55 Genius Solutions to Your Most Annoying Everyday Problems
Get ready for an instant stress reduction.
If small aggravations nag at you throughout the day, there’s a good chance that — by the time evening rolls around — you’ll feel like you’ve had it up to here. And while it might seem like taking steps to reduce those stressors will only result in, well, more stress, the truth is there are lots of small tweaks you can make that will help your day run a lot more smoothly. To prove it, here are dozens of budget-friendly fixes to your most exasperating problems. From frustrating cleaning tasks to storage woes, mysterious smells to kitchen troubles, you’ll find a solution here.
01Silicone stove cover that temporarily gives you more counter space
If you’re squeezed for counter space, add this silicone stove cover to your cart, stat. It creates more surface area for food prep, storage, or anything else you can think of. The ridged design even means it works well for draining dishes. Just remember to never put it on top of a hot stove.
- Available sizes: 3
- Available colors: 6
02Bra hangers that free up space in your underwear drawer
These genius hangers can store up to eight bras or tank tops on one narrow hanger, so you can free up space in your underwear drawer without creating a mess in your closet. One Amazon shopper says, “This is a great way to save space in the closet. It holds a good number of tanks and camis and you can double them up on one hook if you want to. It is very lightweight while still being strong and can support as many tanks as you can put on it.”
03Gap covers that keep you from having to move the stove to clean
Trying to clean out the narrow spaces between your appliance and counters is a nightmare, so prevent it with these silicone gap covers. These covers nestle perfectly into the gap next to your stove, creating a smooth surface on the top that blocks debris from falling in. And since they’re made from heat-resistant silicone, they’re practical and easy to clean.
- Available colors: 5
04Wedge pillow that fills the gap between the mattress & headboard
Stop losing things into the abyss that is the gap between your mattress and headboard with this gap filler pillow. Shaped like a long wedge, it fits into the space and fills it with lush padding, thanks to high-density foam. It comes compressed for shipping, expanding fully within 24 hours of unboxing. Choose from nine sizes and four colors.
- Available sizes: 9
- Available colors: 4
05Portable blackout shade for better sleeping conditions on the go
If you require total darkness for your optimal shut-eye conditions, this blackout shade is for you. It comes packed in a convenient travel bag for portability and is equipped with suction cups, so you can set it up anywhere, whether that’s at a hotel or a friend’s guest room. As a bonus, it can even help block excess noise.
- Available colors: 5
06Repair compound that fixes wall holes in minutes
Make wall repairs up to three times faster with this lightweight, primer-enhanced spackle by 3M. Perfect for fixing nicks, picture frame holes, and even larger holes up to 3 inches in diameter, the spackle resists shrinking, cracking, and sagging. It even firmly holds nails and screws post-repair.
07Headphones hook... so you can always find them
If you always struggle to keep tabs your headphones, this simple hook is an easy solution. It attaches to the edge of a desk, shelf, or other flat surface with an adjustable clamp and features a wide, padded hook at the bottom. As a bonus, it keeps your headphones safe from bumps and scuffs that might occur by keeping them in a drawer.
- Available colors: 8
08Door draft blocker that prevents heat & cooling loss
Tackle chilly gusts of air (or blasts of heat) with this under-door draft stopper. It has a unique, double-sided design that offers you even more coverage when it comes to troublesome drafts. It consists of two foam tubes that you can trim to your desired length for a perfect fit. Just slide it underneath your door — it’ll help reduce noise, too.
09Bumpers that help prevent cabinet slamming
Protect your home from accidental damage and startling slams with these sound-dampening cabinet bumpers. These tiny bumpers are made from springy rubber and feature a transparent design, allowing them to blend right in with your cabinetry and furniture. Since they come with pre-applied adhesive, you can just stick them into place. Use them to prevent surface damage from picture frames and vases, too.
10No-bounce running pouch to safely secure your belongings
Make your workout routine more convenient with this helpful no-bounce magnetic pouch. Simply place the back flap behind your waistband and it will seal closed against the front panel thanks to the internal magnets. It boasts a convenient pocket in the front, perfect for storing your phone, keys, cash, and more.
