There’s a reason handymen and home professionals seem to have a solution for every weird little thing that can go wrong around the house: They’ve seen it all. Whether it’s oddly specific tools that solve oddly specific problems, unconventional storage hacks that declutter your space, or brilliant solutions that clean things you didn’t even realize got dirty, these hacks will have you wondering why no one told you about them sooner. We spoke to all kinds of handymen, contractors, and home technicians who are finally letting us in on the secret hacks they’ve been using with their clients (and in their own homes) for years. Make grout look good as new with this paint penRainbow Chalk Markers Ltd Grout PenAmazon - Cameron Figgins, owner and president of Absolute Maintenance & Consulting, notes that paying attention to those sometimes-fussy finishing touches can make a big difference, and especially if a deep clean or fresh paint job isn’t possible. One way to tackle those details is with this grout pen. It covers dirty or discolored grout, giving it new life in minutes without any mess or expensive renovation. One pen can cover up to 150 feet of grout and has a water-based formula that makes your grout look brand new. It’s one of the fastest ways to freshen up the look of your entire bathroom. Spot hidden leaks, pests, & other issues with a flexible endoscope cameraAnykit Endoscope Camera with LightAmazon - A hack that Manny Kavouklis, president of CMK Construction Inc, always recommends is keeping an endoscope camera handy around the house. "Sending the flexible camera around pipes, behind wall panels, and inside crawl spaces can help you spot leaks, pests, and other problems before they turn into costly repairs,” he explains. This one attaches to Apple and Android devices, giving you an HD-resolution view to see exactly what’s going on in hard-to-reach spots. The wiring is waterproof so it can go inside pipes and the flexible design is easy to control and maneuver. Polish the look of your floors by adding a vinyl baseboard trimFONUNO Vinyl Wall Baseboard Molding TrimAmazon - “Before replacing a floor that looks tired, I’d look closely at the details around it,” says Daniel Ilinykh, professional flooring and tile contractor and owner of Bay Way Flooring. That’s where this vinyl baseboard trim comes in. With self-adhesive backing, this strip goes on quickly and easily and can be cut to size for the perfect fit. It’s a great way to add a finished touch to your floors that’s also functional — the slightly angled bottom of the trim helps prevent dust and hair from accumulating there over time. Add light underneath cabinets with these easy-to-install puck lightsEZVALO Motion Sensor Under-Cabinet Puck Lights (6-Pack)Amazon - “Under-cabinet LEDs can completely change how a room feels,” explains Walter E. Bennett, handyman and HVAC and air duct cleaning technician at Green Leaf Air. These puck lights have three color temperatures and can be remote controlled or motion activated, depending on your preferences. They install easily with screws or adhesive tape and have 12 colors and two modes to choose from. On a single charge, they can work for up to 40 days, depending on the settings. They’re such an easy way to brighten up your space without taking up all the outlets in the room. Cover cracks & gaps in caulk with these flexible self-adhesive stripsInstaTrim Flexible Caulk Strip Trim (2-Pack)Amazon - Daniel Ilinykh, flooring and tile contractor at Bay Way Flooring, recommends taking a look at your caulking job if you want to make a noticeable change on a budget. “Cleaning those areas up is inexpensive compared with replacing a floor, and sometimes it changes the whole look of the room,” he explains. These caulk strips can easily replace cracked, discolored, or messy caulk jobs, bringing some new life to your molding, cabinets, floors, and more. The peel-and-stick application makes the install easy and it has a unique wedge design that fills gaps to add temperature control and prevent bugs from getting inside. Clean out your dryer vent with this extra-long vacuum hoseHolikme Dryer Vent Cleaner Hose KitAmazon - “Clean your dryer vent once a year. A clogged vent is why your dryer takes two cycles to dry one load — and it's a fire hazard,” says Walter E. Bennett, handyman and air duct cleaning technician at Green Leaf Air. This vent cleaner kit has everything you need to remove all the lingering lint and dust that accumulates and puts a ton of stress on the machine. The extra-long hose attaches to your vacuum cleaner, sliding into your dryer vent to suck up all the built-up lint to help prevent fires and keep your machine working as well as the day you got it. Control the temperature & prevent pests with an under-door draft stopperEverlasting Comfort Under-Door Draft StopperAmazon - "Use a low-cost door draft stopper,” says Patrick Kilgannon, licensed contractor and owner of Custom Air Conditioning & Air