I get a specific kind of intense thrill when I see a really cool product that’s meant to make life a little easier and/or organized. It’s the “omg, that’s genius!” moment. I don’t necessarily always need these items but that doesn’t stop me from bookmarking them in case I need to go back to them if someone else in my life does. Then I thought, “Well, maybe the readers might like some of these.” Now, the first product on this list was actually the instigator of this post. It was really pretty and something I wish I could make work in my apartment. I had to tell someone!! So here is a list of my current cool, life hack-y products that are all under $50. Hope these solve some of your problems!
Expendable and Reversible Pullout Closet Wardrobe Valet Rod – $47
I saw this on either Instagram or TikTok (sorry I can’t remember the account I saw it on!) but I instantly loved it. A valet rod is clearly not a new idea but typically I only see the really pretty ones in expensive custom closets (like Emily’s…peep her valet rod by her sweaters in the opening photo:)). This one is under $50 has the pretty ball end cap and can be installed anywhere. Well, almost anywhere. My closets don’t have the right area with enough space to make my valet rod dreams come true. What a bummer since I am ALWAYS looking for places to hang the clothes I’m debating wearing or needing a place for a shirt or two to hang dry. Currently, I’m using door handles and wall sconces. Shhh! Hopefully, this will work for you though!
Magnetic Door Catch (Set of 2) – $9
This was actually something that Mal brought up that I forgot I had seen. It’s not a “huge deal” but it’s so annoying when you want your door to stay open but it either refuses to or it’s made to close automatically. Well, not with these babies. For under $10, you can get two magnetic door catches that are also renter-friendly! You have the option to screw the door attachment into your door or there’s a strong removable adhesive on both pieces so no holes need to be made.
Traditional Wall Mounted Magnetic Door Stop – $31
I didn’t find a brass option I liked so while this one from Rejuvenation is a little more expensive, it’s still under $50 and so so beautiful! But unless you are adding your own removable strong adhesive, you gotta make some holes:)
Non-Slip Hanging Sport Bras Holder – $16
Most of the time I don’t feel I need a dresser. But when it comes to my workout clothes, they are spilling out of their one fabric cube and it bums me out. However, with this awesome hanger, I could solve that problem easily! It comes in a few different colors and it can of course be used for other items like regular bras, tank tops, etc. Adding to my cart!
Hat Racks For Baseball Caps (Set of 2) – $7
A simple and stylish org solution! Now this would be great in my closet and help me avoid needing to look in at least four different spots for my preferred baseball hat of the day (it’s never where I think I left it!). I love that you can fit a ton of hats or use them for something else like purses. And how perfect for kids that play a bunch of sports??
The Battery Organizer – $24
This is one that I already own and have talked about before. It’s just too good not to remind y’all about it. Spoiler, I still LOVE IT so much!!! Here’s what I originally said about it.
“From Jess: I found the most incredible Christmas gift for my dad JUST in the nick of time! When I was at my best friend’s house in her garage, I saw this amazing battery organizer on their wall. I know it doesn’t sound that exciting but I promise if you click the link you’ll see what I mean. I feel like I’m always either looking for or wondering if I have the batteries I need. So when I saw this organizer (that comes with a battery tester) I thought, “OMG they always know where their batteries are AND if they are running out!” I know my dad will think this is VERY cool. Oh, and it’s under $30:) Now I just need to figure out what to get him for his birthday in two weeks…”
P.S. It can also just sit in a drawer. You don’t need to wall mount it if you don’t want to.
Magnetic Spice Storage Rack Organizer (Set Of 4) – $20
In apartment living especially, there is never enough counter space. So anything that helps that AND looks good is chef’s kiss! I’ve of course seen other magnetic organizers for the sides of fridges but these look so good (not to mention that price is so awesome). They each hold up to 8 lbs, are a decent depth (so you can fit more than just a spice bottle), and they come in a ton of other colors.
LED Night Light Plug-In (Set of 4) – $20
To be honest, I haven’t thought about night lights in many many years. But when I saw these cool, modern ones, that have a dimmer on them, I thought “That would be kinda nice to have in the bathroom and maybe the kitchen.” No one wants to bump into something in the middle of the night or get fully woken up by having to turn on the bathroom light. Stay half asleep, people!
Cell Phone Seat – $30
Another one I’ve talked about before but for some reason never bought. That changes now!
“From Jess: TikTok may have got me again. Look at this car phone holder that goes into your cupholder! I might have been living under a rock because until this week I hadn’t seen one like this! This is IDEAL since the vent holders tend to not be strong enough for the bigger phones or don’t always work with bulkier cases. You can also place your phone vertically or horizontally AND still be able to use your cup holder for you know, a cup. The reviews are great so I am adding to cart!”
Car Trunk Organizer and Storage – $30
Last but not least is this very sleek trunk organizer that Arlyn once raved about. I’ve been frustrated but all the little things I need to keep in my car that don’t really have a place (and I don’t even have kids). This would truly make me such a happier and less irritated person.
“From Arlyn: My car’s trunk and I have a long, complicated history. It’s either my personal dumping ground or it’s a pristine temple. There is no in-between. Lately, I’m sad to report it’s gotten quite messy, with small things and reusable grocery bags and toddler books and umbrellas and bubble wands tumbling around back there. I bought this trunk organizer that hangs off the back seat’s headrests and didn’t install it for a while. Well, I finally did this week (it took literally 30 seconds), and I already feel SO much better about the space. Organizing messy things makes me happy, especially when I’ve been putting it off for weeks…months…years.”
