Simple Hacks for More Functional Offices and Smoother Travels — Hacks #11

✅️ Locating the end of the packing tape

Despite trying various approaches to secure the end of the packing tape roll, invariably, I fail and end up frustrated digging for it…yet again. Some people maintain it on proper dispensers with cutting edges, but I’m rarely so well-organized.

Over the years, when living in lesser-developed countries (sans the availability of that massive online retailer), I’ve often been unable to track down handy gizmos, too.

This works brilliantly…finally. Yay!

Place a coin on the sticky end; it remains in place. Voila, you’ll never lose the end (assuming you remember to replace it after each use).

✅️ Wobbly leg on a piece of furniture

What causes this annoyance anyhow? I haven’t a clue. Over the years, I’ve implemented the usual fixes…from a temporary folded napkin or magazine page to the more permanent wooden shims from Ace Hardware or The Home Depot.

Shims work well but aren’t attractive, unless one has the proper tools and resolve to cut them to the perfect size.

A simple coin to the rescue again. Slide one under the errant leg. A US penny was recommended, but others of a similar size ought to work swimmingly. If this is insufficient to cure the problem, stack a second.

If frequenting a restaurant with a wobbly table (always frustrating isn’t it?), you might share this quick fix with the manager on duty. Future patrons will appreciate your tip.

✅️ Keeping your computer keyboard clean

Mea culpa, embarrassingly, until my dear friend Jack (hugs to him!), wearing a second hat as my trusted computer guru, noticed via a photograph when troubleshooting a laptop issue from afar that my keyboard was dirty.

I didn’t realize or think about the need to clean it regularly. Oops!

He tutored that cleaning the keyboard, like many items in our world, improves its functionality and life span. Hence, in addition to swishing the keyboard with a sanitized wipe, use a paper sticky note (another ingenious invention, yes?) to clean accumulated dust.

Slide it along with the sticky edge down into the open slot between the rows of keys. A scotch or adhesive tape probably likewise would work, but I’ve not tried it.

A sticky note worked well. It was surprising the dust bunnies that adhered to it.

✅️ Eliminate spills of toiletries in suitcases

Most of us try to pack carefully when traveling. But if you’ve ever had plastic toiletry bottles spill in your bag, you’ll appreciate this extra step for protection.

Place a small piece of cellophane or saran wrap between the bottle opening and the cover.

✅️ Tidy up computer and electronics cords in your office

Is this what your office space looks like? It mimics mine, sadly.

This suggestion may not be aesthetically appealing unless you can hide it behind or under your desk. However, it’s likely a better alternative than the above chaotic image.

Try using a plastic basket (size and shape at your discretion), and cut out sections to slide the cords through. Cords remain stored in the basket instead of strewn across your desk or floor.

Attach the basket with tape to the back of your desk, wall, or screen. I’m planning to experiment with this.

✅️ Pick up the tiny broken glass shards

My living space has only tiled floors. Though I prefer them, they’re unforgiving when a glass or bottle is dropped. And, I don’t use plastic glasses. I’m also naturally clumsy, which translates to a few broken glass items annually.

If you drop a glass, normally, it shatters, and it’s challenging to sweep up all the wee shards.

Use a piece of bread, pressing it into the floor or carpet. The bread will pick them up like a magnet. It’s guaranteed that I’ll be trying this soon.

Your time is valuable. I’m honored you chose to spend some of it here. Victoria😎🙏

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