through your daily life, and be sure to upvote all of the pics that blow your mind. Then let us know in the comments what your best life hacks are, and if you want to find even more ways to improve your routines, be sure to check out this Bored Panda article featuring even more life hacks next. Image credits: BuddyNoLove
This post may include affiliate links.
Our society tends to be obsessed with efficiency nowadays. We want phones that can serve the purpose of a computer, tablet, television and professional camera, we order our morning coffee before arriving at the shop so we can be in and out the door in 30 seconds, and we hardly take in the world around us when walking down the street because we are too busy multitasking. But despite wanting to do it all and all at once, wouldn’t it be great to save a little time or energy when we can? Then we might have time to, I don’t know, stop and smell the roses?
That’s what “life hacking” is all about. If a product or a change in your habits can give you a few more minutes in the day, that time can be redirected towards something you really enjoy. Those extra ten minutes can be used to put more effort into preparing a healthy dinner or spent relaxing with your partner on the couch and recapping your days to one another. It’s 2022, and it is incredible how advanced technology has become. Why not take advantage of it to actually better ourselves and our lives?
Now, let’s be clear, a lot of the time life “hacking” is not actually hacking at all. It is just optimization and increased efficiency. The word hacking has a negative connotation from its association with computer hacking and other illegal activities, but that’s not what this thread aims to celebrate. The Twitter users that contributed to this list were simply looking to share the products and tips that they have benefitted from. Sure, nobody needs these products, and certainly not all of them. But they have been tested and recommended by others, so if something stands out to you that might solve a problem you are often plagued by, why not check it out?
And I know what you might be thinking: “I already own too much, and I do not need to buy anything else.” I completely agree! As a people, humans consume and purchase way more than we need. However, some of the photos on this list might inspire you to come up with solutions for common problems with what you already have at home. For example, the “hack” of placing Command hooks on the side of your trash bin to keep the bags from falling down could easily be done by attaching something else. Anything you have laying around the house that would be just big enough to hook the trash bag handles would be perfect. No money required.
I you invest in a good bed, it'll be the best investment for your back for years!
You also don’t have to agree that all of these hacks would change your life in particular. We all have different preferences, priorities and skills. If you are a professional chef, you might not need a chopper blade because you could perfectly dice an onion in your sleep. However, if you love to cook but hate how much time it takes to chop veggies, that might be a great solution for you. And not everyone needs a picnic blanket that folds up into a tote bag, but if you are an avid picnic-er, I can personally vouch for the beauty of that product.
We all love to peruse the reviews of a product before purchasing it, but it can be hard to even trust those. There is no way of knowing if the company is paying employees or friends and family to post glowing feedback, but why would a random person on Twitter try to trick you into buying a product? These first hand reviews are trustworthy, and they might introduce you to products you had never even heard of previously.
Weeds in your driveway or between paving stones? I use a stronger solution than normal (around 20%, ordinary vinegars are 5 or 7%) because I need less. A small spray every 3-5 days for a while. With 5% solution you need a couple of spoon fulls on each plant so still not much.
Just had a conversation with my husband where he "can't" use these, they "don't work" as good as paper towels ...so we need to buy paper towels again. Compromise? We buy him one roll just for him. It's still less in the end.
I'm at the point I only use paper towels for things that can't go down the drain, like motor oil
Load More Replies...Cloth napkins yes, Microfiber anything is a no in our house. They are plastic and break down into microparticles. Plus mind always get buggered up after one wash and they don't do a good job IMO.
This! I have some bamboo ones that are amazing. They are soft at the touch but super scrubby. I've banned paper towels and I use kleenex only when outside. At home I use cloth handkerchiefs.
Similar to this I use an old towel cut to the size I need. Just stick them through the wash when used, costs are minimal and they last for ages. 😀
I have always done this. I also use the old burp cloths from my son when they are stained. Those cloths are very good for cleaning and I don't have to throw them away.
I have never understood why people spend a fortune on paper towels when there are cloths! Seems big in America. I have never bought paper towels.
Puppy-poop and pee. Dog-barf. But other than that, there are thousands of optional altwrnatives
Load More Replies...Part 2… Is cloth more environmentally friendly? If you who think the answer is “yes,” let’s investigate this... In the US, households are responsible for 20% of greenhouse gases. Laundry accounts for 8% of this (or 1.6%). Paper production is .6%. Yes, only a small fraction of laundry is washing rags/napkins. However, detergent ingredients & microfibers that end up in our water systems cause irreparable damage. In the US & Canada, the paper industry uses sustainable forest management practices, which actually reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14%, making the paper industry carbon neutral. What should you do? Aim to do what works best for you, but in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Don’t feel guilty if you use paper, but do try to purchase recycled paper products. Reduce harmful chemicals by purchasing greener environmentally friendly detergents and cleaning supplies. Wash cloth products in cold water and wash full loads. These steps will help!
