28 Products If You're A Slob Living With A Neat Freak And Want To Do Better In 2025
www.amazon.com
Included are six blank labels to write on your own and six pre-written labels (Cotton Balls, Cotton Swabs, Cotton Pads, Floss Picks, Hair Ties, and Bath Salt).
Promising review:"These are actually cuter than I expected! They are a tad smaller than some I've seen, but they actually looked great and can hold plenty of cotton swabs and cotton balls in the spare bathrooms. I have mine on a serving tray with a candle and vase, and they look great without taking up too much space!" — tara savage
Get a set of four jars from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a set of two and three).
2. A pack of duster sponges — a great alternative to the always selling out Scrub Daddy Damp Duster — that allows you to clean your surfaces effectively to remove all that lingering pet hair and dust. Simply dampen it, wipe any surface, and then rinse when you're done!
www.amazon.com
Here's what shopping aficionado and BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer has to say:"I bought a pack of these and love dusting with them! All the dust sticks right on, so you don't end up breathing in all the dust you just tried removing. It's great for baseboards, too!"
Promising review: "I rarely review products, but this little sponge literally changed my life! It picks up EVERYthing in one swipe! Hard water marks on your bathroom mirror, no problem! Hair clippings are on your sink and counter. One swipe, and they are gone! Dusty blinds? Swoosh, swoosh, swipe! And ala-presto ka-bam, like magic, they are perfect and dust-free! I just need one of these for my floors! I love, love, love how the sponge picks up everything and with a little running water, all the dust, hair, muck and guck just rinsed away! This will not disappoint! Thank you!" — DayDreamer
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $7.49 (available in six color packs).
3. A durable honeycomb drawer insert in case your drawers are literally spilling out — this fits into any size drawer and offers a geometric flair to your newly organized shirts, socks, and more. Now, your roommates or family members won't peek inside your room with disgust at all the laundry littered on the floor when they walk down the hall!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Okay, admittedly, I am a bit of an organization freak. I purchased two of these organizers (yes, you do need two PER drawer) to organize my underwear drawer. I agree that $20 seems like a lot to pay for a few pieces of plastic to organize a drawer no one else really sees, but...It's totally worth it. The gratification I got from being able to see exactly what I have, neatly organized, easy to find...Wow. I definitely recommend this product. And the actual dividers are well made and super easy to assemble. As a previous reviewer said, the number of times you will look at your drawer and be totally satisfied makes the price well worth it." — Brigette
Get it from Amazon for $9.44.
4. Washing machine cleaning tablets to make all that mold and mildew lurking around inside of the wash disappear, and you'll notice it's working because your laundry will start smelling clean and not slightly musty like before!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These tablets added to the cleaning cycle of my front load machine are far more effective than hot water alone. They effectively clean and reduce/eliminate mildew odors, which build no matter how much I air out the machine after doing laundry. Just toss one into the basket when the cleaning cycle alert comes on, and your washing machine will love you for it." — Tami T.
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $11.99.
5. A set of space-saver bags for storing bulky clothing, bedding, or towels by vacuuming all the air inside to minimize their size so you can slide them out of sight and out of mind.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"First of all, when you see 'jumbo' in the title, you better believe these things are JUMBO! These bags of limitless storage can hold just about anything fabric that you need squishing down into a manageable block. I've used these for blankets, clothes, and precious keepsakes and I feel secure in the knowledge that they are all well-protected. The plastic is thick but not stiff, so you know it's good quality." — Kimball Household
Get a pack of 10 medium bags from Amazon for $19.99.
6. The very popular Chom Chom — it's a reusable pet hair remover with a patented brush design, so all you have to do is simply push back and forth to collect all the hair and lint from clothes, furniture, car seats, cat towers, etc., into a chamber. Then remove and throw all that hair away. Over 140,000 reviewers have rated it 5 stars, and we agree: If a member of your household happens to have four legs and a ton of hair, this is a must-buy.
www.youtube.com
Promising review:"The best day of my life was the day I adopted my cat. The second best day of my life was when I discovered this product. I never write reviews, but for the first time in my life I felt compelled to write one to share how fantastic this product is. It's the age-old story: girl adopts cat, cat sheds like a maniac, everything girl owns is now covered in cat hair, girl tries everything but is unsuccessful, blah blah blah. But this pet hair remover/lint roller contains some type of wizardry that has seriously changed the game. *Chefs kiss* to the creators of this product. Y'all are doing G-d's work." — SB
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three styles).
7. A Shoe Slotz space saver to help you organize your massive shoe collection in a way that makes sense and allows you to see all your options at once. The white device neatly stacks shoes on top of each other, so they take up half the shelf space. Did I mention this method also means you'll have a less cluttered closet?
Sally Elshorafa / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com
Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping editor Sally Elshorafa has to say about this handy organization unit: " This product SAVED MY SHOES! I have an awkward set of built-in shelves in my closet, and it was the only place I wanted to put my shoes. As you can see from the before pic (above), it was a big mess; my shoes were piled on top of each other and getting really dirty. Traditional shoe caddies or boxes didn't really work because there's not much horizontal space, so I tried the Shoe Slotz. It fixed the problem perfectly! Because the design smartly stacks one shoe on top of the other, you save 50% of the space you'd normally use to store your shoes."
