
25 Effective Products That Will Introduce You To A Clutter-Free Life
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Envision a new life — a life free of giant piles of junk everywhere.
1. Game board storage cases so you can ditch the cardboard boxes in favor of slim, easy-to-stack organizers. The transparent plastic and built-in handle make it easy to take multiple games while traveling — now you can pack Codenames *and* Monopoly.
Promising review: "We loved these containers and have now bought 20 to hold our entire game closet! We have been able to fit multiple games in some. Easy to store and easy for my kids to find and then put away when finished. Good quality, haven't had any problems with durability yet, and we play a LOT of games." — bradfieldfamily
Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $46.99 (also available in a pack of six thick containers).
2. A set of storage bags to make proper use out of your under-bed space. They're ideal for out-of-season clothing, books, extra shoes, or anything else you don't need now but might need soonish.
www.amazon.com
You can use these for so much more than clothing! Think craft supplies, extra toiletries, shoes...basically whatever you have too much of.
Promising review:" These storage bags are fantastic. I live in a small apartment where storage space is at a premium. I use these to store my Costco toilet paper and paper towels, so I don't need to make as many trips to the store. It keeps them in pristine condition and out of sight. The handles make them easy to pull in and out, and they fold up nicely when not in use. I'm thinking about getting two more since four will fit under my queen bed." — Kimberly Dorn
Get two bags from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in five styles and in packs of four).
3. A five-tier document tray so you can sort through that intimidating mountain of paper on your desk. Tax docs, receipts, and fanmail (soon to arrive for your amazing organization skills) should probably all get their own sections. And the trays slide out so you can grab what you need with ease.
Amazon
Promising review: "I use this in my office at work. It's perfect for what I need it for, and I love the pink color!" — LeAnn Brantley
Get it from Amazon for $15.49+ (available in seven colors and two-packs).
4. A 5.5-foot tall curio cabinet made with rolled steel and tempered glass that will be the perfect home for all your books and knickknacks. Suddenly, your heap of plush toys will look less like clutter and more like a valuable collection.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
One reviewer used this cabinet to lock in humidity for their houseplants!
Promising review: "These cabinets arrived super quickly and packaged very well! They were fast to build and fairly easy to move. Not only are they incredibly cute, but they look very well made once they are put together. The shelves are adjustable and super easy to move around to be as big or small as you choose! The doors are also very easy to put on and take off. I chose to leave them off because I want easy access to my books, but they are absolutely lovely, with or without the doors on them! I can't recommend them enough!" — Summer
Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in two styles and three colors).
5. A bamboo cabinet in two styles (counter and wall mount) more than happy to obscure your kitchen clutter from prying eyes. The fluted glass is just opaque enough to hide your collection of mason jar tops and mostly forgotten kitchen tools.
Promising review: "Exactly as pictured. It looks nice and high quality. Assembly was pretty easy and the needed tools were included. Very well and carefully packaged, it arrived in perfect condition. I love the size, design, and functionality. I got it to store glasses by my water cooler and it's perfect with the adjustable shelf. Overall — love it!" — Pamela H.
Get it from Amazon for $83.99+ (available in six styles).
6. A sturdy car organizer that'll make you feel a little better about all the random junk rolling around your car. Once everything is neatly organized, it will feel like it belongs there. Noooo, that's not a bottle of laundry detergent I forgot to bring inside — it's there for emergencies on road trips. 🙂↕️
Amazon
It'll keep your frozen groceries together, your drinks upright, and your car snacks within easy reach. It has straps to keep everything secure, whether it's in your trunk or your back seat.
Promising review:"I love this trunk organizer for my SUV. I can secure it with the tie-down straps provided, and they work very well. I can collapse one side of it to make it smaller if needed. Although I keep mine set up all the time, you unlatch it, fold it completely down, and store it easily if necessary. This organizer is perfect for those big shopping days with family and friends. We each have our own area to put our packages so we know what to grab when we get home. It's also perfect for groceries, so I can keep the cold things together and the bottles and drinks from tipping over or sliding around in the back. This organizer is spacious, made of quality materials, and well-made (sewn and constructed well). It's really the perfect organizer that will provide you years of use!" — Placeholder
Get it from Amazon for $26.98+ (available in three colors).