Best would he to cut something you already own and have used to the end of its use for napkins/cloths. That way you also avoid the footprint a new (especially cotton) cloth will leave
Load More Replies...So, I’ve done the math for those of you who want to know… adding in the cost of water, electricity, and laundry detergent… it costs me approximately $1.90/load of laundry and I wash about 60 rags/napkins per load. That’s about 3¢ per rag/napkin (not including their actual cost). I buy Costco select-a-size paper towels, which end up costing approximately 2¢/2 sheets. For napkins, I like the cheapest ones I can get at Walmart ($2.98/500 count or .005¢/each… you can use 5 for just less than 3¢). Cost wise… it’s better to use paper towels for small clean up jobs that won’t use more than 2 sheets. And since I typically only use 1-2 paper napkins… they’re also more cost effective. Larger clean ups need cloth rags! In terms of being environmentally friendly… look for a Part 2 post.
So, I bought a couple of thin blankets at Goodwill (they're like big thin towels) and cut them up to use in place of paper towels and made some dish towels from them. I also cut some up to use for just when I pee. Too much info? Sorry. Lol But we're saving on toilet paper and space in the septic tank over time.
Throw away anything made with microfibre!, It tends to be water repellent, and is hard on human skin. Use old towels and other cotton rags torn into appropriate sizes. And wash in the washing machine
Nor aa much as wiill be used for making paper towels. They don't grow on trees the way they look - a lot of water is needed and chemicals to break up the wood fibres so they work for only one time. Cotton is probably not the best when it comes to saving water, though. I think bamboo would be better
Load More Replies...Water is too expensive and sparse here to wash extra things. And used paper towels go into the compost bin to be picked up with the yard waste, shredded and composted.
You can't even fit in a few small cloths in the machine when you wash jeans or similar things? Or do you wash by hand? In which case, i understand
Load More Replies...I tried, but I just can't use cloth napkins because I have cats and you cannot get every possible cat hair off your freshly laundered cloth napkins. Cleaning cloths, I don't care.
I just recently switched back to cloths for cleaning. I have two types, microfiber for mirrors and windows and 'shop' towls for everything else. The rougher texture of the shop towls takes dirt off in no time.
Microfiber cleaning cloths are a MUST for dusting and cleaning surfaces in my home. I love them.
I would love using real cloth napkins but I don't have a washer dryer and it costs so much to wash multiple loads at the laundromat.
Wash them in your kitchen sink. They don't need a drier?!
Load More Replies...Although this list features many of the best products people have purchased that have made their lives easier, the idea of life hacking can extend far beyond physical items. Of course, optimizing your life does not need to require spending any money at all. It can involve adopting routines like waking up earlier in the morning to journal and meditate before starting your day or taking advantage of the time before work to go to the gym. Meal prepping, buying food in bulk, washing the dishes while your dinner is in the oven, and setting a reminder to clean your apartment at the same time every week are all small lifestyle habits to pick up that might feel like “hacks” when you realize the benefits of them.
If you ever used a car in Southern Europe you will aprecciate this. The car gets so hot and you can't even touch the handles if left in the sun unprotected. We also have additional smaller ones for the side windows
These are just melamine foam sponges. You can get them in bulk for way cheaper. Im talking like 20 cents US a sponge.
What is considered a “hack” is up to the individual, but according to author and speaker Dr. Alan Zimmerman, there are a few in particular that we could all benefit from. The first tip he provides, in a piece he wrote for Entrepreneur, is to change chance to choice. He explains that we should all have a clear definition of what success means to us, and then we can mold our goals around it. “If, for example, your definition of success includes the development of an exciting, close marital or family relationship, then 12-hour work days are out,” Dr. Zimmerman writes. “If your definition of success includes a long healthy life, you’ve got to stop smoking, exercise regularly, eat in moderation, and get adequate rest.”
Wouldn't use either, haven't pulled the iron out in years, and I wouldn't steam my garments either. IF it needs pressing, I hang it outside the tub while I shower - done!
For more stubborn issues - like in baths and showers get a drain snake - £15 off Amazon, better for the environment and reusable, albeit a bit gross.