Promising review: "These things are genius. I had my closet redone and asked for the back wall to have cubbies so I can easily display my shoes, but I either underestimated the number of shoes I have or overestimated the space that was in the closet and I couldn't display them all. I bought a few packs of these and now I have extra space. I guess I'll have to go out and buy more shoes now!" — Hercules
Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $39.99 (available in various multipacks).
8. A jar of the internet-famous The Pink Stuff, a mildly abrasive paste designed to erase even the most difficult of stains in your home, from hard water stains in the bathroom to caked-up grease and food on the stovetop. Seriously, it's earned its loyal TikTok fanbase and hundreds of thousands of positive reviews for a darn good reason. In 2025, we're removing that questionable stain from the wall and getting our deposits back!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This stuff is some magic sorcery. I'm not usually a fan of traditional cleaning products and tend to opt for natural-based cleaners. However, I had some soot over the fireplace nothing would take off. Not only did it do a pretty dang good job on that… everything I've tried it on has gotten that item super clean with minimal scrubbing effort. Will always have on hand now. Got hard water stains off when CRL wouldn't even get it clean and made the faucet look brand-new." — Kim Montero
Get it from Amazon for $5.97.
9. A reusable microfiber Swiffer mop pad because sharing the chores and bills can get expensive, but having one (or several) of these offers a more efficient and sustainable way of cleaning by getting rid of wasteful disposable mop pads. Your *entire* household will be grateful at the eco-friendly update and also the extra change in their pocket from making the switch this year!
www.amazon.com
Each machine washable mop pad can replace up to 100 disposable pads *and* be washed up to 100 times!
Turbo Mops is a small business established in 2018 to provide eco-conscious cleaning supplies.
Promising review:"I bought these for the same reasons most do — to be more environmentally friendly. I like the size of my Swiffer Sweeper, but always felt like I wasn't getting my floors fully clean. We recently got a new apartment, and I always like to deep clean before we do any major moving. I used them dry and wet. I've always been disappointed with how the disposable pads from Swiffer (barely) picked up dog fur and crumbs, but as you can see in the picture it picked up so much! This was already after using a traditional broom. Then using them wet with diluted Mrs. Meyers cleaning concentrate — wow! The water was BLACK by the time I was all done with our downstairs area. They were so easy to Velcro on and off, wet or dry. Once I was all done, getting them off and doing a quick rinse wasn't hard at all. I love that I am supporting a small family business with all the convenience of Amazon. I will definitely buy again (if I ever have to). I am so excited to use these for years to come and have a cleaner house than I ever have before!!" — Kathryn Willer
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $10.95.
Psst — if you don't already have one, you can get a standard Swiffer on Amazon for $17!
10. A retro acrylic beauty organizer in case your makeup and skincare products are scattered across the bathroom sink because they have no place to go. This very chic organizer even includes a lid to keep your products dust-free and tidy on your vanity, countertop, or dresser!
Amazon
Here's what shopping aficionado and BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer has to say: "I have this organizer and I love it! It holds a good amount of stuff, keeps the dust at bay, and looks much neater than my old organizer, which just had slots with no lid. Because I regularly try a ton of beauty products, I paired it with a set of stacking drawers from another seller, which aren't a perfect match for the shade of green, but look good together on my vanity!"
Promising review: "Product arrived quickly and was well packaged. I love how this organizes my beauty products so it's not all out in the open on my counter anymore. The glass brush holder is the best part, it looks so expensive! Highly satisfied with this purchase!" — SGD1978
Get it from Amazon for $48.99+ (available in six colors and with or without a brush organizer).
11. A styling station that's designed with silicone and heat-resistant mesh, so all your hot tools can safely end up where they belong after use and you don't have to worry about leaving your straightener on to cool down on your countertop. 😅
Amazon
Plus, it conveniently hangs on your towel rack!
Promising review:"I have a ridiculously small bathroom and a super small vanity. After too many instances of my dryer and straightener falling to the floor, I went searching for an option to get them off the non-existent counter and onto the towel holder next to my sink. This product has done the trick — it helps me keep my counter space organized and provides me with a great, heat-resistant holder to place them in while I'm working through my hair. Highly recommend!" — Amazon Customer
12. Bioclean, a hard water stain remover to dissolve years of nasty-looking, impossible-to-clean mineral buildup and staining in your shower, toilet, tub, or faucet in a matter of minutes! This professional-quality cleaner will help restore your plumbing fixtures and even your brick and concrete finishings with a spray and a light scrub. One treatment can deliver results that keep repelling stains for months afterward!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Wow. Don't waste your time with any other formulation that you found online. I've literally tried EVERYTHING! The soap / vinegar / baking soda, the expensive store bought 'hard water cleaners.' I've scrubbed for HOURS! But this… This product is like magic. It's kind of like a paste that you can rub on with a microfiber towel, and the hard water stains literally just RUB OFF. Like butter! Seriously, it's the easiest option I have tried yet. I stopped within the first five minutes of cleaning to do this review because I'm in shock lol. Coming from someone who never writes reviews! Take that as a sign to buy this immediately. What a game changer, I'm mad I'm just now finding this stuff lol!" — _kayla_carter
Get it from Amazon for $19.77.
