Adulting Just Got Easier Thanks To These 40 Surprisingly Useful Life Hacks
Adulthood may never come with an instruction manual, but thanks to these practical hacks, it doesn’t have to feel quite so impossible.
Adulting is hard, no one’s denying that. Between bills, burnout, and trying to remember if you actually folded that last load of laundry, life can feel like one long to-do list with no prize at the end.
That’s why we live for life hacks — those clever little tricks that make you feel like you’ve cheated the system. They’re the secret weapons of people who’ve learned how to work smarter, not harder (and still have time to binge-watch something after).
We dug through Reddit to find the real game-changers — not the ones that require five obscure gadgets or a YouTube tutorial. These are the hacks that genuinely make life easier, smoother, and sometimes even a little more fun.
One person swears by keeping a “junk towel” near the kitchen instead of wasting paper towels for every tiny spill. It’s eco-friendly, easy, and your wallet will quietly thank you over time.
Another genius tip? Set alarms for everything — not just waking up, but reminders to take meds, stretch, or call your mom. It’s like turning your phone into your own personal assistant who never rolls their eyes.
Someone suggested always keeping a small emergency kit in your car with snacks, painkillers, and a charger. Because nothing tests your patience like being stranded with 2% battery and a hunger level that could start wars.
For those who struggle to stay on top of cleaning, one Redditor had a simple solution: “Never leave a room empty-handed.” Take one thing that doesn’t belong and put it where it does — boom, mini-cleaning session done without even trying.
A surprising favorite? Doing the dishes before eating. It sounds wild, but apparently, having a clean kitchen waiting for you after dinner feels like a victory lap instead of another chore.
Someone else recommended saving all your old passwords in a notebook (offline). It’s a small act of rebellion against password chaos — and a huge win when your brain inevitably blanks during a login attempt.
If you’re prone to forgetting things at home, one clever trick is to put your car keys on top of whatever you can’t forget. You physically can’t leave without picking it up. It’s the kind of logic that makes you wonder why we aren’t all doing this already.
And for anyone drowning in clutter, here’s a gem: if you haven’t used it in a year and it doesn’t spark joy or serve a purpose, donate it. You’ll feel lighter, freer, and like you’ve finally outsmarted your own stuff.
So, no — adulthood may never come with an instruction manual. But thanks to these practical hacks, it doesn’t have to feel quite so impossible. Sometimes all it takes is one small change to make life a little smoother — and that’s a win in our book.
1. Stretch.
After months of tension headaches and getting them fixed by a physio I can feel them coming on now, if I stretch my neck just right it takes them away before they start. I know this isn't for everyone but it works for me and hopefully others.
Ryansy, Andrea Piacquadio2. Buy gift cards.
Buy a gift card to your local grocery store every paycheck... in December I dont have to worry about groceries and can use that money for gifts.
blujeh, Pixabay3. Keep your keys in the fridge.
CorporateRevenge
Time Management Strategies
According to productivity expert Cal Newport, effective time management involves prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. This method, often referred to as the Eisenhower Matrix, helps individuals distinguish between what is truly essential and what can wait.
Newport suggests that adults can streamline their daily activities by setting specific time blocks for each task, which not only enhances focus but also reduces procrastination. By allocating dedicated time for chores, work, and relaxation, individuals can create a more balanced lifestyle.
4. Use your knuckles.
Using my knuckles to check if the month has 31 days or not.
VincentGM
5. Go for a walk.
Get outside and take a walk every day. The fresh air and exercise will help you sleep better. Even a 10 minute walk will help.
Secret-Weakness-8262, Tobi
6. Take pictures.
Our library has cookbooks, I thumb through them and take pictures vs. buying now.
anon, Ron Lach
Psychologist Dr. Susan David emphasizes the importance of emotional agility during adulthood's challenges. She notes that being flexible in our emotional responses can significantly reduce stress and improve decision-making.
David suggests practicing mindfulness and self-compassion, particularly when faced with overwhelming responsibilities. This approach encourages individuals to acknowledge their feelings without judgment, allowing for a more constructive response to life's demands.
7. Your new friend, Furnace Filter.
Slappable_Face
8. Use your hands like squeegees.
Use your hands like squeegees on your body before using a towel to dry off. You'll dry faster and your towel will be cleaner in case you re-use it before washing.
