Really Simple DIY Hacks To Help You Improve Your Home

#1 Vanilla

Here's a cool idea! The next time you have a need to paint your walls, add a few drops of vanilla extract to the bucket before starting. The vanilla will not effect your paint in any way and it will mask the odor of the paint fumes. It also dries with a faint hint of vanilla that will last for about 6 months.

#2 Dirty Water

With all the drought in the world, we need to start using water more efficiently. One small thing you can do to help is by recycling your own water. Use the water that you cooked vegetables, meat, or pasta in to water your garden. The water won't hurt your flowers or plants and it can save a little on your water bill as well as provide extra nutrients. You can also use the water from your fish tank to water the garden after you change it for the fish.

#3 Hammers

If you have to install a few nails and keep dropping them, there is an easier way! Glue a magnet to the bottom of your hammer so you do not have to hold your nails in your mouth. Adhesive magnetic strips placed on the handle also work great and can even hold your screwdriver or let you secure your hammer to any metal surface so you don't lose it.

#4 Plastic Hangers

Make your own chip clips by saving those weird plastic hangers you get with socks or shoes. Cut off the clip portion on the ends and use them to secure your favorite bagged snacks or to keep critters of out packages.

#5 Ladders

Wooden ladders can be used for more than just reaching out of the way things. Screw two matching ladders together with hinges at the top then place assorted wooden boards through the rungs and make a beautiful and stylish shelf for books or plants.

#6 Sweaters

Don't toss out your old sweaters if you own a pet. You can easily make a cozy blanket or pillow for your pooch or kitten by stuffing the cozy sweater with other sweaters or cotton and sewing it together tightly. The pets will love snuggling in with your lingering scent on the material.

#7 Doorknobs

There are thousands of beautiful old doorknobs at garage sales or flea markets, and you can use them to make your very own ornate clothes hooks. By screwing old door knobs on a wall, you get great towel or clothes hangers.

#8 Plastic Bottles

Use an empty lotion or shampoo bottle to make a stylish cell phone charging holder. It's pretty simple to do by just cutting the container off about 2 inches from the bottom then securing the bottom to the wall right below the socket where you plan to charge your device. Before putting it on the wall, decorate it to match your personal style.

#9 Corks

There are many creative uses for old corks, and they also come in handy for removing old screws or nails from the wall. Wine lovers can use their old bottle corks to create an original bulletin board by gluing the corks to a wooden frame with a hot glue gun. This can be small or large depending on the frame used, and tacks will easily hold your important notes to the board.

#10 Old Cans

Now here's something pretty fun to do. Paint empty tin or metal cans with your favorite color and glue them stacked up horizontally into a pyramid-like structure. You just created an original and very handy desk organizer that will make everyone envious.

#11 Laundry Basket

If you want a cool design on your walls or for a child's room, you can use an old laundry basket as a template. Just cut out the plastic side or bottom of a basket with a fun design, and place it on your wall before rolling it over with colorful paints.

#12 Pinecones

You can use old pinecones for lots of creative projects like wreaths and decorations, but you can also use them as a natural mulch in your garden to help keep away cats, dogs, skunks, rabbits, and even slugs.

#13 Paint Brushes

Glue a magnet to the side of a paintbrush. When you need a break from painting, stick the paintbrush to the inside edge of your paint can. Any drips will drop back into the paint can and stay off of the floor and your brush will stay right where you need it!

#14 Keys

This is an old trick but one that will surely help you stay organized. Paint all of your household keys with metallic paint so they can be distinguished from one another easily. If you can't paint the whole key, use any paint on the top portion of the key by dipping it upside down in a colorful paint.

#15 Shutters

If you have some old window shutters lurking around in your garage or attic, you can paint one in your favorite color and attach it to your wall for a cute letter or envelope holder. Very easy and creative way to decorate an office or den and keep your papers organized as well.

#16 Knives

Keeping your knives loose in a drawer might be dangerous. Fill a glass container with bamboo sticks and put the knives in it. The sticks will hold the knives securely, but they will be still easy to grab and use for you.

#17 Hangers

The old wooden hangers are not just for clothing. Twist a few eyelet screws into the wood and use the hangers for ties, jewelry, or even shoes. You can keep them dangling from your closet rack without worrying that they are getting tangled and messed up.

#18 Extra Paint

When you paint a room, put a little extra paint in a small jar and keep it handy for quick touch-ups (that are almost sure to be needed soon or later). This will save you from buying a new container and trying to get a perfect match.

#19 Egg Cartons

You may have heard this before, but egg cartons can be used for many things, including making a cheap cool-down pad for your iPad or laptop computer. If you need to cool down your laptop and do not want to spend the cash on a cooling pad, put overturned egg cartons under the laptop. Problem solved.

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