13. An over-the-door basket system for anyone who's running out of places to store things but still has empty doors... Now, you can hang your daily must-haves in a place where you won't forget them, and you won't need to reorganize your cabinet space to do it.
Wayfair
Promising review:"This cabinet door organizer is the perfect use of 'vertical space' in my small bathroom! I now have all my supplements and bathroom potions out of my tiny hall linen closet and its conveniently located on the door for easy access! Great product!" — Amy
Get it from Wayfair for $46.99 (originally $78.99; available in six colors).
14. Dawn Powerwash which saves you time by eliminating the need for a pre-soak since the spray helps break down grease and food debris in minutes. And then you just wipe the mess away. 🥲 This is a PSA to stop peeving off your household in 2025 by letting dishes "soak" overnight in the sink.
Amazon
Promising reviews: "This stuff is the bomb! I can't say enough good about this product. I got my stove top as clean as it was when new — the area around the burners had been impossible for me to get clean before. I also cleaned the inside glass window of the oven with minimal effort. Seriously, this stuff is amazing IMO." — Kim M.
" The only dish soap allowed in my household. 😅 Jk have used other different types, and this is the only one that has worked amazing in all my cleaning. Not only do I use it on my dishes but to clean my bathroom, husband's grill, and everything else that needs a good cleaning." — Lizbeth LF
Get the starter kit from Amazon for $8.44.
15. A very powerful portable vacuum cleaner that deserves a permanent place in your car, so you can actually start giving your housemates and friends rides without being embarrassed about the state of your car. It plugs into your 12V car outlet with a stretchy cord and three detailing attachments to get into all those hard-to-reach places.
www.amazon.com
Included with the vacuum are a carrying bag, filter brush, spare HEPA filter, and flathead, extendable, and brush attachments.
Promising review: "This is one of the best purchases we've made in a while. Two kids + snacks in a minivan = lots of crumbs. We were taking our van to the car wash twice a week to vacuum it, but this little vacuum has changed that. The cord is very long, the suction is pretty strong, and it comes with attachments that make cleaning up goldfish crumbs a breeze." — Anaiz Mendez
Get it from Amazon for $27.49+ (available cordless or plug-in).
16. A no-scrub, bleach-free Wet & Forget weekly shower cleaner for anyone who doesn't have enough time to deal with the stubborn rings in your bathtub — or worse, the mildew growing in the hard-to-reach corners of your shower. Simply spray down your shower after getting out and remember to rinse it 8–12 hours later (or before the next time you get in)...then marvel at how all the gunk disappears!
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:" 100% sure this is sorcery because it works so well. This product is magic! I just did my first use and it cleaned so much gunk out of my shower I didn't even know was there! (Photo of my grout half sprayed for proof) It was quick, it was easy, and now my whole bathroom smells like a vanilla cupcake! I am VERY satisfied with this product." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in two scents and two sizes).
17. An expanding file folder — it fits up to 200 pieces of paper, so you can make 2025 your year of organization and finally do something with the stack of mail, receipts, paperwork, etc. cluttering up the mailbox-slash-command center your roommates have been begging you to use.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "This organizes my paperwork. It holds a lot and I love the pastel color of it. It came with labels to help identify each slot. It's made of plastic but still sturdy enough." — SuzyB
"I own more than six of these, and they never disappoint! I recommend it for organizing all of your documents. I personally use it to separate my tax paperwork, paid off bills, work documents, etc. The possibilities are endless." — Honest Reviews
Get it from Amazon for $5.08+ (available in 13 colors).
18. This brilliant shelf organizer/extra hanging rod combo if you own so many clothes that no empty closet space shall prosper. Now, you can keep your sweaters and tops folded neatly away in the storage shelves *and* still have space to hang skirts, pants, and other items on the bottom rod!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I'm basically obsessed with this thing already. I just got it today so I can't speak to long-term, but it's amazing how much space this frees up. I have a 1940s house, therefore 1940s tiny closets, and I need to get creative in my space organization. This thing was just what I needed to store sweaters on top and hang all other tops on the bottom. You can't see in the photo but my closet has some space on both sides that's just half filled now and used to be filled to the brim, barely able to move the hangers. This storage solution makes displaying the sweaters nicer than in drawers of my dresser or hanging. It honestly appears very sturdy and quality to me. The fabric is thick, and the hooks and bar are both metal. All in all one of my favorite purchases from Amazon." — BobbyL
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in two colors and two sizes).
19. A pack of versatile, expandable, zero-tools-necessary drawer dividers, so you can quickly and effortlessly customize the interior of that one junk drawer you currently refuse to open so it'll finally function perfectly to suit your needs. Find what you're looking for in a literal instant!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "OMG...I've always had compartments and organizers but nothing like this! I now open my junk drawers and it gives me peace. Works for makeup drawers, too! Do not hesitate to buy these, definite quality and very customizable!" — Jennifer Hudson
Get it from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in four colors).
