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Sometimes you stumble across a life hack that is so brilliant, that you have to almost kick yourself for not figuring it out earlier. But better late than never, and the internet is a fantastic place to start.

Someone asked “Which uncomplicated yet highly efficient life hack surprises you that it isn't more widely known?” and people shared their best secrets. So make sure you are ready to take notes, get as comfortable as you can, scroll through, and be sure to upvote your favorites. If you have some ideas of your own to share, feel free to go into details below, in the comments section. 

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#1

You don’t have to get married. You don’t have to have kids. It’s a choice, and it’s your choice.

Too many people get pressured to conform and do what others do without questioning the rationale.

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DarkViolet
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8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never married, no kids. I never felt the need to run at breakneck speed down the aisle.

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    #2

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts You don't have to answer the door just because someone rings the bell.

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    Trillian
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    8 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah but then it is the delivery guy who will take my package back to the post office that opens once a week for like 30 minutes to pick it up. Learn the fine art of saying "no" or "Sorry now is not a good time" to people you don't want to ask in.

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    #3

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts Old toothbrushes are the best tools for cleaning small and difficult to access areas

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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Use a little dish soap and an old toothbrush and your engagement ring will shine like it just came from the jewelers. Just be gentle, especially around the prongs.

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    While most of us are probably familiar with the idea of “hacking,” as in cutting something with, say, a machete or hatchet, the idea of a “life hack” is considerably more modern and is probably closer to the concept of a trench-coat wearing fellow in a dark room, breaking into “the mainframe.” 

    It was most likely coined by Danny O'Brien, who is still sometimes called the “father of lifehacks.” The idea really did catch on, as people very quickly came to appreciate the concept. Indeed, in the mid-2000s, there were entire conferences dedicated to “life hacks,” although it had a focus on technology and coding. Nevertheless, the idea has expanded and is likely here to stay. 

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    #4

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts Make a copy of your passport, visa and any other important documents and email them to yourself. If something happens to the originals, you have enough information to apply for replacements.

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    Warrior Mama
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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you use one of the free email services, this could make you very vulnerable to identity theft

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    #5

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts If you’re ever learning something, whether at a work meeting or class or from a YouTube video, have a notebook where you take 30-60 seconds to jot down a summary, in your own words, RIGHT when you finish. Not detailed notes (which you can take while the class/meeting is going if you need to), but the equivalent of a TV Guide blurb summarizing what you learned.

    Not only will rewording/summarizing help you retain whatever you learned, but over the years you’ll have your own personal book of knowledge to reference as a jumping off point for learning more.

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    Steve
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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This saves LOTS of time because every meeting has the same summary! Ahem..."Self-important a*s hat talking just to sound important, followed by brown-nosers kissing lots of butt.'

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    #6

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts Clean as you go when cooking.

    Wipe down surfaces, clean a dish or pot or pan when something needs to simmer for a bit, wipe down your knives after use and dry them with a towel and put them back in the knife block.

    I learned it from sister’s husband who is a chef.

    It makes cooking so much more pleasant.

    Also mise en place. Prep all your ingredients before hand and have them ready. Again, it makes cooking more fun and less arduous and the dishes turn out better.

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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've taught myself "organizational baking." Start with a clean, uncluttered kitchen. Fill a sink with hot, soapy water. Rinse off used utensils and place them in the dishwater. Put away each ingredient as you finish with it. While goodies are baking, wash up dishes, clean countertops, sweep the floor, and take out the trash. Set up cooling racks and wash used pans. Works every time.

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    #7

    You don't have to answer your phone if you don't want to. Neither calls nor messages. It can wait. Playing with your kid, taking that bath, finishing the chapter or whatever it is you don't want to interrupt is way more important. If it's a life-and-death matter they'll call again. And again. And again, trust me, you won't miss it. I have a rule with my family in fact, when I don't answer the phone, but it's really REALLY important, they should call immediately a second time, then I'll know and answer. BTW, your phone has a silent mode too.

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    Daniela Lavanza
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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We do the same in my family, it's so convenient especially with the older folks. Thus they won't run to their phone and take the risk of a fall. My father always react to a phone call thinking "it could be an emergency, I should hurry to answer!"

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    #8

    White vinegar in the laundry-so much cheaper than fabric softeners and the clothes are cleaner and softer.

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    #9

    If you can’t get yourself to do something, get yourself to do just five minutes of the thing. Nine times out of 10, you will finish the thing immediately. Doing it is a hard, it’s just starting that’s hard.

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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No way. Planning on just doing 5 minutes of a task implies that I'll then have to start all over the next day, or whenever; all the more reason _not_ to do it today if I know I'm going to have to do it tomorrow as well.

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    #10

    If you have adhd, create a folder on your phone called Safe Places. When you put an item in a "Safe Place" so you wont lose it or so you can remember where it is for later, take a picture of it in its safe place and put it in that folder. Good luck remembering to do any of this.

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    #11

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts Wear sunscreen

    If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it

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    Catherine Burgin
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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't worry about the future Or worry, but know that worrying Is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum

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    #12

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts When you take apart a piece of furniture, put the screws and hardware in a sandwich bag. Then write the name of the furniture and use of the screws on a notecard, and put that in the bag.

    This keeps screws from a single item in one place, easily visible, and easily referenced for future use (instead of sitting in a large pile of similar, nondescript hardware).

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    RapidUnscheduledDisassembly
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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Depending on the furniture item and its placement, you can also tape the bag to the back, or place it in a drawer, and it's right there for later.

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    #13

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts 1. Be kind
    2. Sharpen your kitchen knives.

