It can feel daunting to take on home improvement projects, particularly when it’s your first time tackling them. However, all of the upgrades on this particular list cost $40 or less to complete, and they’re so easy — even for beginners —that you’ll wish you made them ages ago.
An outlet shelf so electronics have a spot for charging
Replace a regular outlet cover with this outlet shelf to create a convenient spot for electronics to get charged — this frees up the surrounding area. It takes mere minutes to install, and once in place, it can hold up to 10 pounds. White or black options are available in the listing.
A 3D window film for privacy & aesthetics
Turn a regular window into a statement with this stained glass-like window film. It features a 3D floral scene, and when light shines through it, it creates a rainbow effect. This pick is also functional — it adds a layer of privacy, offers protection against the sun’s UV rays, and has insulation properties. Several other patterns can be found in the listing.
LED lights for stairs, closets & other dim spots
Install these bar lights anywhere that’d benefit from extra illumination, like the stairs, closets, pantry, bathrooms, and more. A built-in sensor detects when motion is nearby, flipping the lights on for visibility (they put out a bright white glow). After 30 seconds of no movement, they turn off.
A thin outlet concealer for a cleaner look
Position this ultra thin concealer over an unsightly outlet, then run the 3-foot power cord to a hidden spot to plug in your electronics as usual. Adhesive strips and clips are also included to secure the cord to the wall, making it blend in even further.
Magnetic racks with versatile storage potential
These storage racks are magnetic, so they can stick on to your fridge, stove, or any other magnetic surface. Use the four racks for spices, oils, cans, condiments, or items you’d like easily within reach. Each one supports up to 8 pounds. They come in tons of colors in the listing.
Cool light bars that sync to music
When gaming, watching movies or TV shows, or listening to music, these LED light bars will automatically sync with the sounds, creating a colorful show for you to enjoy. Or, they can be set to a range of colors, brightness levels, and lighting modes for a custom experience. The two light bars are freestanding.
Silicone strips to cover the gap between your stove & counters
Utilize these two silicone covers to eliminate the gaps between your stove and counters. This way crumbs, spills, and other debris won’t fall down there. The pair of 30-inch covers (that can be cut with scissors to fit) are durable and heat resistant by design, so they won’t warp or melt as you cook. They come in black, clear, and white.
Bright solar outdoor lights for extra safety
These solar-powered lights flip on automatically when motion is detected, projecting a bright, wide cast of light onto the surrounding areas for an added safety measure at night. They’re waterproof to last a long time and come as a pair.
A narrow tiered storage cart on wheels
Most storage carts are big and bulky, but this narrow one can squeeze into the tightest of areas, maximizing storage (it’s just 4.75 inches wide). The tiers are adjustable for a custom setup, and two of the 360-degree caster wheels lock to prevent it from rolling when you don’t want it to.
A kitchen mat that’s comfy & stays in pristine condition
Made from high-density foam, this kitchen mat is thick and supportive, so it’s comfier to stand on for long periods of time, like while you’re prepping dinner. The nonslip bottom ensures it doesn’t budge, and its waterproof design allows you to wipe up any spills that land on it.
A smart sink caddy with sloped drainage
This stainless steel sink caddy is well designed. Position it next to your kitchen or bathroom sink and the sloped design ensures that any water drips flow back into the sink, minimizing messes on your countertops. It has several sections to hold various products, like sponges, soap, drain plugs, and more. Choose from four finishes in the listing.
A sleek toilet paper storage basket to hold 12 rolls
Rather than haphazardly stacking toilet paper rolls near your toilet, use this storage basket to organize and conceal them. It’s roomy enough for up to 12 standard rolls (or nine mega-sized ones) and made from sturdy fabric with a bamboo lid. There are four colors to choose from and a larger size if you need even more storage space.
