What Are You Doing (Or Not Doing) To Make Life Easier?

[OneEyedDiva]

~I don't have to wash and cook chicken anymore. I’m back to buying Costco rotisserie chicken from which I get at least 8 servings.

~I’m cooking enough to have two or more servings and/or freeze....even scrambled eggs.

~Using Swiffer wet cloths instead of the old mop and pail method. Not only is it quicker and easier, the floors smells so nice afterward.

~Decided to walk to the supermarket on Saturday or Sunday mornings. There’s almost no traffic and the store is nearly empty. On weekdays the traffic is crazy busy and everybody is in a hurry. Crossing could actually be dangerous, especially with my eye condition (split vision). I’ve seen so many cars run the red light.

~I bought a handy new nail clipper for Deja that takes the guess work out of how far to clip. It makes cutting her claws so much easier and quicker. So easy in fact that my son did it yesterday and says he won’t mind doing it from now on. He used to hold her while I trimmed. Since my vision is getting crazy and I kept missing the nail….he gave her to me to hold and he clipped.

~I mange my accounts and pay all except one bill (our HOA fee) online.

 

[Messy]

A few months ago I saw scissors for the rabbits. Wow. Tiny thing, costed 2 or 3 euro. Absolutely fabulous. The other one I had was especially for rabbits, bigger, more expensive and it was lousy. I saw the vet use them so easily and that vet is in a pet store that sold em.

 

[Capt Lightning]

I wait until our daughters come to visit. They are absolute stars when it comes to getting awkward things done. In return, they know we always have a well stocked larder and a selection of good wines.

 

[MACKTEXAS]

I don't have to wash and cook chicken anymore. I’m back to buying Costco rotisserie chicken from which I get at least 8 servings.

Right. I don't buy fresh uncooked chicken anymore, except for a pound of ground chicken now and then, which I make into a meatloaf. When it's cooked, I cut into 4 servings, have one serving, and freeze the rest.

Yes, I've been buying rotissserie chickes for years, and I only pay $4.97 per chicken at Walmart. I find ways to change it up so that it's different each time.

I’m cooking enough to have two or more servings and/or freeze....even scrambled eggs.

I have not frozen scrambled eggs, but when I make a stew, I cook enough for at least 3 times. On day one, I have a serving, then divide what's left into separate containers to freeze for later.

Yesterday, I stopped at the grocery store deli and bought enough fried fish for 3 meals for $7.00; had one serving with mac & cheese for lunch, froze the remaining fish in 2 containers for another day.

Using Swiffer wet cloths instead of the old mop and pail method. Not only is it quicker and easier, the floors smell so nice afterward.

I just use a plain cloth sprayed with a mixture of water, ammonia, and dish soap, and have always mopped that way; works fine for me.

Thanks for sharing your ideas.

 

[MarciKS]

i don't have any way to wash clothes at home and i don't have a car or money for uber and the laundromat so i handwash everything. i was wringing by hand but that was killing my hands and my back. i couldn't find a roller wringer that I could attach to the tub that wasn't $100 so i bought a mop wringer. it's doing the job for about $40?

trying to divvy up the housework so i'm dusting the entire house one day and doing the floors another day and then the bathroom on another day. trying to declutter the house so that i'm down to the bare essentials.

i try to do some things at work in smaller increments to make them more manageable. try to combine trips at work and at home so i'm not running back and forth as much.

 

[Messy]

i don't have any way to wash clothes at home and i don't have a car or money for uber and the laundromat so i handwash everything. i was wringing by hand but that was killing my hands and my back. i couldn't find a roller wringer that I could attach to the tub that wasn't $100 so i bought a mop wringer. it's doing the job for about $40?

trying to divvy up the housework so i'm dusting the entire house one day and doing the floors another day and then the bathroom on another day. trying to declutter the house so that i'm down to the bare essentials.

i try to do some things at work in smaller increments to make them more manageable. try to combine trips at work and at home so i'm not running back and forth as much.

You wash everything by hand? That sounds horrible. They have mini washing machines nowadays for the camping. Haven't tried em, but I'd rather use that than wash by hand. Ages ago they also had these small centrifuges.

https://www.bol.com/nl/nl/p/charmy-...JwcYnG1p3mifof_YnQUjxjtls6PmhuXYaArJ-EALw_wcB

 

[OneEyedDiva]

Right. I don't buy fresh uncooked chicken anymore, except for a pound of ground chicken now and then, which I make into a meatloaf. When it's cooked, I cut into 4 servings, have one serving, and freeze the rest.

Yes, I've been buying rotissserie chickes for years, and I only pay $4.97 per chicken at Walmart. I find ways to change it up so that it's different each time.

I have not frozen scrambled eggs, but when I make a stew, I cook enough for at least 3 times. On day one, I have a serving, then divide what's left into separate containers to freeze for later.

