Helpful Hacks That Work In A Pinch
Don't you wish life could be easier? Many might share that dream, but now, you're one step closer to achieving that.
Once you're done with this article, you'll have a ton of life hacks at your disposal that should help you with everyday tasks that might otherwise be annoying. Thank us later.
"If You Don't Have The Right Size Batteries"
![when you're out of batteries aaa batteries used in device that needs aa batteries, using pennies to make them fit](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/when-youre-out-of-batteries-58734.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Many people could use a hack like this.
Science proves that this strategy works if you don't have the right batteries, so be sure to keep some spare pennies around.
When You Don't Have Time To Iron
![ironing a shirt shirt hung above a stove with two pots of boiling water](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ironing-a-shirt-87662.jpg?width=728&height=971)
If you don't have time to iron, here's one way to get the wrinkles out of your shirt.
While you're handling business elsewhere around the house, set this up and get your shirt ready.
"I Don't Have A Meat Tenderizer, So I Improvised"
![tender your meat fork taped to a hammer](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/tender-your-meat-77476.jpg?width=800&height=1067)
Here's one way to improvise. She needed a way to tenderize her meat, so she opened her mind.
A hammer with a fork attached isn't something you usually see, but it'll work.
When You Have To Hide Extra Cables
![extra cables extra cables on the wall in cityscape design](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/extra-cables-25926.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Even if you don't have a cable issue, you might know someone else who does.
Tell them they can create designs from them and liven up their living room like this picture.
For Insurance
![alarm clock stab alarm clock with thumbtacks on the snooze button](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/alarm-clock-stab-50676.jpg?width=800&height=652)
Turning off the alarm is so easy when you're tired, but not with this.
If you try and slap this bad boy, your hand will be in pain for a while.
Binder Clips For The Win
![hanging food hanging food in the freezer with binder clips](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/hanging-food-47002.jpg?width=800&height=551)
Keep your freezer goods safe and free up more room by using binder clips.
It's a simple idea, but it goes a long way for your freezer and your food.
"The Second Life Of A Child's Crib"
![a crib crib repurposed into a tie rack](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/a-crib-97647.jpg?width=800&height=800)
Does this even look like a crib? Who knew a crib could provide so much help for people with ties?
Now, you don't have to waste all that money spent on baby cribs once they grow out of it.
"A Child Safety Lock For A Razor'
![safety lock for razor a razor in a pill bottle](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/safety-lock-for-razor-53569.jpg?width=800&height=1067)
This is a pretty good way to keep your kids away from razors.
If they accidentally cut themselves with one of these, they might never want to shave when they grow up.
When The Husband Had To Clean Up
![easy xmas A christmas tree wrapped in cellophane](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/easy-xmas-28497.jpg?width=800&height=1324)
The woman who took this picture doesn't know if this is a life hack or laziness on her husband's part.
I want to call it both, but that isn't a bad thing that it's a lazy thing.
"My Wife's Hair Clip Turned Out To Be An Excellent Charging Cable Organizer"
![wife clip person used hair clip to organize wires](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/wife-clip-74931.jpg?width=800&height=1067)
Dealing with wires can be a hassle. I'm always thankful whenever someone has a way to help.
Using a hair clip looks like it can help organize things pretty well.
Keep The Dogs Out
![dog trash metal crate around trash can to keep pets/children out](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/dog-trash-32574.jpg?width=800&height=1067)
If your dog loves digging in the trash for your dinner scraps, put a cage around it.
They won't bother going in if they see the junk set up like this.
A Smart Idea For Wine Lovers
![grapes chill frozen grapes in wine instead of ice cubes](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/grapes-chill-59504.jpg?width=605&height=596)
Since they make wine with grapes, this is the best idea you can have to keep your drink cool without watering it down.
Plus, you can eat the grapes when you're done.
Say Bye To Dishes After Popcorn
![no dishes Popcorn bag opened along the face for easy snacking](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/no-dishes-12157.jpg?width=800&height=1040)
Please, wait until the bag isn't scorching hot before you try cutting this open.
Once it cools down a bit, you can grab some scissors and start cutting your hole in the bag.
When You Don't Have Room For Everything
![microwave hack two plates in a microwave, one with an empty glass in the middle, and the other on top of that glass](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/microwave-hack-51347.jpg?width=800&height=533)
When you don't have room for everything, you can stack things up using a glass. This way, you won't have to heat them in two separate sessions.
