30 Life Hacks That Might Redefine Genius

Life can be difficult, even on the best of days. That's why when we can find little ways to make it easier, it's good to share. Sharing is caring! These are some genius life hacks that will turn everyday struggles into no struggle at all. Some will even have you asking why you didn't think of them first.

Cut Your Microwave Wait Time Down

plates stacked on top of a cup to make room in a microwave
Photo Credit: Reddit/TheTrollinator777
Photo Credit: Reddit/TheTrollinator777

If you put a cup in the middle of one of the plates in the microwave, you can stack another plate on top of the glass to help heat things up quicker.

Just make sure everything you use is microwave safe!

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Who Else Struggles With Finding The End Of The Tape Roll?

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bread tabs used for the end of tape rolls
Photo Credit: Reddit/blakeusa25
Photo Credit: Reddit/blakeusa25
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I also struggle with bread tags and find them super annoying, but now it seems that they serve a post-bread purpose after all.

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Keeping them stuck to the end of a tape roll is so helpful.

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I Can Breathe Easier Just Thinking About This

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an ice cube try with frozen vaporub in it
Photo Credit: Reddit/Redwards2
Photo Credit: Reddit/Redwards2
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Mix one liter of boiling water with two tablespoons of Vicks's Vapor Rub, stirring until they're combined.

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Then, freeze them overnight and put one in the bottom of your shower and let the steam do wonders for plugged ears and noses.

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Have We All Been Doing This Wrong?

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a strainer placed over the top of a pot to drain water
Photo Credit: Reddit/phoenixborn75
Photo Credit: Reddit/phoenixborn75
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Placing the strainer over a pot of pasta and dumping out the water instead of dumping out the pasta is the way to do it.

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It's a lot less work and you don't have to worry about spilling boiling water on yourself.

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Never Worry About Having Your Things Stolen Again

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a wallet and keys hidden in a clean diaper
Photo Credit: Reddit/spreading_my_love
Photo Credit: Reddit/spreading_my_love
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Carry a clean diaper with you when you go to places like the beach or the park.

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When you want to take a dip or play some catch, just put your things in the diaper and close it up.

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Don't Have The Right Size Pan?

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tinfoil used to make a pan smaller
Photo Credit: Reddit/mario61752
Photo Credit: Reddit/mario61752
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No problem! You can use tinfoil to make a pan you do have into the right shape.

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It probably isn't going to be a foolproof plan, but it will certainly work well enough!

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I Never Know What To Do With These Department Store Hangers!

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clip hanger ends used to keep chip bags closed
Photo Credit: Reddit/Rekordea
Photo Credit: Reddit/Rekordea
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I usually just end up throwing them out because who wants junk lying around?

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But if they can be used to keep my chips crisp, then I'll be hanging onto those bad boys.

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Easily Extend Your Counter Space

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a drawer open with a cutting board on top
Photo Credit: Reddit/cracka_azz_cracka
Photo Credit: Reddit/cracka_azz_cracka
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The total lack of counter space is one of the worst parts of living in a tiny apartment. This is genius!

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I'm not sure I ever would have thought of this before. The only trick is finding a perfectly sized cutting board.

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How Has No One Told Us About This?!

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two ziploc bags zipped together
Photo Credit: Reddit/Vega_128
Photo Credit: Reddit/Vega_128
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I might be a fool, but I never thought of locking two ziplock bags together. If you turn one inside out, they fit together perfectly and close, no problem!

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You can even put larger items, like this keyboard, into them for safekeeping.

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Oh Avocados...Never Ripe At The Right Time

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putting an avocado in a beer cozy to get it to get ripe
Photo Credit: Imgur/cesarkuriyama
Photo Credit: Imgur/cesarkuriyama
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But, that's all about to change. If you buy an under-ripe avocado and put it in a beer cozy, it will be ripe the next morning!

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It's almost as exciting as Christmas.