Yesterday, I stopped at the grocery store deli and bought enough fried fish for 3 meals for $7.00; had one serving with mac & cheese for lunch, froze the remaining fish in 2 containers for another day.


I just use a plain cloth sprayed with a mixture of water, ammonia, and dish soap, and have always mopped that way; works fine for me.

Thanks for sharing your ideas. You're welcome, of course. What do you attach the cloth to? My OCD would dictate that I'd have to throw the cloth(s) away each time. I tried using sturdy paper towels but they don't fit well in the Swiffer dust mop holder. I've seen the Walmart rotisserie chickens. They are considerably smaller than Costco's...at least the last time I saw them. Costco chickens have been $4.99 forever.

I don't freeze the cooked scrambled eggs, but heat and eat the next day. I did just learn how to freeze eggs, however. I had 9 eggs left over 10 days after the best by date. That's too many to waste. Thankfully, when doing the egg test (in water), I determined they were still good. To freeze them, it's best to beat them or mix thoroughly with either sugar (for baking) or salt (other uses) before freezing.

i don't have any way to wash clothes at home and i don't have a car or money for uber and the laundromat so i handwash everything. i was wringing by hand but that was killing my hands and my back. i couldn't find a roller wringer that I could attach to the tub that wasn't $100 so i bought a mop wringer. it's doing the job for about $40?

trying to divvy up the housework so i'm dusting the entire house one day and doing the floors another day and then the bathroom on another day. trying to declutter the house so that i'm down to the bare essentials.

i try to do some things at work in smaller increments to make them more manageable. try to combine trips at work and at home so i'm not running back and forth as much.

It's a shame there's no laundromats in a convenient location. If you didn't say you bought the mop wringer, I was going to suggest the spinner by Laundry Alternative. That thing spins clothes so they are dryer than industrial machines. They are not completely dry, but close to it, no matter how wet they are when they go into the spinner. I notice that the machines have a new design and are much more expensive than when I bought mine.
Search: 11 results found for "spin dryer"

 

[Jackie23]

Yes, I think one of the best things that makes my life easier is the delivery service that we've already discussed to death. I also buy prepared food at the deli and frozen one meals....the frozen ones that are really good are hard to find but they're out there...I also hire help to do the hard task in the yard.

 

[MACKTEXAS]

What do you attach the cloth to? My OCD would dictate that I'd have to throw the cloth(s) away each time. I tried using sturdy paper towels but they don't fit well in the Swiffer dust mop holder.

My house is carpeted except for the bathrooms, kitchen, and dining room, so the area I need to mop isn't large. I just get down on my hands and knees and spray the area in front of me with a mixture of water, ammonia, and dish soap, then use a clean rag (or paper towels - - - I've done both) to "mop" the wet area, move down further and keep going. I usually throw out the rag, but I have washed it before.

Thanks for explaining about the eggs.

 

[Kaila]

Great thread topic, and lots of good ideas shared, already.
Thank you, all!

 

[Knight]

Not doing Vacuum & mopping

Purchased Dec 2025
Mova
Z60 Ultra Roller Complete Robot Vacuum and Mop, 28,000Pa Suction, 3.14in Obstacle Crossing, AutoShield for Carpet Protection, Zero Tangling Duobrush, Extendable Roller & Side Brush

Not doing yard work For $50.00 once a month a yard service does a great job.

Am doing
buying meat when on sale & vacuum sealing for future meals.

Reducing days out for entertainment.

 

[Lizzie00]

There’s a neat little meat market locally that makes things simple by wrapping purchases separately upon request i.e. i can order 3 boneless pork ribs and 4 chicken leg quarters and they’ll wrap each rib/leg quarter/etc individually in freezer paper…so it’s both labeled & ready to toss in the freezer when i get home. So easy!

These days I use a lightweight steam mop on my tile floors.
Quick and easy and seriously clean.

Curbside grocery pickup.
Huge time saver and so so simple.

Use the air fryer and toaster oven almost exclusively for preparing food.
In combination with parchment paper, there’s practically zero clean-up.

 

[Lewkat]

I moved into a Senior, Assisted Living Facility that was most appealing 18 years ago. I had developed cardiomyopathy and my son and daughter-in-law found this lovely place.

I came, looked it over, found all positive thinking folks here and the rest is history. It's a beautiful mansion, formerly owned by a member of the Rockefeller family. There are 3 room apartments, down to a small studio available. Something for everyone, but very expensive.

An added area for Alzheimer residents brings the total number to about 85, so not too many people which is nice.

 

[Aunt Bea]

Nothing new or exciting.

Basically trading money for other people’s time and energy.

I have made a major effort to reduce possessions and overall clutter. I can’t stress how much easier it is to keep a small uncluttered space neat and clean.