7. A shower caddy shelf for the corner of your bathroom or shower stall because every inch of your home deserves multi-level storage options. The cute little soap dish is honestly enough to sell me on this, tbh!
Promising review:"This is great for my stand-up shower. There is no space for my things and the shower racks that hang over the showerhead were not enough. This fit perfectly in the corner and got everything I needed. Would definitely recommend." — Destinie Arguello
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
8. A dust-free sectioned tray that'll help you sort your jewelry and various baubles, encouraging you to wear more than the same pair of earrings every day. Remember those gold studs your grandma gave you? Now you can actually find them!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I love these stackable jewelry trays. They take up less space on the dresser but organize the jewelry remarkably well. When stacked and the top one covered, your jewelry can remain dust-free. There are more than enough holders, which are lined with a non-abrasive cloth. Well made and great for organizing." — Alot2do
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four styles and multipacks).
9. A set of Shoe Slotz that lets you stack shoes on top of each other, meaning you can DOUBLE your storage space. In the words of Kelly, let's get some shoes.
Amazon
Promising review:"I will spare you the horrific 'before' picture of the complete nightmare that was my closet floor. Just imagine a dusty mess with shoes thrown all over each other in a sad attempt at giving some appearance of order, and you will have a good idea of why buying this shoe organizer was one of the best ideas I've had this year. The floor now looks so neat and tidy I can't believe my eyes every time I open my closet doors." — Veronica, just an average reader, you know?
Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $29.99 (also available in packs of 20 and 40).
10. An under-cabinet drawer that'll bring order to whatever cabinet you've been avoiding lately. Grabbing a sponge will now be a two-second activity instead of a 15-minute scavenger hunt.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These are nice pieces that helped me organize underneath my bathroom sink! They fit perfectly! After organizing everything, I was so surprised I had so much more room that I grabbed more items out of the linen closet to fill it up. I still have a lot of room left. I bought these based on the high ratings, and they hold true." — Brad J. Leahy
Get it from Amazon for $23.87+ (available in two colors).
11. A slender storage cabinet you can sneak into the little space next to the toilet. Cleaning supplies, extra toilet paper, and reading materials are now conveniently within reach!
Promising review:"So easy to put together I could put it together with my eyes closed. fit amazingly perfectly between the tub and the toilet, and it has created so much more space, and my bathroom is no longer cluttered because of this product." — COS45B
Get it from Amazon for $13.48+ (available in two colors).
12. A wallet holder that hooks under your closet shelf and provides a structured place for your favorite pouches to live. While this is made for wallets, there's no need to limit yourself! Use it for snacks, stationery, accessories, sandwich bag boxes, etc.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This is exactly what I was looking for my small purses and wallet organization! They are well-made, and they look great in my closet! Thank you!!" — Misty W
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
13. Under-cabinet containers you can install in areas that were previously considered at capacity. They maximize space under sinks, in pantries, and beneath shelves, meaning you can finally fit even more stuff in your home! The jars are airtight and self-seal when you put them back, so you can store anything from coffee beans to detergent pods in them.
Each jar is sold in a set of two or three and comes with their own magnetic rims and one stainless steel shelf plate.
Vascito is a Michigan-based small biz that provides high-tech home storage and organization products.
Promising review:"AMAZING! I love this product. The containers are of good quality, and the rims unscrew for easy cleaning. They really are tightly sealed, and there is no need for a lid. The customer service was fab, providing personalized labels, and the delivery was amazingly quick considering I'm in England!" — samhhawk99
Get it from Vascito on Etsy for $50.96+ (available in four sizes and two colors).
