Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
Cutting corners is often considered a bad thing. But when it comes to chores, errands, and pesky little tasks that eat up your day, some creativity and resourcefulness can save precious time and energy.
From starting a campfire to raking leaves and stopping the pasta water from boiling over the pot, many of the "problems" we face today have been tormenting people for ages, and believe me—there are more ways to take care of them than just your way.
Continue scrolling to learn how to make things easier!
This post may include affiliate links.
RELATED:
#2
I Use An Apple Corer To Prep My Roast Potatoes
Of course, seeing a tip online is one thing and incorporating it into your life is another.
Jessica Koehler, Ph.D., an associate faculty member in the University of Arizona Global Campus Psychology Department, says habit formation is rooted in neuroscience, with the basal ganglia playing a pivotal role.
It sounds technical, but according to her, "This brain region, responsible for learning and motor control, is integral to developing automatic behaviors. As habits are repeated over time, the basal ganglia become increasingly active, strengthening neural pathways and making these actions feel automatic."
This efficiency allows the brain to conserve cognitive effort, but it also makes ingrained habits challenging to break.
#3
I Thought This Was Well Known Untill My Father Who Has Been A Mechanic For 30 Years Had Not Seen It Before
Open your cable tie packets in the middle and you will never spill them all over the floor again. Pull out however many you need from the centre as seen below.
#4
Bandaid Kept Falling Off. Cut The Wings Down The Middle And Cross-Crossed Them And Now It Stays On All Day
#5
Need More Light When You’re Camping? Put A Water Bottle On Top Of Your Phone Flashlight For A Lantern Effect
WalterWhiteSavannah 3 months ago
This one actually blew me away the first time I learned it / tried it out. Works exceptionally well.
But if you really try and stick to it, chances are you’ll build a new routine into your life, whether it’s one of these hacks, a new hobby, or something else.
"The brain’s adaptability, known as neuroplasticity, makes change possible," says Koehler. "Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning and behavioral changes."
This means that while habits may feel hardwired, they can be reshaped with enough effort and repetition. "Research shows that it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit. The time frame can vary depending on the complexity of the behavior," Koehler adds. "Just as repeated action solidifies bad habits, the same principle applies to forming positive ones."
#6
Keep At Least One Empty Tissue Box On Hand. When You’re Sick, The Spare Makes A Nifty Container To Put Your Used Ones Into - Instead Of Winding Up All Over The Place If You’re Bed Bound
#8
When Painting Put A Garbage Bag Over The Tray For Less Clean Up After
WalterWhiteSavannah 3 months ago
How have I never done this despite doing exactly this whenever I put a resident / patient on the commode?
#9
Line The Underside Of Couches/ Furniture With Pool Noodles To Prevent Pet Toys From Going Under
The key to forming good habits is starting small and gradually building your way up.
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, advocates making tiny changes that are easy to maintain.
For instance, if you want to develop a habit of reading more, start by reading just one page a day—but try your best to stick to it. After you’re comfortable with that, add one more.
These small increments compound over time and can lead to remarkable results.
#10
Do Y’all Grate Frozen Onion? Family Doesn’t Like Large Chunks Of Onion So I Grate Them
WalterWhiteSavannah 3 months ago
Kinda brilliant. But chopping is one of my favorite things to do while cooking. At least ever since I got some top quality knives. Before then not so much.
#11
Zipper Always Falling Down? Use A Key Ring To Keep It Up
#12
Life Hack: Vacuuming Into Those Annoying Gaps. Insert Vacuum End Into Toilet Roll And Squeeze Tight. It Can Get Those Hard To Reach Places In Between Stuff
#13
Pizza Cutters Are An Under Utilized Kitchen Utensil
Sally Moen 3 months ago
I like using a pair of scissors dedicated exclusively to kitchen use for this. Also opening food packages and slicing pizza
"To increase the likelihood of sticking with a new behavior, try engaging in it at the same time every day," Koehler suggests. "This creates a sense of routine and makes the habit easier to integrate into daily life."
Also, reward yourself for following through on positive habits! "These rewards don’t have to be extravagant," the psychologist explains. "They can be as simple as acknowledging your progress or giving yourself a short break after completing a task. Celebrating small wins motivates you to continue the behavior."
