Handymen swear by these 35 cheap tricks to make your home 10x better

These expert-approved hacks are cheap and easy.

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Spending so much of our downtime (or even work time) at home can lead to things looking and feeling a little bit blah — and it only makes sense to want to spruce up your space once in a while. But where do you begin? Bustle asked home improvement experts for their top ways to make things look better and feel better, while also upgrading efficiency and even maximizing safety. The best part? None of these tricks requires much effort or expense. With that, check out these tips for making your home as awesome as can be.

01

Install wireless lights under your cabinets for more illumination

Joshua Riutta, owner at Mikku & Sons Roofing in Arizona recommends stick-on LED lights to instantly add illumination to your home. He says, “This adds task lighting to your kitchen or bathroom countertops, making it easier to see what you're doing.” This three-pack can be installed with either the included adhesive tape or screws, and it comes with a wireless remote to turn them on or off and adjust the brightness. They even have a timer option to save energy. The best part: There’s no wiring necessary — just add batteries.

  • Available options: 4

02

Increase home security with these door & window alarms

Give your space an added sense of security with this two-pack of door and window alarms. Riutta says, “These provide peace of mind by deterring potential intruders and alerting you if a door or window is opened unexpectedly.” The ultra-thin alarms feature a magnetic design — when separated, they emit a 120-decibel sound. They’re battery operated (with batteries included) and don’t require complicated installation since you can use the double-sided tape. Plus, you can turn them off any time you want to come and go without tripping the alarm.

03

Experience extra peace of mind with a security bar

Another effective (and simple) way to add extra security in your home is with this security bar. The bar can be adjusted from 21 to 46 inches for a secure fit that can withstand up to 400 pounds of force, whether you use it on a sliding door or window, or slip on the included attachment for hinged doors. It weighs only 2.2 pounds, so you can bring it with you on your travels for extra peace of mind.

04

Add exterior illumination with stick-on solar lights for your roof

For some extra exterior *pizzaz* Riutta says, “These stick-on lights add a charming touch to your roofline at night. They are easy to install and require no wiring, making them a safe and cost-effective way to enhance your home's curb appeal.” This set includes six lights with built-in solar panels for illumination that lasts six to 10 hours when fully charged. They provide a decorative and functional addition to your exterior — no wires, adapters, or electricity needed.

  • Available options: 2

05

Save energy with a smart plug power strip

Instantly upgrade all your home electronics with this smart plug power strip that’s earned a 4.6-star overall rating. Riutta explains that smart power strips “allow you to control multiple electronics with a single switch or even through your smartphone. This can help you save energy by automatically turning off devices when not in use.” The strip has three AC outlets that can be individually controlled, as well as two USB ports on the end. It works with Alexa to add voice control throughout your home and you can also use your phone to schedule lights, appliances, fans, and more — like magic.

06

Insulate your attic stairway for better energy efficiency

Riutta also recommends utilizing insulation around your attic ladder to seal the opening and “prevent conditioned air from escaping in the winter and hot air from entering in the summer.” This, he says, “can improve your home's energy efficiency and lower your utility bills.” This stairway insulator set is super easy to install within a matter of minutes. It’s made from reflective, insulated material that’s also waterproof. The zippered design means you can easily enter your attic as needed.

  • Available colors: 2

07

Maximize space with expandable storage solutions

Sometimes it’s the small things, like spice jars, that can take up the most room. Riutta recommends looking for “expandable or tiered spice racks to maximize counter space.” He further explains that “this can help you organize your spices and keep them within easy reach while cooking.” This bamboo spice rack has three tiers that make it easy to store and locate what you need quickly and efficiently, while the adjustable width ensures a custom fit. It comes in multiple sizes, including an option for bulkier items like condiments and jars of peanut butter.

  • Available sizes: 3

08

Upgrade your shower head to one with multiple settings

Riutta says that upgrading your shower head allows you to “customize your shower experience and potentially reduce water usage.” He recommends looking for low-flow options, like this five-mode shower head available in two sizes and 11 different finishes. Water-saving without sacrificing the feeling of water pressure (genius), this shower head is a breeze to install on your own. For a personalized experience, it allows you to choose from five different modes, including massage, rain, and mist.

