hs03842 Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 (edited) What is something you have come across over the years that makes your life easier? Something that, as soon as you discovered it, seemed to take a load off you or otherwise make things work better--big or small. Looking for ways to work smarter not harder! I'll start: Buying and using a label maker. For some reason having that is a difference maker. I even use it to label freezer bags of precooked or chopped stuff (I make several bags at once so I guess typing out the labels is more foolproof and faster.). Edited June 3, 2020 by JoyKM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 Meal planning. A husband and a son to mow, weed eat and do other heavier yard work! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 Meal planning yes! Alexa for lists. A large washing machine. Google drive. Proclick. A good mattress for pain management. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 (edited) A shared shopping list on Google Keep Notes. Exercise kit in the boot of the car, so I can exercise any time. A Soda Stream for fizzy water. Eating a lot of vegetarian meals, because healthy store cupboard meals are easy. ETA electric kettle. But everyone in the UK has one. Edited June 3, 2020 by Laura Corin 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 I'll second the label maker! I use mine constantly. Somewhat related to that, I also have a notebook labeled Where Stuff Is, and I write down stuff that's in odd places or might otherwise be forgotten about. Extra pillows, childhood toys we're keeping, tools we only use occasionally, Christmas gifts. People always think this notebook is pretty funny, but I can find almost everything quickly . Another big help is my stick vacuum and handheld vacuum. I went without them for a long time, because we have a good full-sized vacuum cleaner - but it's heavy and I'm pretty disinclined to drag it out and use it. It's like this whole ordeal 😄 but the stick vac is light and easy and so small I just keep it in a corner of dd's room. And the hand vac lives next to the sugar glider cage. So dh continues with the full-sized vacuum, but things are much cleaner because I'm supplementing in between. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hs03842 Posted June 3, 2020 Author Share Posted June 3, 2020 (edited) 36 minutes ago, katilac said: I also have a notebook labeled Where Stuff Is Another big help is my stick vacuum and handheld vacuum. Wow—I have never heard of that kind of notebook! That’s an intriguing concept. I think we could use a couple of extra vacuums. Small vacuums=small children using them somehow. 😂 Maybe a little red Hoover handheld for the stairs. 🤔 Edited June 3, 2020 by JoyKM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 For cooking: an immersion blender. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 My smartphone. I was Team Flip phone for a long time but the apps I have on my smartphone have made tracking and maintaining my health easier, made shopping easier, made making appointments easier, etc. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 Meal planning and my iPhone. Gosh my phone is so useful- helps me stay organized. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmasc Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 Separating loads of laundry. Mountains of laundry were always getting out of control because nobody put it all away because it ‘wasn’t their laundry’ (it was, but mixed together and nobody wanted to go through it). Now each person in the family has his/her own laundry basket. Dirty clothes go in all week; end of week the person does just his basket-full start to finish; now empty basket is ready for dirty laundry again. So simple, yet so sanity-saving for me. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 Bullet journal! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momto6inIN Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 Large commercial size washer/dryer and fridge Shared Google calendars with DH and teens in the house Having my kids make lunch daily for everyone when they get to about 6th or 7th grade One note shopping list and big monthly pantry stocking trips so I only have to get a few quick perishables weekly 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 1 hour ago, JoyKM said: I think we could use a couple of extra vacuums. Small vacuums=small children using them somehow. 😂 Maybe a little red Hoover handheld for the stairs. 🤔 My stick vac is so light that a very young child could use it. Even if they are short, they can just let the handle lean back. It actually comes apart so you can use it as handheld, too, but I haven't tried it bc I have a handheld also (and I think both are worth it to not hassle with taking things apart). Handheld on stairs, yes, but turn them loose in the kitchen and dining room, too. You'll be surprised at how much it picks up even if you have swept that day. When my kids were little, I'd give them a wet wipe and tell them to clean the appliances and baseboards. They didn't do it to adult level, but I figure every bit of dirt helps. Plus it keeps them occupied 😄 1 hour ago, ScoutTN said: For cooking: an immersion blender. Omigosh, yes, 100%. 1 hour ago, Jean in Newcastle said: My smartphone. I was Team Flip phone for a long time but the apps I have on my smartphone have made tracking and maintaining my health easier, made shopping easier, made making appointments easier, etc. Yes. My smartphone can do more than the first computers we owned, and it's always in my pocket. It saves me a ton of time. 1 hour ago, Slache said: Bullet journal! I love paper planning! 1 hour ago, Patty Joanna said: Exempt from cabinet: fabric. That would be asking too much. Collections: Putting together tool kits in the locations where I use them. This is especially where the label maker comes in handy--none of the other people who live in my house can dispute whose tool they have used, and NOT PUT BACK and so they are finally learning to do that. Good exemption. dh has a shed full of tools. I have a small box. Guess who can always find a hammer or screwdriver, lol? He doesn't even know where my box is; when he can't find his hammer, I don't tell him where mine is, I go get it for him. