Open Thread Update: What’s Made Your Life Easier?

Last time the column aired a few techniques that made life easier – an appropriate topic for Senior Citizens month!  In “Your Turn” readers stepped up and submitted their tricks, tips and even new ways of thinking, that made life easier.

Nutcrackers! 

For jars that seem to get tighter and tighter, the answer is nutcrackers, according to Lucy L., Patrice and Madolyn.

My poor nutcracker hasn’t seen a nut for years, but it is oh so handy!

-Madolyn

…and we really like Conceição B‘s comment – all the way from Portugal! – about her wonderful use for nutcrackers, especially around New Year’s Eve! Look for it!

Alexa! 

Another popular technique is to rely on Alexa, which got votes from Margaret, Mariellen, Carol,  and Martha:

I love my Alexa , also.. she reminds me of a lot of things throughout the day. She translates for me .She answers all my questions

-Martha

…and Reader Robert Ettinger not only uses Alexa to stay organized…he manages to get a few laughs out of it as well.

Clutter!

Several readers found serenity in ending clutter, led by reader Jan…

I have a minimalist wardrobe. I gave away half my mom’s good china. I have 6 place settings. I use older, but still good cut-in-half towels for dusting, drying the sink, etc.

-Jan

..and the comments by Reader Yvonne S., Carol B., Connie G.,  are a treasure chest of sensible tips to end clutter.

My philosophy is “do things at, eh, maybe 80%.” That’s good enough.

Claire G.

Your Turn

Original column below: 

I was thinking, for the hundredth time, about how annoying it was to wrestle to open a bottle. (Doesn’t it seem like everything has a child-proof cap these days?  Even Mayonnaise?) It wasn’t until I moved a wrench from the tool drawer to the kitchen cabinet that I solved the problem.  That got me thinking about the other small changes or additions I made that made my life easier.

Organization.  I love bins and boxes, shelves and stackers.  My life got much less noise and distraction when I decided not to rely on junk drawers and precariously balancing things on top of each other.

Batteries.  I overbuy and stash them in a separate box (see previous item!).  I never have to worry about my hearing aids, my flashlights, or some of my appliances because I always have batteries. Ditto TP, and dishsoap.

Laundry Service. I send out my laundry to the laundromat.  My dream is to someday own a washer and dryer, but until then, Nancy on York Avenue has me covered and it’s bliss.

Timers.  I can sit down and write, or read something and look up and it’s dark outside!  I use timers set in 15 minute increments.  It’s really helpful to keep me focused and to waste less time. Plus it’s a reminder to walk around for a bit.

But that’s me. What discoveries or hacks or habits or tools make life easier for you – either saving time, or money or stress or all three? Share your secrets in the comments!

Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; her blog “Don’t Get Me Started” puts a quirky new spin on Old School New York City. Send  Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.