14. A silverware sorter that takes up very little space in your drawer but can fit up to 24 pieces of cutlery. With the extra space, the possibilities are endless. Maybe it's time for a novelty monstera slotted spoon?
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have a tiny kitchen with only three drawers, so space is at a premium. My silverware organizer took up almost all of one drawer, so this organizer is a godsend. You can fit quite a few spoons, etc., in each slot. My beater attachments fit perfectly into the top two hollows. I will say I have to flip my forks over face down in order to be able to shut and open my drawer, but then the drawer itself is kind of shallow. You NEED this if you have a small kitchen with few drawers!" — mialro
Get it from Amazon for $11.39.
PS: You can get the knife organizer (also pictured above) for $11.99.
15. A set of airtight food storage containers so you can ditch all the ripped cardboard and leaky flour bags you have in the cabinet right now. Speaking as someone who recently dealt with a pantry moth problem, airtight storage is the way to go.
www.amazon.com
This 14-piece set comes with reusable labels, a marker, *and* a measuring spoon set!
Promising review:"No matter how many times I tried to make the package clutter in my pantry look nice, it wasn't happening. I tried the pop-top containers before, but things still got stale and were too expensive to do the entire pantry. This set was so affordable that I bought two of them and was able to finally get everything organized! I've had no issues with things getting stale, and my 4-year-old is now able to easily see, access, and open cereal or snacks when he wants to. Definitely recommend!" — Fisch
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in six styles and multipacks).
16. A plastic bag dispenser that neatly fits in your drawer so you don't have to battle with five crushed cardboard boxes. You can store this horizontally in a drawer or get fancy and mount it vertically in a cabinet.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
These come with optional sticker labels, so you know which size bag you're grabbing.
YouCopia is a woman-owned small business that specializes in home storage solutions.
Promising review:"I like it very much. Not so large. Lightweight. Would look nice on top of the counter. What I like is that you do not have to wrangle the box into the slots. Simply pick up the roll of bags from their packaging and put them in the designated slot." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three-, four-, or five-slot models).
17. A thin rolling shelf to slip in that weird space between your fridge and cabinets. Or between your laundry machine and the wall. Or in the garage next to your car. Wherever you have a tiny sliver of unused space.
Promising review: "I bought this for my bedroom to hold extra things next to my bed. It was so easy to put together. I would highly recommend it to anyone who might need something like this. 😀" — william
Get it from Amazon for $16.89+ (available in five colors).
18. An interlocking storage organization set that lets you harness the power of CUBES. Assemble them in whatever grid works best for your closet. The set comes with a little rubber mallet so you can feel like Bob the Builder while creating your ideal storage unit.
Promising review:"I put these in my closet to make extra shelves for sweaters/sweatshirts. They were easy to assemble and worked great at adding additional space to my closet. I like that my clothes don't topple over into the pile next to them anymore. They were easy to put together, and if I move they will be easy to take apart, put in a small box and move. I'm very happy with this purchase." — Goldensummerdog
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two sizes and five colors).
19. A tea bag organizer for avid tea drinkers who are sick of getting hit with an avalanche of boxes every time they open their cupboard. This slim device can fit up to 120 standard-sized bags.
Amazon
Promising review:"It holds so many, the storage capacity is wild! It was able to clean up all of our various types of tea boxes and slim down the space. I should have bought this sooner." — BB
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes).
20. An over-the-cabinet-door holder so you can fit even more cooking sheets, cutting boards, and other flat kitchen items in your kitchen.
Simple Houseware Store
Promising review:"I bought this for under-the-sink storage where I keep a lot of cutting boards. They were continually falling over and I couldn't find the exact one I wanted. This added much-needed storage by attaching it to the cabinet door." — S. Isselhardt
Get it from Amazon for $16.97 (also available in a two-pack).
21. A set of Command spray bottle hangers to stick to the inside of a cabinet door for easy storage, so you can grab the multi-cleaner *the second* you hear food hit the floor.
www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the Command spray bottle hangers in action.