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoraBora Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 These list-type threads are my absolute favorites! Whether it's Christmas gift ideas or Covid-19 indulgences, I find myself posting to say, "I love this thread". It's just that I'd never stopped to think about why I enjoy them so much. They include great ideas and innovations that hadn't occurred to me before, of course, but I think I love them because they're so positive and empowering. Gaining control or finding joy, even in small, simple ways, can be a game changer for me. Thank you @JoyKM for starting this thread and to everyone who contributes! 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleowl Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 Caffeine. 😄 But seriously: YNAB. It has been exactly what we needed for budgeting. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 4 hours ago, katilac said: I'll second the label maker! I use mine constantly. Somewhat related to that, I also have a notebook labeled Where Stuff Is, and I write down stuff that's in odd places or might otherwise be forgotten about. Extra pillows, childhood toys we're keeping, tools we only use occasionally, Christmas gifts. People always think this notebook is pretty funny, but I can find almost everything quickly . Another big help is my stick vacuum and handheld vacuum. I went without them for a long time, because we have a good full-sized vacuum cleaner - but it's heavy and I'm pretty disinclined to drag it out and use it. It's like this whole ordeal 😄 but the stick vac is light and easy and so small I just keep it in a corner of dd's room. And the hand vac lives next to the sugar glider cage. So dh continues with the full-sized vacuum, but things are much cleaner because I'm supplementing in between. I have that too! I got that idea from here once upon a time, so maybe from you! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 Our cleaning service. Oh, how I miss them while we are distancing! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noreen Claire Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 Having DS11 empty the dishwasher every night after his younger brothers go upstairs for bed. (He is allowed to stay downstairs to read longer if he does this.) It makes my mornings SO MUCH LESS STRESSFUL to wake up to an empty dishwasher...and *I* don't have to do it! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebcoola Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 My phone, aleks, and smartwatch in tandem. They are my excutive function. Roomba!!! Auto pay and auto transfers. Air fryer we use it so much and it is so easy for the kids to use. Online grocery shopping. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 One of mine was a spray bottle (like a quality one from the plant department) with Lysol concentrate and water in it. I used that to spray down the kitchen, table, gave kids a rag and sent them to do the doorknobs, etc. Very low cost and killed germs. My other favorite kitchen tool is the small little brown nylon pan scraper. It is wonderful for getting cooked on food off pots and pans, dried stuff off the countertops, etc. Love those things. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 (edited) Swiffer dusters. Changed my life. My 10x lighted magnifying mirror. Online grocery shopping. Headed to Amazon to check out label makers. 😉 ETA: Oh, I so want one. Label-making peeps: I want labels that can be peeled off without leaving residue. Is that a thing? Edited June 3, 2020 by MercyA 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hs03842 Posted June 3, 2020 Author Share Posted June 3, 2020 16 minutes ago, MercyA said: Headed to Amazon to check out label makers. 😉 ETA: Oh, I so want one. Label-making peeps: I want labels that can be peeled off without leaving residue. Is that a thing? Yay! My Brother PTouch PTD210 doesn't leave residue on anything. I buy the generic label tape refills, and that has gone okay so far, too. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hs03842 Posted June 3, 2020 Author Share Posted June 3, 2020 12 minutes ago, happysmileylady said: bread machine-I would not make homemade bread without it. I mean, I know how, and I could, but I just wouldn't. This is cool! How often do you have to use it, and what machine do you have? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 My sliver/splinter kit. Life changing. I have my magnifying headband so I can see. Then a headlamp to light up the area. Then I have a set of tweezers and needles (sterilize) to get the slivers out. I am very successful with slivers in other people. I am moderately successful at removing them from my own hands....hard if it is in my left hand as I am left handed. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 I think this thread needs links to all gadgets, kitchen tools, etc. 😁 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmrich Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 Wine Seriously...work out equipment at home. Covid made the gym impossible so we took the jump to do a home gym. LOVE IT. Silly thing - new expo markers. Why do I keep the ones that are dying... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Battery operated lawnmower. I love this thing. It’s quiet, light, and there’s no cord or fuel/fumes. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hippiemamato3 Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 DH (well, not a thing but...) 3 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Just now, hippiemamato3 said: DH (well, not a thing but...) Trade ya. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 11 minutes ago, hippiemamato3 said: DH (well, not a thing but...) That's what I thought of first, too! 🙂 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jentrovert Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Robot vac Dishwasher Ryobi line of battery operated tools, with 6 batteries accumulated over the years Impact driver (why so many people stick with a plain drill, other than a few particular applications, is beyond me) A new laptop (this one is huge. I was using an old, slow one and it was such a pain that I would put off doing things.) Everything on auto-pay Grocery pickup The library FINALLY doing online holds! Limit is 10, which is awful, but they allow each of us to have a separate account, so I can do 40 books. Not enough, but much better than 10. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 7 minutes ago, Jentrovert said: Robot vac Dishwasher Ryobi line of battery operated tools, with 6 batteries accumulated over the years Impact driver (why so many people stick with a plain drill, other than a few particular applications, is beyond me) A new laptop (this one is huge. I was using an old, slow one and it was such a pain that I would put off doing things.) Everything on auto-pay Grocery pickup The library FINALLY doing online holds! Limit is 10, which is awful, but they allow each of us to have a separate account, so I can do 40 books. Not enough, but much better than 10. I’m also at my hold limit right now. My library is making me a bit dizzy with three different e-loan platforms. They do kindle, overdrive, and cloud library and they all have different selections. I’m happy for the choices. I haven’t even dipped into their streaming service or e-magazine thing. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintinative Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 (edited) These: for textbooks and spiral notebooks to mark the place where we left off (instead of bookmarks) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NPCD8MW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Edited June 4, 2020 by cintinative 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jentrovert Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 4 minutes ago, KungFuPanda said: I’m also at my hold limit right now. My library is making me a bit dizzy with three different e-loan platforms. They do kindle, overdrive, and cloud library and they all have different selections. I’m happy for the choices. I haven’t even dipped into their streaming service or e-magazine thing. We have Hoopla, and I do use it, but much prefer actual books. It's nice to have options. It felt like they were *never* going to do online holds. The tab was just sitting there, taunting me every time I logged in, for years. The librarians acted like it was no big deal . . . why would I possibly want to simply click and have my husband pick up books when I can drive a half-hour, corral kids, and search myself? And then, a pandemic. Boom! 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmseB Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Rice cooker. Also outsourcing mean planning and grocery list making to emeals. I do not think about dinner except briefly once a week to check what we have and what we need and which recipes I'm going to make. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noreen Claire Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 47 minutes ago, Jentrovert said: The library FINALLY doing online holds! Limit is 10, which is awful, but they allow each of us to have a separate account, so I can do 40 books. Not enough, but much better than 10. I have 100 books on hold/request/in transit right now. This makes me love my local library even more... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jentrovert Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 1 minute ago, Noreen Claire said: I have 100 books on hold/request/in transit right now. This makes me love my local library even more... Oh, that would be wonderful . . . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Dh ❤️ Smartphone Meal planning Cleaning service 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noreen Claire Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 11 minutes ago, Jentrovert said: Oh, that would be wonderful . . . When the library announced that it would be closing (due to covid) in March, we had a 24 hour heads-up from one of the children's librarians. That night, I went through their online catalog and put every single book that I knew my kids liked/would reread/had previously mentioned/looked interesting/was science- or math-related/had a complete series available/was illustrated by Ben Hatke or David Shannon on hold. They called the next morning, and I picked up ALL THE BOOKS. We spent our lockdown with just under 200 library books. They reopened on Monday, curbside pick-up and by appointment only, and all of our books are due back next week. I love my library! Also, I owe them cookies... 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 58 minutes ago, Jentrovert said: We have Hoopla, and I do use it, but much prefer actual books. It's nice to have options. It felt like they were *never* going to do online holds. The tab was just sitting there, taunting me every time I logged in, for years. The librarians acted like it was no big deal . . . why would I possibly want to simply click and have my husband pick up books when I can drive a half-hour, corral kids, and search myself? And then, a pandemic. Boom! Ohhhh, I thought you meant online holds for ebooks. Our libraries are still all closed for real books. I don’t think I ever checked out ebooks until the pandemic. We had online holds for physical books when my kids were little. It was a lifesaver because my son was a maniac toddler and I couldn’t count on being able to browse. I just chased him while DD stocked up and got my own selections at check out. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pintosrock Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 A play structure in our yard. Last summer, we were ambivalent about building one, as we live so close to really good parks. But now that they're all shutdown? "Kid, go outside and play!" Yup, would not give that up for anything! