What are /r/ufyh's favorite Products & Services?

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Fruit fly traps are totally legit-- you can make your own by putting a little of something they'd want to get at (fruit, obviously, but i've done it with ketchup or soda or whatever random stuff i had on hand) in the bottom of a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap tightly, and poke some holes in the top with a toothpick-- the idea is that they get in and then can't find their way back out. If you'd rather go the easy route, you can buy some like this (this brand we used to use when I worked at a froyo shop that stored a LOT of fruit in the back, they seemed to work quite well. https://www.amazon.com/TERRO-Fruit-Fly-Trap-T2502/dp/B01JIRNEQW/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=fruit+fly+trap&qid=1569067742&s=gateway&sr=8-6

Good luck, friend! You're on your way!

I have this thing for the “creative” legos. It was a little pricey but it’s amazing and just looks like a cute little piece of furniture. The “building” legos are kept in sets in their boxes because my kids got way too frustrated trying to build the sets when they were all mixed up.

Get some scratching posts instead of cardboard boxes. My cats love these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000634MH8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_Hsk1FLX6UEcwN

They're a little expensive but so worth it. Very durable too.

Here is the computer desk! The art work table is from ikea and the name is escaping me at the moment - I will try to find it! IKEA storage really helped me out

Hello! Here is how I labeled my samples/swatches. I ordered this from Amazon and black Sharpies seem to last the longest. Getting the samples done was so fun!

It's something like this: Under Shelf Basket I have several around my house now.

I have used battery powered lint removers in the past, and they were universally terrible. I wanted a commercial grade product that was the best there is at the problem, and this product delivered on it. I've got a fleet of Darn Tough socks that I love almost everything about, except that they all pill over time, despite washing them inside out by themselves. And in their current states, I was no longer comfortable wearing them with dress shoes due to their appearance.

Enter this shaver to the rescue! As you can see from the before/after pics, the socks basically look brand new after a touch up . I only used it for this use case, but have no reason to believe it couldn't work for your couch, pants, sweater, whatever else you've got with a problem.

Don't hesitate at the price, just buy it. You won't regret it. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B097LHS2MR

Take it easy, having a newborn is hard. As long as the baby is happy and healthy you're doing everything you need to.

I'd suggest maybe trying something a little more positive than feeling like you need to proof something, you could try habitica, it even let's you define rewards for yourself.

We had MIL's house professionally sprayed, over and over. The roaches were probably laughing as they climbed on the walls, in broad daylight, right after.

Then we used this stuff:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F598N1Y/

This is what finally took care of it for us. They carry it back to their nests. It doesn't repel them, it kills them and their friends.

“The Pink Stuff” works great I think

Stardrops - The Pink Stuff - The Miracle All Purpose Cleaning Paste https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DU5SRIY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_XJ76K796D6HNPWQV4S5A?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

When my place got really bad, I felt like no matter how much I worked on it I never made progress. It was depressing and it made me feel like doing nothing since nothing I did mattered.

Here was the solution that worked for me: I got a Tally Counter. Like this: https://www.amazon.com/KTRIO-Counter-Handheld-Clicker-Mechanical/dp/B075QFK6DG

If you haven't seen them before, it's a simple device, you click the button and the number goes up. They are cheap.

I would clip it to a belt loop and deal with 100 things every day. They don't have to be big things. Put a piece of paper in the trash? Click the counter. Put a pen back in a pen holder? Click the tally counter. Throw a sock in the laundry pile? Click the tally counter. Do one dish? Click the tally counter.

My depression would tell me I hadn't made any real progress, but the tally counter told me I had done 100 things, and the tally counter doesn't lie. No matter how bad the house still looked, I had dealt with 100 things that day, and 100 things is significant measurable progress. Usually 100 things took me an hour or less each day.

In 60 days I had dealt with 6000 things. 6000 things was a massive improvement. I could find things when I needed them. I could walk around without stepping on things. I could put things down without having to clear a pile.

The system won't work forever - once you clear thousands of little things and only the bigger projects are left, you can't do 100 a day - but I wasn't living in squalor anymore thanks to that cheap tally counter.

You're doing a great job so far!