#14
My Car Visor Hack That Doesnt Extend. A Hair Ponytail Ring Thing, Hard Card Paper Cut To Size. Easy To Slide In Out As Needed
#15
If You Get Splinters In Your Fingers, Try Using Your Phone's Flashlight Like This, You Will See Them Much Better To Remove Them
#16
A Lawnmower Is More Effective At Picking Up Leaves Than A Rake
WalterWhiteSavannah 3 months ago
I figured this out at about the same age I decided jumping into leaf piles wasn't incredibly fun. I did a lot of chores and yard work growing up on an orchard though.
#17
Ice Cream Mug. Hands Won't Get Cold, Ice Cream Is Insulated, More Steady To Sit On Soft Surfaces. You Are Welcome
Michael Largey 2 months ago
A cone will also keep your hands from getting cold and is crunchy. No ice cream cone ever given me was around long enough for insulation or surface placement issues ever to arise.
The important part to understand is that (fleeting) bursts of motivation aren’t very sustainable for us.
Focusing on systems (the habits and routines that drive progress) is often much more effective than focusing solely on goals. While goals provide direction, habits are what keep you moving forward daily.
In other words, it’s about the process, not the results.
#18
Summer Snack Hack I Learned From 8 Year Old Me: Stick A Spoon On Low Fat Vanilla Pudding And Put It In The Freezer For A Few Hours. Its Super Creamy And Cheaper Than Low Fat Icecream
#19
Just In Case You Have Not Learned This Little Trick Yet
When building something that will be outside or in a wet environment (like this shower stool) one of the primary concerns is where the feet touch the ground. Because wood is just a bunch of straws, the feet tend to suck up (capillary) moisture and your project can rot from the ground up. Especially if the feet are in the dirt.
To stop this you need a barrier between the ground and the wood. So wrap tape around the feet so that tape creates a "bowl". Mix up some regular 5 minute epoxy (with epoxy, remember to stir/mix for much longer than you think you should) and pour the epoxy into your little bowl. It only needs to be about 1/8" thick. I know it's "5 Minute Epoxy" but let it cure overnight.
Remove the tape and rasp/file or sand it smooth. You now have a project that will last longer than if you had not done that.
WindySwede 3 months ago
Just remember appropriate breathing protection for both mixing and sanding. It's no joke!
#20
Hack For Drying The Toilet Brush
#21
Height Adjustable Desk In Hotels
#22
I Travel Alone And Always Lock My Doors Down This Way At Night So No One Can Open The Doors. It’s An Old Trucker Trick I Learned And I Hope It Helps Someone
#23
How To See Back Of Head! I Use Facetime And Screen Mirror To See The Back Of My Own Head When Preparting
Uncle Panda 3 months ago
Preparting might be a technique, smart pun, or both. I score it three points.
#24
A Very Important Playlist
WalterWhiteSavannah 3 months ago
Weird I've done first aid training multiple times and every single class they say to use stayin alive. Figured id see that on here.
#25
You Can Trim The Nappy Bristles Off The End Of Your Broom To Make It More Effective Before You Replace It
#26
Love This. I’ve Been Doubling Up On The Hollow Hotel Pillows But That’s Usually Too Much. Will Definitely Try Your Method Next Time
#27
My Amazing Wife Taught Me This Fire-Starter Life Hack And It Works So Well
Take the lint you get from the dryer after you do your laundry and stuff it into a used up toilet paper roll or rip a paper towel roll in half and make two. It works INCREDIBLY well as a fire starter, and it creates less waste!
#28
Today I Remembered That If You Don't Have A Candle, Orange Skin And Oil Of Olive Will Do It
#29
Use Your Spring - Loaded Salad Tongs To Keep Your Reusable Bags Open As They Dry
#30
No Screens But Don't Want Your Pets To Get Out? Baby Gate
Kim Kermes 3 months ago
Or to keep/ hem from tearing the screen. I haven't opened my windows more than 3" for years. Baby gate time!