Promising review: "Love these! They have helped organize all my products underneath my kitchen sink. The Command hooks are strong, and nothing has budged, even with the weight of the spray bottles! Highly recommend." — Talayfor87
Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.40.
22. A CovoBox made from reclaimed books and sustainable wood that's hollow on the inside, so you can hide your router, cable box, or other unsightly wires. Now you can look neat *and* well-read.
Before adding this to your cart, you have the option to customize it, including selecting from 14 lengths and 15 colors (including custom colors).
BTW — Covogoods is a small family-owned business creating home decor in Utah.
Promising review:"I'm pretty sure I've never loved a purchase from Amazon as much as I love this one. This product is EXTREMELY well-made and very unique. Plus, it does the job of hiding the ugly routers and cords. And the customer service was great and responsive. I was a little hesitant to spend the money on this, but after years of living with the husband's pile of technology, the money was well spent!" — AmazonEmme
Get it from Covogoods on Amazon Handmade for $29+ (available in customizable sizes and colors).
23. A revolving hardwood organizer for ties, necklaces, lanyards, or other easy-to-hang items. You can hold up to 24 items, so the sky's the limit here. Maybe I'll start a bowtie collection for my dog?
Manchester Woodcraft is a small business run by Lauren Downey in Vermont.
Promising review: "Absolutely love this tie rack. I bought it for my boyfriend for Christmas (he has a large tie collection) and he was so excited. Shipping was fast and the design works really well. He has all of the tie pegs filled, and it rotates beautifully. Might need to buy another one for his ever-growing tie collection. We also put a wood stain on it to make it match our baseboards." — Caitlyn
Get it from Manchester Woodcraft on Etsy for $35.
24. Clear drawer organizers to turn your junk drawer into just a normal drawer where you actually find stuff. Oh, you need a rubber band? Here you go. A bottle opener? No problem.
The six-piece set comes with two 3"x3" bins, two 6"x3" bins, and two 9"x3" bins.
Promising review:"Great product! I bought these to put in my nightstand drawer to store small things, as the drawer is very deep. I've got ChapStick, hand lotions, a small flashlight, and other bedside items in them so they're not just rolling around the drawer. I just bought some more for my bathroom vanity. They fit together nicely but also lift right out of each other. The plastic is sturdy, and they came individually wrapped to keep them from scratching." — Sparkyj
Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $12.99+ (also available as a 10- or an 18-piece set).
25. An expanding file folder you can fill with up to 200 pieces of paper and free up soo much desk space. Receipts, restaurant menus, love letters — all this and more can be properly stored.
Amazon
Promising review: "I am going through some legal things and this folder has been perfect for keeping all my paperwork together! And boy can it hold a lot! The snap closure is very sturdy and the color is spot on!! An amazing value and great quality!" — MomOf2
Get it from Amazon for $5.98 (available in 12 colors).

