8 home hacks to save you time this 2025
Updated | By The Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp/Udesha Moodley-Judhoo
Don't you just love adding to your list of hacks?
We’re moving swiftly into the new year, and as the days go by, it’s clear that life hacks are an all-important ingredient if we want to save more time.
Natasha Swingler from Effective Spaces has some impressive tricks and tips for staying organised. As part of her New Year gift to her followers, she shared eight life hacks designed to help you feel like you’re mastering 2025 with ease.
1. De-stem grapes effortlessly
If you're tired of picking grapes off their stems one by one, try this. Place your grapes inside a kitchen towel and fold it halfway over to cover them. Then, roll the grapes gently between your palms from side to side. When you open the towel, the grapes should be stem-free!
2. Make pillow covers work for cushions
If you need to cover a cushion but don’t have a fitted cover, a pillowcase works perfectly! With a quick fold and tuck, you can transform the case into a neat cushion cover.
3. Revive suede shoes with micellar water
To get rid of scuff marks on your suede shoes, dab a little micellar water onto a cotton pad and gently apply it to the marks. Then, watch them disappear as if by magic.
4. Tidy up your entertainment area
You can keep your living space looking stylish (and organised) by using book boxes to store remotes, chargers, or any items that disrupt the aesthetic.
5. Repurpose photo boxes
Use photo boxes to neatly organise cables, chargers, and small accessories in your living or communal areas. It’s an easy way to keep clutter under control.
6. Lemon slices for a sparkling kettle
Fill the kettle with water, add a few lemon slices, and bring it to a boil. The natural acidity of the lemon works wonders to clean the interior.
7. Give old plastic containers a new life
Repurpose old plastic containers to store items that don't have a box or cover. This not only recycles but also keeps everything neat and organised.
8. Master the art of folding a fitted sheet
Hold the fitted sheet by the corners with both hands, tucking your hands into the corners. Bring your hands together and fold one corner into the other so you have two corners in one hand. Then, lay the sheet flat on a surface and fold it inward to create a rectangle shape, tucking in the edges as you go. Once it's a neat rectangle, fold one end inward and tuck the other side into it to complete the process.
Watch the video below for a more visual tutorial of the above hacks - courtesy of TikTok.
@effectivespaces Catching up on your December requests xx #organize #homehacks #tipsandtricks ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) - Danilo Stankovic
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Image Courtesy of iStock
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