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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So if someone unkind to me, i can get the no.2 ....#justkidding

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    #14

    Paint the back of the switch plate when you are painting a room, that way you have an easy to carry, protected from fading swatch to color match later, if you need to.

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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I store the paper swatch from the hardware store somewhere in a cupboard in said room. That way not only do you have the original swatch, but its name, brand, and serial number.

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    #15

    This is really stupid, but put your socks on BEFORE your pants not only is it easier to put the socks on without your pants being in the way, but your foot slides through the pant legs much easier.

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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a skinny jeans wearer, can confirm. Beats wearing socks over my pants.

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    #16

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts Ice cube trays are good for more than water. I freeze cubes of tomato paste, coconut and goat milk, and pumpkin puree for the cat. Working on cilantro "pesto" cubes now. It's so handy!

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    #17

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts Put your keys on top of the thing you need to remember to bring with you in the morning.

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    Leopoldo Pisanello
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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm actually doing that in reverse order - I am putting the things that I need to remember taking on top of my keys so I need to lift them to get to my keys.

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    #18

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts The public library lets you stream movies and music for free. You just need a library card, which is free too.

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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    depends on country. Our public libraries are derelict places stuck in the 1980s with card catalogs.

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    #19

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts When navigating a crowded place with people going every which way, focus your gaze upon the spot you're walking towards.   


     We look at each other's eyes when trying to avoid bumping into each other and maintaining your gaze on the spot you're headed allows people to subconsciously see how to avoid you and will adjust their path accordingly. You won't have any more of those awkward encounters where you're looking at another person and you both keep trying to turn the same direction.  


     I read this trick on here years ago and use it all the time in stores, the mall, etc, and it really does work. Maybe it's because I look like a psychopath and people are trying to avoid me altogether, but either way it works. 

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    arthbach
    arthbach
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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Briefly catch the person's gaze, then look in the direction you are planning on moving, turn your head slightly in that direction too. The majority of people do this automatically. Some people need to consciously learn this trick.

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    #20

    The origin of the word "prestige" is "illusion." Don't waste excess time, energy, or money trying to impress other people. Focus on developing genuine strengths instead.

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    Marlowe Fitzpatrik
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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh! That makes the title of the movie just so much cooler, considering it's about illusionists! (I never watched it, it's probably explained in the movie? Still cool)

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    #21

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts Using an hairdryer to remove stubborn stickers and labels

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    #22

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts Different colored nail polish on various keys that look the same. Saves SO much time.

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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guess you never heard of colored silicon rings you can put on keys. 61CG40zkPP..._QL80_.jpg 61CG40zkPPL._AC_UF8941000_QL80_.jpg

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    #23

    The adage: “do what you must before you do what you may”.

    As someone with serious ADHD, just saying this phrase before I or as I get distracted has saved me hours of lost productivity.

    I apply it to everything. Getting on my phone at work? Not before I send that email. Finished dinner and want to go veg? Not before I clean everything up.

    I repeat it to myself constantly throughout the day to keep me focused and taking care of the little things that otherwise would build up.

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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am very open to bribery. If I wash the dishes, then I can play on my computer for 30 minutes. If I send 3 emails, I can have a lovely mug of hot chocolate. Of course, I could play on my computer, and not wash the dishes. Of course, I could have the hot chocolate, and not send the emails, but if I do the task, then I get the reward, and a reward hot chocolate tastes better than an ordinary one.

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    #24

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts Learning to cook. Started way too late in life. You're paying a fraction of the cost to make something specifically tailored to your taste. And the process is fun, creative, and experimental in the way that the best hobbies are. I stopped drinking and learned to cook during the pandemic. I can not express the difference its made to my finances and health. I suddenly have so much more money for fun stuff, and never worry about a belly sticking out anymore. Start young and learn to love doing it. Your life will improve *dramatically*. 

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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Word! A little effort put towards shopping and cooking keeps money in your pocket. Money that would normally spent on takeout.

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    #25

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts Crumpling your parchment paper into a ball then smoothing it out before using it to line a pan makes it easier to fit it into your pan nicely.

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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Turn the pan upside down and form the paper or foil using the pan bottom as a mold.

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    #26

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts You can bypass a lot of paywalls on mobile websites by simply switching to reader mode before the page finishes loading.

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    #27

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts If you exchange holiday or birthday gifts with your loved ones, keep a list on your phone throughout the year of ideas of what to give and when the time comes to buy gifts you’ll have almost everything prepared

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    8 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Isn't this pretty obvious? I hate that we call every mundane tip a "hack". Someone in a video said they had a "hack" for crossing the US/Mexico more quickly and it was literally just signing up for the equivalent of the TSA Precheck program. THAT'S NOT A HACK. A "hack" is literally in the name: it's literally hacking something aka "using it in a non-standard manner" or something along those lines. Sorry, this whole thing is just a pet peeve.

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    #28

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts If you use a computer for a majority of your work, get a second used monitor off Craigslist or a local sales site. Complete game changer having a work monitor and a reference one. It's never cost me more than $20, and most video cards have multiple outlets.

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    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Two monitors are better than one? Or are you gaming on one while you're working on the other?

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    #29

    You can get garlic and other smells off your hands or out of jars etc by covering the surface in water which is also in contact with a metal such as steel. That is, rinse your hands under the tap while rubbing a teaspoon against the skin or fill the jar with water and stand a fork in it.

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    #30

    People Share “Uncomplicated Yet Highly Efficient” Life Hacks, Here Are The 30 Best Posts When putting screen wash in your car.
    Turn the bottle sideways.

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