TubaTime, Dom J
9. Flip the tab.
carblover800
Financial Literacy Essentials
Financial educator Tiffany Aliche highlights that understanding budgeting is crucial for young adults navigating finances. She advocates for the '50/30/20' rule, which suggests allocating 50% of income for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt repayment.
This simple framework provides a clear structure for managing finances, empowering individuals to make informed decisions while avoiding debt traps. Aliche encourages setting up automatic transfers to savings accounts to enhance financial discipline and reduce the temptation to overspend.
10. Do a 'closing shift'.
Do a “closing shift” tidy as soon as you’re home from work. 1/2 the time I don’t even take my coat off while I do this. Just spend 5 minutes making your space more inviting before you even sit down. You’ll thank yourself!
Okayghosty, cottonbro studio
11. Release the pressure.
Got a stuffy nose and no matter how hard you blow it, it just seems to stay stuffed? It’s inflamed and you can trick your body into releasing the pressure. Blow all the air out of your lungs and plug your nose and mouth. Tip your head back and then up again slowly while holding your breath for as long as you can. When you go to take a breath the inflamed sinus will temporally go away and you’ll be able to breathe again. While it’s only temporary, it will make you feel so much better.
Vitaminpk, Karola G
12. Always look back.
Not life changing, but when I get up from sitting somewhere in public (restaurant, park bench, picnic spot), I look back at that spot when I’m walking away to make sure I haven’t left anything behind. Often when you’re getting up and grabbing a bunch of things at once it’s easy to miss something or for something to slip out of a pocket (phone, wallet, glasses, keys etc) but when you look back at the empty area you’ll notice it.
Michi_Moo, DESIGNECOLOGIST
Life coach Lewis Howes believes that building a personal development plan can significantly enhance adulting skills. He suggests identifying specific goals, whether they involve career advancement, health improvements, or personal relationships.
Howes emphasizes that setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals fosters accountability and progress tracking. This structured approach not only simplifies complex tasks but also boosts motivation, making adulthood feel more manageable.
13. Wait until the last day.
If you're at a convention, or swap meet, or anything where vendors travel to a location, wait until the last day if you want a deal. Most people aren't eager to carry merchandise back home with them and are willing to give discounts.
tribesman2004, Laura Heimann
14. Use a dry erase marker for stains.
To get permanent marker off of something, go over it first with dry erase marker. I don’t understand why it works, but it does and it’s saved my a*s at work a bunch of times now.
TonyDanzer, Ylanite Koppens
15. Ask for a copy.
Whenever you have medical test or scan, ask for a copy of the report. Get copies of your hospital discharge summaries. Keep all of it in a binder, newest stuff at the front. Take it with you to appointments just in case. This is especially important for women but it can be helpful for everyone.
Emergency-Twist7136, cottonbro studio
The Importance of Networking
Networking is often overlooked, but Andrea Henry, a career expert, argues that building professional relationships is essential for career advancement. She suggests that adults should actively engage in networking events and online platforms like LinkedIn to expand their connections.
Henry points out that these relationships can lead to job opportunities and mentorship, which are invaluable in navigating the complexities of adult life. She recommends setting a goal of reaching out to one new contact each week to cultivate a thriving professional network.
16. Look like you know what you're doing.
If you look like you know what you're doing, people tend not to stop you from doing things you shouldn't be doing.
UnoriginalUse, Tima Miroshnichenko
17. Change your phone background.
I am very allergic to poison ivy. Every other summer for years I’d stumble in to some or grab it and be covered during the hottest time of the year.. *UNTIL* I changed the background on my phone and computer to pictures of poison ivy in various stages of development and left it for about 6 months. I haven’t had poison ivy since as I can recognize it instantly now. Oh, and if you have a parent in a senior living facility, keep a bowl of candy in their room (for the nurses) and they will get more attention. ❤️
Actiaslunahello, Valeriia Slobodeniuk
18. Use a drill.
lynivvinyl
According to Mindful.org, practicing mindfulness can significantly improve adulting skills by enhancing focus and reducing anxiety. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, allow individuals to remain present and better manage stress.
Engaging in mindfulness practices just a few minutes a day can create a more balanced approach to the demands of adult life. This proactive strategy can lead to improved emotional well-being, making daily challenges feel more manageable.
19. Only lend the money you're willing to lose.
You lend the money you are willing to lose to the people you are willing to stop talking with.