Eating a simpler diet with minimal cooking and cleanup along with virtually no waste. Relying more and more on single serving grab ‘n’ go prepared foods and frozen entrees along with fresh fruits and vegetables and a sack or two cookies.

My worst chore is standing on my head cleaning the toilet and tub.

I need to explore transportation options, home delivery services and seriously think about finding a gal Friday for a few hours a week to clean, do laundry, and most importantly motivate me to do a few things.

I’ve really enjoyed reading the tips in this thread and look forward to seeing what others have to contribute.

 

[Jackie23]

Great thread topic, and lots of good ideas shared, already.
Thank you, all!

I agree!

 

[Rossana]

At the beginning of Covid, we bought hair clippers as well as a good pair of scissors, I also stopped going for manicures and pedicures. We do it all ourselves.
Our house is all tiles, I replaced the swiffer by a vacuum and a electric steamer. Since we have 2 cats it cleans and sanitizes.
I bought a bunch of white rags for cleaning to replace most of our paper towel usage, and washable dusters instead of swiffer duster.
The initial cost was high but pays off in the long run.
For the food, I am still working on it. I make a menu for the week and try not to waste food. I did reduce my product variety as well on fresh fruits and veggies because it was getting too expensive.
Thank you for starting this thread. It is so informative to hear from others.

 

[CaliS]

I don't have any additional tips - you all have offered some excellent ideas! Thank you.

The one thing that makers my life easier than it used to be is pace. I have slowed it down, exited the rat race and get things done in a more methodical / leisurely pace. Be it fun or work - I am the tortoise.



I sometimes have to remind myself of this fact when driving.

 

[HoneyNut]

i don't have any way to wash clothes at home and i don't have a car or money for uber and the laundromat so i handwash everything.

OMG that is so hard to do, I had to do that when I was in my twenties and it was miserable. There are mini automatic machines, and although probably too expensive ($345), maybe you could afford the monthly payment option (I see it is a little under $30 a month on Amazon, for 12 months). Do you have any family that exchanges gifts for birthdays/holidays, if so perhaps could put it on your wishlist? Or I don't know how crowdfund works, but maybe you could crowdfund the money?

https://www.amazon.com/COMFEE-Porta...73080058&sprefix=comfee+p,aps,216&sr=8-3&th=1

 

[George1959]

Since decades my wife uses a hair clipper to cut my hair.

A woman we know very well noticed my short hair and asked who had done it. "It was me", replied my wife. Immediatly after this she asked my wife to cut all of her hair. She was on chemo for breast cancer and lost her hair anyway. The next day she should be fitted for a wig but couldn't get an appointment at a hairdresser in time.

Thus the same evening my wife and me visited her in her garden, my wife clipping her hair completely and I was holding a lamp. This was a really strange situation.

 

[MACKTEXAS]

i don't have any way to wash clothes at home and i don't have a car or money for uber and the laundromat so i handwash everything.

If it works for you, okay, but I tried that for awhile when my previous washer failed, and found it impossible to hand wash sheets and get them wrung out by hand well enough to dry on drying racks indoors. I don't have (and don't want) an outside clothesline.

 

[HoneyNut]

I don't cook chicken anymore either, but instead of buying whole chickens I buy the canned cooked white meat chicken (located next to the cans of tuna in the store I shop at). When I open a can I put portions in little tupperware-like containers and freeze those (usually get three servings per can).

I buy the prepared fruit (cantaloupe, other melon types, pineapple, mango, strawberries, kiwi) or the frozen fruit (I also buy some fresh whole fruit of the types that can be simply washed and eaten). The prepared fruit is horribly expensive tho, if I wind up needing to reduce spending it would be the first to go.

I bought a scrub pole thing for scrubbing the tub, so far I'm not very happy with it but I'm going to try changing from the flat scrub head to the conical one next time.

With tremendous guilt I have recently switched to buying individual soft soap (off brand) dispensers instead of filling them up from a refill size.

All the time I'm thinking about hiring house cleaning help, but so far I haven't.

 

[MarciKS]

If it works for you, okay, but I tried that for awhile when my previous washer failed, and found it impossible to hand wash sheets and get them wrung out by hand well enough to dry on drying racks indoors. I don't have (and don't want) an outside clothesline.

i have the wringer now and a rack i can dry them on. as for my blankets i just get cheap ones and use them til they get icky and get new ones.

 

[MarciKS]

so is the rotisserie chicken already cooked?

i would get a portable machine however, if it were to leak i would likely have to pay for new flooring cuz this was new when i moved in. i use the wringer now and it's much easier on me.

 

[officerripley]

If I need to mop just a few spots on the kitchen or bathroom floors, I spray the area with Windex (whatever you want to use can be put in a spray bottle) and then mop, no bending over.