Mini keyhole lights that have adhesive backings
Fumble around with your keys at night? Install one of these keyhole lights above your door. Motion sensor technology will turn it on automatically when there’s movement, so you can see what you’re doing; there are four LED bulbs that shine bright. Use the adhesive sticker to put up the light. They come in a pair for your front and back door.
A silicone mat to protect the top of your washer or dryer
Protect the top of your washer or dryer from scratches by placing this nonslip silicone mat on top of it. It has a slightly raised edge to keep accidental spills from flowing over the edge, and it can be wiped clean with soap and water. It’s dishwasher safe, too.
Solar lights to illuminate pathways or flower beds
Line your walkways, flower beds, deck, and other outdoor spots with these solar lights for illumination. They charge via the sun during the day, will turn on automatically when it’s dark, and shine bright for eight hours straight. Each of the six lights is waterproof to survive the elements.
An adjustable bidet attachment you can install yourself
Achieve a better clean — and save money on toilet paper costs — with this bidet attachment that’ll fit onto a standard toilet. All installation parts and tools are included with this pick, and once in place, the water pressure can be adjusted with the dial on top.
A wireless doorbell you can set up yourself
You can install this wireless doorbell on your own. Mount the outdoor transmitter next to your door, then plug the receiver into an outlet inside. The two will wirelessly pair to work; the range is up to 1,000 feet. The doorbell can be set to four volume levels and 50-plus sounds.
A 5-pack of no-drill storage caddies for your shower
Up the organization in your shower by installing these five stainless steel caddies. They can be used to store shampoo and conditioner, your razor, a soap bar, loofahs, and more. They stick in place with adhesive, have built-in drainage, and support up to 40 pounds.
A backlit night-light that’s not harsh
Thanks to their backlit design, these night-lights aren’t overly harsh or bright. The diffused light provides just enough illumination for middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks or trips to the kitchen to fill up your water. The night-lights are motion activated (there’s also a night mode to stay on the whole time it’s dark), and the brightness can be tweaked as needed. Two night-lights are included.
Flower solar lights that sway in the wind
“They're very pretty and add a nice whimsical touch to the garden,” wrote one shopper about these colorful flower-shaped lights that gently sway in the breeze. They’re powered entirely by the sun (no plugs or outlets required), and the large LED bulbs will glow brightly for up to 10 hours. They come in a pack of two and each one has 12 flowers.
A silicone cover to protect your stovetop
Position this silicone mat on your stovetop between uses to protect it from spills, splashes, scratches, and damage. And since it’s heat resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it functions as a trivet, too. Clean this pick in the dishwasher to make it look as good as new. It’s available in various colors and sizes in the listing.
Bright under-cabinet bar lights for an expensive look
Installing these four bar lights under your kitchen cabinets is simple to do (using adhesive or screws as desired), and it makes a substantial visual impact. The LED lights put out a warm-white glow, and they’ll run a long time on three AA batteries. Use the remote control to adjust the brightness and set up a timer.
Corner grippers to securely hold a rug in place
Have a rug that curls and slides no matter what you’ve tried? These corner grippers are the final solution to this issue, backed by thousands of positive reviews on Amazon. The sticky gel will attach to rugs of any material and won’t leave residue on the surface below. Even better, they easily lift for cleaning underneath.
An absorbent mat for under your coffee maker
AMOAMI-Coffee Mat Hide Stain Rubber Backed Absorbent Dish Drying Mat for Kitchen Counter-Coffee Bar Accessories Fit Under Coffee Maker Coffee Machine Coffee Pot Espresso Machine Dish Rack
Amazon -Making coffee tends to be messy, but if you place this diatomite mat under your machine, it’ll absorb spills and splashes. And even with this, it won’t appear stained. The mat dries fast and the rubberized backing provides an extra layer of protection. Choose from a variety of solids and patterns in the listing, as well as three sizes.
Hanging solar lanterns with faux flickering flames
When these solar-powered lanterns flip on at night, the faux flame inside flickers and dances for a realistic effect. “Gives a lot of nice, soft light near our front porch. Love the look. I hung them on short shepherds hooks,” wrote one reviewer. They’ll last up to 10 hours on a full charge, and the waterproof design means you can keep them outdoors all year.