#31
Use An Old Cupcake Tray To Organize Your Nuts And Bolts When Dismantling Something (In My Case, My Car’s Bumper)
#32
Used The Overnight Vinegar Hack To Clean A Decade’s Worth Of Scaling On The Shower Chain
I saw this vinegar hack on Instagram and thought I’d give it a try. You basically pour distilled white vinegar into a small ziplock, submerge the affected area and tie it with a rubber band overnight. Then I used a scrub daddy and wiped off excess stuff in the morning and voila, nearly brand new shower head chain woah! I used it on faucets around the house too, beautiful results. Only warning: the vinegar can eat through cheaper steel.
#33
Use Yellow Ducktape On TV Remote If You Have Black Furniture
Auntriarch 3 months ago
My mother has sparkly holographic stickers on her spectacle case, makes it easier to find at the bottom of her bag.
#34
This Is Life Changing
#35
Handwritten “Open Date”
#36
Because Your Dad Deserves The Nobel Prize In Science
#37
Ice Cream Life Hack. Our Helper Slices The Ice Cream Into Squares As Soon As It Arrives From Grocery. Result: Easy Frozen Ice Cream Removal When We’re Ready To Eat! Do You Do This Too?
웅장한 거북이 🇰🇷🇰🇭 3 months ago
Who is keeping some icecream for later? You open it, you eat all of course. There is no such thing like leftover icecream, this is ridicolous 😤
#38
I Use A Hairpin To Mark The End Of My Duct Tape
Mark Buxbaum 3 months ago
Just fold over about 1/4 inch or so, that'll leave an easy opening tab.
#39
Use Broth In Your Boxed Mac N Cheese If You’re Out Of Milk
#40
Put A Small Amount Of Water In A Glass When You Microwave Your Pizza To Keep The Crust From Getting Chewy
#41
Leafblower vs. Dry Snow
#42
I Think This Is Really How To Take A Step Toward Something That You Feel Vulnerable About
I shaved my head in Dec after knowing the time was approaching. Was nervous about the “omg! You shaved your head” comments. And after many interactions where I expected big responses and people didn’t seem to care I knew it was me making it a bit deal not them.
Until a friend’s 6y/o daughter made a huge reaction at a gathering with everyone there. I lt was perfect, all the adults just quietly didn’t say anything about it.
#43
Guy On The Plane Put His Boarding Pass In His Phone Case, Holding It Up With The Tray Table Latch
Sally Moen 3 months ago
I like that the phone screen would be unaffected whether the person in front has reclined their seat or not, as opposed to using your tray.
#44
Beer Can Taco Stand
#45
Never Using Lighter Fluid Again
Anonymouse 3 months ago
hence why doritos (or any chip) also make a good fire starter - all the oils
#46
Have A Slat Bed That Creaks And Squeaks? Slide Cotton Swabs Under The Slats Where It Meets The Frame
#47
My "Odd Socks Box" - Everytime A Lonely Sock Appears In The Washing Cycle It Goes Here Hoping To One Day Be Reunited
#48
Organize Your Spaces With A Dab Of Hot Glue And Some Magnets. I Use Them All Around The House
#49
Use Baking Sheets To Polish Your Faucets And Other Chromium Details
#50
Chopsticks And 2 Rubber Bands Help Squeeze Out Every Drop Of Toothpaste
Mark Buxbaum 3 months ago
I just fold the bottom of the tube over and put an office binder clip on it.
#51
I Got Tired Of Family Members Using A Cup Then Abandoning It
So now we each have our own colored rubber band we put around whichever cup we’re using that day… And I end up washing fewer dishes.
Tim Douglass 2 months ago
When we had family get-togethers my MIL would put out blue painter's tape and a marker for us to mark our glasses/coffee cups/whatever.