20. A pack of cleaning K-Cups because a clean coffee maker = a happy home full of caffeinated people! But seriously — pop in one of these convenient cleaning pods and make your roommates happy by getting a better clean on your used-many-times-a-day Keurig. You'll be super grossed out, but *super* grateful when you see all the gunk coming out of your coffee maker that won't make it into your next cup.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This was easy to use. Just pop in and let the system do the work. No downtime, no waiting. Simple and easy to use. I did notice a difference after the first use. Highly recommend it." — vetrie
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $9.95 (also available in larger multipacks).
21. A laundry folding board that works in less than five seconds to transform your closet and shirt drawers into an organized haven. Surprise your housemates this year by actually being able to *sit* on the couch since it won't be covered with unfolded baskets of laundry! 😭
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Let me start off with this: I hate folding laundry. I absolutely hate it. I've seen this thing all over social media. I decided to try it out and OH. MY. GOSH. I freaking love it! It's super easy to use and my clothes are perfectly folded every time. As weird as it sounds, I actually look forward to folding my laundry now. I wish I had purchased this sooner! I like the design it has and I love how compact it is. After I'm finished folding my laundry, I just fold up the folding board and tuck it away! It's lightweight and seems durable. I recommend this to everyone, even those who hate folding clothes. I was skeptical at first, but after trying it out, I am 100% satisfied with my purchase and this product! It's worth every penny!" — Kayli
Get it from Amazon for $14.44+ (available in five colors).
22. An adhesive cord organizer which sticks onto your appliances, so you can easily tie up that annoying eyesore of a cord when you're not using your mixer, air fryer, blender, fan, vacuum, etc. No more cluttered counters in 2025!
Amazon
Note: these are meant for use on appliances only; the adhesive is removable but may harm paint or wallpaper upon removal. Check out a TikTok of the cord organizer in action.
Tidywrap is a small business established in 2022 that specializes in adhesive cord organizers.
Promising review: "I got this for my minimalist husband who hates getting 'things' for gifts, almost as much as he hates clutter. He was practically giddy after we installed several of these on various kitchen appliances. It's not just storage — but moving the appliance around from its storage location to the countertop is a nicer experience. He was seriously swinging around a food processor with one hand saying, 'this is so much neater!' To each their own, I suppose. For us normies, it does exactly what it's supposed to. Easy to stick on, I like that it holds the plug neatly as well. I would love if it came in white, but the gray is a nice neutral." — Elizabeth L.
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $10.95 (also available in a four-pack).
23. And a ventilated cable management box, so you can put all those tangled cords out of sight without having to rearrange all your electronics. Trust, your household will be so grateful not to be tripping over cords every time they walk into your WFH office or living space.
Amazon
24. A set of three drill brush scrubbing attachments that powerfully remove all the grime and gunk away on tons of surfaces, from your shower to your counters...and even your gutter! Now, you won't have to get on your hands and knees, scrubbing until you're spent just to clean the soap scum staining the bottom of your tub.
www.amazon.com
Drill Brush is a small biz created by a former electrician with carpal tunnel syndrome who needed a way to properly clean without causing him harm.
Promising review:"I constantly have to pester the hubby to help with cleaning the bathroom. Then I bought this and he's like Tim 'the tool man' Taylor. I guess he just needed more power??? He cleans the bathroom without even being asked because he likes the drill brushes. They work well. The grout lines are clean. It doesn't take him long. Best money I've ever spent! LOL." — Heather N
Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in six brush types for different surfaces).
25. A double-layered, water-resistant cat litter-trapping mat created with a honeycomb design to catch and trap litter your cat might track onto the floor. Sure, everyone might love cuddling up with your feline baby, but it's YOUR cat, and no one enjoys getting sand pellets stuck in their bare feet or socks.
www.amazon.com
And whenever you're ready to clean, just press the sides in to open the mat and dump it out (into the litter box or trash)!
Promising review:"This litter mat is a lifesaver. I was facing a real issue with my two new kittens tracking litter EVERYWHERE, so much so that I was considering switching from the litter I love to something non-tracking because there were no good alternatives. Much research later, I come across this mat. I will say it was bigger and more square than I thought, but I think that is a good thing! It is so large and covers the area well. Now, the litter tracking is 99% contained! Best litter mat I have ever had!" — Rachel Ray
26. A bottle of Liquid Plumr Pro Strength Hair Clog Eliminator — a gel-based drain cleaner that literally melts hair away in three simple steps: pour, let sit, and drain with piping-hot water. And it's under $10, so definitely worth adding to your cleaning arsenal in case your household boasts a lot of long or thick-haired people and/or animals, and you don't want to have to bother with a plumber! 😭
www.amazon.com
BTW, this product is designed specifically for drains clogged with hair! For a different drain cleaner, check out this one!