Quality, LLC. With strong foam lining both sides of the bottom of the door, this draft stopper can help control the internal temperature of the room (and potentially save you money on your electric bill) while also keeping bugs, dust, and noise out. It installs in seconds and is designed to stay put under your door as you open and close it throughout the day. Dampen the sound of slams & protect cabinets with invisible silicone bumpersClear Bumpers for Cabinets - Glass Table Top Anti Slip Pads, Bumper Strip for Chairs to Protect Walls, Soft Close - Dampen Noise & Protect Surfaces - 20 PCS - 1" L х 1" W х 0.18" ThAmazon - "If you have two finished surfaces that repeatedly come into contact with each other and you’re afraid of damage, I’d look at buying a small clear rubber or silicone bumper,” says Matthew O’Grady, the director and co-founder of Thomas Matthew Kitchens & Furniture. “Make sure it’s clear so that it doesn’t take away from the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve wherever you’d place it.” These silicone bumpers are completely transparent, blending into whatever surface you put it on until you basically forget they’re there. They’re great inside cabinets to lessen the noise or behind doors to prevent slamming into the wall. Smooth over floor transitions with this self-adhesive stripFloor Transition Strip Self Adhesive Floor Cover Strips Laminate 3" Wide Vinyl Flat Divider Transitions Elegant Wood Grain Design (7.6cm, 10Ft, Light Brown)Amazon - When it comes to floors, “Sloppy transitions [...] can make the entire room look worse than it really is,” explains Daniel Ilinykh, professional flooring and tile contractor and owner of Bay Way Flooring. This floor strip comes in multiple common finishes and is the perfect way to transition from room to room, especially when those rooms have two different types of flooring. The high-quality and durable material has a nonstick backing that makes cutting it to size and installing it a total breeze. Touch-up paint scuffs without the mess using these refillable pensSlobproof Refillable Paint Pens (5-Pack)Amazon - After a paint job, Peter Kravchuk, founder of New Day Construction, a design-build remodeling company, always recommends putting a small amount of paint in a nail polish bottle or one of these refillable paint pens. “This allows touching up little areas [...] without having to open up the entire paint can each time. Since there is so much less air in the container, the paint will last longer,” he says. Simply use the included syringe to fill one of the pens with paint. Then you can use it like a brush to do any small touch-ups around the house without taking making a total mess. Get alerted to leaks before they cause damage with these water-sensitive alarmsRUIKORING Water Leak Alarm Detectors (5-Pack)amazon - In line with CMK Construction, Inc. president Manny Kavouklis’s advice about detecting leaks, these compact alarms can be installed underneath sinks and appliances for a little peace of mind. They feature cutting-edge leak-detection technology to let you know it’s happening before it becomes an expensive problem to fix. When they detect water leaks, they release a super-loud alarm (which has four adjustable volumes, just in case) so you can jump into action before things get too bad. Cover up scratches on wood with these professional-grade repair markersMinwax Repair Markers (6-Pack)amazon - “I applied [these markers] to a solid oak shelf which was scratched during a move and it was so well integrated that I had to look twice to find it,” says Justin Brown, founder of Timber Shelves and managing director of Essential Woodwork Limited. They come in common wood grain colors — from light maple to dark walnut — and can be applied to wood and laminate to hide minor surface scratches, nicks, and scuffs to restore the color to your older furniture. Place anti-vibration pads under your washer or dryer to absorb shock & extend appliance lifeAnti Vibration Pads for Washing Machine and Dryer (Set of 4) - Washer Anti Vibration Pads with HexiGrip™ - Washing Machine Accessories & Leveling Pads - Vibration Dampening MatAmazon - "Anti-vibration pads for washing machines are one of my favorite things,” says Peter Kravchuk, founder of New Day Construction, a design-build remodeling contractor company. “While many people use them to lower noise levels, they also help limit vibrations, which lead to wear on water supply hoses and drain connections. This is an inexpensive way to increase the life of the appliance and help avoid one of the most common laundry room leaks." The square design with the built-in round indent absorbs shock and keeps your machine steady and quiet while it’s working. They fit all standard washer and dryer feet up to 2.5 inches. Hide tangled wires & reduce clutter with this ultra-thin outlet concealerSleek Socket Ultra-Thin Outlet Concealer Amazon - “The easiest way to improve almost any room is to reduce