Make sure the glass is microwave-safe!
Using A Lint Roller For Your Screen Door
![lint roller for screens lint roller being used on a screen door](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/lint-roller-for-screens-24315.jpg?width=800&height=533)
You're probably saying to yourself, "why didn't I think of this sooner?!"
Yeah, it makes sense once you see it, but it isn't something you'd think about regularly unless you're a lint expert.
Not Enough Room?
![drinks on the side six-packs of drinks on the side on the cart to save space](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/drinks-on-the-side-84255.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=205&left=0&zoom=0.666666666667)
If you have drinks like these and you don't have room in your cart, stick the beverages on the side as you see here.
They'll be safe, and you can free up space.
Use Your Peanut Butter Lids
![peanut butter lid peanut butter lid used to make burger patties](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/peanut-butter-lid-30133.jpg?width=800&height=533)
You're probably wondering what these can do. Peanut butter lids are a perfect size if you want to make burgers.
Put the meat in and mold it in the middle.
Turn Old Socks Into Doll Clothes
![old sock on doll barbie clothes made out of an old sock](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/old-sock-on-doll-36692.jpg?width=800&height=1036)
You can use an old sock as clothes for your kid's dolls.
It can be a nice dress for the doll, so you don't have to see Barbie without clothes every day.
Fix That Stench
![wax melt block of wax in a cup](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/wax-melt-92959.jpg?width=800&height=1018)
Here's a quick hack for fixing the smell in your car. You don't need a fancy car freshener when you have a bit of wax melt and a plastic cup.
Let your car melt the scented wax and fill your car with beautiful smells.
Help With Picking Up Glass
![tape for glass person used tape to pick up broken glass in car](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/tape-for-glass-98784.jpg?width=800&height=767)
Picking up glass isn't fun at all. When you get to the little pieces, you more than likely don't get them all.
Use a piece of tape for the tiny pieces.
Save Your Money
![change the colors color on lightbulbs with crayola markers to create colored lighting](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/change-the-colors-26629.jpg?width=800&height=1022)
Save your money on buying expensive colored lights.
Grab a marker and start coloring the bulb whichever color you wish to see it change to before your eyes. It's very effective.
Make Moving Easier
![use trash bags when moving clothes hung up in trash bags on hangers](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/use-trash-bags-when-moving-72704.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Moving is a drain, but you can make packing and unpacking clothes easier.
Scoop them all in trash bags like this so you can hang them as soon as you get to your new destination.
Soften Butter With Ease
![melting butter Using a hot drinking glass to melt butter](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/melting-butter-29574.jpg?width=800&height=1153)
If you don't want to melt butter but need to soften it, this is for you.
Put boiling water in a cup and after emptying it, place the cups over the butter.
"I Saw This On The Local News This Morning And Just Had To Share"
![bike bumper pool noodle tied to bike to make cars keep their distance](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bike-bumper-19259.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Bicyclists doing this have a concern over the bad motorists in the city.
The pool noodle makes the bike about the length of a vehicle, so it's tougher to make a mistake with the biker.
Cooking For One
![foil to help Using foil to make a smaller casserole](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/foil-to-help-85419.jpg?width=800&height=533)
If you don't have a small enough oven-safe dish for cooking, you can use foil to bridge the gap.
Sometimes you need to cook for one, and there's nothing wrong with that.
Kids Love Juice Boxes
![trick the kids putting medicine in juice box](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/trick-the-kids-88245.jpg?width=800&height=776)
Have you ever met a kid who didn't love juice boxes? You can use those things to trick any kid you've ever met.
This time, this parent made their child sip their medicine.
A Genius Idea
![stapler remover person using a staple remover to open up keyring](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/stapler-remover-57747.jpg?width=800&height=492)
Using your fingers to open your keyrings isn't very easy or fun.
Using a staple remover to do your dirty work is one of the smartest things I've seen in a while.
This Period Hack
![underwear hack putting two pads on underwear](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/underwear-hack-47866.jpg?width=800&height=800)
If you have a long day ahead of you and don't have time to fret and check to make sure you haven't bled through your pad, simply use two!
