5 Little Life Hacks
Let's simplify, shall we?
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I’ve been crowdsourcing life hacks from friends, colleagues, and pretty much anyone who will talk to me, for quite some time. Some I was already using, and some were new - even revelatory. I’m sharing them here because who couldn’t use a little life simplifier to add to their toolkit. Let’s go!
Hack 1: Embrace a Daily Uniform
My brother wears the exact same thing (black tee shirt and black pants) every single day, a practice that has saved him an insane amount of time, money, and energy over the years. I’ve claimed my own version of a daily uniform (white blouse, blue jeans, high top sneakers), that I wear about 90% of the time. Identifying an easy, feel-good formula for getting dressed will help you refine your personal style, save brain power, and overcome decision fatigue. The ultimate life simplifier.
Hack 2: The Same Socks for All
This one comes from my friend Naomi, who happens to be an emergency room doctor, a mother of three, and the most stylish woman I know. Tired of dealing with mismatched/lost socks all the time? Her entire family now wears the exact same socks, which they store, unfolded, in a single basket by the front door. Mind officially blown.
Hack 3: A Separate Account for Junk Email
To minimize a cluttered inbox, many of my friends and colleagues report using a separate email account to sign up for promotions, order items online, and gain access to websites that require email verification. Brilliant.
Hack 4: Store Food Storage Containers with Lids ON
I’ve organized enough homes to know that matching up food storage containers and their lids is a major pain point. I can report that most kitchens have an entire cabinet or drawer jam-packed with random, warped, or cracked mystery lids. No more! I know the power of nesting is real, but I truly swear by investing in a single set of high quality food storage containers, and storing them in a neat stack - lids ON. Here’s a durable glass 20-piece set I like for those who are in the market.
Hack 5: Load Flatware in Your Dishwasher by Type
Unloading the dishwasher is already enough of a chore without having to sort and organize forks, knives, and spoons. When loading up the dishwasher, try corralling your utensils by type so once clean you can easily return them in one easy step without sorting.
Now, your turn: Substack is so much more fun when it’s a two-way street, so please, share your favorite life simplifiers in the comments below.
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Daily Uniform: I found my dream summer blouse from the sweetest small business.
Just for Fun: Here’s what I packed for one day in LA!
My alternative to one common sock is simply mismatched socks that looks ok together in a big unmatched mess. Works, still has a little creativity, and drives people who prefer plain things crazy. Pro-tip, when someone mentions your mismatched socks you reply "I have another pair just like them at home".
As an aside, how does the single wardrobe item idea free you from decisions? I can't appreciate how picking a shirt adds weight, please help me understand.
Fun post! Is there a link to what you wore in LA?