Dr. Zimmerman also says that changing convenience to conviction can be an important life hack. He provided the example of a successful insurance salesman who always wanted to be a doctor in a third world country, but following a career path in sales was much simpler and more convenient. This led him to absolutely dread going to work and always wonder what could have been if he had taken the harder path. Not every single life hack is about saving time or money; sometimes, we have to weigh the pros and cons and decide what will make us happier, healthier or more fulfilled in the long term.
It's one of those "pregnancy" body pillows, thus the comment about not having to be pregnant to enjoy it. It's curved to fit.
Next, Dr. Zimmerman recommends changing from education to empowerment. We should not limit ourselves based on what education we had access to, or what we did not have access to. We can take responsibility for our lives and career paths, and if we feel we are lacking something, we should go after it. Don’t allow yourself to feel bogged down or burdened by limitations you create in your head. Enroll in a course for something you have always wanted to learn, or hop on Youtube to gain a new skill. Libraries and the internet are filled with more information than we could ever need, we just have to get curious and start looking.
With three cats knocking stuff off other stuff constantly I couldn’t live without mine anymore.
Dr. Zimmerman also suggest that people who want to “hack their life” shift their wisecracks to wisdom. He explains how many people love inserting their opinions on topics they have no knowledge or understanding of. So it’s best to take advice from the average person with a grain of salt and consult professionals or trusted individuals when you really need some guidance. “I tell my audiences that people have a constitutional right to their ignorant opinions, but you have an entrepreneurial responsibility to ignore them,” Dr. Zimmerman writes.
The paper towels are backwards. Instead of absorbing, they will exude from that position.
Lastly, Dr. Zimmerman says we should all change patience to persistence. He explains that those may sound like synonyms, but persistence requires a more active role. Many successful individuals have shared similar sentiments, including Albert Einstein when he stated, “It's not that I'm so smart; it's just that I stay with problems longer." We are all capable of accomplishing great things, but we have to know when embarking on a task that it may take lots of persistence.
Have you found anything on this list that you think might change your life? I can personally recommend the makeup removing towels, a Costco or Sam's Club membership, the Clorox toilet brushes, and a sun shade for your car if you live in a warm area. We hope you get some inspiration from this list to help optimize your daily routine and that you'll end up with a little extra time or joy in your day. Don't forget to upvote the posts that blow your mind so all your fellow pandas see them too, and if you're looking for even more life hacks, check out this story next.
I'd be happy for every adult to wash their hands after having a dump tbh
I work in the cannabis industry and i can attest to these! I used to use Melatonin, but it gave Ambien grade nightmares. So i tried cbd/cbn mix. I don't dream but i dont wake up in the middle of the night. If you live in a legal state try thc/cbd/cbn especially for pain
These are also great for heavy or big earrings that are just on a hook, they tend to fall out of my ears, as when you move the earring would press on my shoulder or jacket collar etc, pushing the earring out. So I bought the silicone backings for them and now they stay in place.
These can be tricky. My mom once borrowed one of these but with a handle you spin and you need upper arm strength for these babies, especially for hard veggies
In reality you are rubbing your floor with warm water and not really doing much else. I bought one of these and tried it, and ended up taking it to bits to fix it. From an engineers point of view what you are doing is heating cold water to make steam which travels down a small plastic tube to the cloth. What happens then is the steam hits the cloth and turns back to water which cools. The steam is often concentrated in the middle and the fact you can touch the rest of it shows how cool it is. This means you can do just as good a job with a cloth run under a hot tap.
Please only use these bags if you MUST. Instead invest in reusable containers and bags. It will save money, and is far better for the planet.
Mmmm - I stopped using 3M products like this because removing them from drywall surfaces caused way more damage than a drilled hole did. It's easier to spackle and spot paint a small hole than a giant rip down to the raw drywall.
If I'm buying them for my live in boyfriend, is it okay to keep my flower in his vase too? :)
My mom made something like this! The best part of making is we got to pick all the colours!
the Pink Stuff is a cleaning game changer - it's a miracle paste and really doesn't smell at all. I only use this to clean my stove - it captures all the grease and leaves the surface perfectly clean without scratching it at all
This is what we did as kids: Cut one of those big rubber bands (not a wide flat one, but one that’s if enough to go around larger objects), tie a good-sized knot in the end, and use that as a kind of modified slingshot instead (you’ll figure it out). After a little practice, you get really good at it. (Yeah, we were little shits.)
These always make me a little sad. I used to think these sets were such good value, but honestly, I find that... all you really need in the kitchen are two knives: a chef's kinfe (santoku or otherwise, whatever's comfortable for you), and a bread knife. I bought a cheapo bread knife at Tesco, but invested in a quality santoku knife and some sharpening stones, and I'm positive I'm not going to need to buy another knife as long as I live. The difference is really night and day!
