We’re sure you have seen all the cool life hacks going around on the Internet, made popular by social media sites like Pinterest and news giant like Buzzfeed. For the uninitiated, life hacks are basically simple, ingenious tips, requiring very little or no budget, that can make your life a whole lot easier. We know that for most of you residents out there, this might be the first time you live on your own and away from the shelter and care of your family. It might be a tad bit overwhelming having to face little issues that pop up almost on a daily basis. So here’s our list of cool life hacks to keep your residential life in order and a stress-free one at that 😀
1) Meals in a mug recipes
First thing first, FOOD! Now, it is not hard to find food around NUS halls and residences. But there are times that you just need something quick and simple and does not require stepping out of the comfort of your residence (it’s ok, we all have lazy days like that *Cue Bruno Mars’ The Lazy Song*). These simple recipes allow you to fix anything from a quick and delicious snack (think quiche, scrambled egg and French toast) to a substantial entrée (ooh those pinkish salmon) any time of the day. All with the help of the magical invention of the century aka the microwave, also known as a lifesaver for us students.
L – R: Scrambled egg (recipe), French toast (recipe); Quiche (recipe); Salmon (recipe)
2) Maximize that wardrobe space
We know that the wardrobe you are provided with isn’t the biggest one in the world, but that shouldn’t stop you from bringing your favorite outfits with you on campus. This neat hack lets you maximize your wardrobe space! All you need is some soda can tabs. Put them through the hooks of your clothes hangers and continue hanging the next hanger on those tabs. And voila, it’s like your wardrobe magically expands three folds!
(Source: The Shabby Greek Cottage)
3) How to amplify your alarm clock sound
Failing to hear your alarm clock despite setting ten alarms in a row? Having a big event the next day and going to bed frightened you might not get up in time? Just put your phone in a glass and it will act as a simple amplifier that can wake you up in no time! Just be careful not to put the glass anywhere within your reach to prevent any accident. This will also force you to get up to switch off the alarm and be more awake in the process.
(Source: Pinterest)
4) Fancy economical bowls for your small celebration
Have a small birthday gathering yet not having enough bowls to go around? Fret not, follow this simple hack to jazz up that boring disposable plate and turn it into something fully functional and inexpensive.
(Source: Pixel Brit)
5) Coffee/tea stains, be gone from my mugs!
You know the horrible stains I’m talking about – the aftermath of leaving your coffee or tea overnight in your mug and waking up to rings and rings of dark stains. Worst of all, they seem to stick around and refuse to budge, no matter how hard you scrub them. Here’s the hack you’re been waiting for! Just wet a tissue, dip it into a little bit of baking soda, then proceed to scrub the stains. It should come off right away.
(Source: Pinterest)
6) How to clean up a messy microwave
Imagine opening the microwave and realising in horror that someone else’s dinner has caused a less than pleasant scene inside because they forgot to place a lid on it. Worse, the residue has hardened and it’s no easy feat getting them off. Instead of waiting around for someone to clean it, take the matter in your hand and get them right off! Squeeze a few lemons inside a bowl of water and microwave it on high for around three minutes. Then, let the bowl sit inside the microwave for a couple more minutes and once you remove the bowl, dip your tissue into that lemon water and wipe the stain right off!
(Source: Lifehacker)
7) Get rid of that horrible grease stain
Got some grease stains on your favorite shirt that you just fail to get rid of no matter how many times you wash it? Just sprinkle some baby powder over it, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the grease then brush it off. Wash the shirt one more time if the stain is still visible and this combination should do the trick!
(Source: Wikihow)
8) De-wrinkle your clothes without an iron
Got a big presentation tomorrow and you just can’t find a proper wrinkle-free shirt despite digging through your wardrobe at 100miles/hour? Keep calm and grab a mist spray bottle of water/fabric freshener! (don’t need to look too far – a travel-size version is available for purchase at UTown’s Guardian). Spray it at the shirt from a distance and start flattening out all the wrinkles. Tada, you get a wrinkle-free shirt in less than five minutes!
(Source: Clicknetworktv)
9) Mosquito trap
The many bushes around halls and residences might be the perfect breeding quarters for mosquitoes and from time to time, you might be forced to fight these uninvited guests. Follow these simple steps to create an easy yet super effective (and eco-friendly too!) trap to get all those bloodsuckers!
(Source: Pinterest)
The trap works as it produces carbon dioxide safely as the sugar interacts with the bread yeast, and this in turn can attract mosquitoes and other insects and bugs and trap them inside the bottle.
10) Miscellaneous organization hacks
Last but not least, to get your life in order, your room first needs to be tidy. You should be able to grab what you need almost immediately without having to dig through piles of stuffs. Here are a collection of little organizing tips on how to get your room organized and remove one extra thing to think about.
(Source: Pixel Brit)
(L – R:
Set up a magnetic strap to gather all your hair pins, tweezers, nail clippers to be in plain sight
Attach binder clips to the edge of your desk to slide various charger cords through them and allow tangle-free access
Breathe new life into your mint containers by using them to store small, easy-to-lose things like paperclips, safety pins, you name it
Use washi tapes (like these ones here) (can be found at arts & crafts stores) to stick your cards and pictures on the wall and they make for cute, hassle-free decorations (they’re also a breeze to remove at the end)
So that’s our share of useful life hacks that will hopefully change your residential life for the better – for now! Do you have any other hacks that have served you well? Feel free to share with us in the comments section below! We’d love to hear from you 😀
