I love getting things organized and updating the house. It makes me feel like I have a handle on something in the normally hectic and chaotic life I lead. If those updates are quick and inexpensive, all the better. Here are some amazingly simple ways to make life easier in your home- for cheap.
- Use Command Hooks for the dishtowels
My dishtowels need to hang in a convenient place without causing damage to the cabinets. Easy solution: use the removable 3M Command Hooks. The metal bathroom hooks coordinate with my existing kitchen cabinet pulls.
- Small 3M hooks for curling iron, hair dryer, and straightening iron
Again, I was looking to add storage with out damaging the cabinets. The smaller, clear 3M Command Hooks worked well here, too. I added a few under the bathroom vanity to hang my hair dryer, curling irons and straightening iron. They are convenient without monopolizing precious drawer or cabinet space.
- Magnetic Door Stopper
This is incredibly easy to install, can be picked up at your local hardware store, and is available in a variety of finishes. My laundry room door always swings shut which is not convenient if carrying a full laundry basket. Problem solved by installing a magnetic door stop. I also added one to the garage entry door so it can be propped open when carrying in bags of groceries. Do you train for the Mom Olympics, too, by trying to carry as much in at one time as possible? Load up those grocery bags and gallons of milk, the door won’t hold you back now!
- Baskets by sinks to hold lotion, scrubbers, rings, etc
Clutter around the sink is frustrating, especially with the constant wiping up of drips and spills. Adding a small wire basket with hooks creates an attractive place to keep lotion, veggie or nail scrubbers, towels, rings and watches, you name it. Once more, I didn’t want to damage the cabinets so I opted to use the clear 3M Command Hooks. Those things can be used anywhere!
- Guide lights by Snap Power for kitchen backsplash or in dark hallways
I wanted to light up dark hallways and along my backsplash but I did not want to take up the outlets with a plug in, bulky night light. These are great to illuminate any dark area and automatically turn on or off using the built in sensor. There are no batteries or wires. It is as easy as replacing the outlet cover. I have the original style because I bought these years ago, but now they have a newer version in white, light almond, ivory or black. See them here.
- Add USB charging outlet by Snap Power
This is as easy as switching out the outlet cover. It can literally be done in only a few minutes. The covers come in white, light almond and ivory. The one I have featured here is one of the original designs. Now they have a sleeker look, check them out here.
- Silverware organizer for hair accessories and makeup in bathroom drawer
Get your bathroom drawer in order by utilizing a silverware organizer. I purchased two at Ikea for less than a dollar each, but feel free to invest in more stylish or colorful ones that make you happy. Adding these organizers to my bathroom drawer keeps everything in place. I no longer need to fish around in the drawer to find a bobby pin or hair tie. Not only do things look more organized, but it is more efficient. I like saving time…and money.
- Motion detector light for a dark linen closet
Credit goes to my husband for this one. He installed this motion detector light for our linen closet. The closet was poorly lit and that made finding what we needed difficult. In only a few minutes that problem was solved. Good job, babe!
- Use bins and baskets in closets
Corral similar items together in linen closets or pantries. Bins or baskets allow items to stay organized and contained while keeping your closet looking less cluttered. Labeled bins help identify and locate items, as well as, aiding others in returning items to their proper places. A mom can dream. Under the shelf baskets help keep storage lids contained or clear up precious drawer space by organizing long food wrap products.
- Switch regular outlets for recessed outlets.
An absolute must if you want to plug anything in behind a piece of furniture. This will take a little more time than sticking a Command Hook on the wall, but it is so worth it. Here is a step by step tutorial to guide you through installing a recessed outlet.
Now that I have typed this up, I am noticing a theme. Apparently I have a thing for light, outlets, and hooks. Well, regardless of my current obsessions, this list of ideas will help get your home organized and updated for very little investment of time or money. If you are not feeling particularly handy, these updates will give you the confidence you need to tackle a more complex project. You have so got this. Enjoy making your house a home!💙
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The switch plates are very cool. I hate using an outlet to plug in a nitelight or charge a device. I live in an older house and in most rooms there are very few outlets. I also could really use bins. My problem is too many different containers of various pasta for my Italian family. The simple pasta containers won’t work I don’t think because we just have too many different types, plus I want them in original packaging for the time instructions. I was thinking maybe a magazine holder for all the tall skinny types like spaghetti and fettuccine.
I agree, the switch plates are great. Why use up precious outlet space if you don’t have to, right? I bought a large collection of containers that I keep my various pastas in, they even had some pretty tall ones! Sometimes I cut off the instructions and tape it to the container to keep them easy to read but the ingredients in their prime condition. The magazine holder would be interesting, would love to see the results if you do go that route.