I once had a coworker named Jen who was the most organized person I ever met. The entryway of her apartment featured a table covered in strips of tape outlining everyday objects: keys, phone, wallet, umbrella. When Jen caught me staring, she laughed and explained, "It helps me remember to take what I need every day, and where to put the stuff when I come back home."
A little bit OCD but also...so smart.
I'm not prepared to have a tape-covered table in my house, but I'm all in favor of tricks and products that make daily life more manageable. Like this stylish storage basket to control the clutter, or these mop slippers that keep floors clean. And, I can't wait to put this magnetic recipe holder to use. Read on for more solutions that can make a big difference.
We hope you find these products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: We are a participant in the Amazon affiliate program, and may receive a share of sales from links on this page. Prices on Amazon fluctuate so anything mentioned below might change as soon we publish it!
We hope you find these handy products as useful as we do. Just so you know, we participate in affiliate programs, and may receive a share of sales from links on this page.
Clean Your Bathroom Faster With This Handheld Power Scrubber
Cleaning the bathtub and shower is a thankless job, but it's got to be done. Stay ahead of the grime by using this power scrubber, which makes cleaning a heck of a lot faster and easier. It comes with batteries and two scrub pads so you can start using it right away. Lucky you!Learn the Secret Skills to Grown-Up Life That Nobody Ever Taught You With Adulthood for Beginners
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Part of growing up is realizing that everyone else is just as clueless about adulthood. We're all making it up as we go, but author Andy Boyle has figured out a few things and can ease the way for the rest of us. His super-funny book, Adulthood for Beginners, gives advice on topics like how to network like a not-gross person, why it's good to fail, and how not to be creepy. The Chicago Tribune called it, "A hilarious guide to help young workers not be idiots." Now, that sounds useful!Get Out of the Door Faster With This Hat for Bad Hair Days
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It's important to have several tools in your bad-hair-day arsenal. Mine includes dry shampoo, a flat iron, and bright red lipstick (to distract from my hair). I'm going to add this funny hat too, because some days, it's better to just that mess up entirely.Make Perfect Coffee Every Day With This Pour Over Coffee Kettle
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If your definition of a good morning depends on a really good cup of coffee, you should incorporate this pour over kettle into your routine. Its superpower is a built-in thermometer to make sure water hits the optimal temperature (195-205°F) for brewing coffee. As a bonus, the stylish shape looks gorgeous on the stovetop.Streamline Your Pockets With This Credit Card Holder That Sticks to Any Phone
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When I'm going out with friends, sometimes all I need is my phone and a credit card. This 10-pack of adhesive card holders is such a genius solution that I can't believe I haven't seen them before. Simply peel off the backing, then place the very sticky, flexible plastic wallet onto the back of your phone. People also use them in their cars, backpacks, computers, and any other surface where they need a handy pocket.I'm Starting to Wonder Why Every Cutting Board Isn't a Foldable Cutting Board
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I love learning about cool new kitchen gadgets, but usually it takes something special to impress me, like an industrial strength blender or a magic oven that heats up instantly. So I wasn't prepared to be blown away by a cutting board. After chopping, squeeze the handle to make the sides fold in, then easily pour the chopped food into a bowl or pan. Such a simple innovation, yet it makes all the difference.Cook Ahead to Save Money and Eat Healthier With These Glass Meal Prep Containers
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My friend Gina is the master of frugal housekeeping, and one of her best tips is to do meal planning and food preparation a week at a time. This set of five glass food containers would be so useful for portion control and meal planning. Made of glass (with plastic lids), the dishes are sturdy and will look great over time. They're safe in the freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.Let the Breeze In (But Keep Bugs Out) With this Pet-Friendly Instant Screen Door
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This is not the flashiest product on this list, but it might be the most practical. For about 20 bucks, you get an instant screen door: a mesh panel that Velcros to your door frame and seals shut with magnets. Reviewers report that the screen door isn't too hard to install. What people love is that after people or pets push through the opening, the magnets seal shut on their own.Tote Your Favorite Earrings in This Jewelry Organizer That Looks Like a Cute Book
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Perfect for travel, this adorable jewelry organizer looks like a diary, but opens to reveal thick pages designed with tabs and holes to store up to 42 pairs of earrings. Reviewers say that they love being able to flip through the pages to view all their earrings and choose which to wear. It works best with studs and other smaller earrings.Clean Up Crumbs With the Completely Adorable Ladybug Desktop Vacuum
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Do I need a teeny-tiny vacuum shaped like a ladybug? Well, no. But do I weirdly want one, as long as it's under $10 and I can get it easily on Amazon? Uh, yeah!! Runs on two AA batteries. Quieter than a hair dryer. Works on lunch crumbs and eraser bits. What more do you need??Waking Up Early Might Be a Little Easier With This Light-Up Alarm Clock