A well-designed hamper with dual sections
Separate darks and lights prior to laundry day with this dual-sided hamper. Each section has an inner bag with handles that can be removed for carrying to your washing machine. Utilize the lid to keep out dust and contain odors. Pick from seven colors via the listing.
A complete tub & shower repair kit
Cracks, holes, scratches, or dings on surfaces like your shower or tub can be fixed in a DIY manner with this repair kit. It’s straightforward to do — all of the tools required are included — and the end results are water resistant and durable.
A trash can that opens & closes automatically
This trash can has a built-in sensor that allows it to open on its own when you’re nearby; it closes after five seconds, too. “I love that this one keeps the trash bag hidden, the motion sensing works great, and it surprisingly fits a lot of trash,” wrote one shopper. This pick holds over 2 gallons of trash, and the narrow design makes it a good choice for bathrooms.
A large net light for ambiance outside
Make your gazebo, patio, or other similar outdoor spaces more inviting with the addition of this water-resistant net light that’s filled with 360 LEDs spread out among the net that measures 10 by 10 feet. The lights can be set to eight modes (ranging from a steady glow to full-on twinkling), and there’s a timer function for auto-off after a predetermined duration.
A textured front door mat to trap debris
This low-profile door mat features a high-density polyester surface paired with a textured pattern to trap dirt and debris before you walk inside. The rubberized backing is nonslip, the design is fade resistant, and the whole thing can be vacuumed for a quick clean. It’s up for grabs in seven neutrals and five sizes in the listing.
A corner caddy for extra bathroom storage
With its triangular shape, this bathroom caddy fits well in any corner, taking advantage of this often-wasted spot for storage. It has three tiers and four hooks to hold various things (whether you choose to use it for functional items or decorative ones), and it’s made from metal and plastic for durability. A four-tier version is available in the listing if you need even more storage.
A hanging closet organizer with 5 tiers of storage space
Take advantage of the vertical storage space in your closet with this five-tier organizer. Use it for T-shirts, jeans, hoodies, shoes, bags, and whatever else you need to store — the sturdy metal frame allows it to support up to 15 pounds total. There are also six exterior mesh pockets for small items like belts or socks.
A rechargeable light to draw attention to a photo or art
Position this rechargeable light over your favorite artwork or photos to draw extra attention to them — no wiring required. It has 20 built-in LEDs that can be set to three color temperatures and five brightness levels for a custom effect. It installs with double-sided tape or screws based on the texture of your walls.
A fresh, crisp bed skirt that resists wrinkles
HC Collection White Queen Bed Skirt - Dust Ruffle w/ 14 Inch Drop - Tailored, Wrinkle & Fade Resistant
Amazon -Finish off your bedroom by adding this wrinkle-resistant white skirt to your bed; the pleated design is crisp and clean-looking. It’s made from brushed microfiber for softness, and the 14-inch drop is long enough to cover a mattress and box spring combination. In addition to this white pick, a few other neutral shades plus sizes ranging from twin to California king are available in the listing.
A high-pressure rain showerhead that’s so soothing
This high-pressure showerhead is a low-cost swap to make your mornings more relaxing. It has 90-plus silicone nozzles that put out a rainfall-like stream of water, and it’ll twist onto almost any existing plumbing setup for a quick DIY install. Six finishes are available in the listing.
A handy toilet paper holder & shelf combo
This toilet paper holder can in fact hold a roll of toilet paper, but there’s also a built-in shelf on top for extra storage. “Best invention ever. We use it to set our phones on, extra toilet paper or just whatever we want,” wrote one commenter. It’s made from stainless steel and installs with adhesive.