Having never read a review of this product, I used it and now I'm furious I didn't do a before and after photo. My shower drain, which had hair from previous tenants, soap scum deep in there, and more grossness from before I moved in five months ago...is now 98% clear and looks like a completely new drain. The hair that is still there is attached to my handy dandy drain cover, so no biggie to get rid of. This was the easiest drain product I've ever used and it didn't require me to even look at the nastiest lurking down there. All I had to do was pour the entire bottle (I poured most of it, but I was skeptical, so I saved some just in case), let it sit for 15 minutes, and then pour hot water down the drain. For this, I boiled water in my tea pot and poured it down the drain and everything is gone! I could cry. This is my new go-to drain product from now on — so if your drain is gross and you want nothing to do with it, definitely grab a bottle of this!
Promising review: "Our drain was super clogged with hair and soap scum! Three women, a golden retriever, and a golden doodle! So when I say super clogged, I mean SUPER CLOGGED. No water was draining. I tried to use one of those sticks that you put down the drain to pull hair out and I got very little. I started a big pot of water on the stove, but I didn't let it get to a boil. I poured the whole pot of water in and BAM, the tub took a second and it drained. Honestly, I thought I was at the point of having to call a plumber, so I was shocked. I turned the water on and filled up the tub just to see what happened, and it kept draining perfectly! We're at about a month later and she's still draining like a champ! So, I would recommend this product a million times over, 10/10!" — Ian
Get it from Amazon for $6.58.
27. A pack of multi-surface restorative wipes to bring new life back into your faded surfaces and furniture, so that it looks like you just brought it home. Plus, they even help protect your items from future damage!
www.amazon.com
These work on everything from vinyl, plastic, and painted surfaces to metal and fiberglass.
Promising review: "My metal barstools were left on the balcony all winter because of a surprise three-day blizzard. After being buried in snow all winter I thought for sure I would have to throw them out when I saw them in the spring. Looking at them now after using the product, no one would suspect that they weren't new ones!" — Mom@home
Get five wipes from Amazon for $15.99.
28. A plant-based stainless steel cleaner that'll help remove annoying fingerprints, stains, and other miscellaneous residue that ends up on your sleek, shiny appliances. It even comes with a microfiber cloth for streak-free cleaning that delivers a shine reviewers swear lasts for days!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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One TikToker is digging into a popular landscaping trend and revealing how it could actually be doing more harm than good to your trees. In a video, TikToker Will, who goes by Bird Man Will (@ points out a common mistake people make when mulching around trees: piling mulch directly up against the trunk. His simple tip? Don't do this. "Common mistake in landscaping," the user said in the caption of the video. In the video, Will explains how the way roots grow can change when covered in mulch, functionally cutting off the oxygen and nutrient supply to the tree. The term "volcano mulching" refers to the piling up of mulch against the trunk of a tree, creating a volcano-shaped mound and encouraging the roots of trees to grow into the nutrient-rich mulch, eventually hurting or killing the tree by encircling it and cutting off the circulation of water and nutrients. Trees play a vital role in our communities, especially in urban and suburban neighborhoods. Access to healthy, mature trees has been linked to lower temperatures, reduced stress, and even improved student performance in schools. Fortunately, there are healthier, more sustainable ways to care for your yard. Decisions can include growing trees with proper care or replacing parts of your lawn with eco-friendly, low-maintenance alternatives. Even a partial lawn replacement can cut water bills, reduce upkeep, and help your landscape thrive. Users who interacted with the video affirmed the information, speaking about the ways they've seen this problem. "I help plant some in the community and we always leave a ring around the trunk to not be right up on it," one user commented. "I worked grounds at a university and my boss would yell at us if we covered tree roots," one user commented. "Really surprising that a landscape manager made this mistake." What's the hardest thing about taking care of your yard? Mowing the lawn Controlling weeds Keeping pests at bay I don't have a yard Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
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a day ago
- Buzz Feed
21 Products Reviewers Say They Used From College On
A shower curtain with pockets — a true space-saving legend you'll be glad you bought freshman year. In the dorms, it'll hold your endless shampoo bottles and face masks; in your first apartment, it might graduate to wine bottles, kids' bath toys, or even a waterproof speaker. Trust me, it's one of those 'why doesn't everyone own this?' items. Promising review: "This is by far one of the best inventions EVER! So, I started getting these in college instead of having shower caddies—all the girls got a big pocket and small pocket —GREAT IDEA! Way less bulk and soap scum around the ledges where normal caddies would get left. As there was an extra pocket, it was a great place to put your phone or even a speaker while in the shower (our phones having waterproof cases, of course). Much like other shower curtains, you can just wash them in the washer or by hand and they are like new! This super durable curtain can be useful if you have kids — you can put their toys! Dogs? Put a treat or tennis ball in the pocket to keep them occupied while bathing them. Need some personal time? The large pockets also easily fit a bottle of wine and can be reached while soaking in the tub. I mean the uses for this thing are endless!" —Ms. Mary Get it from Amazon for $ my colleague's Maytex Quick Dry Pockets Shower Curtain review for more deets! A set of blackout