#52
Phone/Tablet Hack For Car Passagers
Blue Bunny of Happiness 3 months ago
That would require me to be able to pull the darn headrest out in the first place…
#53
My Girlfriend Packs Her Underwear In Her Socks For Each Day She Won’t Be Home. I Think It’s Clever
#54
I’ve Been Married To My Wife For 11 Years And She Just Taught Me That If I Use A Cheese Grater On A Cold Stick Of Butter, It’s Easier To Spread On Toast And Muffins
#55
Use Zip Ties And A Wall - Mounted Coat Rack To Neatly Store Hair Tools And Keep Your Bathroom Clutter-Free
My dad was tired of seeing my “tools” — hairdryer, straightener, curling wand — lying around the bathroom like a messy workbench. So he grabbed some zip ties, looped them through the handles, and hung everything on a sturdy coat rack screwed into the wall. Now it’s all tidy, accessible, and off the counter.
Bonus: no more tangled cords!
It’s a super cheap and effective way to organize heat tools if you don’t have drawer space.
#56
Hack To Keep Products From Creating Mold In The Shower. My Grandma Taught Me This Trick To Use Shelf Risers To Let The Bottoms Of Shampoo Bottles Etc From Getting Moldy On The Tile Or Niche
#57
Use Magic Erasers To Remove Yellow From Headlights
There are several life-hack type tricks for deyellowing and defogging headlights, and I've tried a number of them. Toothpaste, bug spray, etc. None really worked. I was detailing the car and thinking that a magic eraser would probably do it... did a quick google search, verified my theory and went to town. 20 minutes later my headlights were significantly less yellow and also pulled some of the weird, hazy film off as well.
Headlights were on a newish Tacoma, which are notorious for going all yellow and ugly. Note: doesn't seem to help the "fogging" as much. Some folks suggested added some rubbing compound to help actually polish them.
Bonus tip: magic erasers also work similarly to clay bar for pulling bits of gunk out of the paint. Just know that they are microabrasive, so don't go crazy on one spot or it might damage the clear coat.
#58
Defrost Things Quickly. Needed To Defrost These In A Jif And Chatgpt Put Me On This Life Hack Called A Metal Pan Sandwich, So I Thought I’d Share
WindySwede 3 months ago
Just put it in an cold water bath? This sounds like it won't work if the stuff is uneven with only a few contact points.
#59
I Lost A Silicon Tip. But I Found That It Got Easier To Simply Tell Which Was The Right One
#60
Need Tweezers In A Pinch?
#61
With A Boonie Hat, You Can Slide Trimmer Line Into The Little Slot In The Brim To Give It More Stability
I found it useful for both hiking and cycling when it's windy, so it doesn't flip up and expose the skin to UV rays. The design looks better too.
#62
Thrift Some Vintage Parm Jars To Use For Baking Soda For Easy Fridge Deodorizing And By The Sink To Wash Produce
#63
Hack For Getting Pet Hair Off Furniture Or Just About Anything
As a pet lover who has searched for ways to get fur off furniture, car interiors etc. more times than I can count, I had to share this because it’s not a hack I have seen anywhere else-use a dry shower squeegie! It works like magic!
Laura Lawson 3 months ago
I use rubber gloves. Just run your gloved hand along the item in question, then grab the hair. It works astonishingly well!
#64
When Reheating Thick Pizza In The Oven, I Skewer The Centers With Stainless Steel Straws To Ensure The Center Heats More Evenly With The Outside
I’ve never done a test by reheating one with and one without the skewer simultaneously, but the science checks out and the pizza reheats perfectly.
#65
Using Medical Gloves Instead Of Bubble Wrap
#66
You Can Use Your Pocket Knife As A Pill Splitter In A Pinch
WalterWhiteSavannah 3 months ago
This seems way more difficult than just setting the pill down and cutting it. Unless you really like chasing down pill fragments of course.
#67
I Like To Make My Own All Purpose Cleaner
I try to avoid store bought cleaners for a variety of reasons. Yeah, it's not that expensive to buy a bottle of cleaner. Most range from $3.99-$5.99. But homemade cleaner is gentler on the respiratory system, results in less plastic waste, saves a few dollars, and utilizes ingredients a lot of people already keep on hand. I use 1 cup water, 1 cup white vinegar, and 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol. I used to add essential oils (as you can see on the photo) but I ran out a while back and don't feel like spending the money to buy more. Skipping the essential oils also makes it safer to utilize on upholstery. I use it to deotorize my couch. What kind of frugal cleaning tips do you have?