A low-cost sheet set that feels luxurious
Danjor Linens Queen Size Bed Sheets Set - 1800 Series 6 Piece Bedding Sheet & Pillowcases Sets w/ Deep Pockets - Fade Resistant & Machine Washable - Ice Blue
Amazon -This popular bedsheet set feels like luxury — the microfiber material is soft, moisture resistant, and suitable for year-round use — but it has a surprisingly low price point. The sheets wash well and won’t shrink. Included are a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and four pillowcases. Various colors and bed sizes can be found in the listing.
A toilet brush that mounts on the wall
This isn’t your average toilet brush. For one, it can be placed on the floor or mounted on the wall via adhesive depending on your needs. Plus, the unique storage base is ventilated to prevent the brush head (which features silicone cleaning nubs) from getting moldy. It comes in a pack of three.
Magnetic garage door accents at a low price
Rather than replacing an older garage door, use these low-cost magnetic accents to update the look. Included are a pair of faux handles and four faux hinges that’ll directly attach to steel garage doors without any drilling. They’re weather resistant, so they won’t rust or corrode when exposed to rain.
A narrow toaster that still toasts 2 pieces of bread at once
This sleek toaster is less than 4 inches wide, but it can still get two slices of bread toasted at the same time; one piece of bread fits in front of the other, rather than side by side. This pick can be set to six toasting settings, and the crumb-catching tray slides out for dumping.
A faux ivy screen for privacy
Create privacy for outdoor areas like your deck or patio by hanging this artificial ivy screen. It’s nearly 10 feet long (though it can be disassembled into smaller pieces if that makes more sense for your space), and the artificial leaves look surprisingly real.
A bathtub mat that looks & feels like a loofah
This bathtub mat looks, feels, and functions like a loofah. It feels soft underfoot, and the natural drainage allows water to flow through it, preventing backups. The mat is nonslip, so you don’t have to worry about it sliding as you step on and off it. Choose the color and size that fits your space best in the listing.
A 100-foot outdoor light strand to brighten any area
This light strand is 100 feet long and covered in 50 long-lasting LED bulbs (which are also shatterproof) to illuminate a large outdoor area. It can dimmed as desired. The strand is entirely waterproof, so you don’t have to stress about only hanging it in a covered area.
A magnetic screen door that’s simple to put up
The opening of this screen door is lined with 34 magnets that’ll automatically seal behind you as you walk through it, keeping out bugs, stray animals, and other pests. The heavy-duty mesh material allows light and air to flow into your home. Use the included hook-and-loop tape and pins to install it.
A drain protector that traps hair to prevent clogs
Don’t let hair or debris clog your drains — it’s a pricey problem. This drain protector prevents this from happening in the first place. It fits inside the drain, collecting these nuisances before they go down. When full, simply pull it out, wipe it clean, and stick it back in.
A sturdy shelf that fits around & over the toilet
Create extra storage in your bathroom with this well-designed shelf that fits around and over the toilet. It’s made from steel, so it’s surprisingly sturdy despite its low price point. And the multiple tiers can be used for everything from toilet paper to towels to cleaning products.
Cord organizers that stick onto small appliances
Attach these rubber organizers to any small appliances — like the coffee maker, stand mixer, toaster, etc. — for a handy spot to wrap up the electronic cord, keeping it out of the way and knot-free. The eight organizers stick securely in place via adhesive.
A wooden furniture repair kit in 6 shades
Repair rather than replacing damaged wooden furniture, repair it with this 13-piece kit. The six markers and six crayons (in shades black, mahogany, walnut, cherry, maple, and oak), can fix scratches, dings, and other imperfections with ease. Use the sharpener to keep the tools pointy.
A curtain light strand that twinkles
Twinkle Star 300 LED Window Fairy Curtain String Lights, 8 Modes Fairy Lights for Bedroom Wedding Party Home Garden Outdoor Indoor Wall Decorations, Warm White, 2 Pack
Amazon -“[E]asy to hang and so beautiful! Perks up an otherwise plain room,” wrote one shopper about these curtain light strands that can be used indoors or out. Each of the two strands features 300 warm-white LEDs that can be set to eight modes, including twinkle or steady on.