clutter,” says Alan Atchley, certified general contractor and owner of real estate firm Atchley Properties. This ultra-thin extension cord removes the tangled heap of wires behind your desk, nightstand, or entertainment center, creating a more seamless look that’s easier on the eyes. The key is that it completely covers the wall outlet with a simple plate, providing a 3-foot extension cord that you can tuck behind furniture, hiding all your wires and making your wall look polished and clutter free. Remove dirt & dust from screens with this handheld mesh brushMyLifeUNIT Mesh Screen CleanerAmazon - CEO of Bella Contracting Services Ben Raabe advises paying attention to little cleaning details, and this mesh brush can help. It’s designed to scrub down your window screens, making sure your view is always free from dust and dirt. It has angled bristles and soft fibers that get deep into the screen’s holes making sure to remove everything that’s built up there over time. It can be used with or without cleaning solution and even comes with a detachable handle that allows you to reach screens that are a little higher up. Direct gutter water away from your foundation with this low-profile water catcherPrestantious Low-Profile Catch Basin Drain Kitamazon - In order to avoid slab cracks or rot, “downspouts should discharge at least 12 feet away from the foundation, not dump 3 feet from your crawl space or basement wall,” explains Eric Goranson, handyman, Certified Kitchen Designer, contractor, and podcast host of the Around the House. With a low-profile and compact design, this downspout extender has a large base and a flexible pipe that directs water up to 16.4 feet away from the side of your house, which is a good thing. You can even bury the hose just below the surface of your yard for a more streamlined look.Equip your furniture with gliding felt protectors that help prevent floor scratchesBAIPOK Chair Leg Floor Protectors (16-Pack)amazon - Andrew Pho, home improvement expert and general manager of Mister Baluster, recommends protecting furniture that moves around a lot, making these protectors are a must-have. Perfect for kitchen chairs, stools, and more, they have a silicone construction that stretches to fit around square, round, and asymmetrical chair legs with felt bottoms that won’t scratch your floors as furniture moves. They also help muffle the noise of chairs sliding on the floor which is sure to make you (and your downstairs neighbors) a little happier. Grab loose screws, nails, & more with a magnetic pickup toolVIBELITE Magnetic LED Pickup ToolAmazon - “If you ever find yourself needing to pick up a dropped screw behind an appliance, in a confined area, or below a piece of furniture, this type of product comes in handy,” says Andrew Pho, a home renovation expert and general manager at Mister Baluster. This pickup tool extends up to 22 inches, has a flexible neck, a magnetic head, and a built-in flashlight to help you see and grab any small thing you can’t reach. Because it’s so compact, it’s a great gadget to keep in your toolbox for that random instance you’ll need it. Give new life to scuffed, chipped furniture with wood filler sticksLifreer Wood Filler Sticks (18-Pack)amazon - "A hard wax repair stick is useful for small chips and dents in finished timber or painted furniture if you don’t necessarily want to refinish the entire piece,” says Matthew O’Grady, the director and co-founder of Thomas Matthew Kitchens & Furniture. They come in 12 different common wood finishes — from light maple to red sandalwood to dark black — easily filling in scratches, scuffs, and small holes in your wood surfaces to give old furniture new life. This way, you can upgrade what you have instead of paying the price for something brand new. Use a laser level to install artwork, cabinet handles, peel-&-stick wallpaper, & morePREXISO 2-in-1 Laser Level 12 in Spirit Level with Light, 100Ft Alignment Point & 30Ft Leveling Line, Magnetic Laser Leveler Tool for Construction Picture Hanging Wall Writing Painting Home RenovationAmazon - Alan Atchley, certified general contractor and owner of Atchley Properties, calls a laser level one of his favorite hidden gems. “It helps you hang pictures, mirrors, shelves, curtain rods, bathroom accessories, and cabinet handles at the same height,” he explains. This level has a 100-foot alignment point with a 30-foot horizontal line for leveling to make sure your entire gallery wall is perfectly even. It has a 180-degree bubble vial and a small triangular bubble vial to level things horizontally and vertically at the same time. Guard your gutter downspout from clogs with these metal mesh insertsEBaokuup Gutter Downspout Guards (8-Pack)Amazon - "Most people spend money guarding the whole gutter run when the real clog point is almost always where the downspout narrows,” says Eric Goranson, handyman, Certified Kitchen Designer, contractor, and host of the Around the House. These