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Random, Cheap Things That Make Your Life At Home Easier

Simple ways to take a break from chores.

Written by Megan Harrington
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Originally Published: 
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There are a ton of products out there specifically made for improving your home’s functionality — giving you time to enjoy the things you love and spend less time on those you don’t (hello, deep cleaning). So, I’ve curated a list of 50 of these game-changers that can streamline your routine, leaving your home cleaner and more organized with very little effort. Whether you need a little help with food prep, stain removal, or another around-the-house task, these seemingly random finds are the secret solution.

01A kitchen tool that freezes leftovers in easy-to-store blocks

These clever plastic molds allow you to make sure food freezes in uniform blocks, so they’ll take up less space in the freezer. To use — add your food-filled quart bag to the mold, secure the silicone bands, freeze, and then remove the mold. The resulting frozen blocks save serious space, and they look so much tidier than a jumble of containers.

02Motion-activated bed lights that turn off on their own

Plug in this adhesive LED strip and install it under the bed or beneath cabinets, and it’ll serve as a convenient night-light. They’re motion-activated and feature an automatic shut-off timer that you can adjust anywhere between 30 seconds and 10 minutes.

03A collapsible basket that discreetly hides away extra toilet paper

This lightweight organizing basket is the perfect spot to stash up to 12 rolls of toilet paper (but it’s also versatile enough that you can fill it with practically anything). It’s a breeze to assemble in just a few minutes, and the bamboo and cloth materials are minimalist and stylish. Plus, you can stack these baskets top of each other for even more bathroom storage.

04A detergent jug holder that can prevent messy laundry pours

This laundry jug holder keeps your detergent easily accessible and eliminates the need for heavy lifting. It features a strap to snugly keep the detergent bottle in place, nonslip rubber feet, and a molded edge design that catches drips before they can make a mess.

05A set of clever fridge liners that are easy to wipe clean

Keep your fridge shelves perfectly clean with these colorful liners. They’re food-safe, so you place greens and fruit directly on them, and they’re durable enough for low temps in the fridge. They’re nonslip and reusable, and when they get dirty, all it takes is a quick wipe down with soap and water.

06A stain-hiding mat that absorbs coffee-making sounds in the morning

Disguise stains and soak up liquids under your coffee maker with this absorbent diatomite mat. It’s perfect for placing underneath appliances like espresso machines, as it muffles noise, and the porous material can absorb any spills in seconds. Plus, the mat also has a nonslip rubber backing and is easy to wipe clean.

07A socket concealer to hide cord clutter & still reach your chargers

This genius socket concealer can eliminate messy wires and let you push a piece of furniture right up against an outlet. It works with most duplex outlets and offers a three-plug extension cord to easily reach your chargers. The kit also comes with clips and adhesive tape so you can tuck away the cord for a truly streamlined look.

08Stick-on under-cabinet lights to easily see countertops

The long-lasting LED lights can brighten up dim areas like closets, stairways, or underneath cabinets. They can be installed with the included mounting tape or screws, and they come with a remote control that makes it easy to adjust the settings from anywhere in the room. They also have a touch sensor to turn things on and off with just a tap.

09Sleek stainless steel stove gap covers to prevent food messes

These stainless steel stove covers prevent annoying crumbs from falling in between gaps to keep your appliance free of gunk and spills. They look sleek and are heat-resistant, so they can withstand even high stove or oven temperatures. They also have an adjustable length, so you can get the perfect fit.

10A fridge deodorizer that tackles smells for up to a decade

This long-lasting stainless steel deodorizer is designed to turn odorous gasses into water molecules (AKA – it keeps your fridge smelling fresh). The compact design impressively lasts for up to 10 years and doesn’t require batteries, electricity, or filter replacements. Add it to your fridge, closet, car trunk, or any other enclosed space.

