HACK YOUR LIFE

Life can be hard, but we’ve got some tips to help you cut out a few extra steps you may not have to take.

Who isn’t obsessed with making life easier? We’re bombarded with technology, self-help books and the need for productivity. Why put something in the oven for half an hour when you can pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds—right?  

A “life hack” is simply a new, innovative way of completing a task. It’s a trick to make something easier and faster while also making us think outside of the box.  

Look at your daily routine. What can you hack?    

REMOVE HIGHLIGHTER MARKS

Have you rented a textbook from your college bookstore and are annoyed with the previous owner’s constant need to color code? Lemon juice fades highlighter just enough to make it practically undetectable! Cut a lemon in half and use a juiced Q-tip to swab over the highlighted text.   

REMOVE WRINKLES FROM LAUNDRY

Need to get the wrinkles out of that blouse? Ditch the iron! Throw it in the dryer with a couple ice cubes for 10 minutes. The ice will turn to steam. All out of ice? Use a wet washcloth.  

FIND LOST ITEMS

Ever drop the back of your earring or another small object that seemed impossible to find? Use your vacuum! But not before placing a piece of nylon (e.g. panty hose fabric) around the hose with a rubber band. Turn on the vacuum and wait for the object to get caught on the fabric.  

MAKE BREAKFAST IN 90 SECONDS

Did you know you can make scrambled eggs in the microwave? Spray the inside of a coffee mug with nonstick cooking spray. Crack a couple eggs in the mug, add a little bit of milk and any other ingredients (i.e. ham, vegetables, cheese, etc.) and microwave for 45 seconds. Stir. Microwave for 45 more seconds. Stir again to make sure eggs cooked completely through.  

MAKE A MESSAGE BOARD

Dry-erase boards are a good way to leave your roomie notes, but they aren’t the most aesthetically appealing. Consider purchasing a wooden picture frame and place cork panels or a cut-to-size patterned piece of scrapbook paper on the inside. For a sleeker look, choose a lighter pattern and use a dry erase marker on the glass! 

This post originally appeared in the Spring 2020 issue of the Quarterly.

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