downspout guards prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from clogging the pipes while also blocking any critters from climbing up and nesting there, which also causes clogs. They’re made of waterproof, non-corrosive aluminum that’s weather resistant to keep your downspouts clear all year round. Seal the bottom of your garage door to keep things clean & temperature controlledJin&Bao Universal Garage Door Threshold Seal Strip Amazon - “A rubber garage door bottom seal [...] can save you a significant amount of money on your cooling and heating bill without even having to mess with your HVAC system,” explains Patrick Kilgannon, licensed contractor and owner of Custom Air Conditioning & Air Quality, LLC. This seal installs on the ground where your door meets the floor, keeping water, rain, snow, dust, dirt, and leaves from getting inside. It’s temperature resistant from -40 to 284 degrees Fahrenheit and it has a yellow line on it to grab attention and prevent people from tripping. Swap out old & dated cabinet knobs for these chic, rounded pullsBaiNong Drawer Pulls (4-Pack)amazon - "Swap the hardware,” advises Eric Goranson, handyman, Certified Kitchen Designer, contractor, and host of the Around the House. “It's the fastest way to make a kitchen or bathroom look like it got a real update.” These mid-century modern cabinet handles have a rounded retro design that looks incredibly chic and expensive, transforming the look of your space without spending money on a whole renovation. They install quickly and easily on drawers and cabinets, refreshing the look and adding a touch of vintage elegance to your home on a budget. Spot electrical fire risks by plugging in this detectorTing Fire Ting Fire Electrical Fire Prevention Sensor & Service - Residential Use Only - 12 Months of Required Service Included - Home Fire SafetyAmazon - Eric Goranson, handyman, contractor, and host of the Around the House loves getting ahead of potentially serious problems with this electrical fire detection system. “It's a small plug-in device that watches your home's electrical system around the clock and catches arcing faults — the kind of hidden wiring problem that starts most electrical fires, before anything actually ignites.” Just plug it into any outlet. It connects to an app to give you real-time 24/7 alerts when it detects anything wrong — including a power outage. Clean baseboards without the elbow grease with a long-handled brushwlich Baseboard Cleaner Tool with HandleAmazon - “The easiest way to improve a home is simply to give it some care,” says Ben Raabe, CEO of Bella Contracting Services. “Clean the baseboards, doors, windows, switches, and lights.” This cleaner has everything you need to make sure those small details around your space are dust, dirt, and grime free. It has an expandable handle to keep you comfortable while you’re cleaning and it comes with three different heads — a long brush, a microfiber pad, and a chenille pad — that are all designed for different aspects of your baseboards and trim.Protect finished floors from tracked-in grit with a durable entryway matDEXI Heavy-Duty Entrance Mat amazon - "A good entry mat is probably one of the least-exciting home improvement products I could recommend, but it does a lot more than people think,” says Daniel Ilinykh, professional flooring and tile contractor and owner of Bay Way Flooring. “Sand and grit tracked in from outside can be rough on finished floors, especially in high-traffic areas,” he adds. This heavy-duty mat has a rubber backing, reinforced edges, a grooved texture, and a nonslip design to trap dust, dirt, mud, and water so it doesn’t get accidentally get all over your floors and make a mess. The low-profile design slides right underneath most doors and it’s really easy to clean with a hose or vacuum. Refresh the look of cabinets with these charming vintage hingesdophee Decorative Cabinet Hinges (4-Pack)amazon - “I've walked into houses where changing out $200 worth of hardware did more visually than a $2,000 paint job,” says Eric Goranson, handyman, Certified Kitchen Designer, contractor, and host of Around the House. Swapping out builder-grade cabinet hinges for these antique-inspired hinges is a great way to refresh your space and add some old-school charm. They’re made of durable iron and they come with everything you need to make the installation a total breeze. Plus, their antique coloring and scalloped design is instantly eye-catching. Find water damage inside walls & floors with a digital moisture meterGeneral Tools Digital Moisture MeterAmazon - “A slow water leak behind the dishwasher that you catch before the subfloor warps can cost you thousands less than if you find it while renovating,” explains Manny Kavouklis, president of CMK Construction Inc. His fix? A moisture meter that can find water content in your wood or drywall. It features an easy-to-read digital screen that lets you know the level of risk — from low to mid to high — so you can act appropriately. Protect your flooring from scratches & scrapes with nonslip furniture padsCasterMaster Non Slip Furniture Pads for Hardwood Floors - 3x3 Black Round Caster Cups - Rubber Feet for Furniture - Anti Slip Couch Stoppers to Prevent Sliding - Floor Protectors (Set of 4)Amazon - "Felt or rubber furniture pads are essential for preventing damage to completed floors,” says Andrew Pho, a home renovation expert and general manager at Mister Baluster. “Most people view these items as simply decorative accessories; however, using the correct type of pad can protect against scratches and provide less friction when moving your furniture.” These nonslip pads are great underneath couches, armchairs, side tables, coffee tables, and more, keeping items in place and preventing them from scratching your floors if they’re jostled.Add an unexpected, eye-catching touch of decor with a decorative light switch plateMorris Vintage Floral Strawberry Birds Botanical 1 Gang Light Switch Cover Decorative Olive Single Toggle Wall Plate Electrical Switchplate Home Decor for Living Room Bedroom DecorateAmazon - “New cabinet pulls, door hinges, and switch plates [...] cost almost nothing compared to any other renovation,” explains Eric Goranson, contractor and host of the Around the House — and they really pack a punch when it comes to updating your space on a budget. This plate has a vintage floral design with fruits and birds scattered throughout, adding an eye-catching and unexpected piece of decor that elevates the space in a simple and subtle way. Be prepared for small fixes with a mini tool kit that keeps the essentials within reachElvesoar Basic Tool Kit (20 Pieces)amazon - To save time on home maintenance, Andrew Pho, a home renovation and improvement expert at Mister Baluster, keeps a small tool kit with just the essentials in an easy-to-reach spot. “That allows me quick access rather than looking through an entire box of tools each time a repair requires a tightened screw,” he explains. This compact tool kit really gets down to basics with 20 must-have tools — from measuring tape to a hammer to screwdrivers. It has everything you need for those everyday, small at-home fixes that don’t need much to get the job done. Remove standing water quickly & easily with a budget-friendly wet-dry vacuumKoblenz WD-2L Portable Wet-Dry VacuumAmazon - Having a wet-dry vacuum on hand is essential in case of emergencies, according to Emily Demirdonder, director of operations at Proximity Plumbing. "Whether it's a burst pipe or an overflowing toilet, our plumbers take one on nearly every job because it removes standing water quickly.” With a 2-gallon tank, a 10-foot cleaning reach, and a compact and lightweight design, this vacuum cleans up everything from emergency water spills to messy carpets. At around 5 pounds, it’s easy to carry exactly where you need it and the whole thing is small enough to store on a closet shelf. Scrub your baseboards & trim with these specially designed dustersScrub Daddy Damp Duster Dusting Sponges (8 Count) - Dust Remover for Household Cleaning - Duster for Vents, Railings & Blinds - Reusable Baseboard CleanerAmazon - “Freshly cleaned and repaired trim, caulked joints, corners and other minor aspects of a room can give it a completely different appearance,” says Cameron Figgins, owner and president of Absolute Maintenance & Consulting. These specially designed damp dusting sponges make cleaning those tricky spots easy and way less annoying. That’s because they have a ridged design that helps get into the nitty-gritty corners of your baseboards, windowsills, grates, vents, blinds, and more. Plus they’re reusable — just rinse them underneath running water and they’re ready for next time.Help reduce electric bills by using smart plugs to schedule appliancesKasa Smart PlugAmazon - One of the best hacks Patrick Kilgannon, licensed contractor and owner of Custom Air Conditioning & Air Quality, LLC, recommends is grabbing a few smart plugs. Not only do they allow you to schedule when your appliances and lights turn on and off but, he explains, they also eliminate “the need to pay peak hour electricity rates for something that can easily be plugged in overnight.” They’re compatible with Alexa and Google Home Assistant and connect to an app so you can control your home from anywhere, which is especially great when you’re on vacation. Remove odors, gunk, & goo from your washer to keep it running smoothlyACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner (24-Pack)Amazon - Walter E. Bennett, handyman and HVAC technician at Green Leaf Air, stresses the importance of maintaning your appliances, so make sure you regularly clean your washing machine. Add one of these pucks to an empty washing machine and run it on a normal cycle with hot water. It works to deeply clean and deodorize the basin of the machine, ensuring your washer works well and your