11A cleaning tool to quickly scrub dirt from window screens & upholstery

This mesh cleaning tool can be used wet or dry and is ideal for removing dust, dirt, and pollen from hazy-looking window screens. You can use the cleaning head on its own or attach the handle for a greater screen-cleaning range. It also works to remove grime from non-screen surfaces (think: carpets and furniture upholstery).

12An oscillating scrubber tool to quickly fix grimy grout & more

This battery-powered scrubbing brush cleans faster than manual cleaning, and it’s water-resistant, so you can even use it in the shower or sink. It’s complete with an oscillating head that rotates 60 times per second, and its compact size means it’s ideal for tight spaces and on items like car trim, shoes, and sports equipment.

13A weighted catcher to keep hair out of your drains

Prevent hair from clogging your shower or sink drain with this weighted catcher. It has a universal design — simply press down the center to put it in place — and once full, rinse it clean and reuse it again. The nonslip design ensures it doesn’t slide around, even when wet.

14A hanging dishwasher pod dispenser for easy grabbing

Give your dishwasher detergent a dedicated storage spot with this over-the-cabinet hanging dispenser. It holds rolls of 50 dishwasher pods, and the removable lid makes refilling quick. The dispenser features a steel hanger that fits over most standard cabinet doors and has nonslip padding to prevent surface damage.

15A clever defrosting tray to speed up food thawing time

Speed up the defrosting process with this clever aluminum tray that can be used for meat, fish, or even large veggies. It’s designed to speed up defrosting and features a large surface to defrost multiple foods at the same time. It also comes with a hanging hook, a cleaning sponge, and a nonstick surface to easily remove ingredients.

16Long-lasting toilet cleaning stamps that clean & deodorize

These gel stamps have a fresh scent and can deodorize and clean your toilet at the same time. Simply stick them in the bowl with the easy-to-use dispenser, and these gels are formulated to eliminate odor and stain buildup. Each gel stamp can last for up to two weeks, so this kit contains enough for over a year of cleaning.

17A gadget that keeps plastic baggies open to fill with leftovers

This bag-holding kitchen gadget is surprisingly useful when working on meal prep or putting away leftovers. It allows you to fill up storage bags hands- and mess-free. It has a nonslip rubber base and adjustable arms, so you can use anything from sandwich to gallon-sized baggies. Plus, it folds flat for compact storage.

18A well-designed broom & dustpan set

A good broom is an essential cleaning tool, and this particular one fits that definition. It boasts four layers of dense bristles that’ll sweep up debris and dust without issue, and the extra-long handle is comfortable to maneuver. The included dustpan has a rubber lip that lies flat on the floor.

19A dishwasher magnet to remind you if things are clean or dirty

If you’re always forgetting whether the dishwasher is clean or dirty, this handy magnet can be a great reminder. The extra strong magnet works on most stainless steel dishwashers but also comes with an adhesive (in case your machine isn’t compatible). And the magnet is made from waterproof, peel-resistant material, so it’ll stay looking good for a long time.

20A shower scrubber that extends to reach every tile

This 3-in-1 scrubbing brush features an extendable handle that lets you clean without bending or kneeling and a head that pivots 180 degrees to reach every corner. It comes with three interchangeable cleaning heads, including a bristle brush, microfiber pad, and scrubbing sponge. Plus, the handle is made of ergonomic foam, which may prevent hand fatigue.

21Stretchy bands to organize your spare bedding

Storing your extra linens just got easier thanks to these elastic bands. They’re designed to stretch around sheet sets, pillowcases, duvets, and other bedding for organization. This is the queen option (the bands are labeled as such), but there are also twin, full, and king sizes in the listing.

22Cleaning tablets to refresh all types of water bottles (without scrubbing)

These cleaning tablets are an easy way to refresh mugs and water bottles without a ton of scrubbing. They’re formulated to work on a variety of water bottles, including plastic and metal. They’re also individually packaged so you can take them on the go, and they’re easy to use — simply rinse your tumbler after.