I hate the feeling of drowning, I can't do these. Tried it once because I have huge sinus issues and panicked. Did it, but hated it, and it didn't flush anything out like it promised to. I may have something wrong with my nasal cavity, who knows. Certainly have lots of issues there (live in the US, insurance won't cover an ENT)
So, a gag over your mouth so you can’t open it to snore. Save money and just use duct tape. Same result.
You can actually do this with just a glass. Works the same way, and no unnecessary gadget.
I get it, some products really improve your life: a good mattress, quality knives etc. But many of the products posted are very wasteful. Think of how much resources are needed to produce the thing, v how often you’ll actually use it please
So my life hack is: each time you don’t buy s**t you don’t need, you’ll enjoy the glorious feeling of not making (mainly) Jeff Bezos any richer than he already is
Load More Replies...Sunrise lamp for waking up naturally; LED SAD light, in the Northern hemisphere used between October and March to combat the winter blues; smart lights; Ring doorbell camera; reusable makeup or facial cleaning pads; take a look at halal perfumes they are much cheaper than conventional and smell amazing.
My robot vacuum. It does a great job on the floors but it also cuts the general dust down in the house.
For anyone who likes the Swiffer mops,try this. Cloth diapers are an exact fit. Thickest part goes on the floor, the sides come and go in the holes that keep it in place. For cleaning solution try white vinegar, diluted bleach, or even even just really hot water. You can add essential oils if you want. Just keep refilling the bottle. Been using the same one for years
Waterpik .. wish i had bought one years ago. I hate going to the dentist, but my teeth have that just clean sparkly feeling afterwards.
Glasses was a game changer. And a car. Oh, and a washing machine is one of the best inventions ever. Soap, if you have never tried it is also a game changer. So is a fridge. And the freezer. A good pair of shoes is a game changer. So is a good rain coat. Socks are under apreciated, and so are towells.
Good knives (you really don't need a huge set if you buy good ones, and they'll last you forever if you care for them) Also a set of sharpening stones for those knives if you don't want to pay to get them professionally sharpened periodically.
Drysol if you have sweaty pits. I know its high in aluminum but now i use less daily deodorant so i think it evens out. Btw instructions say to use daily, i use it every few months. Now more wet pits and stained clothes
Not something you buy, but I started using a little jar of pennies to keep track of how much time I spent doing housework each week. It helped me be able to do a little every day without stressing out about it so much, and now my house is cleaner than it used to be
I get it, some products really improve your life: a good mattress, quality knives etc. But many of the products posted are very wasteful. Think of how much resources are needed to produce the thing, v how often you’ll actually use it please
So my life hack is: each time you don’t buy s**t you don’t need, you’ll enjoy the glorious feeling of not making (mainly) Jeff Bezos any richer than he already is
Load More Replies...Sunrise lamp for waking up naturally; LED SAD light, in the Northern hemisphere used between October and March to combat the winter blues; smart lights; Ring doorbell camera; reusable makeup or facial cleaning pads; take a look at halal perfumes they are much cheaper than conventional and smell amazing.
My robot vacuum. It does a great job on the floors but it also cuts the general dust down in the house.
For anyone who likes the Swiffer mops,try this. Cloth diapers are an exact fit. Thickest part goes on the floor, the sides come and go in the holes that keep it in place. For cleaning solution try white vinegar, diluted bleach, or even even just really hot water. You can add essential oils if you want. Just keep refilling the bottle. Been using the same one for years
Waterpik .. wish i had bought one years ago. I hate going to the dentist, but my teeth have that just clean sparkly feeling afterwards.
Glasses was a game changer. And a car. Oh, and a washing machine is one of the best inventions ever. Soap, if you have never tried it is also a game changer. So is a fridge. And the freezer. A good pair of shoes is a game changer. So is a good rain coat. Socks are under apreciated, and so are towells.
Good knives (you really don't need a huge set if you buy good ones, and they'll last you forever if you care for them) Also a set of sharpening stones for those knives if you don't want to pay to get them professionally sharpened periodically.
Drysol if you have sweaty pits. I know its high in aluminum but now i use less daily deodorant so i think it evens out. Btw instructions say to use daily, i use it every few months. Now more wet pits and stained clothes
Not something you buy, but I started using a little jar of pennies to keep track of how much time I spent doing housework each week. It helped me be able to do a little every day without stressing out about it so much, and now my house is cleaner than it used to be