curtains designed to turn 'just five more minutes' into full-on hibernation. They'll help you snooze through your 8 a.m.s now (oops) and keep streetlights from ruining your REM cycles in your future city apartment. Extra perk: they also muffle noise and help control the temperature, which means they're pulling triple duty for years to come. If you don't want to drill into the wall to install curtains, we recommend going with either a tension rod, Command hooks or brackets that connect to existing review: "This is my third time buying these curtains, been using them since college apartments, and now bought them for our guest bedroom. Does a great job of blocking sunlight and more light. These pictures are of the grey curtains." —EdogGet them from Amazon for $15.93+ (available in a variety of sizes and colors). Some foam earplugs that'll be the unsung hero of your backpack. They'll save you from all-night parties in the room next door, rescue your sanity during red-eye flights, help you stay focused in the library, and provide sanctuary from any future partners who snore like chainsaws. Promising review: "I initially bought these to help during my college exams in a computer lab. The constant clacking of keys and clicks of everyone's mouse was distracting me. I only use one, and it completely drowned out the sound in that ear. I started using them when I sleep during the day (I work nights) and use them in both ears. It's silent. I can't hear anything. These are good. I highly recommend. I also have a child who doesn't like loud noises, and she used them during a fireworks show. They didn't fit all the way in her ear (I didn't force them either) and she said they worked well for her." —JASGet a bottle of 50 earplugs from Amazon for $16.49. A lap desk so your 'desk' can be wherever you want it to be. It's a lifesaver for Netflix-fueled paper writing in bed. After graduation, it's perfect for weekend emails, crafting sessions, or balancing your tablet while streaming a full season of your fave show in one sitting. Promising reviews: "I bought this for college. You don't always want to sit at a table or bar. It can be uncomfortable after a period of time. You can chill on your couch or recliner and use this. It works great. I should've bought this a lot earlier." —David"Going back to college has been a challenge for me working two jobs and having four kids. This has made it so much easier to sneak off in my room to do my school work!!!" —AshleyGet it from Amazon for $33.24+ (available in nine colors). A memory foam seat cushion that's basically an apology letter to your tailbone. You'll love it for marathon study sessions now, and it'll stick with you for remote work days, long gaming sessions, or anytime you're trapped in a chair longer than you planned. It's designed to relieve pressure on your tailbone, and reviewers say it's great for reducing lower back reviews: "I'm a college student, and I just moved not too long ago so a lot of my free time is spent sitting in my office chair (probably 10 hours a day). I have one of those gaming chairs that are really common, and in no time at all, the cushion decayed. This product has revolutionized my chair, making it feel brand new. I will probably continue to buy these over brand-new chairs every so often. This is cheaper and equally, if not more, effective than buying a new chair. 💯!" —cody"I broke my tailbone and was in excruciating pain for over 4 months. I got this cushion when I first broke it and was able to sit down, and it was AMAZING. Seriously!!! It allowed my tailbone to heal because it wasn't pressed down on when I sat down. It's been over 6 months (still in pain, but it's way less pain), and I use it every single day. It got me through some of my studies as a college student with mostly online classes. I now bring the cushion to the couch, dinner table, etc. I recommend this to people without injuries, too. It has helped improve my posture so much and takes away the strain of trying to maintain a good posture if you are injured or just too tired to sit up straight. Love this thing. Buy it, please." —Kel. C. Get it from Amazon for $45.99 (available in six colors). A power strip so you can keep every gadget, charger, and hair appliance plugged in at once. It'll be a dorm lifesaver when you're sharing two outlets with a roommate — and in your next apartment, it'll still be the reason your phone, laptop, lamp, and coffee maker can coexist. This power strip also doubles as a surge reviews: "This is an excellent option for a dorm room. Dorm rooms generally have limited outlets, and colleges often have restrictions on what types of extension cords are acceptable. This round power strip works well under a small desk, meets the residential hall guidelines, and includes ports for directly charging phones and other devices. Perfect." —bsaucoin"Y'all, I have had this thing since my freshman year of college (August of 2018) and I still have it!!!! It still works perfectly and I love it so so so so much! It's an essential for me, and it fits anywhere; it's great quality! They can be heavy, but I think that's a good thing because it isn't surprisingly heavy in weight. Great for the price, and the cord length has never been an issue for me from the bed or my desks in college! 5 stars all the way." —Gabrielle JamesGet it from Amazon for $25.99 (also available in black). A swivel desk chair which nails the sweet spot between comfort and style. It'll make late-night cram sessions feel less torturous, and when you've moved on to your first real home office, you'll be glad you didn't settle for the squeaky, lumpy alternative. Promising review: "Excellent product for a reasonable price! The product description/details were accurate. I am a 61-year old female, who put this together myself in approximately 45-minutes. It is lightweight, yet sturdy. I purchased this chair for my daughter, who is a college student and studies long hours at the table. She confirms that the chair is so helpful! It looks nice, too." —CherylGet it from Amazon for $129.99 (also available in white). A pair of blue light–blocking glasses to save your eyes from the endless hours of screen time that college life demands. They'll carry you through late-night essay edits, gaming breaks, and online lectures, then stick around for your first desk job when spreadsheets and