23A clever, rolling garlic chopper to keep your hands clean

Save time (and prevent your hands from smelling like garlic) with this rolling chopping tool. It’s a breeze to use — roll it across the counter a bunch for a fine mince or just a few times for a coarser texture. It also comes apart to clean out the garlic, and you can toss it in the top rack of the dishwasher to save time.

24A kitchen tool that shreds meat in seconds (without a mess)

Keep your hands clean and speed up dinner prep with this dishwasher-safe kitchen tool that shreds meat. It features a nonslip plastic bottom with teeth that hold food in place and a separate lid with ergonomic handles. With a few turns, the shredder processes meat into small pieces that are perfectly sized for tacos, salads, and more.

25Heat-proof liners to prevent oven messes (with zero effort)

Food spills in your oven can cause mess and smoke, but these heat-proof liners are an easy way to catch drips. Their nonstick design fits the bottom of most standard ovens but can be cut for a more exact fit. These BPA-free liners are reusable, washable, and good to use in temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

26A folding device to speed up laundry day

This laundry folding board helps to quickly (and neatly fold) clothing. It’s super durable, designed to last for over 50,000 folds, and it can tackle various items of clothing in all sizes and materials. And it’s compact enough to easily fold it up in a drawer or on a shelf after laundry day.

27A clever rack to organize & store your food wrap rolls

Corral all of your food storage wraps and bags with this wire caddy. It features eight adjustable holders that can accommodate a variety of box sizes, and the built-in carry handle makes it easy to pull it out and grab the plastic wrap or bags you need. It also comes pre-assembled, so set-up is easy.

28Under-sink organizers with convenient pull-out drawers

These two-tier organizers are the best way to tidy up the area underneath your sinks, whether in your bathroom or kitchen. The organizers have thick steel supports to hold a lot of weight, and the bottom drawer slides out for convenient access. No tools are required for assembly.

29A bidet attachment to instantly reduce toilet paper usage

This easy-to-install bidet attachment can leave you with a fresher bum while also reducing the need for toilet paper. The slim design works with most toilets, and you can pop it on without a plumber or tools. It features a self-cleaning retractable nozzle and a pressure adjustment button so you can get the perfect setting.

30Motion-detection keyhole lights for visibility

Small, but powerful, this pair of keyhole lights is a smart investment. Install them over any door handle (they stick in place with adhesive) so that you can more easily open it when it’s dark — four LED bulbs will turn on automatically when motion is detected. They’re powered by AA batteries that’ll last a long time.

31Various brushes to thoroughly clean water bottles

Clean pretty much any water bottle, tumbler, or other drinkware with these bottle brushes. The set includes a variety of tools (six in total) for various jobs, including a tool to reach into pesky gaps on the rim, a long-handled bristle brush, narrow straw cleaners, and more.

32An indoor insect trap to eliminate pesky bugs (effort-free)

This indoor insect trap is a mess-free way to get rid of flying bugs like fruit flies. It features a UV light that attracts insects, a fan, and disposable sticky glue boards. The sleek black trap blends into almost any type of decor, and since there’s no electric zapper, you can place it anywhere.

33A compartmentalized organizer for container lids

Get all of your container lids in order with this plastic organizer, which features five adjustable dividers to create custom-sized compartments for a perfect fit. Built-in handles allow for quick access, while the center channel prevents round lids from rolling around.

34Mesh bags to stop food from clogging your sink drain

Place one of these fine mesh bags in your kitchen sink (they’re stretchy to fit in most strainers) to ensure food pieces and other debris don’t sneak into your drain. They also work well in a shower, keeping hair from clogging the pipe. The set comes with 200 disposable bags to last you a while.

35Silicone baking sheets you can bake with *thousands* of times

These thick, silicone baking mats can be used up to 3,000 times and are reinforced with fiberglass mesh to make them impressively durable. They’re heatproof up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, and the nonstick surfaces eliminates the need for cooking spray or oil. When it’s time to clean, the mats just need a wipe down with soap and water.

