10 life hacks you can use to make everyday life easier

Life might slow down a little after 60 — and thank goodness for that — but that doesn’t mean we stop looking for easier, smarter ways to do things. Whether it’s in the kitchen, garden or just getting through the day with a bit less hassle and a bit more humour, these clever life hacks are here to lend a helping hand.

Here are 10 practical, light-hearted tips that’ll have you saying, “Why didn’t I think of that?!”

1. Rubber band trick for stubborn jar lids

Can’t open that pasta sauce jar because you just can’t get a good grip on it? Wrap a thick rubber band around the lid for extra grip.

Still stuck? Give the bottom of the jar a firm whack with your palm. Works more often than not — and no need to call the neighbour!

2. Pool noodle door stopper

Cut an old pool noodle in half lengthwise and wedge it along the edge of a garage or shed door to stop it slamming in the wind. Great for grandkids’ fingers and your sanity.

3. Tea towel over the shoulder = Instant oven mitt

Left your oven mitts in the washing? Toss a folded tea towel over your shoulder while cooking. It’s right there when you need to grab a hot handle or wipe your hands — just like Mum used to do.

4. Citrus zest in the bin = Budget air freshener

Drop a few orange or lemon peels in the kitchen bin to keep it smelling fresh. Bonus points if the peels come from a homemade G&T garnish.

5. Peg basket pegboard

Tired of rummaging through the peg basket? Screw a small bit of mesh or pegboard to your fence or wall and hang your pegs there instead — easy to grab and zero bending over.

6. Soap slivers in a sock

Don’t throw away those last little bits of soap — pop them in an old (clean!) stocking or sock and tie it off. Use it as a scrubby soap bag in the shower or laundry. Great for after a day in the garden.

7. Toothpaste to shine up headlights or jewellery

Dab a little white toothpaste on dull silver or car headlights and rub gently with a cloth. Rinse, and voilà — good as new! (Avoid the minty ones with crystals — they can scratch.)

8. Peg on the end of sticky tape

Can’t find where the sticky tape starts? Clip a peg onto the end after each use. It’s the little things that save your patience (and fingernails).

9. Lazy Susan in the fridge

Put a small rotating tray (a “Lazy Susan”) on your fridge shelf — makes finding sauces, dressings or the mustard you swear you just bought so much easier.

10. Cutlery in the garden = Plant labels

Old teaspoons or butter knives make great plant markers. Just write the name of the plant with a permanent marker and stick them in the soil. Durable, charming, and a great excuse to sort out that drawer.