Zoom calls are your new professors. Electronic devices emit a lot of blue light, which your eyes do a terrible job of blocking. Over time, blue light may strain your eyes and lead to macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss. Computer glasses that filter blue light can help reduce the amount of blue light you're exposed to, plus you don't need a prescription to wear them and they work even if you're already wearing review: "I work at a job that requires me to look at screens pretty much all day. I'm also a college student who takes my classes online and looks at my phone regularly. I began getting increasingly bad headaches and researched possible explanations. Constant blue light screen exposure was the most likely for my specific lifestyle. Since getting these glasses, my frequency and severity of headaches has gone completely down from before. Not only that, these glasses are adorable and can fit just about any face shape. Great quality and work wonderfully. Highly recommend." —MadisonGet them from Amazon for $11.19+ (available in 34 colors and styles). A cold brew maker here to single-handedly slash your coffee shop spending. Freshman year, it's your antidote to overpriced campus lattes; later, it's your secret weapon for Monday mornings when you'd rather roll out of bed than roll into a café line. It brews a quart (4 cups), so you should have enough java to get you through the day (and maybe some left over to share with your favorite coworker).Promising review: "Bought this several times. Originally recommended by a friend and now we can't live without it! So easy to use and no bitterness. Only problem is we go through the cold brew so fast I usually put it in a separate pitcher so I can start brewing the next batch so we never run out!. We ended up using it so much I had to buy my daughter her own to take to college. The pitcher is plastic and I was initially disappointed but it turns out it is so much better in plastic and easy to use and clean." —OCMomEsqGet it from Amazon for $24.14+ (available in two sizes and three colors). A white-noise machine for transforming chaotic dorm acoustics into a calming backdrop of rain, ocean waves, or gentle thunder. After graduation, it'll keep your sleep sacred in noisy apartment buildings, during hotel stays, or even in your own home when the neighbors get too chatty. It has six built-in sleep sounds — rain, brook, ocean, thunder, white noise, and summer night — as well as an auto-off timer that you set for 15, 30, or 60 minutes. Plus, it's lightweight and portable so you can bring good sleep with you reviews: "This product is amazing as I have just moved into my college apartment. It perfectly drowns out the noise as you can adjust the volume and change sounds depending on which in you like. Personally I enjoy the white noise feature and I leave it on all night. I also chose to plug it into an outlet since it comes with the plug and block but you may also decide to use batteries. If you use batteries I suggest you leave it on the timer setting which allows for a 15,30, or 60 minute timer and then it will automatically turn off. It's been a game changer for my sleep and I highly recommend!!!" —Gianna Moraci"I use this every night! My roommate in college got me hooked on a rain machine to help me sleep and even years later, I still have to have it to sleep! Great quality and awesome functionality." —amb0319Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in two colors). A truly ~egg-cellent~ rapid egg cooker you can count on to make a delicious breakfast happen in literal minutes. You'll rely on it for quick protein before class now, then keep it in rotation for speedy brunches, packed mornings, or lazy Sunday omelets well into adulthood. Promising review: "I got one as a gift in college, and my roommates and I ate so many eggs throughout the busy year, and I decided to get a second one for my mom. When we graduated, my former roommate said she also got one. Once you have one, you can't go back. It's so useful if you want a quick snack or addition to a meal, especially when you're busy with other things." —Joanne AhnGet it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes and seven colors).Check out our Dash Rapid Egg Cooker review for more deets! A heavy-duty alarm clock that can *shake* you awake when your willpower won't. Ideal for making sure you never miss an exam, and equally valuable years later when you have to catch an early flight or log in for a 7 a.m. meeting. Promising reviews: "I got this for my son, who is such a deep sleeper. He's at college now and there's no one to wake him up 10x every morning, just to fall back asleep. He texted me this morning and said that it was incredible! Said 5 units away from his apartment properly heard it, but it works!" —Katheryn Webster"This is the best alarm clock I have yet to own. I am a college student and there have been times when I would sleep through my alarms and would miss class. I tried different methods, like changing up my alarm and setting one far away. I even used an alarm app that made me solve math problems to turn it off, but that failed because I would just delete the app in my sleep to shut it up. This alarm clock has been a lifesaver in making sure I wake up in time for class. It always startles me awake and gets my heart racing, so I don't even feel like going back to sleep. I like how it has the option for you to choose the pitch of your alarm if you choose to use the you are a heavy sleeper, have trouble getting up in the morning, and have a risk of sleeping through your alarm, this is the alarm clock for you!" —Thomas RGet it from Amazon for $43.99 (available in six colors). A mug warmer here to rescue your coffee from the fate of going lukewarm mid-sip. In college, it'll be your desk mate during late-night cram sessions; later, it'll keep you caffeinated and happy through endless meetings or cozy weekends staying in and reading. This mug warmer does *not* have an auto-off feature, so we recommend also getting an auto-off outlet if you're prone to forgetting to unplug review: "I bought one of these before I went to college. It's been about 10 years and it's still going strong. I use it almost every day at work and have used it pretty consistently over the last decade. No issues whatsoever with overheating (even when I