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A Makeshift Paint Spout

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using tape to make a pour spout on a bucket of paint
Photo Credit: Imgur/username
Photo Credit: Imgur/username
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If you forgot to pick up an easy pour spout for the paint can, don't worry!

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If you have painter's tape around you can use it to make one until the next time you're at the hardware store.

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Everyone I Know Has A Plastic Bag Full Of Plastic Bags

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old kleenex box used to store plastic bags
Photo Credit: Reddit/TiltedArc
Photo Credit: Reddit/TiltedArc
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One of the markers of your adult life is when you start collecting plastic bags and keep them inside one king plastic bag.

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Well, the next time you do that, opt for this super cute tissue box option to keep all your plastic bags together.

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What A Brilliant Way To Move Clothes

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groups of hangers covered and held together by garbage bags
Photo Credit: Reddit/randomusefulbits
Photo Credit: Reddit/randomusefulbits
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This is the best way to transport clothes.

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No need for bulk boxes, your clothes will stay clean and be less wrinkled, plus you'll be able to keep better track of them in a move.

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Forgetting Your Chargers Is So Frustrating

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a charger tied in a loop and keys attached to it
Photo Credit: Reddit/crujones43
Photo Credit: Reddit/crujones43
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Attaching your keys to a loop in your charger will help you remember it next time you go on vacation or stay overnight somewhere.

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No one likes having a dead phone or a missing charger.

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This Is Perfect When You Want To Keep Your Hands Clean

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a fork stuck into the middle of an oreo cookie being dipped in milk
Photo Credit: Reddit/Eredhel
Photo Credit: Reddit/Eredhel
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I always put my hands way too far into the glass and full drown my Oreo.

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This will ensure you get the right cookie-to-milk ratio and greatly improve my quality of life.

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If You Don't Have Time To Make A List...

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a picture of a full fridge
Photo Credit: Reddit/NaiveFlamingo
Photo Credit: Reddit/NaiveFlamingo
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Take a picture of the inside of your fridge. That way, if you're not sure if you need something or not, you'll be able to look.

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It's not a foolproof plan but works in a hurry.

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Here's Another Way To Keep A Work Book Open

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using a clip hanger to keep a coloring book open
Photo Credit: Reddit/jennifer_lori_
Photo Credit: Reddit/jennifer_lori_
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This is perfect for those self-care nights in when you want to do some coloring in your adult coloring book but don't want to struggle to keep it flat the whole time.

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This hack is here to help you out!

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Everyone's Biggest Fear

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bathroom-hack-1
Photo Credit: Reddit/Anonamouse504
Photo Credit: Reddit/Anonamouse504
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Fret no more. Someone figured out a great way to make sure you never get caught without TP.

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Just placing the empty roll under the seat lets the next person know that there's no TP left.

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Prevent Your Sideview Mirror From Freezing

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mirror-hack.jpg-34978
Imgur
Imgur
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It can be difficult enough to arrive on time with traffic and the rest of the daily grind but having to scrape ice off your car is the pits. Prevent your side-view mirrors from freezing with this hack.

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Use a ziplock bag and rubber bands or tape to cover your mirror and secure it, once you're parked. This will prevent the condensation sitting on your mirror and causing it to freeze over when the temperature drops.

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Coca-Cola Can Clean Your Wheels

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coke-on-wheels
Pinterest
Pinterest
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It's incredible what Coca-Cola can clean! And yes, car tires and rims are on the list! Use this simple hack to get the layers of dirt and grime off your car tires.

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Pour a bottle of regular Coca-Cola (not diet) over your tires and rims. Give it a few minutes to set it. Then wipe your tires and rims down with a rag. It's really that easy.

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Trying To Watch Your Phone In Bed Can Be A Struggle

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someone put their phone in a plastic bag tacked to the wall so they could watch a movie
Photo Credit: Reddit/TenDeadGoats
Photo Credit: Reddit/TenDeadGoats
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You've got to get comfortable, but then when you find the perfect position it doesn't work with holding your phone up!