Robert Millar 2 months ago
That must be the recipe for the Finest Universal Cleanser Known. (Old funny folk song) You can wipe it on the ceiling, you can rub it on your walls. You can buy it in pint cannisters, even use it on your... bannisters.
#68
Keep A Top Sheet In Your Vehicle To Have Instant Shade When You Park. I Learned About This While Homeless, Living In My Suv. Having To Park In Parking Lots Without Shade
Lily bloom 2 months ago
What am I looking at? It appears to be tucked into the window opening at the top and then the window is closed on it which makes sense but then how is it also tucked tightly into the bottom of the window track? I'd be afraid of it damaging that part of the door/window/seal/mechanism
#69
Saw This Here Some Years Ago And Always Use It: For When You Have To Drill Holes In The Wall, But Don’t Have Anyone To Hold A Vacuum Cleaner While Drilling
#70
You Can Stir Natural Peanut Butter Before You Even Open The Jar By Carefully Putting The Jar Into The Whisk Attachment Of A Stand Mixer
I ran it for about five minutes on the second lowest setting. This is my very first proof of concept. My intention was to 3d print an attachment, but this worked so well, I might reconsider.
#71
4 Binder Clips And 2 Paper Clips Can Make You A Quick Phone Stand For This Slow Office Month
#72
I Feel Like This Straw Washing Hack Is Genius
okay i feel like that’s genius. however, this is the first time in my adult life that i’ve ever lived somewhere that has a dishwasher, so this is all kind of new for me. my mom would have me unload the dishwasher as a kid, but never load it and we def didn’t have metal straws back then.
WindySwede 3 months ago
Feels like they would have a hard time being cleaned, on the inside. As Han Solo would have said it.. 🤓
#73
You Can Make Loads Of Fun Things With The Tape Too, And Stick Things To Eachother And The Walls And Hang Stuff From The Overhead Fans And Lights - Super Universal, And Cost Like $1 Per Roll
#74
Damp Fabric And Cold Drink In Front Of The Fan With The Window Open Better Cooling
#75
Keeping Yourself Online. Did Anyone Think About This?
#76
Travel Hack: Tooth Brush In Empty Water Bottle
#77
When Hotel Curtains Let Too Much Light In, A Quick Fix
Auntriarch 3 months ago
I've got little clippie animals on my bedroom curtains at home (Garfield, Odie, and an unnamed koala since you ask). But I keep a sleep mask in my toilet bag, mostly because all my friends have pale curtains in their spare bedroom
#78
Not Sure If This Is A Lazy Hack Or A Life Hack… Found At My Parents House
#79
Saw The Bad Remote Hack And Figured I’d Share Mine. A Cheap Spatula Does The Trick. Haven’t Lost The Remote In Years
Gracie Mae 2 months ago
saw another post where they put bright colored tape around it, but I prefer giving the remote a home--a specific place to be at all times. works well with the threat of no tv privileges is on the table
#80
Tired Of Your Trash Cans Getting Blown Open By The Wind? Buy Some Seatbelts
WalterWhiteSavannah 3 months ago
What even are most of these? I've never had wind blow them open unless it's so windy they also just blw them over / away.
#81
Use Those Plastic Things That Come With Bread To Close Chip Bags
Add New Image
What do you think ?
JL 3 months ago
Not exactly groundbreaking but I use the swiffer floor mop dry sheets as rags to wipe up dust from shelves and other non floor places. Works well in the car too.
Mattie Beckert 2 months ago (edited)
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Load More Replies...
JL 3 months ago
Not exactly groundbreaking but I use the swiffer floor mop dry sheets as rags to wipe up dust from shelves and other non floor places. Works well in the car too.
Mattie Beckert 2 months ago (edited)
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Load More Replies... You May Like “I Can’t Believe Other People Don’t Do This”: 43 People Share Their Best Life Hacks 84 Healthy Habits To Start And Follow Throughout Life “I Just Use My Leaf Blower”: 50 Easy Cleaning Hacks That Might Save You Loads Of Time
Jonas Žvilius
Žydrūnė Trukanavičiūtė
Jonas Žvilius
Related on Bored Panda
