10 Simple Household Helpers You’ll Wish You Had Sooner
There are some things around the house that shouldn't be difficult - but somehow they are.
A jar that absolutely refuses to open. A remote that's just out of reach. A dropped set of keys hiding underneath the couch. A laundry basket that gets heavier with every piece of clothing you put in it.
None of these are huge problems. But when little frustrations start piling up, everyday life can become more tiring than it needs to be.
The good news? You don't always need a major home renovation or expensive equipment to make things easier. Sometimes a few inexpensive, thoughtfully chosen products can take the hassle out of everyday tasks and help you stay comfortable and independent at home.
We've rounded up 10 simple household helpers that can make a surprisingly big difference.
Here are 10 simple household products worth considering.
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we think may genuinely make everyday life easier.
1. A Grabber/Reacher With a Magnetic Tip
A long-handled grabber can be surprisingly useful around the house.
It can help pick up lightweight items from the floor, reach things on higher shelves, or retrieve objects that have fallen behind furniture without having to bend, stretch, or get down on the floor.
The one we found also has a magnetic end, which is a handy little bonus for picking up things like dropped keys, coins, nails, or other small metal objects.
Our pick: 2-Pack 36" Grabber Reacher Tool
A grabber isn't a substitute for a step stool or ladder when something is truly out of reach, but for those everyday little jobs, it's a handy tool to keep nearby.
2. Lights That Turn On for You
Walking through a dark hallway at night is one of those everyday situations where a little extra lighting can make a big difference.
Motion-sensor night lights can automatically turn on when they detect movement, making them useful in hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms, stair areas, and other darker parts of the house.
Motion-sensor option: Uigos LED Night Lights
Another option is smart lighting. If you already use Alexa, smart bulbs can allow you to turn lights on and off with your voice instead of getting up to reach a switch.
Alexa option: Amazon Basics Smart LED Bulbs
You don't have to make your entire house “smart.” Even adding one automatic light in a frequently used dark area can be a worthwhile little upgrade.
3. A Lightweight Vacuum
Vacuuming is one of those chores that can become much more annoying when the vacuum itself is heavy and awkward to move.
A lightweight stick vacuum can be easier to grab for quick cleanups rather than dragging a large vacuum out of a closet every time something needs to be swept up.
Our pick: Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Vacuum
This particular model is designed for both hard floors and carpets and weighs much less than many traditional upright vacuums.
The goal isn't necessarily to replace your regular vacuum. It can simply be a convenient option for those quick everyday messes.
4. A Comfortable Shower Chair
Standing for an entire shower can be tiring. A comfortable shower chair gives you the option of sitting while bathing, which can make the routine more comfortable for some people.
And there's no rule saying a shower chair has to look like hospital equipment.
We found this wooden option particularly interesting because it looks more like an attractive piece of furniture than traditional medical equipment.
Our pick: BLUEWEST Acacia Wood Shower Chair
When choosing a shower chair, look carefully at the dimensions, weight capacity, stability, and whether it fits comfortably inside your shower or tub.
5. A Jar Opener
If you've ever fought with a jar lid for five minutes only to finally hand it to someone else, you already understand why this one made the list.
A good jar opener can make opening jars and bottles much easier when gripping and twisting becomes difficult.
Our pick: Otstar Jar & Bottle Opener
It's a small, inexpensive kitchen helper - but sometimes the smallest things are the ones that make the biggest difference in everyday life.
6. Supportive Seating
We spend a lot of time sitting, so the chair you use every day matters.
Good support doesn't have to mean buying a special “senior” chair. Depending on where you spend your time, it might mean choosing a recliner with good back support, a dining chair with lumbar support, or a comfortable desk chair.
Here are three different options:
For relaxing: MAHOMICO Rocker Recliner with Massage and Heat
For the kitchen or dining room: MALOL Dining Chairs with Lumbar Support
For a desk or computer: COMHOMA High-Back Office Chair with Lumbar Support
The important thing is to think about where you spend the most time and choose a chair that provides the support and comfort you actually need.
7. An Electric Can Opener
Opening a can shouldn't be a workout.
If turning a traditional can opener is difficult or uncomfortable, an automatic electric can opener can make the job much simpler.
Our pick: Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener
This is another example of a product that doesn't necessarily feel like a “senior product.” It's simply a convenient kitchen gadget that can make a frustrating task easier.
8. A Laundry Basket With Wheels
Laundry gets heavy surprisingly fast.
A basket full of towels, sheets, or clothes can be awkward to carry from one room to another. A wheeled laundry hamper lets you roll the load instead.
Our pick: StorageWorks 160L Rolling Laundry Basket
A rolling basket can be especially convenient if the laundry room is on a different floor or if carrying a heavy basket isn't comfortable.
9. An Easy-to-Set-Up Key Finder
Where are my keys?
We've all been there.
A key finder can save you from searching the kitchen counter, couch cushions, bedroom, and - somehow - the refrigerator.
The system we found includes multiple receivers that can be attached to frequently misplaced items. When you can't find something, you can use the transmitter to make the attached receiver sound an alarm.
Our pick: Esky Key Finder Locator
You could use one for keys, but the idea can also be useful for other small items that seem to disappear around the house.
10. An Electric Kettle
If you regularly make tea, coffee, hot chocolate, oatmeal, or other foods and drinks that require hot water, an electric kettle can be a convenient addition to the kitchen.
Unlike heating water on the stove, an electric kettle is designed specifically for heating water and many models automatically shut off when the water reaches a boil.
Our pick: Chefman Electric Kettle
This model has automatic shutoff and boil-dry protection, along with a removable lid for easier cleaning.
As with any kitchen appliance, make sure the controls and handle are comfortable for you to use and that the kettle can be safely lifted and poured.
Sometimes It's the Little Things
Making everyday life easier at home doesn't always require a major change.
Sometimes it's a $10 gadget that opens a stubborn jar. Sometimes it's a night light that turns on before you have to search for the switch. Sometimes it's a rolling laundry basket that saves you from carrying a heavy load across the house.
And sometimes the best solution is a bigger change, like improving the accessibility of the home itself.
At Central Illinois Stairlift, we help seniors and their families find ways to make getting around their homes easier and more comfortable. If stairs have become difficult or you're thinking ahead about aging in place, we're happy to talk through your options.
A safer, more comfortable home can start with one small change at a time.
309-301-1000
Central Illinois Stairlift
Central Illinois Stairlift provides expert stairlift installation across Central Illinois, offering the trusted Ameriglide Rave 2 straight stairlift for homes throughout the area. Whether you’re in Peoria, Bloomington, Normal, Springfield, Champaign, Pekin, LaSalle, Pontiac, Decatur, Rockford, Chicago, Quad Cities or any surrounding Illinois communities, we can help you age in place safely with professional stairlift services. To learn more about installing a stairlift in your Illinois home, call or text 309-301-1000 for an instant quote over the phone.