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This guy has it all figured out. Now you can be comfy and entertained.

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Now That Is A Nice Looking Office

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using flooring under your office chair instead of a plastic mat
Photo Credit: Reddit / sexydorito
Photo Credit: Reddit / sexydorito
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Those plastic mats you put under your chairs are so unsightly, and they don't even work that well. This person had a great idea: buying synthetic wood and using a few panels of that instead.

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It looks professional and lets you roll smoothly!

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Apparently, Putting Vegetable Oil On Pumpkins Helps Them Last Longer!

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carved pumpkins being brushed with oil
Photo Credit: Reddit/Surf6969
Photo Credit: Reddit/Surf6969
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This is great news for those of us who count down for Halloween all year. Now, we can get our pumpkins and carve them early, too!

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Who doesn't want to make spooky season last?

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We've All Had Pants With Worn Out Zippers

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a key ring used to keep a broken zipper up
Photo Credit: Reddit/knewitfirst
Photo Credit: Reddit/knewitfirst
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Using an old keyring will help with the zipper issue if the pants are still worth keeping.

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Just put the keyring through the pull it up and loop it around the button.

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Here's A Great Way To Keep Squirrels At Bay

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slinky used to keep squirrels off a bird feeder
Photo Credit: Reddit/dillhole73
Photo Credit: Reddit/dillhole73
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Grab a slinky from the dollar store and spread it over the pole of your bird feeder.

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That will keep squirrels and other furry friends from being able to climb up.

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Nothing Hurts More Than Breaking In New Shoes

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stretch shoe
Photo Credit: Reddit/SN2014dt
Photo Credit: Reddit/SN2014dt
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But, if you put on some big wooly socks and wear your new shoes around the house, it will help them stretch out!

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That way, when they make their debut, they won't blister so badly.

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What Would We Do Without Binder Clips?

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binder clips holding up frozen bags of food
Photo Credit: Reddit/deleted
Photo Credit: Reddit/deleted
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They are so wonderful and so versatile. To save space in your freezer, use them to hang frozen bags of fruits and veggies.

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This makes them easy to use, easy to find, and keeps them from getting freezer-burned.

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No More Losing Screws!

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someone wearing a magnetic strap on their wrist to hold onto screws
Photo Credit: Reddit/heckkeys_xyz
Photo Credit: Reddit/heckkeys_xyz
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Putting a magnetic band on while doing painting or renovations will help you keep track of all the little screws and tiny pieces.

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Otherwise, they'll inevitably go missing, especially if you're moving things around a lot.

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Do You Enjoy Wearing Earplugs, But Can't Get Them To Fit Properly?

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Untitled design (2)
Photo Credit: Reddit/meatsaredelicious
Photo Credit: Reddit/meatsaredelicious
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If you're someone with small ears, but can't stand noises at night, this is the trick to save your night.

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Pop some earplugs into straws, throw them in the freezer, then pull them out when you need to use them. They'll fit much better.

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Childproof In A Pinch

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A plastic bottle used to cover a sharp corner
Photo Credit: Reddit/Hello-Icecream
Photo Credit: Reddit/Hello-Icecream
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Cut out an old water bottle and put it over any sharp, toddler-height edges in your home if you have to childproof quickly.

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Plus, they're easy to take off after and recycle.

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Everyone Hates Stale Cereal

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using bobby pins to keep cereal fresh
Photo Credit: Reddit / ocean-of-emptiness
Photo Credit: Reddit / ocean-of-emptiness
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Bobby pins are a great way to keep your cereal and other boxed goodies from going stale sooner than they need to.

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Sometimes, rolling the plastic bag down and closing the lid just doesn't do it.

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Stop Your Markers From Drying Out

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markers with the color they are scribbled on the bottom
Photo Credit: Reddit / serpinskistriangle
Photo Credit: Reddit / serpinskistriangle
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Keeping your markers cap-down is a good way to keep the ink where you want it, but then you have to dig through the cup to find the color you want.