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It's hard waking up early, especially in winter and spring, when I have to get up before the sun. The smart idea behind this light-up alarm clock is that it uses a warm LED light that gradually brightens for 30 minutes before your wake-up time. This helps your body and brain move into a lighter stage of sleep, making it easier and less jarring when the audible alarm sounds. The clock even works in reverse, with a bedtime mode that simulates a slowly setting sun.Sleep on 2 Inches of Gel-Infused Memory Foam With This Highly Rated Mattress Topper
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A good day begins with a good night's sleep. If upgrading to a new mattress doesn't fit your budget right now, this mattress topper might save your sleep quality in the meantime. With thousands of four and five-star reviews and a very affordable price, it's an easy choice for making your bed a little more comfortable.These Microfiber Cleaning Cloths Are Just So Damn Useful
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Mark this product down as unglamorous but necessary. After I bought my first stack of microfiber cleaning cloths, I discovered they're simply the best tool for a huge variety of cleaning jobs. I depend on them to dry dishes, dust furniture, polish glass, wipe down my car, and a zillion other uses. Highly recommended.Speed Up Your Morning Routine With This Ceramic Egg Cooker That Works in the Microwave
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I eat eggs for breakfast several days a week, so I'm always seeking new ways to prepare them. This ceramic egg cooker looks like a fun method. Just crack up to 4 eggs directly into the container, whisk with a fork, then pop on the lid and microwave. The ceramic bowl absorbs and distributes heat, which helps the eggs cook evenly and quickly. Some reviewers complain that it's hard to clean, but others point out that if you soak the container in water immediately after use, it's not really an issue. I say, it's worth a try!These Adorable Mop Slippers Clean the Floor With Each Shuffle and Step.
via: Amazon
An ad for these mop slippers keeps popping up in my social media streams. I think the marketing is working on me, because I've just about convinced myself to order a pair. The idea is that they quietly pick up dust while you shuffle around the house, which sounds slightly ridiculous, yet useful. Plus, they come in 15 totally adorable styles and colors (the pink pigs are killing me with their cuteness).Cook a Delicious, Healthy Breakfast Every Day With This Oatmeal Maker
When I first saw this product, I admit that I nearly skipped on by. Who needs a special appliance for cooking oatmeal?? Then I read the reviews, and let me tell you, people love this oatmeal maker. Apparently, it helps steel-cut oats, old-fashioned oats, and cream of wheat be the best versions of themselves. Most recipes take about 15 minutes to cook a perfect batch, and reviewers offer lots of recommendations that sound delicious.Make Daily Life Neat (and Colorful!) With This Affordable Rainbow Organizer Cart
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This rainbow organizer cart was the first product I found for this list. It epitomizes everything I love about daily organization: it's cheerful, versatile, affordable, and holds out the promise that if I can just sort my stuff into 10 drawers, life will be better. I'm a believer.Your Dog or Cat Will Be the Envy of the Neighborhood With This Awesome Pet Water Cooler
via: Amazon
My big dog Rosie manages to drain her current water dish a couple times a day, so it might be a good idea to upgrade to this 1-gallon water cooler. It's a simple design, but it ensures pets get plenty of water all day long. It would be especially useful on hot days or if you need to leave your furry friends alone longer than usual.Increase Safety and Efficiency With This Bestselling Phone Holder for Your Car
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I used to commute to work and marvel at the things I saw people doing while driving on the freeway. Reading the newspaper, shaving, and of course, holding up their phones. Come on, people, let's not take unnecessary risks! It's easy enough to get a phone holder like this, which lets you safely perch your phone so you can view navigation hands-free.This Lightweight Portable Charger Has Literally Thousands of 5-Star Reviews
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Portable power banks are a necessity today, so you might as well get a high-quality, dependable, highly rated version. The Anker PowerCore Portable Charger is the best one you can get for the price. And since it's no bigger than the palm of your hand and lightweight too, it's easy to carry on the go.Give Meal Prep a Much-Needed Upgrade With This Colorful Knife Set
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If it's been a while since you replaced your kitchen knives, you may have forgotten what a difference a brand new blade can make. Slicing fruit, peeling veggies, chopping meat, and other food prep is so much easier with new, sharp knives. This set even comes in fun, bright colors and includes specially shaped covers.This Recipe Rock Is the Perfect Accessory for Meal Kits
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There are lots of meal kit services competing for business, but one thing they all have in common is their printed recipe sheets. They all have great photography and easy-to-follow steps, but the cards can be hard to read while cooking a complex recipe. That's where this clever Recipe Rock comes to the rescue! It holds up to eight pieces of paper in place with the strong magnet, so your recipe is upright and easy to read.Store a Lot in a Small Space With This Brilliantly Designed Rotating Make-Up Caddy
via: Amazon
At the moment, I keep all my cosmetics and facial care products jumbled together in a plastic basket. It's kind of a bummer to look at, and sometimes the bottles leak or break. I have no idea why it's taken me so long to upgrade to something like this good-looking rotating make-up caddy. Measuring 12" by 9", it's the perfect size to tuck on a corner of the counter and load up with products for easy access.Make Your Hair Style Last Longer By Sleeping on a Satin Pillowcase