Lots of people have issues with their pads moving around, so simply lay one hotdog style and then layer it with a hamburger style one on top. This will help prevent extra leaks and stop your pad from twisting around throughout the day.
Pull A Marie Kondo
![marie kondo Using shower curtain rings to hang many tops on a single hanger](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/marie-kondo-49916.jpg?width=800&height=1028)
When you can't fit your tanks in the drawer, you can always pull a Marie Kondo.
Find a bigger hanger and some curtain rings to hang them on like you see in this photo.
Here's A Quick Thinker
![keurig hot noodles using a keurig to make a cup of instant noodles](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/keurig-hot-noodles-45756.jpg?width=800&height=1030)
Before you attempt this, please make sure there isn't a pod in the slot.
Also, be sure to clean it first, or there might be coffee bean residue in your noodles.
Freshen Up Your Room With Dryer Sheets
![sheets for room dryer sheets placed over vent to create air freshener](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/sheets-for-room-10450.jpg?width=800&height=509)
Dryer sheets help a lot. Not only will they keep your clothes fresh in the dryer, but they'll also freshen up your room if you hang them up where there's some airflow.
Don't let your room stink again.
Say Goodbye To Cereal Dust
![cereal dust using a colander to sift out cereal dust](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cereal-dust-59430.jpg?width=800&height=600)
If you're at the end of a box of cereal and want to eat what's left but don't want all that dust, then the answer is simple: just pour the cereal through a sifter!
This is beyond genius.
Who Doesn't Love Watching TV In Bed?
![hanger dvd player someone using hangers to hold up an iPad on the top bunk of a bed so they can watch it on the bottom bunk](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/hanger-dvd-player-48387.jpg?width=800&height=801)
If you have a bunk bed and want to try and find a way to watch some stories while you're lying in bed, then this is the solution for you!
Use two hangers to balance your iPad and you're good to go.
Why Didn't I Think Of This?
![counter space is a no someone putting their chopping board on the drawer in their kitchen](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/counter-space-is-a-no-37488.jpg?width=800&height=600)
The solution is so simple and it's been right there all along!
The only trouble with this is hopefully your drawer is strong enough to handle all that chopping of veggies.
Now That's Something Else
![book time in the tub kid using a hook and a dog leash to gold their book from falling in the tub](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/book-time-in-the-tub-17644.jpeg?width=800&height=600)
This little girl has cracked the code to reading in the tub.
If you relax and lean back and sometimes drop your book in the tub, worry no more, just use the dog's leash and it will never happen again.
You Have To Keep The Coffee Fresh
![fresh coffee office using two coffee cups on top of each other to make a little dial to keep track of when the coffee was made](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/fresh-coffee-66119.jpg?width=800&height=1066)
Using two little cups stacked on top of one another is a great way to keep track of the last time the coffee was brewed so that the coffee is always fresh!
So brilliant.
If It Works, It Works
![camera with binoculars someone taking a picture through binoculars of a baseball game](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/camera-with-binoculars-36714.jpg?width=800&height=800)
This is actually really smart if the pictures turn out well!
This guy is really committed to whatever he's doing. Look at that pencil behind his ear like he's all serious.
It Just Works For Everyone
![tent for sand people using a tent in their kid's sandbox](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/tent-for-sand-78842.jpg?width=800&height=1151)
Putting up a tent in the sandbox is genius.
It really takes away all the problems that come with having one—like a cat using it at night, the sun getting to your kid, and no more grass!
This Is Really Cute
![lego hands for cables someone using a little Lego minifig to hold their charging cables](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/lego-hands-for-cables-85464.jpg?width=800&height=800)
Most of us have some extra LEGOs lying around, so why not put them to good use?
Their hands are just the right size to hold the charging cables for most phones.
Don't Throw Those Water Bottles Away
![toll house chips someone using the top of a water bottle to keep chocolate chips fresh](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/toll-house-chips-79161.jpg?width=800&height=533)
If you take the top of a water bottle off, you can use it as a cap for bags that don't reseal.
Just put the bag through the top of the bottle and then screw the cap back on.
Never Make A Mistake Again
![screw template using the photocopy of the bottom of something to put the screws in the right place](https://www.moneypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/screw-template-80341.jpg?width=800&height=801)
This is genius! It stops you from having to do all that measuring and leaving some of it to guesswork if you're lazy.
Now just a photocopy will do just fine.