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This post was originally published in March 2021 and has been updated.
Busy schedules and never-ending to-do lists mean we're always thinking about how we can simplify our routines. We love to shop smarter to save cash. But we're also always on the lookout for products that can save some time too. Because everyone could use an extra hour at the end of the day to focus on what’s important to them.
We’ve rounded up things that’ll shave minutes (or more) off everyday tasks. So you can reclaim what’s yours. How you spend that newfound free time is up to you. Enjoy.
A blow-dryer that’s also a brush for salon-like blowouts…
But at a fraction of the cost. And no, you don’t have to be an expert to use it. It features three heat settings, plus a cool option for styling. It’ll give you smooth, bouncy locks within minutes. So you can skip the trip to your stylist. The round design helps to create volume. Hello, good hair days. ($34.54, Amazon)
A set of clear bins to help organize your fridge…
Zero order means that things get shoved to the back and then expire. With these bins, you’ll be able to group like items (yogurts, fruits, veggies). So you can see what you have without rummaging around. No more time spent searching for that cheese stick you swore you saw the other day. ($37.49/6 pack, Amazon)
A set of containers that’ll keep your produce fresh for more than a few days…
Seriously. Lettuce won’t wilt. Blueberries won’t mold. These containers regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide flow, so they keep your precious produce from spoiling. Plus, the built-in filter never needs to be replaced. Now you won’t need to run to the grocery store just to pick up more veggies and fruit. ($13.49+, Amazon)
A drawer insert if your delicates are literally overflowing…
These inserts have pockets for things like bras and underwear. So your stuff stays folded even after you take a pair out. You’ll also be able to see how many pairs you have left before a necessary laundry day. Looking for that one specific sports bra for your cardio workout? Now you’ll be able to spot it instantly. ($15.97, Amazon)
A veggie chopper since you’ve spent too much time trying to cut a mushroom…
Put the knife down. This multi-chopper has five different size blades. So you’ll be able to dice tomatoes, onions, and peppers quickly and efficiently. The kit also includes a peeler, cleaning brush, and bin so your ingredients won’t be rolling all over your kitchen countertop. Cooking dinner just got a lot more enjoyable. ($24.97, Amazon)
An egg cooker so you don’t have to stand over the stove in the morning...
This tiny gadget takes out the guesswork. Choose your preferred style (hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or omelet) and set the timer. Then jump in the shower while your breakfast is cooking. The device will switch off when it’s all done. And you’ll get a nutritious (and perfectly cooked) meal. Eggcellent. ($19.99, Amazon)
A powdered cleanser that really does it all…
Introducing Bar Keepers Friend. It can be used in the bathroom, in the kitchen, and on cookware to remove tough stains and restore shine. It’ll also work its magic on stainless steel, porcelain, brass, copper, ceramic, chrome, and aluminum. (So literally everything.) Just sprinkle it onto a wet surface, rub to activate, and let it sit for a few minutes before washing off. No intense scrubbing required. Less time spent cleaning = more time for you. ($5.50+, Amazon)
A baby-food delivery service for your rapidly growing little one…
You customize the plan and Yumi will do the rest. Everything is made from organic ingredients and gets shipped to your door. The plans work via ‘stages,’ starting from 6+ months and extending to 11+ months. Jars start as single-ingredient purees and then work their way up to nutrient-dense bites and food puffs. So your tot can discover new tastes and textures. (Plans starting at $28/month, Yumi)
A tool that makes iced coffee in less than 60 seconds…
We’re not lying. It also works on other liquids like alcohol, soda, and tea. All you’ve got to do is fill the cooler with water and leave it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, pour your freshly made drip coffee into the inner compartment and swirl. Within a minute you’ll have a nice, refreshing cold brew. ($23.99, Amazon)
An entryway organizer for your keys and face masks…
You can’t leave the house without ‘em. So might as well keep them right near the door so you don’t need to spend time looking for everything. The little shelf behind the mirror can hold your wallet too. Now you’ll always have a smooth exit. ($28, Amazon)
A mini rice cooker that’ll do the work for you…
This device can cook up to two cups worth of rice, quinoa, oatmeal, or pasta. All you have to do is add water and press the ‘cook’ button. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll get fluffy rice without having to think about stirring or overboiling. Once everything is done, the appliance will switch to ‘warm’ until you’re ready to eat. It’s also pretty compact so it won’t hog up counter space. ($24.99, Amazon)
An automatic pan stirrer for the recipes that need constant attention…
Homemade sauce? Yes, please. Standing in front of the stove constantly stirring the ingredients? No thanks. This gadget is your answer. It works best for simmering or low-heat liquids. You can set the timer and boom — off it goes. Now you’ve got the time you need to finish your other chores around the kitchen. ($25, Uncommon Goods)
A laundry tool that’ll pair socks together so you don’t lose one…
Raise your hand if you’ve spent a good chunk of time picking through your clean laundry pile just to re-pair socks after washing. This tool will pinch pairs together as they’re getting washed. And once the cycle is done, you can take the tool directly from the washing machine, to the dryer, to your closet. All your socks will remain in pairs. No man left behind. ($18, Amazon)
A weekly meal planner that you can hang on your fridge…
Now you’ll know exactly what to make each night (or to meal prep for the week). No more last-minute decisions or takeout orders. You’ll be able to prep ahead and grab the exact ingredients you need. A well-organized week? The best method to create some free time for yourself and your hobbies. ($7.95+, Amazon)
A self-watering planter to make maintenance so much easier…
If you’ve got lots of plants inside and outside your home, watering can be a real hassle. This planter will do the work for you. The built-in tray at the bottom retains water. And if you fill the planter from the tiny opening (also at the bottom), the roots of your plant can directly absorb the water. Aka less wasted on the soil at the top. And more left for your plant to drink over time. ($3+, Target)
An herb stripper so you’re not dealing with those prickly stems…
We love seasoning our dishes with rosemary, thyme, and tarragon as much as the next person, but we don’t love struggling to pull the herbs off their stems bit by bit. This little stainless steel and BPA-free tool will strip them in seconds flat, so you don’t have to spend so much time prepping your ingredients. Customers say it also works great for leafy greens like kale. ($5.99, Amazon)
An air fryer that’ll make you wonder why you even have an oven…
If you’re still one of the few who doesn’t own an air fryer, this one promises to cook your food in half the time of a conventional oven. It can also achieve peak food crispiness without the use of oil. It has 13 settings, each for a different type of food, so you don’t have to worry about selecting the temperature or amount of cook time. It has removable dishwasher-safe baskets for easy cleaning and comes with a recipe book with over 100 recipes. ($119.99, Amazon)
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