36A grill grate scraping tool to clean without messy bristles

Skip the bristle brushes and use this easy-to-clean universal grate cleaner to de-gunk your grill instead. It features a variety of grooves that fit around different types of grates, while the leather handle keeps your hands comfy. You can use it for both indoor and outdoor grills, and it comes with a downloadable recipe book for meal inspiration.

37Rug grippers to prevent curling corners (even after cleaning the floor)

These adhesive corner grippers keep rugs from sliding and curling up, so you can spend less time adjusting things. They feature a renewable sticky gel that allows you to lift the rug for cleaning and then place it back down. To revive the adhesive, all you need to do is wipe it down with rubbing alcohol.

38A vegetable chopper that saves serious time in the kitchen

Speed up meal prep with this multipurpose vegetable chopper. It features a stable, nonslip base and four rust-resistant interchangeable blades. The chopper also has a soft grip handle to keep your hands comfy and a generous catch container so you can easily collect your prepped veggies.

39Nesting measuring cups to make it easy to find the one you need

These durable and stackable measuring cups can make following recipes a breeze because you won’t have to hunt down missing measuring cups. The kit comes with a transparent liquid measuring, a set of colorful cups, spoons, a funnel, and a scraper to flatten out ingredients.

40Wool dryer balls to help clothing dry quickly (without wrinkles)

Pop these wool dryer balls in with your laundry, and they can reduce wrinkles and drying time (AKA — speeding up laundry day). They’re a reusable alternative to fabric softener sheets and work by lifting and separating clothes so air can circulate more easily. They’re also free of fragrances and dyes if you prefer to avoid those in your laundry.

41A 2-in-1 glass bottle to spray or pour oil

A best-seller on Amazon, this two-in-one bottle is designed to spritz or pour oil based on whatever you’re creating in the kitchen. It has a wide mouth opening for mess-free filling — no funnel needed. And the bottle itself is made from borosilicate glass that’s nearly unbreakable.

42An extra-wide tool to more easily scoop up food

Extra-wide with tapered sides, this black scooper can scoop up larger quantities of food at once — you can easily use it to serve dishes, too. The tool is made from heat-resistant nylon with a durable edge to scrape off stuck-on food. It’s dishwasher safe.

43A washable dish drying mat you can also place hot pans on

This silicone drying mat is a quick and sleek way to fully protect your countertop because it’s waterproof and heat-resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a raised texture to prevent water from spilling onto surfaces, and it’s easy to clean — either by hand or in the dishwasher. You can also use it as a trivet for pots and pans.

44A sink caddy that keeps soaps & sponges off the countertop

Keep your sink area tidy (and your countertop dry) with this versatile caddy. The stainless steel design features a telescoping design that can expand to fit across various sizes of sinks. Its nonslip rubber arms keep it firmly in place, and the shelf and towel bar can hold multiple items such as sponges, dishcloths, and soaps.

45Durable suction cup hooks to ensure your bathroom stays tidy

These hooks will look like stylish built-in storage in your bathroom, but they actually just stick onto your wall with suction cups. Each one has three hooks to hang up to 11 pounds of bathroom supplies, and you can even hang things like razors between the hooks.

46Splatter screens that have so many other uses

Prevent oil or hot water from burning you or hitting the walls with this set of three splatter screens. They measure 10, 11.5, and 13 inches in diameter and can serve so many other uses in the kitchen, too. Use the to steam vegetables over hot water, as a cooling rack, or to strain foods.

47Whimsical oven mitts that protect your hands & arms

These wrap-around oven mitts not only keep your hands and arms safe, but they look adorable, too. They’re heat-resistant up to nearly 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and they have a hanging loop to keep them tidy between bakes. They’re are also machine washable, so they can easily be cleaned after dinner spills.

48Flameless candles that add cozy ambiance without messy smoke

These flameless candles are battery-operated, so they’ll never run out of wax, and it’s OK if you forget about them. They feature a realistic LED flame and come with a remote control that you can use to set timers, adjust brightness, and turn them on or off from anywhere in the room.