11Car console organizer that gives you the storage you *actually* need
You really can’t have too much storage in your car, and this console pocket organizer nearly doubles your existing space. It has a flat panel that wedges between the console and the seat and offers two additional cupholders and a center compartment for stashing snacks, phones, and small belongings.
- Available colors: 6
12Fridge liners that miraculously prevent premature food spoilage
If your produce tends to go bad before you can eat it, these refrigerator shelf liners can help. They’re made from absorbent foam to help wick away moisture that can lead to spoiling and they also elevate fruits and vegetables to promote better ventilation. You can even trim them to size for a perfect fit.
- Available colors: 8
13Universal travel adapter that ensures you always have the right socket on hand
This universal travel adapter is the perfect companion for your international adventures. It has slide-out prongs that are compatible for in-wall powering in Australia, the U.K., and the E.U., as well as right here in the United States. Not only will it convert for standard plug-in devices, it also has USB and USB-C ports as well, offering up tons of versatility.
14Corner grippers that stop your rug from sliding around
Tackle both practical and aesthetic concerns all at once with these rug corner grippers. They’re equipped with adhesive, so you can stick them to the bottom corners of your rug with ease, creating a grippy effect that both weighs down curling edges and prevents rugs from sliding out of place.
15Computer monitor boards that keep your memos where you can see them
Keep all your notes and to-do lists front and center, so you can stay on task with these monitor memo boards. The transparent boards are backed with adhesive — just stick them in place and you’ll have created the perfect spot for sticky notes and other reminders. The set includes boards for both sides of your monitor.
16Genius jar spatula that saves you money on food products
This jar spatula is an excellent way to save your cash and prevent food waste. This clever little tool has a long handle, with a scraper that fits into even narrow jars to help get every last drop of peanut butter, jam, mayo, or anything else. Not to mention, this excellent little tool does a better job of spreading than a standard knife.
- Available colors: 3
17Under-sink mat that catches moisture before it spills over
Get peace of mind and protect your cabinetry at the same time with this under-sink mat. Not only is it made from waterproof material with a ridged design that elevates your items in the event of a leak, but also has raised sides that helps prevent moisture from spilling over before you’ve had a chance to tackle the problem. As a bonus, it also shields your cabinets from wear and tear.
- Available sizes: 15
18Adhesive clips that keep your cables right where you need them
Say goodbye to your rat’s nest of tangled chargers, thanks to these cable clips. Each clip is equipped with a spring-loaded “door” that opens up and locks your cord into place, ensuring it won’t slip away. You can arrange these cable clips anywhere you like, too, thanks to the convenient adhesive backing.
- Available colors: 3
19Supportive couch insert that props up sagging cushions
There’s no need to replace your sagging furniture — just use this couch and chair cushion support instead. It consists of wooden planks inside an accordion-folded fabric casing, which allows you to trim it to size. Just slip it under the cushion to remedy any sagging and give your furniture a boost in comfort and aesthetics.
- Available sizes: 8
20Chair leg covers that put an end to scratches & scraping
Ensure your chairs glide effortlessly across your flooring thanks to these chair leg covers. They’re made from flexible silicone, ensuring they can stretch to fit over a variety of furniture leg shapes. The bottoms feature a soft felt layer to promote easy movement without any scratches or scuffs.
- Available colors: 5
21Utensil rest that keeps your counters cleaner
You won’t have to wipe down your counters every time you cook, thanks to this clever utensil rest. The tray has four grooves to gently cradle your kitchen tools, allowing them to drip over the tray and not your clean surfaces. And since it’s made from silicone, you can simply run it through the dishwasher when it needs a cleaning.
- Available colors: 23
22Coffee maker cleaning tablets that rid your machine of mineral buildup
If your morning brew is starting to taste off, it might be time to put this coffee maker cleaner to work. All you have to do is place a concentrated tablet into a full water reservoir and run a cycle, taking care to add a follow-up cycle to rinse away any residue. Better yet, you can use this with standard drip coffee makers as well as single-serve machines. One reviewer wrote, “The difference in the taste of my coffee was noticeable immediately – it was as though I had upgraded to a higher quality coffee.”