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35 Bedroom Products To Make Your Love Your Space
A piece of pre-framed artwork you can just buy and hang right away. That's right — no more buying prints and thinking you'll get the frame later. The frame never comes, the prints stack up, your walls cry. These fancy prints are based on real artwork (peep the cat-ified version of Matisse's The Goldfish) so you can feel extra fancy. A glamorous set of feather-trim pajamas that look like something Dolly Parton might lounge in. They're great for bridal parties, sleepovers, and all-day lounge-fests in bed. A ribbon bookmark so the novel on your bedside table can double as charming decor. It may even convince you to finally finish Ulysses. A Kitsch satin pillowcase that'll be gentle on your hair, leave fewer creases in your face (huge win for side and stomach sleepers), and just feel nice and cool on your skin. If you're planning on spending a lot of time in bed, your pillowcase should be nice! A headboard lamp for anyone who loves the ample lighting options found in fancy hotels. Now your partner can get some shuteye while you indulge in juuuust one more chapter — OK, two. Three? Oh my god, is that sunlight? Is it dawn? Anywayyy, you can just slide this over your headboard to enjoy direct lighting when a standing or nightstand light isn't an option. A strip of LEDs that'll wrap behind your TV to help with eye strain and also just make your next Netflix long haul look really cool and movie theater-like. These are easy to apply, have 16 color options, work for 40–60-inch TVs, and they have over 5,000 happy reviews on Amazon! Buffy's Wiggle Pillow for people who love to cuddle. It can be tucked between your legs, under your lower back, or below your neck to give you some extra snuggly support. It's a little less bulky than other body pillows, and you can fold it up to lean on while chilling in bed. A lightweight lap desk if you're not quite ready to work from a desk — the call of your bed is just too strong! With the help of the wrist rest, phone holder, and built-in mouse pad, you can extend couch time indefinitely. Or a gaming/reading/laptop pillow in a convenient U shape and with a lil' side pocket for remotes, snacks, etc. This thing will be like your command center for Zoom calls, Stardew Valley sessions, and snooping on your ex on Instagram. 🤫 Pleated paper shades if you find that the sun is waking up way before you. This affordable solution is easy to apply (just trim, peel, stick) and comes with clips to raise or lower them. Now you can do some *real* snoozing. A set of wildly popular "hotel" pillows so you can feel like you're falling asleep at the Ritz. Reviewers rave that these are the perfect balance of fluffy and firm, meaning you can prop yourself up for a good in-bed TV binge. Plus, they're breathable and cooling so you won't overheat while wrapped in all those blankets. And a set of extra soft "hotel" bedsheets with so many 5-star reviews (almost 250,000!) you'd think they were capable of permanently curing insomnia. No promises, but some people are saying they never want to get out of bed. Girlfriend Collective high-rise compression leggings made from recycled water bottles, which apparently make for excellent loungewear material — everyone I know who has tried a pair is completely obsessed. If you plan on leaving your room today, you can wear these from bed to grocery store. A pair of horizontal glasses — don't laugh! — that let you read a book or watch TV while lounging in bed. Sometimes even lifting your head is an effort, you know? An affordable sunrise alarm clock you'll really appreciate when you have to wake up before the sun. The device has seven natural sounds and will gradually brighten to simulate a sunrise so you can pretend you're not waking up at an ungodly hour. A faux-sheepskin area rug ensuring the first thing your feet feel in the morning is fuzzy heaven. You can use this next to your bed, flung over a couch, or as an auxiliary pet bed. A set of three remote-control flameless flickering candles so you can pretend to be Bonnie Bennett lighting fires with *magic*. You can choose a steady glow or a flicker effect to really sell the cozy ambience as you hunker down for the rainy season. A 100% cotton Schoolhouse quilt that yes, is pricey, but unfortunately very much worth it. I got this for my birthday and OMGGG it's heaven in the summer when you need to stay cool but still want to be covered. A northern lights projector for anyone who wants to treat themself to a North Pole-style light show without having to endure arctic temperatures. It also plays soothing noises and doubles as a Bluetooth speaker! A pair of energy-efficient stained-glass lightbulbs ready to wash your home in a kaleidoscope of colors. 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4 hours ago
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Amazon shoppers love this inflatable lounger. I put it to the test in the summer heat