accidentally leave it on for longer than planned), and it keeps my drinks perfect. I also have one of those cute little iron teapots, and it keeps that thing perfectly warm for hours and hours. When (if?) mine dies, I will definitely buy another. I got my grandma a much more expensive one from Sharper Image, and it doesn't keep things nearly as warm, and it randomly shuts itself off every hour or so. This one isn't flashy, but it's definitely a great simple little gadget." —AlisonGet it from Amazon for $11.99. A three-tier rolling cart that turns 'where do I stash all my stuff?' into 'dang, I'm finally organized.' It'll corral your dorm toiletries, snacks, and mini-fridge essentials now, and later cruise beside your bedroom dresser, hold your kitchen gadgets, or even act as a mobile office triage station during those early WFH days. Featuring a sturdy metal frame, mesh-bottom bins, and smooth swivel wheels, it'll ~roll right along~ with your life as it changes. A microwave pasta cooker guaranteed to take you from hungry to carb-loaded without dirtying half the kitchen. It'll see you through dorm dinners *and* those nights when you just want comfort food without the whole boiling-water ordeal. Read our Fasta Pasta Microwave Cooker review for more!Promising review: "When I first bought these, I was in the position where I needed to cook all of my meals in a college dorm without a kitchen and with limitations on which types of appliances I could purchase. I had a microwave, a toaster oven, a coffee maker, and a to say, this microwavable pasta maker saved my life in college.I cooked pasta (and ravioli/tortellini!) for nearly all of my meals, and this little tool made that process SO easy for me, AND could hold a hefty few servings of pasta on top of that! I just filled it with as much pasta as I needed to prepare, filled with water, added a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking, and my pasta was done in minutes! No waiting for a pot to boil, no needing to set a timer to avoid forgetting about your pasta, no need for a separate pot and strainer, AND it was super easy to clean." —Brenda PelletierGet it from Amazon for $16.99. A memory foam mattress topper for transforming a dorm-issued slab into a bed you actually want to sleep in. And once you've moved, it'll follow you to your first apartment, guest room, or anywhere a little extra cloud-like comfort is needed. Promising reviews: "I was in search of a mattress topper when moving off to college and this one has satisfied all of my needs. It has just the right amount of firmness and softness allowing for a good nights sleep. After placing this mattress topper on top of my hard mattress, I no longer experienced restless nights of sleep. I would highly recommend this product if you are moving into a dorm or apartment." —Brynlee Urbantke"AMAZING! It slides around a little bit and that's the only con. I got it for college and it's so amazing I'm getting one for my bed at home while I'm there in the summer too. Very comfortable and soft, I was worried but I'm glad it worked out exactly how I wanted it." —Liz a two-inch topper from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes twin–California king as well as a three-inch-thick version). A velvety soft microfiber duvet ready to earn permanent status in your bedding lineup. You'll love it for movie nights in your dorm now (and using it to make your bed for years to come). Promising reviews: "I bought this comforter for my son for college and it is perfect! It's medium warmth, very soft and fluffy. Exactly what I was looking for. The square stitching keeps the stuffing perfectly in place. My favorite feature is the loops on the corners that tie to a duvet cover to keep the comforter from shifting. I loved this comforter so much, I ordered one for my other son and am going to order one for every other bed in the house. An amazing find! Love everything about it!" —Sonja M. Ocker"Bought it for my daughter's college apartment. She absolutely loves it! Super comfortable! Not too warm. Perfect!! She wants to buy another for her bed at home for when she visits! :)" —Shannon D. Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in sizes twin–California king and six colors). A combination oil diffuser and humidifier for when your dorm smells… lived in. It'll make your air fresher, your room calmer, and your sleep better — and you'll keep it for every future home that needs a little mood and moisture boost. Promising review: "I bought this as a gift for my teenage daughter, and she loves it! I also purchased a set of essential oils. The scent is very light, not too strong and very spa like. I like to borrow it whenever I take a hot bath. The colors are beautiful and makes it extremely pleasing to the eye. I now want to purchase one for myself, especially since I know she will be taking it with her when she leaves for college!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in three colors). A Brita water dispenser proving staying hydrated doesn't have to mean hauling 24-packs of plastic bottles up three flights of stairs. You'll appreciate it in the dorms, and even more in your own kitchen years later when cold, clean water is just a fridge-door pull away. A huge backpack laundry bag that lets you transport a week's (or two's) worth of clothes without breaking your back. Great for laundry room treks in college, and just as handy for trips to the laundromat or packing up linens as a grown-up. A pair of hybrid over-ear headphones here to turn any noisy dorm hall into a personal study bubble. With up to 60 hours of juice (40 with noise cancelling on) and fast-charging that gives you four hours of playback from just five minutes plugged in, they're a nonnegotiable for late-night cramming (and they're not going anywhere when you start making caffeine-fueled commutes). Promising review: "I bought my college-age son a pair of these, and he liked them so much, I bought myself a pair and I'm glad I did. I use them mostly at the gym and the sound quality is very good. They are comfortable to wear and have a very good battery life. The noise cancelling mode is great, knocking out most of the background noise you hear, so I'm not blasting them so loud. They are also well-made and sturdy. Would recommend!" —Gregory MGet them from Amazon for $39.99 (available in four colors).
