14 Simple and Affordable Things That Can Level Up Your Life

Motivation expert James Clear says that the quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our habits. Unfortunately, many people are used to overwhelming themselves with everyday routine and saving every penny, even if what they’re doing brings unpleasant consequences. At the same time, today there are many things sold on every corner that can greatly improve our lives.

Bright Side went on an expedition through different online stores and came back with 14 items that help save time and money or at least nerve cells.

1. A hammock for your feet

If you’re working at your desk, you know how tiring sitting in the same position can be. Sometimes, our legs need to switch positions, and this hammock seems like the perfect addition to anyone, whether they work in an office or are simply working from home.

2. A lint and fluff scraper

It was in 1956 when Nicholas McKay, Sr., came up with a lint remover. 65 years ago, his invention was a real breakthrough but nowadays we know its drawbacks. The lint remover finishes fast, while the spare part costs as much as a new remover. If there is too much lint on your clothes, you will unlikely be able to remove all of it completely.

The scraper, in its turn, can easily remove lint and pilling. You can even clean a shaggy carpet, a fluffy blanket, or a wool coat with its help.

3. A window vacuum cleaner

Opponents of this window vac consider it a silly purchase because you still have to do some of the work like applying a glass washing agent and washing the window frames yourself. However, those who have already bought this device say that it takes them 2-3 times less time to wash the windows.

Since the device removes the water itself, you won’t have to deal with dirty smudges or puddles on windowsills. One of the buyers even said that the first thing he would rescue from a burning house is his kid and this window vac.

4. Orthopedic seat cushion

People who spend a lot of time in front of their laptops oftentimes feel discomforts in their back. In order to maintain their posture, many use regular pillows or other improvised means to make their backs feel more comfortable. Doctors say that not only do you need to make the back part of the chair softer, but you also need to create support for your spine and remove a part of the load from it. Orthopedic seat cushions can do this work well.

5. Ultrasonic toothbrush

A person makes up to 300 brushing movements per minute with a regular toothbrush and cannot get to hard-to-reach places. The head of an electric toothbrush spins by itself, and the number of movements grows to 4,000 per minute. But again, you will only be able to clean the places that the toothbrush bristles can reach.

Ultrasound affects even those areas that cannot be reached by the brush. Depending on the model, this device makes up to 40,000 vibrations per minute. Oftentimes, ultrasonic brushes have a timer set for 2 minutes and this is how long dentists recommend brushing one’s teeth. Most people give up after 45 seconds, and in this case, the timer can become a good solution to this issue.

6. Konjac sponge

This natural plant sponge gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin without causing irritation. It’s a little more expensive than a regular one, but its scope of application is much wider: cleansing, peeling, make-up removal. You won’t even have to use cosmetic products for these procedures because soaking a konjac in water will be enough.

Some users recommend massaging one’s face with this sponge in the morning. Konjac is good at evening out the skin tone, which allows you to apply cosmetics in a much smoother way.

7. Cooling pads with legs for laptops

If you have a powerful laptop or if you often load the processor with many tasks, the PC can overheat. In the future, this might result in errors in the operation of the equipment and huge expenses for repairs.

It’s cheaper and easier to buy a cooling pad. But if you are used to taking the laptop to bed or to work while sitting in an armchair, a regular pad won’t bring much help and you would be better off opting for a pad model with legs. It would be even more perfect if the cooler stand aligns with the laptop vents.

8. Safety razor with one blade

Experts say you need a safety razor with just one blade for a close and smooth shave. It is not only practical but also cost-effective because replaceable blades are cheaper than cartridges for branded shavers with a large number of blades.

Even those who consider razors with one blade old-school items will be able to find ones they like. Today, stores offer many stylish modern models.

9. A long charging cable

Are you also someone who sits on the floor near the outlet when your phone is about to die but you still feel the urge to scroll through your newsfeed? Those who are always lacking length in the wire department can find a solution in a 10-ft long cable. It costs less than an extension cord but looks more aesthetically pleasing and can easily fit into a bag. One owner of this cable said that if you buy one, there will be no way back.

10. Electric spice mill

Many stores today offer spices in disposable mills. They are convenient but if you keep buying them on a regular basis, they might significantly drain your wallet. A mill with black peppercorns costs about $5, but at the same time you can buy an electric mill for $8 and it will grind not only black peppercorns but also herbs, salt, and various spices.

11. Solid shampoo

On average, solid shampoos cost more than regular ones but, in the long run, they can save you money. One solid shampoo can replace 3 bottles of regular liquid shampoo. Depending on the length of the hair, it will last for around 80-100 uses. This shampoo takes up little space in the bathroom and is also convenient to take with you on trips.

12. Car vacuum cleaner

Car owners are well aware of how expensive cleaning a car cabin is. Moreover, it’s impossible to make your car shine with the help of only one rag — while dragging an extension cord from home, and cleaning the car with the home vacuum cleaner is as tiring as it sounds.

The good thing is that, nowadays, portable car vacuum cleaners are widely available. A budget model with various nozzles costs about $20. It’s easier to keep your car cabin clean with this device and it means that you’ll have to go to the car wash much less frequently.

13. An automatic toothpaste dispenser

The more toothpaste we squeeze onto the brush, the worse we will brush our teeth. The abundance of foam makes us think that our mouth cavity is clean and we end up missing dirty areas. Moreover, using too much fluoride paste can deteriorate the enamel on kids’ teeth.

An adult requires a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for the complete cleaning of teeth. The correctly adjusted dispenser will deliver approximately this amount.

14. Thermal cup

The movements a-la Stojo or KeepCup set against overconsumption are there in many cities. Coffee shops offer discounts to clients who bring their own cups. Some kiosks offering coffee also have similar promotions. By using the same cup and not overpaying for it, we both save the environment and money.

If a person gets a coffee to-go every day before work, they will pay off the cost of their thermal cup very fast. Additionally, carrying coffee in it is much more convenient than carrying coffee in a regular cup.

Are there things that you used to consider unnecessary but that now you can’t imagine your life without?