Every summer seems even hotter, sweatier and stickier than the last. If you don't live near the beach or have access to a pool, you might find yourself with limited options for a reprieve from the stifling heat. But creating an at-home oasis doesn't have to be complicated or costly. Highly rated on Amazon, the Sloosh Inflatable Lounger is an under-$30 find that promises to give you personal, cooling bliss in just a few simple steps. I went hands-on with the Sloosh lounger for an afternoon to see if it was worthy of becoming a summertime staple. Sloosh Inflatable Tanning Pool Lounger Float A versatile inflatable best suited for at-home use, the Sloosh lounger can pull double duty as both a tanning bed or splash pad and a roomy pool float. Even when it's on sale for $25, it's still more expensive than other inflatables, but its comfy design and durable build are sure to elevate your outdoor relaxation experience. It's more versatile than other pool floats One of the main selling points of the Sloosh lounger is that it can be used both as a pool float and a pool itself. Unlike other floats, the Sloosh can be filled with water to create a personal pool of relaxation for tanning or keeping cool. The high, four-wall design helps keep water in, so even if you get in and out of the lounger multiple times, you won't be dumping loads of water out with each trip. Though it might not seem like much, a few inches of water can make a huge difference in helping cool you off on scorching days, especially if you're miles from the nearest pool or beach. Plus, if you've got small kiddos, you could use the Sloosh as a makeshift kiddie pool or splash pad for them to play in. With some help, I was able to fill up the lounger by carrying buckets of water from the sink (city life!), but ideally, you'd want an outdoor garden hose on hand to make things go faster. This design not only keeps water in when on land but it also helps keep water out once you decide to take the Sloosh into the pool. Surrounded by those high walls on all sides, you can stay relatively dry atop the water while lounging in the Sloosh. As long as the drain hole on the float's bottom remains tightly closed, you're free to gently roll or change positions without fear that one wrong move will dump you into the water. And if you get a little hot, you can always add water to the Sloosh while it floats, but we'd recommend being conservative with the amount to ensure it maintains its buoyancy. Related article The 18 best aboveground pools to cool off in this summer, according to experts It's comfortable The Sloosh lounger was very comfortable. I'd even go as far as to say it could rival some of the air mattresses I've slept on. The inflatable base lifts your legs, bottom and back off the ground, keeping them cushioned from whatever hard surface might be underneath you. For me, the Sloosh lounger was just the right mix of cushion, bounce and support. I didn't feel like I was sinking into the ground, but it also wasn't so firm that I couldn't relax my weight into it. Plus, because it's inflatable, you can always add or release air until you find the most comfortable fill for you. The roomy rectangular design of the Sloosh gave me plenty of room to shift around too. Whether I was lying on my back, stomach or side, I never felt cramped. Though there was room to spare, it was never so vast that I felt the Sloosh was cumbersome or unnecessarily empty; essentially, it gave me the perfect amount of personalized lounging space. Unlike with other floats and inflatables I've tried, the Sloosh lounger didn't have any rigid seams that poke and prod you as you're trying to relax. The UV-resistant PVC build felt smooth to the touch wherever it made contact with my skin, and the lounger was also free from any harsh synthetic or plasticky smells. I also liked the included headrest, which you can detach and use elsewhere as a pillow if you decide to change positions. With my lower back on the headrest, my feet and legs fit comfortably inside the lounger. When I wanted to recline back more, I set my feet on top of the outer edge of the float, which was just as comfortable a position. I tested Sloosh's large-sized lounger, which was roomy enough to support my almost 5-foot-7-inch frame, but the brand does offer an extra-large size that will give you 15 more inches of length and 11 extra inches of width. The Sloosh is also designed with some thoughtful features that increase the overall lounging experience, like the aforementioned inflatable headrest for added support, two cup holders for your favorite beverages and an attached exterior rope to tether yourself to other floats or dock yourself to something stationary. Since it's currently on sale for $25, you'll be lucky to find a more affordable pool float or tanning lounger that offers the same level of versatility, comfort and quality design as the Sloosh. Related article The 16 best pool lounge chairs, according to design experts Setting it up was simple Though the Sloosh lounger didn't come with any assembly instructions, it was pretty straightforward to figure out what goes where. For the main lounger, there are two points for inflation: one on the outside that inflates the exterior sides and one on the inside that inflates the ribbed base. The Sloosh lounger also comes with an inflatable headrest, which you can clip to the back of the lounger to hold it in place. The only pain point is that all these sections have to be inflated separately. This entire inflation process took just over five minutes, though I did make use of an electric air pump to speed things up. When you're done lounging, you can release any water from inside the float using the interior drain hole. From there, you'll pull out and pinch the inflation nozzles to release air from the lounger. This job is best suited for two people: one to keep the inflation nozzles held open and the other to help press down on and roll up the body of the lounger. With the air out, I was able to get the float and headrest back into