NotADoctor____, Karola G
20. Writer's block.
If you have writers block when working on an essay, try starting with the “easy” parts first or free writing your ideas without actually trying to write and essay. I find this gets me into the flow and it’s way easier to start writing.
anon, Zen Chung
21. Don't forget the rest of the day.
Gym and Kitchen are necessary, but not sufficient, components to getting a sustainably healthier body and mind. It is what you do the rest of the day that matters just as much - keep moving your body in as many ways as you can even if you're not breaking a sweat!
astrogal2020, William Choquette
Meal Planning for Busy Adults
Nutritionist Georgie Fear recommends meal prepping as a time-saving strategy for adults juggling multiple responsibilities. She suggests allocating a few hours each week to prepare healthy meals in advance, which can save time and reduce the temptation to opt for unhealthy convenience foods.
Fear emphasizes that planning meals around a balanced diet can not only improve health but also significantly reduce grocery shopping stress. This proactive approach allows individuals to enjoy nutritious meals without sacrificing convenience.
22. Use auto-pay.
Set all of your bills up on auto-pay. You'll never have a late payment - and late payments can damage your credit rating. The catch is you have to have money in your account to cover the payments, but you shouldn't have the bills if you can't afford to pay them.
Scoob8877, Kaboompics.com
23. Wash up straight away.
After finishing evening meal, I will immediately wash up everything we've used (no dishwasher) and will then immediately go to the bathroom and fully brush / floss my teeth. I do this with a timer to make it a little contest for myself. This has four benefits: - get gently moving after eating which is good for you - washing up gets done quickly instead of sitting in the sink for ages getting smelly - by the time I've cleaned up and gone to the bathroom it's been long enough that brushing my teeth isn't immediate after eating, which is better for the teeth - I don't snack in the evenings because I've already brushed and flossed and don't want to again The timer isn't necessary but I'm motivated by light competition so it helps me.
IOwnAOnesie, cottonbro studio
24. Undo one end.
Joker03XX
Dr. Atul Gawande, a renowned surgeon and author, highlights the importance of checklists in adult life. He argues that checklists can mitigate errors in complex tasks, whether in professional settings or personal responsibilities.
By systematically breaking down tasks, individuals can ensure that important steps are not overlooked, ultimately leading to greater efficiency in everyday activities. Gawande's insights remind us that organization can significantly ease the burden of adulting.
25. Discuss the budget.
Discussing the budget with my partner 2-3x a month. It helps us stay on track with our long term and short term goals. Helps us stay on the same page with the number one reason people get divorced. Keeps us both accountable for our daily spending. And when we meet financial goals it helps it be a big “proud” moment for each other. It’s really nice knowing you’re “in it” with your partner.Ok_Faithlessness8375, Karola G
26. Don’t waste time.
Two of them: Don’t waste time in the kitchen. Meaning: if you are waiting for something to get done, do a dish, set a plate, prep the next phase, etc. It saves so much time Not connected: When facing a difficult choice and you “flip a coin” if you’re disappointed by the result you know in your heart what decision you really wanted.
Dirty_Sanchez74656, Dmitry Zvolskiy
27. Check the dumpsters.
Dumpsters can have a LOT of stuff you can sell, give to family/friends, donate to the needy. Can save/make you a lot of money. There is a crazy amount of new, or slightly used stuff stores throw out that goes right into the landfill. It is eye-openly shocking how much utter waste is happening. I have more stuff now I got for free that I could use that I would have never bought before because I am so frugal. I find so much stuff sometimes that I have to leave it behind because it is not practical to take it all.
dirtymoney, Harrison Haines
The Power of Journaling
Therapists recommend journaling as a powerful tool for self-reflection and emotional clarity. Writing about daily experiences can help individuals process their feelings and gain insights into personal challenges.
Many experts, including Dr. Brené Brown, emphasize that journaling can foster resilience, allowing adults to navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease. Establishing a daily writing routine can cultivate mental well-being and enhance personal growth.
28. Put it away.
"Don't put it down, put it away" helps me a lot.
amywhite228, Miguel Dominguez
29. Delete your cookies.
Before buying tickets, delete your cookies and use private browsing.
RobotMathematician, Karola G
30. Use a straw.
If you have hiccups, take a straw, cover your eardrums with your fingers, and suck water through the straw. Changed my life. Don't know why, but covering your ears is way more effective.