clothes come out clean every time. When the cycle is finished, all you have to do is wipe off any lingering residue. Lubricate sticky drawers with 100% natural beeswaxBeesworks Yellow Beeswax Bars (6-Pack)Amazon - What’s a hack that Justin Brown, founder of Timber Shelves and managing director of Essential Woodwork Limited recommends to everyone? Using beeswax blocks on sticky drawer runners instead of WD-40. He explains: “[WD-40] will accumulate dust over time and ultimately cause the drawer to be stickier than it was before. The wax sits cleanly on the wood, will last for months before it needs to be topped up, and leaves no smell or residue.” These blocks are made of 100% pure, unfiltered American yellow beeswax that gently works to lube up your drawers without leaving any sticky residue or mess behind. Add character to your room by inviting in some plantsBamworld Plant Hanging Shelvesamazon - “If the room needs more character, add one good piece of art, a mirror, or a plant instead of many small decorations,” explains Alan Atchley, certified general contractor and owner of real estate firm Atchley Properties. These hanging plant shelves allow you to store all your small plants in one place, making your space feel more elevated while creating one show-stopping display. It has five alternating tiers and it can hang from the wall or from a curtain rod if your plants need a little more sunbathing. Measure irregular edges easily with this shape-shifting contour gaugeRAK Contour Gauge Profile Tool - 10 Inch Shape Duplicator w/Lock for Flooring, Construction and DIY Home Improvement Projects - Birthday Gifts for Men & WomenAmazon - Ben Raabe, CEO of Bella Contracting Services, recommends a contour gauge. “You press it against an uneven shape, such as a pipe or piece of trim. The tool copies the shape, making it easier to measure and cut the new material correctly,” he explains. It’s a must-have to make sure you’re doing any DIY project like a pro. Whether you’re installing peel-and-stick tile or wallpaper, or adding custom trim to your baseboards, this contour gauge has thin, non-scratch teeth that conform to the shape of whatever you’re measuring. The whole thing fits easily inside your toolbox, too. Stop flooding quickly with this water shut-off toolRkiiqii Water Meter Key Shut-Off Toolamazon - This water meter key shut-off tool is the kind of thing you don’t realize you need until it’s too late. Emily Demirdonder, director of operations at Proximity Plumbing, explains, "[It] fits in a kitchen drawer and allows you to shut off the water at the street if a pipe bursts at 2 a.m. Most homeowners don't even know this tool exists until it is too late." It has a T-shaped, rubber-coated handle that’s ergonomic and makes twisting the meter less strenuous. And it comes with four different keys, so it works for water meters, roadside main shut-off valves, septic tank diversion valves, and more. Replace outdated lighting fixtures with a modern, expensive-looking ceiling lightOYKYOHEI Glass Semi Flush-Mount Ceiling Lightamazon - "Swap a light fixture. Not the bulbs — the actual fixture,” says Walter E. Bennett, handyman and HVAC technician at Green Leaf Air. “One modern overhead [light is] the most underrated upgrade in home improvement." Between the intricate glass shade, the vintage, rounded design, and the golden metal accents, this light adds classic charm in a flash. It’s easy to install and completely transforms the look of your room by bringing personality into your space. Brighten up dark stairways with these motion-activated lightsBrilliant Evolution LED Motion-Sensor Lights (3-Pack)Amazon - Ben Raabe, CEO of Bella Contracting Services, also swears that brightening up dark areas around your home instantly makes it look more polished and put together. What’s great about these LED strip lights is that they’re battery operated so you can install them anywhere that doesn’t have easy access to an outlet — like in a stairwell, closet, garage, underneath kitchen cabinets, and more. They tun on when they detect motion within 10 feet and turn off after 30 seconds of stillness. And they can be installed with screws or adhesive tape. Keep a rechargeable headlamp on hand to make DIY at-home projects easierLepro LED Headlamp Rechargeable - Super Bright Motion Sensor Head lamp with 1200 mAh Battery, 230°COB Wide Beam & Adjustable Spotlight, IP44 Waterproof Headlight for Camping, Hiking, Running, 2 PackAmazon - "A rechargeable headlamp is my favorite unusual gadget,” says Alan Atchley, certified general contractor and owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate company Atchley Properties. “It keeps both hands free while working under a sink, in an attic, crawlspace, garage, or dark cupboard.” These headlamps have a wide-angle illumination that’s adjustable so you can target the light exactly where you need it. Each one has six lighting modes — from spotlight, to floodlight, and more — and it’s