the original box, but I'd recommend finding a separate bag or storage option for long-term or frequent use, since the cardboard box is bound to get soggy or damaged over time. It feels durable Pool floats don't have a reputation for being crafted with the highest quality materials; they lose air, rip or pop seemingly out of the blue. I even tried to use a brand-new pool float instead of an air mattress once and woke up with my head on the floor and a deflated sheet of plastic beneath me. Needless to say, I had pretty low expectations for the Sloosh lounger. While it's difficult to simulate a whole summer of use in an afternoon of testing, I did my best to test the lounger's durability by jumping on it, throwing it around, dragging it across grass and concrete with a person inside it, and leaving it to sit in direct sunlight for over four hours. To my pleasant surprise, the Sloosh lounger held up well against the roughhousing. The only real signs of wear were some scuff marks on the bottom of the lounger, which you could wipe clean if you desired. Most impressively, the lounger consistently held its air throughout the day. After leaving it sitting in the hot sun, I expected it to feel slightly less bouncy when I returned a few hours later, but it still felt as if I had just inflated it. Even after jumping and flopping around on it, the Sloosh didn't appear to suffer any major air loss. The PVC material is thick enough to withstand scratches and compression without making the lounger feel heavy. Plus, all the small parts on the Sloosh, like the inflation nozzles, clasps for the headrest and docking rope felt just as soundly made. I also appreciated that the box for the Sloosh included two vinyl repair patches, so you can easily fix up your lounger if it does get a small hole. There are lots of color options Maybe you couldn't care less about what your inflatable lounger looks like. But if you do, you'll be happy to hear that Sloosh's lounger comes in an array of colors and prints, including nine iterations of the tropical leaf print one I tested, nine solid color options and nine other patterns. You can also grab the Sloosh lounger in an oval design. While the color won't affect the performance of the lounger, it's still nice to be able to choose something that matches your preferred relaxation aesthetic. You need a pump to inflate it My main gripe with the Sloosh lounger was that, despite the box claiming that it was 'easy to inflate,' it didn't come with any sort of air pump. It also didn't come with directions for how to inflate or assemble it properly. Granted, if you've ever inflated anything before — like another pool float, an air mattress or even a bike tire — you'd be able to figure out the relatively simple process. I ended up using an electric air mattress pump to get the Sloosh set up. You could also probably use a manual air pump for quick inflation, but I would not recommend blowing this up by mouth, unless you want to feel severely lightheaded. It's not great for taking on the go While the pump immensely sped up the process and had the main lounger inflated in just over a minute, having to depend on it for inflation is inconvenient. This method works fine if you're planning to use the lounger within a few feet of your own home, but if you want to take it the beach, park or local pool, you'll have to bring it already inflated or pack the pump in your bag and hunt down a place to plug it in — both of which are incredibly awkward options. This severely limits the lounger's portability, and though it might not be a deal breaker for at-home users, for those looking to lounge elsewhere, a complicated setup is the last thing you want when you're trying to relax. Even on sale for $25, the Sloosh lounger is still more expensive than some other run-of-the-mill pool floats, but what you're paying for is superior quality, comfort and versatility — all of which are bound to improve your precious relaxation time. While I didn't love that there's no pump included, you can grab one for less than $15 on Amazon to significantly speed up the setup process. Though it might not be the perfect option for travel, the Sloosh Inflatable Lounger is a handy at-home aid for those without easy access to a pool or beach. It's also something that kids, teens and adults can all make use of. Let's just say, you'll be glad you have it in your home the next time a heat wave rolls through. Can you tan on a pool float? Can you tan on a pool float? Being in any direct sunlight — whether on a pool float or not — increases your exposure to UV radiation and increases the likelihood that your skin might burn. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face and body to prevent skin damage. You should reapply at least every two hours, as well as directly after swimming. Do you tan faster in a pool? Do you tan faster in a pool? According to The University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center, surfaces like water, snow and even sand can reflect UV rays from the sun. This means you're getting direct UV exposure from the sun as well as indirect exposure scattered from the surrounding surfaces. UV rays can also reach below the surface of water, so whether you're swimming or sitting poolside, you should be dutiful about applying and reapplying sunscreen to keep your skin protected. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy tested the Sloosh Inflatable Tanning Pool Lounger Float, assessing it for comfort, durability and overall value.