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To fix that problem, just tape a small piece of paper with color on it to the bottom of the marker.

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Tide Pods Can Do So Much More

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oven getting clean before and after
Reddit
Reddit
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Some people swear by this hack. Simply dip a Tide Pod in water for the coating to begin to dissolve, and then start rubbing it against the oven wall grime to easily get the built-up dirt off.

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You can also do this with dishwasher pods!

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This Has Been An Option All This Time?

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freezing your freezies right side up so you don't loose any juice
Photo Credit: Reddit / thetank77
Photo Credit: Reddit / thetank77
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Remember as a kid you were always bummed out that you lost a bit of your Freezie because you had to cut the plastic to open it?

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Well, if you melt them then put them back in the freezer sitting upright, you get a little space at the top.

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Two Problems Solved At Once

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using mask strings to make a ponytail
Photo Credit: Reddit / a_krizzle
Photo Credit: Reddit / a_krizzle
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Wearing a mask on your face all day can start to be irritating on the ears.

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If you use the strings as a hair elastic, it keeps your ears from being irritated, and it keeps your hair out of your face.

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This Person Might Actually Be From The Future...

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truck driver put pool noodle on his window so his arm wouldn't hurt
Photo Credit: Reddit/dotcomhotmale
Photo Credit: Reddit/dotcomhotmale
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He is living his best life, seriously. He's got that pool noodle resting on his rolled-down window so he can enjoy the breeze AND have a comfy armrest.

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It's truly the best of both worlds.... give this one a try and see how much it improves your drive.

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Cats Will Be Cats

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using a decoy laptop for your cat
Photo Credit: Reddit / NyangNyangAT
Photo Credit: Reddit / NyangNyangAT
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If you're working from home, as many of us are, you might be getting a bit frustrated with your cats because they have to be all over you stuff at all times.

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That's why you use a decoy to distract them.

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Who Else Hates Tall Jars?

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chopsticks being used to get stuff out of a tall container
Photo Credit: Reddit / the-mary
Photo Credit: Reddit / the-mary
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Tall jars with liquid inside are so annoying! You end up getting pickle juice all over yourself or spilling it on the counter.

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Using chopsticks will help you fish out those salty snacks with less mess.

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Kids Everywhere Are About To Be Fooled

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a way to trick kids into eating the heel of the bread
Photo Credit: Reddit / nday79
Photo Credit: Reddit / nday79
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How come it never occurred to me and so many of us to turn the heel of the bread the other side around?

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I'm sure you would never even notice it if you didn't already know.

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Recycling And Organizing

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using a box and toilet paper rolls for cords
Photo Credit: Reddit / Brookied_1974
Photo Credit: Reddit / Brookied_1974
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It might not be the most glamorous way to store things, but it certainly will work.

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Plus, using the toilet paper rolls will stop all your cords from tangling around one another.

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Adorable And Useful

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Lego man used to hold keys and cords
Photo Credit: Reddit / Neensdogg
Photo Credit: Reddit / Neensdogg
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This has to be one of the greatest hacks of all time.

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You can use LEGO blocks on your keyring to hang them on the wall, and you can use LEGO people to hold onto your charging cables—their hands are perfectly shaped for it!

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Is It Just Me Or Does The Tennis Ball Look Like It Isn't Sure How It Ended Up Here?

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a tennis ball with a hole cut in it that looks like a mouth
Photo Credit: Reddit/alvaedison
Photo Credit: Reddit/alvaedison
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This is a neat idea for a hack, though.

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It is really versatile and a nice change from key racks, especially if you can't make holes in your wall or don't have a lot of space.

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Who Carries Change Anymore?

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using a key in the coin slot on a grocery cart
Photo Credit: Reddit/amy0120
Photo Credit: Reddit/amy0120
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Very few of us! Apparently, if you use the top of a round key, it will slide into the coin slot of a shopping cart no problem.

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Hopefully, it will come out OK!