That’s it for this today! Hope you have a lovely rest of your Friday and if you have any recs tell us in the comments!
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: Farmhouse Primary Bedroom Closet Reveal
Those modern night lights are quite attractive. For those who prefer not to block an outlet, I’m a fan of the lighted outlet and switch plate covers from SnapPower. They have styles/colors to fit most US-style fixtures. They often have sales, worth waiting fort if you need multiples.
Was just coming here to say this! We love ours, and they’re very minimal and automatically come on when it’s dark.
Yes! And they keep coming out with new products like the Safelight that has little sliders that prevent kids from sticking things into the outlets, the ones that work on GFI outlets and on 2-and 3-gang switches and motion-sensor models.
Oh those are cool!
Such a great roundup of practical products! I’m definitely adding a few of these to my wishlist.
I’m so glad!!
Yes to valet rods! They are so handy!
I actually need some of the things in this post, so I love this. Thank you! I noticed that the cup holder phone seat is actually linked to the LED nightlights, though. I’d love to look into the phone seat—can you edit to include the correct link? Thanks 🙂
The link is fixed!!
I just learned a life-changing, mind-blowing and totally free trick:
What is a pod?
oh the dishwashing soap pods like these
o that’s smart! thanks for the tip:)
Hmm, I’m not sure that I’d advise doing this – the inside of a dishwasher is naturally always damp and this moisture can (particularly during warm weather) cause the pod to start to disintegrate and leak before use (it’ll also likely stick to the compartment and not necessarily release at the right time in the cycle).
I’ve done this for years and never had a problem. Super easy to check: put a pod in after unloading and check it twice a day or something to verify.
You can also just put a clean/dirty magnet on the front of the dishwasher and flip it when you empty the clean dishes. They are inexpensive online.
I recently bought a little set of clear plastic drawers (I think they are meant for craft)that I use as a battery sorter. Such a tiny thing but has made such a big difference to an everyday annoyance!
Totally agree. My life dramatically changed for the better when I put bamboo organizers in my silverware drawer and my large bathroom drawer. I’ve been organized ever since:)
Thanks for this, Jess!
Arlyn — any chance you could comment on how sturdy that car organizer was once installed? Does it look like the product photo, or is it a bit more loose and sloppy-ish? I’ve tried a couple that have been really floppy, and would love to find one with some structure. Thanks!
I’d say it’s somewhere in between. It’s sturdy enough to get things in and out of it without having to hold it with a hand or something, you know? I wouldn’t call it floppy by any means, though! I love it.
The review is in:) Thanks Arlyn!
The car phone holder link sends you to the night lights, FYI.
My closet also doesn’t have a spot for a valet rod, but I really needed a hanging option for picking out clothes and prepping for trips. I found one at target that just mounts to any wall and you can swing in/out the arms as needed. Makes life so much easier.
https://www.target.com/p/wall-mounted-brass-swivel-hand-towel-rack-antique-finish-hearth-38-hand-8482-with-magnolia/-/A-88503467
Thanks for the rec!
Came to the comments to make a similar recommendation, but this is for a wall-mount valet hook that you lift out for when you need it, and can let hang flat against the wall when not in use. Lots of nice finishes! I’ve had mine for about a year now and it’s both more functional AND cute than I had expected when I first ordered. I usually just leave it “out” now because I find myself using it all the time.
https://a.co/d/euub0UP
A bedside caddy has been the absolute best thing I could do for my in-bed experience: https://www.amazon.com/YOUDENOVA-Bedside-Hanging-Storage-Organizer/dp/B07W45JKSX/
I got one for my side and my husband’s side and we both love it. It’s where our bedroom TV remote lives, my chapstick, where I slip my glasses into, any tissues when I’m battling a cold, my tablet, whatever book I’m reading, etc. My nightstand has enough to deal with between my vitamin bottles and water bottles, so this bedside caddy is CLUTCH. Is it beautiful? No, but boy is it useful.
I trust all of your recs so thank you again! lol
I have the night lights but actually use them for uplight behind my wall unit. It was a cheap way to add a little bit of custom to an otherwise ordinary unit. For $40 (2 sets) I am a happy camper 🙂
Great idea!
Wow! Some really good ones! I put a couple in my cart! Thanks!
You are so welcome!
LOVE this post! So many great products!
Thank you!
The subtitle reads that the pull-out rod is expendable, which made me chuckle a bit. I hope it’s not too to change that too expandable.
Hi Jess. I solved my clothes hanging issues in my laundry room by placing a white shower curtain rod as high up in the door frame as I could, leaving just enough room to slip a hanger over it. It fades into the white molding when not in use and the door still closes. I use one in my bedroom too, for clothes sorting etc. but usually take that one down. Easily removed, renter friendly.
i got a super strong magnetic folding hook/ valet hook from yamazaki to stick to the side of my stacked washer dryer, to hold a few things I want to hang to dry – love all their stuff, and they have so many great magnetic storage options that can work for more than just the refrigerator.
This is such a helpful post! I’m always looking for affordable ways to make life easier. These products look like real game-changers.