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Travel + Leisure
8 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
These Podiatrist-loved New Balance Shoes Are a Favorite Among Nurses and Travelers
New Balance sneakers are the stylish 'dad shoes' that non-dads can't get enough of—and they're often the first walking shoe brand podiatrists recommend to patients with foot issues. It's partly because of those doctor referrals that New Balance shoes are some of the most-bought and widely loved on Amazon, several boasting tens of thousands of ratings. Take a look at the retailer's list of the best-selling road running shoes, and you'll find New Balance styles sprinkled in amid Brooks sneakers that cost nearly twice as much. According to reviewers, these Fresh Foam Roav V1s aren't just 'a dream for runners'—they're also great for frequent travelers, avid walkers, nurses on their feet for hours each day, and folks who deal with chronic foot pain. They happen to be up to 25 percent off right now, too, so go ahead and buy yourself a new pair of comfy shoes that'll make your doctor proud and your feet happy. These Roav V1 sneakers hail from New Balance's Fresh Foam collection. These shoes boast cushioned, shock-absorbing midsoles meant for long-distance running, trails, and other high-impact activities. The Fresh Foam also provides high rebound, a feature that promotes energy return, making it beneficial for marathon running and even American Ninja Warrior training. The Roav V1 style combines peak road running performance and casual aesthetics, making it the perfect option for an everyday sneaker. These sneakers also feature New Balance's signature Ndurance rubber outsole technology, ensuring they're extra secure in high-wear areas that would normally start ripping at the seams. They also have a unique wavy heel (named the Ultra Heel) that softly hugs your ankle, improving the fit and adding additional support. While they aren't billed as slip-on sneakers, reviewers say that this special heel design makes them easy to slide into hands-free. A testament to how comfortable they are, one customer said they were able to cover 30 miles over a three-day period while wearing them. This included 'climbing stairs, running through subways, walking along cobblestone paths, through wet grassy areas, and more.' They described the feeling as cloudlike: 'Never once did my feet, knees, or back ache.' Another shopper echoed this, writing, 'I walked hundreds of miles in one pair over the summer, and only retired them because they got really dirty and gross in the rain in Ireland. I am on my feet all day for work and my feet are never sore or tired.' Of the more than 17,000 Amazon shoppers who have given these New Balance shoes a five-star rating, many report that they've dealt with foot pain issues previously, including plantar fasciitis. One reviewer who's had three bunion surgeries and received a diagnosis of Morton's neuroma wrote that they bought the Fresh Foam Roav V1 sneakers at the recommendation of their podiatrist. They report that they love them for physical therapy appointments—especially because they don't look like typical orthopedic shoes. On the contrary, these podiatrist-recommended sneakers are actually quite cute. The mix of textures—including the mesh panels, ribbed banding, and wavy heel—adds tons of visual interest. Plus, there are more than a dozen different color combinations to choose from, some with watercolor outsoles or vibrant hues throughout the upper. Several styles are currently marked down by up to 25 percent off, with prices as low as $64. But they aren't the only New Balance sneakers on sale at Amazon right now—we found more podiatrist-loved styles starting at just $53, below. At the time of publishing, the price started at $52. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.