  • Available finishes: 11
  • Available sizes: 2

09

Weatherproof your windows to lower your energy bills

Using something like this self-stick weather seal can help conserve energy and keep you comfy no matter the season. Riutta explains, “This seals gaps around doors and windows, preventing drafts and leaks. This can improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort, especially in drafty older homes.” This kit uses self-stick tape and moderate compression for a snug fit, and it conforms to most average-size windows and doors. It’s 100% waterproof, so it’ll even stand up to wet weather.

10

Organize your cabinets with extra shelving

Riutta says, “[Cabinet and drawer organizers] can help you maximize storage space and keep your belongings organized. This can make your home feel more functional and less cluttered.” Kitchen cabinets and countertops are a great place to start. These stackable shelves can support up to 33 pounds each, making them perfect even for heavy cookware. Use them for storing dishes, drinkware, pantry goods, and anything else you can think of.

  • Available sizes: 2
  • Available colors: 6

11

Tidy up your drawers with some simple organizers

After organizing your cabinets, you’ll want to organize your drawers, too. This drawer organizer set has everything you need to keep things tidy and neat, thanks to the nine bins of different sizes. You can configure your storage any way you like, which is essentially like DIYing your own custom drawers (without the headache). The set includes silicone pads to ensure the bins don’t slip and slide.

12

Maximize storage space with over-door hooks

Tyler Hull, cofounder of Bubblegum Flooring in Wisconsin, recommends maximizing storage space by using over-the-door hooks. He says, “The backs of the doors extend your storage space by allowing you to hang towels, clothes, robes, bags, and other items from them.” This hook rack is available in two colors and offers extra hanging space, thanks to five dual-prong hooks. Its 2-inch depth means it fits over most doors, while the smooth edges and spongy pads help prevent damage to wood.

  • Available colors: 2

13

Utilize storage solutions that can be easily stored when not in use

Hull also recommends storage solutions that can be expanded, then collapsed when not in use. These foldable storage cubes fit the bill — and they have an impressive 4.6-star overall rating after 2,700 reviews. They come in an array of color options and are made of lightweight, non-woven fabric, with handles on the sides for added convenience. Use these bins to store pretty much anything, then fold them flat and tuck them away when they aren’t needed.

  • Available colors: 9

14

Use a stick-on towel holder to avoid drilling

An adhesive-backed hand towel holder is pretty genius “This product might seem insignificant,” says Hull, “but it comes in handy when working in the kitchen or washroom. It does not require any complicated or long, drawn-out installation method, keeps your walls clean, and can be affixed anywhere you like.” It’s available in four different finishes to suit your home decor style and is made of 100% premium stainless steel for extra durability. Just be sure to use it on surfaces like tile, wood, and stainless steel — not wallpaper or painted walls.

  • Available finishes: 4

15

Use a handy grout-scrubbing tool that saves elbow grease

Hull recommends using a heavy-duty grout cleaner to make your life easier when cleaning bathroom or kitchen tiles. Plus, he says, it’ll save you from having to call a professional to get the job done. This power scrubber features an oscillating head that scrubs up to 60 times per second, which is two times faster than manual scrubbing. It’s water resistant, and besides deep-cleaning your grout, you can also use it for detail cleaning of fixtures, grill grates, and so much more.

16

Protect your drawers & shelves with a nonslip liner

Hull says, “Protect shelves and drawers from spills and damage by adding a nonslip surface.” He explains that a shelf and drawer liner like this one by Gorilla Grip “keeps items in place and surfaces clean, extending the life of your furniture.” With an impressively strong yet non-adhesive grip, the liner ensures items stay firmly in place, while preventing damage to wood. It’s available in more than a dozen colors to match your decor. Use the liner in your kitchen cabinets, on wire shelving, in your laundry room — anywhere that might need a little extra protection.

  • Available sizes: 11
  • Available colors: 13

17

Plug in motion-sensor night-lights for safety

Hull explains that motion-activated night-lights “turn on automatically when they sense movement and give off enough light to safely walk where you need to go at night.” Not to mention, they add ambience, too. This two-pack of night-lights turns on automatically when movement is detected, then turns off after 20 seconds. Each one plugs right into an AC outlet without blocking the other socket and features three lighting modes to customize your experience. Hull says, “These lights can be used in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms.”