23Defrosting tray for when you forget to take the meat out on time
Quit panicking when you forget to thaw the meat and just get this defrosting tray instead. It’s made from conductive aluminum to help draw away the chill faster, so it thaws meat in about half the time. The results are even and the flavor of your food won’t be impacted. One reviewer wrote, “I have alway been terrible about pulling meat from freeze early in the day to defrost. This tray allows me the ability to pull from freezer and thaw much quicker without water or microwave.”
24Over-the-door straps that store your hats without damaging them
Keep your hats in optimal condition while freeing up closet space with this over-the-door cap organizer. It comes with two hanging straps that loop over the top of your door. Each strap has nine hooks, allowing you to neatly display 18 hats at once. It works for both fitted hats as well as adjustable-back caps.
25Duster that solves the problem of cleaning your blinds
Cut down on cleaning time with this totally unique window blinds duster. It has three prongs that fit into a microfiber dusting sheath, allowing you to clean both the tops and bottoms of two blinds at once. Just slip the tool in between the blinds and squeeze the handle to bring the prongs closer together for a nice, tight fit for dusting and cleaning.
26Organizing pouch that keeps your essentials right where you can see them
Maximize your car storage with this handy sun visor organizer that can help you avoid misplacing essential documents. Just secure it over your visor with the stretchy elastic straps and you’ll enjoy a large central pocket as well as a bevy of smaller compartments for stashing cards, insurance documents, and more. There’s even a clip for your sunglasses, too.
- Available colors: 3
27Window screen repair tape that finally patches that one hole
There’s no need to replace a whole screen door or window just because of a small tear, thanks to this clever screen repair tape. Backed with adhesive, it has a mesh design that mimics your existing screen and all you have to do is stick it in place over the hole or rip to cover it up. It’ll promote proper airflow while still keeping bugs out, all while saving you cash.
28Stainless steel spray that even helps prevent future smudges
Get your appliances in tip-top shape while cutting down on future cleaning, thanks to this stainless steel cleaner kit. It comes with a cleaning spray with a lovely lavender scent, plus a microfiber cloth to effortlessly buff in the solution. Not only does it clean up your steel, it also creates a barrier to help your appliances repel future smudges.
29Soil water meters that help your plant thrive — even without a green thumb
If your plants are constantly dying on you, it’s time to call for reinforcements in the form of these soil moisture meters. Simply drive the stake into the soil of your plant, and the analog meter will swing from dry to moist to wet, allowing you to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Use them on both indoor and outdoor plants.
30Lockable elastic shoelaces you never need to tie
If you loathe tying (and retying) your shoes, you can transform any pair of traditional lace-up sneakers into slip-ons with these elastic shoelaces. Just thread them through the loops and use the sliding clip to adjust the tension. Available in 13 colors, they’re great for anyone looking to make getting dressed easier in the morning, offering a custom, snug, and comfortable fit, while also reducing pressure on the tops of your feet.
- Available colors: 13
31Boot scrapers that get the gunk off — & keep it outside, too
Keep your footwear and your floors clean as a whistle with the help of this boot scraper. It removes mud, snow, and dirt effortlessly, thanks to the bristles that tackle both the bottoms and sides of your shoes. The sturdy metal frame and stiff bristles provide durability, while the fold-out flaps on each side give your other foot traction as you scrape.
32Feeding mats that keep food & water *off* the floor
Keep your floors free from pet food crumbs and water spills with this food mat for the floor. Available in five colors and five sizes, it’s made with raised edges to contain spillage while a nonslip diamond pattern prevents sliding. It’s made of durable, food-friendly silicone and even comes with a five-year warranty.
- Available sizes: 5
- Available colors: 5
33The cleaning tool designed specifically for pesky baseboards
Tackle your hard-to-clean baseboards and crown moldings with the Baseboard Buddy, a tool that makes reaching those areas a little easier and a lot less stressful. The extendable aluminum handle reaches up to 4 feet, so there’s no need to strain or reach, and the flexible head swivels 360 degrees for all-over cleaning. It comes with three washable and resuable cleaning pads that can be used wet or dry.