49Self-gripping ties that prevent chargers & cables from tangling

These hook-and-loop cord wraps are the perfect way to organize spare chargers and messy cables to prevent tangles. They come with a variety of sizes and the durable closure ensure things stay put. The heavy-duty nylon construction can be used indoors or out, and you can connect multiple wraps together to corral larger items.

50A stainless steel dish drying mat that rolls up to save space

This over-the-sink drying rack rolls up into a tube when not in use, so you can use that space for other things. It’s made from durable steel rods coated in nonslip silicone for extra grip on the sink. Plus, this combo is heat-resistant, so it’s also the perfect spot for hot pots and pans. It can also support up to 44 pounds.

51A cushy anti-fatigue mat that comes in lots of sizes & colors

Your joints will be so much more comfortable doing the dishes, cooking, or working at your standing desk with this anti-fatigue rug underneath you. “It fits well and was a good value. It’s very durable. The edges do not curl. It lays flat and cleans easy,” wrote one shopper. It comes in seven colors and lots of sizes to fit various spaces.

52A battery-powered desktop vacuum cleaner

It’s easy to clean the crumbs and eraser bits from your desk with this cordless desktop vacuum cleaner. It takes two AA batteries for power, has plenty of space for dust to gather, and it has surprisingly strong suction for its size. “This mini vacuum is super efficient at picking up dust, crumbs, and small debris without being noisy or bulky. The compact size makes it easy to store,” wrote one reviewer.

53This expandable pot and pan organizer

Get rid of the messy pile and organize pots and pans on this expandable rack. It stretches from 12 to 23 inches in length and has 10 slots that can hold pots and pans ranging from 6 to 14 inches. Installation takes just two minutes (no tools required) and if desired, you can pull it apart to create two smaller racks.

54Sturdy drawer organizers with a 4.6-star overall rating

This pair of drawer organizers contain 48 cells between them that can hold socks, bras, underwear, ties, and more. Even better, they fold flat when not needed, but won’t fall down during use either — a zipper keeps them secure when you want them expanded.

55Mesh laundry bags with 26,000+ 5-star reviews

Protect delicate items in the wash with this trio of mesh laundry bags. Each one measures 12 by 16 inches and can hold an impressive 20 pounds. One shopper wrote, “I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the quality of these were!!!!! They are mesh but actually don’t have any holes in them, so zippers and other things won’t damage your clothes. [...] The quality of these is amazing and they protect your clothing perfectly.”

56A space-saving cheese grater & peeler set

Meal prep will be easier with this clever cheese grater that doesn’t take up much cabinet space. It comes with a coarse and fine grater lid that fit over a container that catches your cheese or vegetables, keeping your counters clean. It also comes with a dual-sided peeler (one end is smooth and one is serrated).

57Sock organizers that keep them paired in the washer & dryer

You won’t have to waste time sorting socks (and hunting for the inevitable missing one) with this pair of sock organizers. They have clips to keep pairs together in the washer and dryer, and they can be used for hanging storage as well.

58An adhesive wall-mounted organizer for the bathroom

Add tons of storage to your bathroom without losing any counter space with this wall-mounted unit. It installs via adhesive and it has room for toiletries, toothbrushes, and even has a built-in toothpaste dispenser. It also includes two magnetic cups that attach along the bottom.

59Flat whisks that are gentle on nonstick pots & pans

Using a whisk on nonstick pots and pans can damage their delicate surfaces, but this three-pack of whisks features silicone loops that prevent this issue. The set comes with a 10-, 11-, and 12-inch flat whisk that are great for blending, mixing, and beating various foods with ease.

60A dishwasher-safe utensil rest that also props up a lid

It’s easy to keep your counters clean and your in-use cooking tools handy with this silicone utensil rest. It has spots for various cooking tools, as well as a spot to prop up a lid. It comes in several colors in the listing and is dishwasher safe.

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