The biggest thing that helps me is that I have lots of tiny trash cans all over. I never have trash end up on the floor because there's always a trash can within arm's reach. And I make sure to get the ones that are tiny enough for a grocery bag.

I also have a small broom brush and dustpan. If I see a dust bunny, I can quickly sweep it up in 10 seconds without having to dig out the big broom/vacuum or mop the whole floor.

I use a floor cleaner that I really like the scent of. I get this Fabuloso Green Apple scent. It smells wonderful, so I get a nice payoff from mopping where everything smells fresh and clean. I dilute the cleaner in a spray bottle, spray a few square feet, then mop over it with a microfiber cloth on the end of a Swiffer. And no big mop bucket to dump out at the end.

It's so sturdy. I can hang pots and pans from it.

Over The Sink Dish Drying Rack Adjustable(21.7"-39.4"), 2 Tier Stainless Steel Large Dish Drainer, Dish Rack Over Sink for Kitchen Counter Organization Storage Space Saver with Utensils Holders

Amazon! I ended up using 3 (short) rolls because the repeat is A BEAST and not what you think at first glance. But I'm super happy with the result. Each roll is only 1 length and the entire 2nd roll ended up in the trash because I trimmed it incorrectly. 🤦

WENMER 17.71 Inchx118 Inch Geometric Hexagon Wallpaper Peel and Stick Wallpaper Removable Self Adhesive Wallpaper Vinyl Film Shelf Paper & Drawer Liner Roll for Home Use https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0824QS6LH/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_9D7DWJX016GQ69FY9QAG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I use one of these dollar store baskets - place it upside down and stick the cords out the handle holes.

Asking Plastic Storage Baskets, 6-Pack Weave Basket https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B087N2BQ2F/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_QDBV5NNKNYJ5KCZM6GGQ

I use one in my office too. It hides all the cords and my docking station and my laptop sits on top.

36 PCS Cable Protectors for iPhone iPad Charger End Cord Savers with 2 Desk Cable Clips, VIWIEU Spiral USB Wire Protector for Headphone MacBook Laptop Earphone Cell Phone Cute Cable Wrap Accessories https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TBW8WK5/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_JPTFG005P2BXQMZGBFHT

iFloor 3 Complete Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner, Floor Washer, One-Step Cleaning for Hard Floors, with Extra Accessory Package https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XXZNKRV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_JSKBQ353EJG2KQ2Y7TDK

Work in the space bare, as others suggested. Once you've got an idea, I'd suggest looking into a computer armoire as a possible solution. You can install hooks and holders on the inside of the doors and walls of the piece. Keep your sewing machine where the computer monitor would be. If it has a pull-out keyboard shelf, use that for measuring and marking fabric and any alterations you'd do by hand. The underneath part that normally houses a computer tower, you can put maybe some pullout drawers or cubbies to hold all your random stuff.Example: https://offerup.com/item/detail/606087961/

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Also, definitely check OfferUp and Letgo before going to a retailer, I found a bunch near me for cheap. Most stores mark up so much on these things. Good luck!

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edited to provide a better example link

DampRid Fresh Scent Refillable Moisture Absorber - 10.5oz cups - 4 pack – Traps Moisture for Fresher, Cleaner Air https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V3N6KKZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_5CMY33F5QWQV40SPFPEG

Here is an Amazon link to the cup kind.

I bought a book at Amazon that really helped me, "How to Keep House While Drowning", the author has a web page called Struggle Care and apparently has some popular TikTok videos although that's not my jam.

The book isn't long, or expensive, but her words really helped me reframe the tasks. She reframes chores as 'Care Tasks' that are morally neutral and is just really wonderfully sympathetic to the struggle.

>If you are completing care tasks from a motivation of shame, you are probably also relaxing in shame too--because care tasks never end, and you view rest as a reward for good boys and gils. So if you ever actually let yourself sit down and rest, you're feeling shame and thinking, "I don't deserve to do this. There is more to do".
>
>This is an incredibly painful way to live. It affects your entire life: your mental health, your relationships, your friendships, your work or schooling, your physical health. But it doesn't have to be this way. In fact, I have very good news for you.
>
>Care tasks are morally neutral. Being good or bad at them has nothing to do with being a good person, parent, man, woman, spouse, friend. Literally nothing. You are not a failure because you can't keep up with laundry. Laundry is morally neutral.