34Stirring tool that blends your separated peanut butter
Keep your peanut butter well mixed with this innovative, crank-based peanut butter stirrer. Especially helpful for natural butters, the spiral-shaped tool reintegrates any oil that’s separated from the rest of your butter. It also comes with a scraper to clean the stirrer.
35The screen cleaner that solves a tricky home maintenance task
This mesh screen cleaner solves the mystery of how to clean your window and door screens without having to remove them. The dual-sided brush has long fibers that dig deep into holes for a thorough scrubbing, without causing damage. The handle is detachable for versatility, allowing you to reach up high or use it as a handheld tool for extra leverage. Try it on your couch and upholstery, too.
36Outlet extender that buys you the plug-in space you really need
Increase your charging power, literally, with this five-outlet extender that boasts a 4.7-star overall rating after more than 83,000 reviews. The multifunctional extender plugs right into your existing socket and gives you five AC outlets, plus four USB ports, so you can power up a total of nine devices at once. It’s angled to offer wide spacing for larger adapters and has a built-in surge protector for safety.
- Available colors: 3
37Broom & mop grippers that free up valuable floor space
These broom and mop holders by Command stick right onto your wall without any tools necessary, thanks to the durable adhesive backing. Each one can hold a handled cleaning tool up to 4 pounds in weight, automatically adjusting itself for a perfect fit. It’s designed to not damage surfaces and works on painted walls, glass, laminate, and more.
38Taco holders for less messy taco Tuesdays
Make taco Tuesdays way less messy with this genius metal taco holder set. The pack includes six V-shaped holders that can hold three tacos each, helping keep the tortillas upright and the contents inside. They have convenient handles on both ends for easy portability and double as hot dog holders, too.
39Nonslip furniture pads that keep the legs from shifting
Keep your furniture firmly in place with these nonslip furniture stoppers. Use them underneath your couch, bed, stools, and more to prevent slipping and sliding — as well as damage to hardwood and tile. They’re made of flexible rubber to grip the floor and even have noise-limiting technology to minimize sounds. Choose from seven sizes and two colors.
- Available sizes: 7
- Available colors: 2
40Hanger hooks that multiply space in a crammed closet
Instantly maximize your closet space with this pack of hanger hooks. The set includes 100 hooks that attach to your standard hangers, allowing for vertical hanging, instead of side-by-side storage on the rod. They’re made from durable material with smooth edges to protect your clothing.
- Available colors: 2
41Portable dog water bottle that keeps your pup hydrated without a hassle
Keep your four-legged friend hydrated while on the go with this portable dog water bottle. Ideal for walks, hikes, or car rides, it has a built-in bowl at the end of the bottle — just press the button to dispense the water when your pup is ready to drink. It’s lightweight and has a leakproof design.
- Available colors: 6
- Available sizes: 3
42Compact Apple watch charger for on-the-go power
Keep your Apple watch charged up and ready to go with this convenient portable charger. Its small and portable design fits easily in your bag or pocket and the built-in magnets allow for easy alignment and speedy charging. It’s compatible with all Apple watch types and the USB connectivity allows you to charge it anywhere, any time.
- Available sizes: 6
- Available colors: 4
43Charcoal deodorizing bags that eliminate any weird smells
Naturally eliminate unwelcome odors with these bamboo charcoal air-purifying bags. They absorb smells from spaces like your closet, car, or even gym bag, and come in a convenient 12-pack, so you can stash them in multiple places. Each bag lasts up to two years and a couple hours in the sunlight every month or so will keep their odor-fighting powers strong.
44The 3-in-1 cooler that makes lukewarm beverages a thing of the past
Keep your beverages nice and cold with this three-in-one drink cooler. It can be used as a can insulator, bottle insulator, or as a water bottle — just screw on the top piece to create a drinking vessel. It’s made from durable stainless steel and comes with a bottle opener and a bottle stopper.
- Available sizes: 2
- Available colors: 9
45Narrow cleaning brushes that get into those impossible-to-reach spots
Clean even the toughest-to-reach spaces with this narrow cleaning brush set. Each sturdy brush has a comfortable, nonslip handle for an easy grip and a narrow head with long bristles to thoroughly clean tight spaces and corners. Use it in drains, on windowsills, grout lines, and more.