via: Amazon
I recently discovered that a lot of my women friends didn't know about this haircare secret, so I'm here to spread the word. If you sleep on a satin pillowcase, your hairstyle can last for days. The satin fibers prevent your hair from snagging or frizzing, so a smooth blow-out or set of curls stay in place longer. That means your daily routine will be a lot simpler!Finally Get Your Entryway or Closet Organized With This Bestselling Shoe Rack
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If my children had an anthem, it would be called, "Where Are My Shoes." If only we had this bestselling shoe rack by the front door, maybe they wouldn't lose their shoes so often. A mom can dream.This Tile Keychain Is a Life-Saver on Busy, Crazy Mornings
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While my children sing a chorus of, "Where are my shoes?" every morning, my husband's theme song is, "Where are my keys?" I'm finally going to get him a Tile Mate for his keychain. Once it's set up, he can use his phone to make the Tile ring so he can find his keys. It works the other direction, too--if he has his keys but has lost his phone, he can tap the Tile twice to make his phone ring!Improve Your Daily Shower With This Quick-Drying Silicone Body Brush
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I'm a sucker for new bath products, so this brightly colored silicone body brush caught my eye. It slips on the hand like a glove, and then you add body wash and scrub away. Reviewers say it leaves a clean, tingling feeling behind on the skin. After a quick rinse, the scrubber dries almost instantly, so there's no risk of the bacteria or mold growth that can happen with fabric or mesh sponges.Control Appliances Remotely With This Smartplug That Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
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The home of the future is here, friends. With little devices like this Smartplug, you can control lights and appliances from your phone. Just download the free app, and you'll be able to command any device plugged into the Smartplug to turn on and off. This product is also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.Neaten Your Drawers With This Honeycomb-Shaped Sock Organizer
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Maybe when I promised to help you improve your daily routine, you thought it would all be fun stuff. I admit that sock organizers are not exactly fun, but they are extremely practical and useful! This set comes with four plastic organizers in a honeycomb shape that's perfect for corralling socks, underwear, or other small items.Quickly Clean Up Your Space With This Versatile Storage Basket
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My friends will assure you that I am a neat person and I keep a very organized home. My secret? I believe in baskets. A basket in every room means I always have a spot to stow books, stray socks, throw blankets, or whatever else needs to be tidied. This particular basket looks fresh and stylish, and at 17.5" long, it's a great all-purpose size with a lot of uses.Take a Moment to Breathe Deep and Relax With This Stress Relieving Mist
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If you need help with your daily routine, you are probably busy, stressed, and over-extended. Welcome to the club! Let's make a pact that at least once a day, we'll stop everything, close our eyes, and spend a few minutes in meditation or at least relaxation. This aromatherapy mist can help.These Styptic Sticks for Razor Nicks Are a A Must-Have for Your Medicine Cabinet
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Anyone who shaves (face...legs...underarms...) gets a nick occasionally, and the best way to deal with it is to apply a single-use, sanitary styptic stick. It stops the bleeding fast so you can get on with your morning routine. You get 60 in this set, which (hopefully!) will last you a really long time.Lunchtime Just Got Easier With These Super-Smart Toss and Chop Salad Tongs
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My favorite lunch is a big salad. (As I learned from Elaine, it's a salad, only bigger, with lots of stuff in it.) The only part I don't like is the hassle of chopping enough lettuce and veggies to fill a big bowl. That's why I need these Toss and Chop Salad Tongs. They work like scissors, but the blades are designed so you can chop ingredients right in the salad bowl with a few easy squeezes.Be Prepared to Handle Everyday Emergencies With the Wallet Ninja
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Made of sleek steel the size of a credit card, the Wallet Ninja not only looks cool, but is cleverly designed to work as 18 tools in one. Use it to open bottles and cans, pull out nails, fix eyeglasses, and even prop up your mobile phone. So many uses in one slim tool!Keep Wine Fresher Longer With This Wine Saver That Vacuums Air Out of Wine Bottles
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I've had one of these Wine Savers for so long that I take it for granted, but I want to be sure you guys know about it too. It's simply the best way to keep wine fresh, even red wine that you leave out on the counter. Just put the flexible cap on the open bottle, then use the vacuum device to pull air out of the bottle. It's that easy, but it makes all the difference!These Wireless Earbuds Have 10,000 4 and 5-Star Reviews, and Only Cost About $20
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For a basic way to make every day just a little easier, invest $20 in a new pair of Bluetooth wireless earbuds. Whether you're exercising, working, or doing chores around the house, it's nice to be able to listen to music or podcasts without worrying about a dangling cord. This set of earbuds is affordable, highly rated, and looks great, too.