18

Clean with microfiber cloths instead of wasting (expensive) paper towels

Switching to microfiber cleaning cloths instead of using paper towels is not only an eco-friendly choice, but a budget friendly one, too. Hull says, “These cloths effectively clean windows, desktops, TV screens, shower doors, screens, and mirrors. They are ultra-absorbent, removing dust, dirt, and grime without chemicals.” This 12-pack is a great starting place, having earned a stellar 4.8-star overall rating after 83,000 reviews. They’re machine washable with reinforced edges for durability, and since you get so many, you can opt for a clean cloth for every task.

  • Available colors: 5

19

Seal your food with reusable, airtight lids instead of plastic wrap

Another greener choice that will save on money and environmental impact within your home is this set of reusable silicone lids. Hull is a fan, saying, “These lids stretch to fit most container sizes, so you can have an airtight seal...” A sustainable alternative to single-use plastic wrap, they’re BPA-free, leakproof, and safe to use in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher.

20

Keep food fresher, longer with silicone food savers

Another great way to keep your food fresh and properly sealed is with these reusable silicone food savers called Food Huggers. They’re made of thick, durable silicone that’s both BPA- and phthalate-free. The set comes with five pieces of differently sized silicone sleeves that stretch to fit open jars and cut fruits and veggies, sealing in freshness and flavor. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

  • Available colors: 5

21

Instantly organize your drawers with adjustable dividers

Hull recommends drawer dividers to “maximize storage space and keep items neatly arranged.” So give your kitchen (or anywhere else with drawers) an organization upgrade with these adjustable drawer dividers. Available in four colors, they expand to fit pretty much any drawer, instantly creating separate, designated spaces to stash items by size, category, or however your heart desires. Made of durable bamboo, they expand from 17.5 inches to 22 inches for an almost-custom storage solution.

  • Available colors: 3

22

Use a cleaner specifically designed for ovens

George Alvarez, owner of Expert Epoxy Flooring says, “Having the right cleaning tools is essential for keeping your home clean and making the job easier. Some essential cleaning tools include hand towels, oven cleaner, and surface-specific cleaners for surfaces like granite, marble, or stainless steel.”

This oven and grill cleaner is one of these must-haves you’ll want to be sure you always have handy. Removing tough stains in just seconds, it’s made specifically to penetrate tough grease and baked-on messes, so your surfaces are left clean and shining. It’s effective on stainless steel, porcelain, and ceramic — which means you can also use it on pots and pans.

23

Clean natural stone surfaces with this gentle spray

Granite, marble, travertine, slate, quartz — all these natural stone surfaces can benefit from this daily cleaning spray that helps preserve these delicate materials. The gentle, pH-balanced formula whisks away spills and stains, without leaving streaks behind. It’s ammonia free and safe to use on food prep surfaces.

24

Get rid of fingerprints & smudges on stainless steel

As far as stainless steel surfaces go, this stainless steel wipe and spray kit is an invaluable ally, having earned an astonishing 4.7-star overall rating after 18,000 reviews. The pH-neutral formula cleans and shines, without leaving streaks or haze behind. Just as good, it protects surfaces from future smudges and dirt. The three-piece kit includes a bottle of spray, a microfiber cloth, and a package of wipes.

25

Use a pumice scrubber to remove mineral buildup

“For cleaning the bathroom, consider investing in grout cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and shower cleaners. These products can help you tackle tough stains and keep your bathroom clean and fresh,” says Alvarez. For in-depth toilet cleaning, opt for this pumice stone scrubber that removes mineral buildup. Its tough on hard water stains, but won’t scratch toilet surfaces like porcelain or ceramic. The cleaner features a comfortable handle and comes with a storage holder. Grab an extra and use it for scrubbing your tub, too.