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jentrovert Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 9 minutes ago, Noreen Claire said: When the library announced that it would be closing (due to covid) in March, we had a 24 hour heads-up from one of the children's librarians. That night, I went through their online catalog and put every single book that I knew my kids liked/would reread/had previously mentioned/looked interesting/was science- or math-related/had a complete series available/was illustrated by Ben Hatke or David Shannon on hold. They called the next morning, and I picked up ALL THE BOOKS. We spent our lockdown with just under 200 library books. They reopened on Monday, curbside pick-up and by appointment only, and all of our books are due back next week. I love my library! Also, I owe them 😍😍😍 WOW Our librarians are very nice, but the available services just aren't that robust. Most of the library services in the small towns around me seem geared to things other than books. Needed things, like computers with internet, but it can be frustrating for someone just needing books. It only took a couple weeks for us to read all available children's books that were remotely age-appropriate in my local library, they charge for inter-library loan, and have something like a 4 book limit per person. So we drive a half hour and pay an out-of-county fee at a different library. And still waited years for online hold. 😄 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 When I had babies it was a portable crib. That was awhile ago! Somewhere in-between then and now, I realized all the ways I could use a printer and how helpful that was. The recent two items are a cordless super-light vacuum cleaner, and a foldable cart on wheels. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hs03842 Posted June 4, 2020 Author Share Posted June 4, 2020 1 hour ago, cintinative said: These: for textbooks and spiral notebooks to mark the place where we left off (instead of bookmarks) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NPCD8MW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I have some of those for other things--I'll try this out when we start back! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HS Mom in NC Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Meal planning and all that goes with it: the standing freezer for all my bulk cooking, the instapot, the crockpot, the gas stove, and my 3 ring binder full of tried and true recipes that are color coded. My tea kettle with a thermometer built into the lid. I don't like it when the water is so hot it makes the tea bitter. I want it at 160-170 F. I can make 3 cups in it at a time and use it every morning for green tea and every evening for chamomile tea. Waterproof Kindle. Having so many books in one place and easy to transport is great. Having Kindle Unlimited to check out free books at Amazon is so nice. Reusables: kitchen trash can/diaper pale liners, napkins, dishtowels/cloths, cloth make up remover pads, cleaning cloths, and hemp coffee filters. It doesn't take any longer ( 1 hour) to wash and dry them than it would take to drive to the store, purchase disposables, and drive back home. And it's so much less expensive. I'm in the process of making reusable, quilted Christmas gift bags with scraps from other quilting projects. Battery operated machinery (the same battery fits all of these): weed eater, push mower, chain saw, and extended mini chainsaw. Chauncey, our lawnbot. We have 1.3 acres. Of that, .25 acres is a fenced permaculture food forest and there's a small ornamental/woodland garden that keep us busy. We don't need to mow the grass in addition to that. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 58 minutes ago, CuriousMomof3 said: I am in awe. Your son is the same age as my oldest. There is absolutely no way I could describe my kids as "things that make my life easier". More joyful? Sure. Worth living? Yep. But definitely not easier. Maybe my husband could go in that category, if he wasn't the cause of 2 of those kids. Haha! In general, my 13 yo is challenging and does NOT make my life easier. However, the fact that he and dh do all the heavy yardwork and deal with the machines, does in fact make my life easier. I was a single homeowner for many years and did my own mowing, weed-eating, blowing, hedge trimming etc. I detest that work and am thankful to not even think about it, ever. P.S. What makes my life easier with respect to my ds is summer camp! 😉 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjzimmer1 Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 4 hours ago, rebcoola said: Online grocery shopping. Oh my word I LOATHE online grocery shopping. It takes me hours every week to put together an order than make acceptable substitutions, than stay up to the alloted time when new openings are released then submit my order. then have to go pick it up at a specific time. Grocery shopping is easily double or more the time investment for me now than just going in person. I can't wait until its safer to go back in the stores. But I will say, I'm not a list shopper. I shop the discount bread section first, then the discount produce and then I hit the fresh produce and pick up whatever is reasonable price then I pick up dairy. I buy what's economical and I meal plan based on what's in the house. I don't care about brand in the slightest so scrolling through lists of things to find the best price drives me nuts. None of the grocery stores around here has very good search/sort features for online ordering (at least not the way I'd like to see it). And the grocery store with the best prices/widest selection has the worst site for adding products to an existing order so it takes 3 times as long if you forgot to add something the first time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Autopay for bills. My iPhone for so much but most especially MOBILE DEPOSIT. No more going to the bank, basically ever. I'm a big label maker user as well. A garlic press that allows me to press the garlic out without peeling it or getting peel detritus in my garlic. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Okay, I just bought a label maker. I was dreading labeling all the bins in the craft closet, and now I'm looking forward to it! Thanks! 🙂 When I had an outdoor cat, this Ticked Off tick remover was super helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Thought of another one: no one wears shoes in the house ever, and the dog gets her feet washed every single time she comes in. Our floors never get truly dirty, just dusty. 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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