19 Clever Mom Hacks to Make Life a Little Easier
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Ever since Pinterest entered our lives, not a day passes without a "Why didn't I think of that?!" moment. From cheap and easy DIY projects that look like they cost a bundle to easy, everyday fixes, we're eternally grateful for all the crafty, creative types out there who are willing to share! Today, we're highlighting 19 amazingly easy quick fixes that'll make Mama's life just a little easier. Happy hacking!
Use a Shoe Organizer For Craft Supplies
Hang an over-the-door shoe holder/organizer in your play room to keep cleaning supplies at eye level. It's a much better option than bins upon bins of disorganized mess. Total Time: 10 minutes to hang and fill up
Total Cost: $15
Use a Command Hook as a Bib Hanger
Until I discovered this trick, my baby's bibs were never in the right place when I needed them. Now I just get him situated in his high chair, reach back, and grab a bib — easy and out-of-sight!
Total Time: One minute
Total Cost: $5
Use an Ice Cube Tray For Jewelry Organization
Pretty porcelain jewelry boxes look great displayed on your dresser, but earrings and chains often end up tangled or misplaced. Keep jewelry and other small trinkets neat and tidy in individual ice cube tray compartments. It may not be pretty, but it works!
Total Time: Depends on how organized you are to begin with
Total Cost: $3
Use Cheap Hooks To Keep Scooters Off the Floor
Keep everything from skateboards to bikes to helmets off the floor with easy-to-install hooks.
Total Time: A few minutes Total Cost: Around 50 cents each
Use a Lazy Susan in the Fridge
In my house, salad dressing and condiments always seem to easily get overlooked on the refrigerator door. Using a lazy Susan on one of the fridge's shelves keeps everything at eye level — so smart.
Total Time: Five minutes to organize your condiments
Total Cost: $10
Clean Dirty Sneakers With Toothpaste
Whip out an old toothbrush and get busy scrubbing old sneakers to give them a new life.
Total Time: 10 minutes or more Total Cost: Around $3
Use a Curtain Rod For Easy Ribbon Access
You don't need an elaborate gift wrap room to give yourself organized, easy access to your supplies. Secure a small curtain rod or towel hanger above a desk or countertop for a neat wrapping station.
Total Time: 20 minutes to install the rod
Total Cost: Less than $20
Use Clean Baby Food Jars For Spice Storage
Anything in a jar is all the rage. Give your spice rack an upgrade by upcycling old baby food jars. Who would've thought a modern touch could cost so little? Total Time: One dishwasher cycle Total Cost: $0 (if you already have leftover baby food jars)
Use a Peg Board For Closet Storage
Yes, pegboards can be used to keep your kids' stuff in the proper place. But have you tried using one for your own accessories? Less morning necklace-detangling guaranteed. Total Time: 15 minutes to install
Total Cost: $25
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Fix Squeaky Floors With Baby Powder
If you've got wood floors that always seem to squeak, then fix the problem with a quick dusting of baby powder. This astringent powder leaves things nice and fresh while keeping down the screeches — just sprinkle some onto the trouble area, and sweep it into the cracks with a broom; problem solved!
Total Time: 1 minute (really!)
Total Cost: $4
Make a Car Kit For Those "Eek!" Moments
This just-for-the-car bag has everything you'd need for an afternoon out with the fam: sunscreen, wipes, diapers, lotion, and bandaids. Total Time: 2 minutes if you already have your supplies Total Cost: Give or take $20 if you need to make a trip to the store
Microwave Two Bowls at Once
To fit two bowls into the microwave at the same time, simply place one on top of a glass so that it sits higher than the other. How easy is that?
Total Time: Depends on what you're nuking!
Total Cost: Free
Use Old Garment Bags To Your Advantage
Hang clear garment bags in a closet or on the back of a door to cur clutter. Big, super-sturdy bags can fit almost anything no matter how unwieldy. Total Time: 2 minutes
Total Cost: Free if you already have them, a few bucks if you don't
DIY Beauty Station
Keep all your cosmetics and makeup brushes organized with an old LEGO tray you have laying around the house. Talk about doing double-duty. Total Time: 2 minutes Total Cost: Free
Prep Your Kids' Strawberries
Simple strawberry solution alert. Get rid of those pesky stems without wasting too much of the fruit by inserting a straw into the bottom of the strawberry and pushing up. The leaves will come off too!
Total Time: 5 to 10 minutes to go through a small basket
Total Cost: Just the cost of the straw
Roll Your Clothes When You Pack a Bag
Maximize the storage space in your luggage by rolling clothes instead of folding and stacking them.
Total Time: Depends on how long it takes you to pack!
Total Cost: Free
Turn an Old iPhone Into an iPod Touch For Your Kids
Upgraded to the latest iPhone? Instead of trying to sell your old one, make your kids' days by converting it into their very own iPod with one easy step. Magic!
Total Time: 5 minutes
Total Cost: Free
For Safety's Sake, Snap a Family Photo
If you're at a theme park, beach, or any other public place this Summer, buy yourself piece of mind by snapping a quick photo of your kids before the day begins. This way, in the (extremely unlikely) event that someone gets lost, you'll have an accurate and current visual of what they look like, and what they're wearing.
Total Time: 30 seconds
Total Cost: Free
Corral Your Kids in a Kiddie Pool (Indoors!)
Extend the life of an inflatable kiddie pool well past Summer by using it as an indoor playpen. Toss a bunch of your baby's toys in there, and buy yourself 10 minutes to vacuum, fold laundry, or make a quick phone call.
Total Time: 5 minutes
Total Cost: Cost of the pool (free-$30)
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