Lifestyle

Life hacks that change the game

Hands with tape, scissors and post-it

Whiteboards with style

Tired of the same boring whiteboard look? Don’t settle for “blah” when you can easily create your own. Find a picture frame that fits your style and size at a local thrift store, garage sale or favorite craft store, or you can spray paint any frame a fun color. Grab a sheet of posterboard and cut it to the size of your frame. Replace the photo that was in the frame with the cut posterboard, put the glass back on top to use as your whiteboard surface and voila! You now have a custom piece that perfectly fits your décor.

Get a grime-free microwave

Popcorn, leftovers, heck … even full-blown meals. Microwaves definitely earn their keep, which means they often need a good scrub down. Kick those chemical-filled cleaning supplies to the curb with this safe and easy cleaning hack that will leave your kitchen smelling lemony-fresh.

  • Add ½ cup water to a 1-quart microwave-safe bowl
  • Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into the bowl and toss in the rinds
  • Microwave on high for three minutes
  • Let sit for five minutes and carefully remove the bowl
  • Use a dish towel to wipe out the inside of the microwave

Curb the mess with a car-care caddy

Use this simple storage solution to keep your car-care essentials on-hand without the mess of spilled or scattered containers. Use a shower caddy (the kind found in college dorms across America) to store bottles of windshield washer fluid, motor oil, coolant, a funnel and any other car-care items for a quick and easy way to keep everything upright and all in one place.

Moving soon? Forego the packing boxes

When it comes to packing your closet away, skip the boxes and opt for garbage bags instead. Leave your clothes on their hangers, place the open end of a garbage bag around the bottom of 10-20 garments, and shimmy the bag up and around your clothes until the top of the bag goes over the hangers. Tie the garbage bag ties around the hanger hooks so you can easily transport your clothes without getting them wrinkled. Easily re-hang your clothes by removing the bags from the hooks!

Pool noodles – fun and functional

Pool noodles have become a DIY must-have.

Storing a pair of boots? Keep your boots upright and avoid creases by cutting a pool noodle to fit inside your boot until you’re ready to pull them out again.
Transport ladders, boards and other large items without fear of scratching your car’s luggage racks. Cut a pool noodle lengthwise and wrap it around your luggage rack. Secure the noodle by wrapping heavy duty tape around the noodle on each end of your rack. Do the same for the other rack(s) and you’re all set!

Check out more fun, creative life hacks at diys.com.