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Ask HN: What tiny purchases have disproportionately improved your life?

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Re: Ask HN: What tiny purchases have disproportionately improved your life?

#21

Post by datavirtue »

arkg98 wrote: post #15
theogravity wrote: post #3

A dedicated tool created to cut through cardboard boxes, roughly $20-30. When you have gigantic boxes to break down, using a straightedge or knife isn't going to "cut" it. Saves a LOT of time for me as it's significantly faster to use. Using cooking vinegar in place of liquid softener in the clothes washer to remove moldy / gym sock smell from the drum and clothes. Only need to apply once every few washes and is less…

Can you share the name of the tool for cardboard boxes? I would love to buy, I've damaged many surfaces trying to cut down a box using a box cutter.

I used to be a kitchen manager and we would break down hundreds of boxes in addition to our regular duties. I would knuckle-punch (frog?) the tape, rip the flaps, and fold a box in one motion. These would be stacked in the recycling dumpster. What is the knife used for?

Re: Ask HN: What tiny purchases have disproportionately improved your life?

#22

Post by showerst »

I’ve used an $8 gerber shard keychain tool for over 10 years.

It opens cardboard boxes, pries open covers, cuts strings, and drives the occasional screw. All without worrying about losing a Swiss army or leatherman, and it’s airport and government building friendly which is big for me.

Re: Ask HN: What tiny purchases have disproportionately improved your life?

#23

Post by neolog »

kleer001 wrote: post #7

a phone case wallet, I love having one less thing in my pockets back in the day it used to be 1) phone 2) small digital camera 3) keys 4) wallet Now it's just phone & keys. Lovely!

Tesla even has a key card

https://shop.tesla.com/product/model-3_y-key-card

Re: Ask HN: What tiny purchases have disproportionately improved your life?

#24

Post by LeoPanthera »

crookshanked wrote: post #2

Light sensor outlet covers! They're pretty handy for walking around the house at night and not stubbing a toe.

Seconding these. I put them in the hallway between my bedroom and bathroom. They automatically shut off when it gets light.

Re: Ask HN: What tiny purchases have disproportionately improved your life?

#26

Post by lloydatkinson »

toomuchtodo wrote: post #10

Mail processor. I spend $20/month, they receive all of my mail, open it, and digitize it. They discard the junk mail if I want. I never have to visit a mailbox again. I can even register it as my address on my driver's license and for my vehicles. EDIT: The service I use is https://www.sbimailservice.com/ .

Wow I’d be far too paranoid about them leaking things

Re: Ask HN: What tiny purchases have disproportionately improved your life?

#27

Post by DrJones1098 »

A dog.

Overall for around 100 bucks a month in food/trifexis the value a dog brings to your life is massive.

People will constantly talk to you so youre socializing.

There's a creature that loves you unconditionally which is a really cool feeling.

Theyre a ton of fun so it's hard to be bored.

They're good for getting exercise as they always want to play.

And more.

Theres studies that say owning a dog increases your lifespan as well.

Re: Ask HN: What tiny purchases have disproportionately improved your life?

#28

Post by warent »

toomuchtodo wrote: post #10

Mail processor. I spend $20/month, they receive all of my mail, open it, and digitize it. They discard the junk mail if I want. I never have to visit a mailbox again. I can even register it as my address on my driver's license and for my vehicles. EDIT: The service I use is https://www.sbimailservice.com/ .

I've never heard of this kind of service. It sounds like something I want ASAP. Any downsides?

Re: Ask HN: What tiny purchases have disproportionately improved your life?

#30

Post by toomuchtodo »

lasercat wrote: post #18
toomuchtodo wrote: post #10

Mail processor. I spend $20/month, they receive all of my mail, open it, and digitize it. They discard the junk mail if I want. I never have to visit a mailbox again. I can even register it as my address on my driver's license and for my vehicles. EDIT: The service I use is https://www.sbimailservice.com/ .

Can you share the mail processor that you use? Or how you went about finding one?

https://www.sbimailservice.com/

Found them because they cater to the RV and cruising (sailing/motoring around the world) folks, and that's my circle of friends.

(no affiliation other than as a customer)

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