- Available colors: 8
46Lids for your beverage cans that lock in the fizz
Keep your canned beverages fizzy in between sip sessions with this six-pack of soda can lids. Instead of carbonated beverages going flat or stale, they keep your favorite canned drinks fresh and bubbly, while protecting them from bugs and preventing spills, too. They’re made of durable, BPA-free plastic and are even dishwasher safe.
- Available colors: 7
47Lazy Susan that makes it possible to reach what’s in the back of the fridge
Upgrade the organization in your fridge while making things easily accessible, too, with this lazy Susan specifically for your refrigerator. Arrange items on top and enjoy smooth rotation that brings items in the back directly to your fingertips. Choose from three different sizes to fit your fridge perfectly.
- Available sizes: 3
48Toothpaste squeezers that cut down on wasted product
Make sure you’re getting every last drop out of your toothpaste with this two-pack of toothpaste squeezers. Each squeezer is designed to fit all standard toothpaste tubes and features a manual crank that rolls the tube up little by little, pushing the paste upward.
- Available colors: 3
49Highly rated trunk organizer that brings order to messy cars
Keep your car tidy and chaos free with this foldable car trunk organizer. Featuring three big compartments and twelve pockets for ample storage, it’s collapsible and waterproof while fitting all vehicle types including compact cars and large SUVs. It also has reinforced handles for easy carrying and nonslip strips to keep it in place.
- Available colors: 9
50Magnetic wristband that keeps you from dropping hardware
Almost like having another set of (magnetic) hands, this magnetic wristband is ideal when you’re working with tiny hardware that has a tendency to fall, roll, or disappear. It has 10 powerful magnets that will securely attract and hold screws, nails, and drill bits, while keeping them readily accessible. It’s also adjustable to fit all wrist sizes.
51Ergonomic phone & tablet stand that gives your hands a much-needed break
For the times you need hands-free use of your phone or tablet, this adjustable stand certainly comes in handy. Also designed to promote better posture, it has an ergonomic height range of 7.1 inches to 8.5 inches and adjustable viewing angles. The anti-slip silicone bottom helps keep it in place on any flat surface.
- Available colors: 9
52Garlic peeler that does all the work for you
Keep your hands clean and free from that hard-to-get-rid-of garlic smell, thanks to this garlic peeler tube. Just grab a whole clove, put it in the sleeve and roll it on a flat surface — it easily peels away the outer layers without stinking up your hands as the interior ridges do all the work. When done, toss it in the dishwasher — it’s that easy.
53Hard water stain remover that works like magic
Hard water stains are no match for this baking soda cream cleanser by fan-favorite brand Mrs. Meyer’s. It effortlessly tackles mineral buildup wherever you find it: the shower, sink, pots and pans — you name it. It has a light lemon verbena scent and is gentle on surfaces. One reviewer raved, “This stuff is the best! It took me all of 10 minutes to have my deep double sided sink to be shiny and new again.”
54Battery organizer & tester that’s so much better than having a chaotic drawer
Keep your batteries neat, organized, and accessible with this organizer that can hold up to 93 batteries of various sizes. Complete with a transparent lid for see-through identification, it even includes a removable battery tester so you can check the power before use. Keep it in a drawer or mount it to your garage wall to save space.
- Available colors: 5
55Ultra-absorbent dog doormat that keeps your entryway free of muddy paw prints
Keep your floors clean and your pup’s paws dry with this absorbent dog doormat. Available in 15 colors and 11 sizes to perfectly suit your space, it’s made of soft chenille that effectively soaks up moisture, dirt, and mud. The bottom features an anti-slip rubber base and the low-profile design won’t limit the function of your door.
- Available sizes: 11
- Available colors: 15
56Belt hanger that displays your collection in your closet
Tired of your belts slipping off hangers in your closet? This belt hanger is specifically designed to hold up to 25 belts at a time on eight prongs, complete with a swivel function. The sturdy metal construction ensures durability and the rotation makes it easy to find what you need and grab it in seconds.
- Available colors: 2