She also has a phrase that 'Anything worth doing is worth half-assing', and man, that helped me so much.

When my place got really bad, I felt like no matter how much I worked on it I never made progress. It was depressing and it made me feel like doing nothing since nothing I did mattered.

Here was the solution that worked for me: I got a Tally Counter. Like this: https://www.amazon.com/KTRIO-Counter-Handheld-Clicker-Mechanical/dp/B075QFK6DG

If you haven't seen them before, it's a simple device, you click the button and the number goes up. They are cheap.

I would clip it to a belt loop and deal with 100 things every day. They don't have to be big things. Put a piece of paper in the trash? Click the counter. Put a pen back in a pen holder? Click the tally counter. Throw a sock in the laundry pile? Click the tally counter. Do one dish? Click the tally counter.

My depression would tell me I hadn't made any real progress, but the tally counter told me I had done 100 things, and the tally counter doesn't lie. No matter how bad the house still looked, I had dealt with 100 things that day, and 100 things is significant measurable progress. Usually 100 things took me an hour or less each day.

In 60 days I had dealt with 6000 things. 6000 things was a massive improvement. I could find things when I needed them. I could walk around without stepping on things. I could put things down without having to clear a pile.

The system won't work forever - once you clear thousands of little things and only the bigger projects are left, you can't do 100 a day - but I wasn't living in squalor anymore thanks to that cheap tally counter.

I use this... it's very heavy duty but would probably work well as a giant toothbrush for your floors and maybe the walls even

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Brush-Ergonomic-Design-Bristles/dp/B00G0T3CE6

How about an over the door shoe organizer? If you don’t want the hooks over the door (my doors won’t close with those) you can use command hooks to hang this if the items aren’t super super heavy

24 Pockets - SimpleHouseware Crystal Clear Over The Door Hanging Shoe Organizer, Gray (64'' x 19'') https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D58DRVC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_3G6VENZSQJXS3Y304WSZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

If you need visible storage for much smaller things you can command hook, or hang this guy

BB Brotrade HJO80 Hanging Jewelry Organizer,80 Pocket Organizer for Holding Jewelries(Beige) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CPHFN34/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FN34XK29N4HDMCGY55D3

Have you heard of “under shelf baskets”? They attach to the shelf and hang down below it so you can use more vertical space and still see everything clearly. Here’s an Amazon link: 2 Pack - Simple Houseware Under Shelf Basket, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K6TDCLT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XCCJGBE258HHM4AD45K9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

In your situation, I would consider a freestanding garment rack and abandon the closet.

This is the one I have. https://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-Double-Freestanding-Storage-Organizer/dp/B002DGM4IU/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1617822697&refinements=p_n_feature_browse-bin%3A16521351011&s=storageorganization&sr=1-1 I did not pay that much and it is barely worth what I did pay.

Thank you :)

Florica Queen Duvet Cover 3 Piece Set, Lightweight Soft Bedding Collection - Floral Pattern Comforter Cover Set with Zipper Closure, Corner Ties for W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P1XZQVY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_csYpEzODkBeeX

I use these off of Amazon. Silicone goes right into the dishwasher, plus if the pan needs to be washed, there are a variety of sizes so they all fit in the dishwasher.

Really long desk/table with drawers in varying sizes lined up along the back of it. That was my (sort of) solution. I use the Creative Options rack systems (there are also tackle boxes and tool boxes that are set up the same way, mostly from a company called Stalwart), so that whatever hobby is taking over my life at the moment can just be shifted around.

Edit: Also these under the desk.

Here is the link to the cotton coil - Graham Cellucotton Beauty Coil, 40 Feet https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001BKY3B0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_qLI7Fb6381XDX. If you ever need to find it in store, go to a place like Sally Beauty Supply & it’s in the section with perms.

If you already have shelving, I'd recommend using that instead of getting something new. Then, you can use something like plastic water catchers, cork, or a shoe tray to catch water, depending on your kind of pots.

I got one of these bamboo ones with space for hanging plants and it folds up, but there's a bunch of similar kinds and I got that one specifically at a heavy discount a year or two ago.

I'm so proud of you for the change you're making and your willingness to share. Shame can't stand the light.