Aggravating-Alps4621, Christopher
Dr. Kelly Brogan, a psychiatrist, emphasizes the importance of mental health in the journey of adulthood. She advises individuals to prioritize self-care routines that promote emotional well-being, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy nutrition.
By recognizing the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, adults can develop a holistic approach to their well-being, ultimately making the challenges of adulting feel less overwhelming.
31. Use a spoon.
If you’re buttering bread and the butter is a little too hard, use the back of a spoon to spread the butter. Far less likely to rip the bread. My preferred method of spreading whether it’s too hard or not though tbh.
Additional-Hour-7674, Felicity Tai
32. Small goals.
TypicalLynx
33. Just do it for one minute.
When I’m feeling lazy, I tell myself to just do it for one minute. Then it keeps piling on and I’m just like, aight fine I’ll wash all the dishes.
Proddx, Catt Liu
Creating a Support Network
Building a strong support network is crucial for navigating adulthood. Relationship experts suggest that maintaining connections with friends and family can significantly reduce feelings of isolation during challenging times.
Dr. John Van Epp advises individuals to invest time in nurturing these relationships, as emotional support can enhance resilience and coping strategies. Regular check-ins with loved ones can create a sense of belonging, making the journey of adulting more manageable.
34. A dab of toothpaste.
When you want to hang something on the wall (picture frame, etc) put a tiny dab of toothpaste on the item where the nail will sit. Line up the item where you want it on the wall, leaving a tiny gap where the toothpaste is. When it's where you want it, press the item all the way against the wall. This will leave a tiny toothpaste mark on the wall, telling you EXACTLY where to drive the nail. It works like a DREAM! No measuring, no multiple attempts, no time consuming methods. I've used this method for YEARS and it works so much better than anything else. I find eyeballing it in this way is better than even measuring, because rooms are rarely flawlessly proportioned, so even if you measure exactly, it won't look quite right.
Round_Intern_7353
35. Extra grip.
Put a rubber band around a jar lid for extra grip when opening it. Works like magic every time.
Its_Rosyy
36. Click the print link.
When looking at recipes online, click the print link. This cuts out the unnecessary backstory and random musings. You can also save the recipe as a PDF to your computer or even just the link to the printable version.
for404, RDNE Stock project
According to Dr. Michael Thompson, a child psychologist, developing emotional intelligence is key for successful adulting. He emphasizes that cultivating empathy and self-awareness can improve interpersonal relationships and decision-making skills.
Thompson suggests engaging in activities that foster these skills, such as volunteer work or mentorship programs. This proactive approach helps individuals understand others' perspectives, leading to more meaningful connections in adult life.
37. Squeeze those abs.
Squeeze your abs if you feel light headed when you're standing up. It keeps your blood pressure stable.
SaoJi, Eren Li
38. Spread it out.
Thought this was common knowledge but a friend recently asked what i was doing — spreading your food out in the microwave into a ring shape in your bowl/plate so it heats less unevenly. still uneven, but the biggest consistent temperature gradient is between the edges and the center, so if you can make as much of it edges as possible you more effectively lower the difference.
asecrethoneybee, Omgpolly
39. Freeze it.
Me and my dad usually freeze a loaf of bread to make it last longer. It tastes perfectly fine once its thawed out.
mariannevonedmund2, Tom Nora
Adopting a Growth Mindset
Adopting a growth mindset can transform how adults approach challenges. Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck notes that viewing failures as opportunities for growth leads to resilience and perseverance.
Her research suggests that individuals who embrace this mindset are more likely to persist through difficulties and achieve their goals. Incorporating positive affirmations and reframing negative thoughts can cultivate a growth mindset, making adulting feel more achievable.
40. Put it in front of the door.
If you're leaving the house early in the morning and you absolutely have to have something with you, put it in front of the door the night before. So that if you open the door, it bumps into the item and you can't possible forget it.
shaidyn, apricity
Turns out, surviving adulthood isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about having the right tricks up your sleeve. Because when life gives you chaos, you might as well hack it.
Understanding the Deeper Patterns
In conclusion, adulting can feel overwhelming, but incorporating expert insights into daily life can make a significant difference. From effective time management to cultivating emotional intelligence, these strategies empower individuals to navigate adulthood with confidence.
By embracing a proactive approach—whether through meal planning, networking, or journaling—adults can simplify their responsibilities and enhance their overall well-being. Ultimately, the journey of adulting doesn't have to be daunting; it can be a fulfilling path of growth and self-discovery.
