In case you don't already know, the subreddit LifeProTips is jam-packed with low-key genius hacks.
The tips span everything from home & garden and travel to workplaces and food & drink. Here are some of the best life hacks on there that'll make you say "How did I not think to do that?!"
1. Hit "s" while watching Netflix on a computer to skip the intro.
"I absolutely hate having to move my cursor or my mouse to skip the intro and hitting S is super easy and quick. God bless for the skip intro button though." —Fufucuddlypuff
2. Run a test with your smoke detector and call your pets and give them a treat so that they will learn to come to you when the alarm goes off, saving you from wasting time looking for pets during an evacuation.
3. If your printer is out of black ink, change the color of the font to #010101, which is 99% grey.
4. If you need a unique password, use the serial number on the back of your watch.
"The back cover of every hand watch has a unique serial number you can use as a password and never forget. And even if you lose your watch, the serial numbers are still in the warranty paper. Most serial numbers have a combination of letters and numerals." —I-am-always-happy
5. Save your resume as a PDF before sending it out to guarantee that the layout, structure, and typography stay consistent.
6. If you have a guest bedroom in your home, spend a night in it yourself to make sure that it's comfortable.
7. Buy a blanket at least one size larger than your bed to maximize comfiness.
8. If you break a glass on a hard floor, shine a flashlight parallel to the floor so you can see the shadows of tiny pieces you would otherwise miss.
9. If a friend or family member is in the hospital, give them cozy blankets, soft socks, open toe slippers, a book/eReader reader, a long phone charger, and condiments for food instead of flowers.
10. If you make a packing list before you go on a trip, review and edit the list when you return from your trip to add things you forgot, and remove things you didn't use.
"Over time, you'll be able to pack more efficiently." —MyUsernameDefinesMe
11. When buying bedsheets, look for striped ones. It will make it much easier to find the long and short sides.
12. Before checking in at the airport, take a photograph of your luggage in case it gets lost.
"If you can't find your bags it's a lot easier just to show the baggage claim representative a picture of your luggage, then try to describe it to them." —FrenchJello
13. If you find someone's US-issued driver's license or ID card, you can place it in your mailbox and the post office will make sure it's returned.
"Free of charge, no envelope, just put it in mailbox! (I know this is the case for the U.S. not sure about elsewhere.)" —shotty2daFbody
14. Follow the 2-minute rule: if it only takes 2 minutes to do, just do it.
"If you're a big procrastinator, this is a great and easy way to start fixing that problem. If it's something like taking out the trash, folding some clothes, or putting the dishes away, do them right there and then and don't put it off. If it only takes 2 minutes, get it out of the way!" —pertater0
15. If you want to learn a new language, figure out the 100 most frequently used words and start with them.
"Those words make up about 50% of everyday speech, and should be a very solid basis." —rishabhbector
16. If your S.O. can't make a decision about where to eat, play the 5-2-1 game.
"You give them 5 restaurants, they pick two, and you pick from those." —daprancinzebra
17. Whenever you travel abroad, bring a new soundtrack for each place you visit, preferably one you have never heard before.
"In the future, every time you listen to each soundtrack again they will bring you vivid memories of the places you have visited." —Martin_the_Hammer
18. When a stranger asks you to take a picture for them, take a few unannounced pictures as they get ready to pose.
"Sometimes the candid pics come out best." —that1celebrity
19. Try the five-second rule when you're about to walk your dog on a hot day.
"Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't hold it there for more than 5 seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog." —mlvc1958
20. If you're in college, use the syllabus from each class to fill in a calendar or day planner for the entire semester at the start of the semester.
"Using each syllabus, extract the date that every assignment, quiz, test, paper or project is due for each class. Fill in your calendar or day planner with this information, making sure to list everything that is due each day, for each class, for the whole semester.
By doing this, you will prevent yourself from being blindsided by deadlines. I fill out a new wall calendar with all of this information at the start of each semester and it has helped me tremendously. Wall calendars are generally inexpensive and will cost you less than $5.
Whether they are quizzes, exams, or even which chapters need to be read before each class, having a weekly template of what you need to accomplish or prepare for will set you up for success.
I recommend using pencil, as some professors will change the dates of things due to the pace of the course or weather interruptions. This has helped me be a better student, and I hope that it may help some of you!" —Benevolent_Queef