Soft & stretchy furniture leg covers to avoid scratches
Protect your floors from scratches, gouges, and other damage by placing these 16 silicone protectors on the legs of furniture pieces that tend to move around, particularly chairs and stools. The soft felt bottoms offer a layer of protection. The stretchy protectors fit on different-shaped legs (whether square, round, or something else), and they’re clear to blend in.
An adhesive strip to smooth flooring transitions
Smooth out the transition between two types of flooring by laying down this self-adhesive strip that’s almost completely flat. “Worked like a champ. Easy to cut and install,” wrote one fan. It’s flexible, waterproof, and comes in a range of shades in the listing.
A magnetic lint collection bin that sticks to your dryer
When you clean lint and debris out of your dryer, toss it into this magnetic bin that’ll attach to your machine for convenient access. It can also be hung on the wall if that works better for your setup. Pick from white or black color options, as well as various sizes in the listing.
A light-up house number sign that anyone can see
Delivery drivers and visitors alike will be able to spot your house when you put up this solar-powered house number sign. “I like the shape and design, it shines bright at night making it easy to read the numbers,” wrote one fan who adds that it was easy to assemble. Included are three sets of numbers and a pack of letters to customize the sign.
A hands-free opener for a pull-out cabinet
If your garbage can is positioned inside a cabinet, use this foot pull so you can open and close it hands-free. It installs in less than one minute with a peel-and-stick attachment, and once in place, the handle is sturdy and strong, so you don’t have to worry about it coming off as you use it.
Stick-on repair tape for window & door screens
by.RHO Window Screen Repair Tape 2inx30ft(Black) - 3-Layer Fiberglass Adhesive Patch for Door, Tent, Pool Mesh - for Fixing Tears & Holes - Waterproof, Weather-Proof Material
Amazon -For runs, tears, or other damage in mesh window or door screens, utilize this repair tape as an instant fix. It sticks in place like a regular roll of tape (you can cut it to size, too), and the fiberglass material that it’s made from — paired with its three layers of adhesive — ensures that it’ll hold through fluctuating temperatures and other weather.
Door draft stoppers that also keep out noise & debris
Everlasting Comfort Door Draft Stopper for Bottom of Door - Quick Install, Soundproofing, 2" Thick Foam Door Sweep for bottom of door, Blocks Cold Air & Noise, Fits 30"-36" W, Under Door Draft Stopper
Amazon -Prevent drafts from sneaking into your home by positioning these foam stoppers on the bottom of your exterior doors. They also dampen loud noises and keep out debris. The foam stoppers can be cut to size, then they slide in place; no adhesive or drilling required.
A 3-tier organizer for extra storage
Wherever you need a little extra storage, this three-tier organizer is a suitable solution; each tier pulls in and out (using the built-in handles) for access. Functionality aside, this pick also looks and feels high-end with its stainless steel structure and textured green accents.
An absorbent door mat to keep your house cleaner
When you or your furry friends walk in the door, you’re both bound to bring in dirt and debris. This door mat will trap these: The soft chenille nubs grab hold of everything, and the textured rubber base ensures the mat doesn’t slide around, even when wet. Various colors and sizes are available in the listing.
Stackable bins for a neater fridge
When your fridge is messy, food is bound to get lost in the back, and you’re more likely to knock stuff over. These clear bins will help you better organize everything. They’re made from shatterproof plastic that’s simple to clean, and eight bins in two sizes are included. They stack to save space.
Sturdy shower shelves that stick in place
Despite installing solely with adhesive, these shower shelves can hold up to 20 pounds of weight (like bathing essentials, razors, and more). They’re made from stainless steel, so they won’t rust, tarnish, or corrode over time. “The shelves are spacious, has removable hooks, and it's easy to clean. The absolute best purchase I've made in a while,” wrote one shopper.