  • Available options: 2

26

Make your shower doors sparkle with this cleaner designed for the job

Another specialty cleaning product you’ll want to always have around is a powerful shower door cleaner, like this one by Rain-X. The cleaning solution packs a powerful punch, deep cleaning glass shower doors and instantly removing residue and hard water spots. It’s also quick and easy to use — just wipe on with a cloth and rinse.

27

Give your cabinetry an instant makeover with new hardware

“Easy hardware swaps, such as replacing cabinet knobs or drawer pulls, can give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh new look without breaking the bank. Consider choosing hardware that complements your existing decor,” advises Alvarez. This pack of cabinet and drawer handles makes it easy to update your space with a contemporary design that’s clean and minimalist. Choose from three different finishes — brass, matte black, and nickel.

  • Available finishes: 3
  • Available sizes: 4

28

Utilize a pop-up storage cabinet for storing extra items

Brian Curran, owner of Drafting Services in New York says, “The biggest issue houses have is clutter, and the main reason for that is not enough storage space. Most people often ignore this until you have guests coming over and then you're just scrambling around to thrust everything in one cupboard in an attempt to hide the mess. Just get storage cabinets or racks, and place them in entryways, bathrooms, and kitchens, trust me they hold a lot of the clutter for you, and the room looks organized.” This sleek storage cabinet has four stackable storage compartments that can be added or removed to keep things organized. The clear doors feature ridges for an upgraded design, along with faux leather tabs for pulling them down.

29

Organize your kitchen counters with these stackable shelves

A design-forward yet functional way to keep your kitchen countertops tidy is with this tiered organizer. You can configure it into a triangle or rectangle shape to fit compactly in spaces that would otherwise go unused. The organizer is easy to assemble, available in eight different colors to match your decor, and can be used for pretty much anything, from condiments to cooking utensils.

  • Available colors: 8

30

Tidy up your under-sink area with these 2-tier organizers

The area under our sinks can get so cluttered so fast, but this two-pack of under sink organizers makes it a whole lot easier to keep things neat. With pull-out drawers for easy access, each one adds another level of storage, making use of vertical space. They have removable dividers and feature hanging cups on the sides to add even more storage.

  • Available colors: 3

31

Using a slim cart to squeeze out extra storage space

Storage solutions don’t have to be space hogs, and this slim three-tier cart makes it easy to keep things safe and sound while easily sliding into any tight area. It’s conveniently on four wheels for easy maneuvering and requires no tools to assemble. It’s versatile enough for use in any space, from the kitchen to the laundry room to the bathroom.

  • Available colors: 3

32

Store all your shoes on one convenient rack

Stop leaving your shoes all over the place and tripping on them, thanks to this convenient shoe rack. With the ability to store up to 20 pairs, it features three tiers of shelving and comes together in just four simple steps. Put it in the closet or use it in the entryway.

  • Available colors: 3
  • Available sizes: 2

33

Stack your water bottles in a designated organizer

While it’s super important to stay hydrated, keeping your water bottles neat and organized is no easy feat — they’re always in use, left lying around, or thrown somewhere they shouldn’t be. But thanks to this water bottle organizer, they can stay neat and stacked, resting snugly on the grooved acrylic shelves. Use the shelves as standalone organizers or stack them for a vertical solution.

  • Available options: 3

34

Use a magnetic screen door to welcome in breezes & keep pests at bay

Keep bugs and other pests out of your home while still enjoying fresh breezes and daylight, thanks to this magnetic screen door. Itay Liger, contractor for home and commercial products at Crystal Clear Epoxy in Ontario Canada says, “It’s easy to install and convenient, as it closes automatically behind you using strong magnets. It’s ideal for households with pets or children who frequently go in and out.” It’s available in dozens of different dimensions for a custom fit and is super easy to install — no hardware needed.

  • Available sizes: 39
  • Available colors: 4

35

Install a door gap cover to keep out drafts

Door draft stoppers helps keep your home insulated by preventing drafts from entering under doors. This can lead to significant energy savings and increased comfort, particularly during extreme weather conditions,” explains Liger. These draft stoppers are available in four colors to best match your home decor, and can be custom cut for a perfect fit. There’s a self-adhesive backing for a strong grip that won’t budge with coming and going.

  • Available colors: 4