waterproof and dustproof to withstand whatever project you get your hands on. On a single charge, it runs for up to 10 hours. Add a finishing touch to baseboards & trim with a professional-grade caulking kitProfessional Caulk Gun Kit with Caulk Remover & Silicone Sealant - 5 in 1 Caulking Tool Set for Caulking Removal, Includes Caulking Gun Tool, Silicone ScraperAmazon - "Smaller gaps between trim, baseboards, door frames, etc., can give the impression that an otherwise well-executed renovation is incomplete,” says Andrew Pho, general manager at Mister Baluster. “A neat bead of caulk is among the easiest methods to make low-cost trim appear professionally installed,” he continues. This set gives you everything you need for a professional-looking finishing touch. It comes with a caulk tool, silicone sealant, and various scrapers that help make it look completely spotless and mess free. Stack linens, clothes, & other clutter in easy-to-install sliding basketsCaktraie Store Folding Closet Organizers Storage Boxes (4-Pack)Alan Atchley, certified general contractor and owner of Atchley Properties, recommends clearing surfaces as one of the easiest hacks for a bougier home. These stacking storage bins are the perfect accessory to store everything like linens, shoes, clothes, pet accessories, kids’ toys, and more. When they’re stacked and filled, the bins use the weight of their contents to slide out like drawers, making them easy to fill and access for a clutter-free space.Tackle wall scuffs instantly & cheaply with melamine spongesISDGER Magic Sponge Eraser (12-Pack)amazon - Michael Allan, founder and interior designer at painting and flooring company Mint Paint & Floor, recommends routine maintenance with melamine sponges. “The best way to ensure that [wear and tear] doesn't cost you hundreds of dollars paying for a paint job within six months is to catch those stains with a magic eraser before they set,” he says. Simply wet them, squeeze them, and then use a little elbow grease to keep your walls looking like they just got a brand-new paint job without paying for one. They’re not just for scuffs, either, since they also work on food stains, ink stains, dust, and more. Stabilize furniture with these levelers that fix misalignmentTahikem Flexible Plastic Shims (8-Pack)amazon - Andrew Pho, general manager at Mister Baluster, recommends homeowners stock up on plastic shims. “[They’re] cheap but extremely useful for leveling cabinets, fixing unevenly spaced furniture, providing support under trim while attaching it, and obtaining a very close, professional fit when there is a slight misalignment,” he says. Made of strong clear plastic, the shims are basically invisible once they’re installed so they make your space feel finished without standing out. They can hold up to 22,000 pounds — yep, you read that right — and can be trimmed to fit tight spaces if needed. Fill gaps & cracks with this insulating foam sealant that expands to fit wherever it’s installedGreat Stuff Insulating Foam SealantAmazon - Walter E. Bennett, handyman and HVAC technician at Green Leaf Air, loves recommending expanding spray foam because of how versatile it is. “I use it for gaps around pipes under sinks, voids behind electrical outlets, and spaces around dryer vents that have been letting cold air in for years.” The key is that it expands to fit whatever gap or crack you’re filling to create an airtight, waterproof seal that’s great indoors or outdoors. It dries in a neutral, cream color that blends in easily. “Those little gaps are quietly adding money to your energy bill every month. This foam costs a few bucks a can and fixes that,” Bennett adds. Prevent stains & spills with floor protection paper that also provides tractionPaclord Floor Protection Paperamazon - Michael Allan, founder and interior designer at painting and flooring company Mint Paint & Floor, never skips out on floor defense during home improvement projects. The trick? Red rosin paper. “This helps protect your floor from ruinous stains and prevents slips during a home improvement project,” he explains. That’s because this heavy-duty paper rolls out to easily cover large swaths of floor at a time, providing a bit of friction to keep you steady on your feet as it shields your floors. Store maintenance & upkeep photos for quick reference in this linen boxJolensoy Decorative Photo Storage Boxamazon - "It’s a good idea to take photos of any shutoff valves, appliance information, filter sizes, sealant locations or other maintenance tools you need to note for later reference,” explains Cameron Figgins, owner and president of Absolute Maintenance & Consulting. “It can save time and effort to have a visual record of what to look for, especially if an explanation is needed for a service technician." If you want to take him up on that advice, then you need a convenient and easy-to-reference spot to keep all those photos, like in this linen box. It has eight divider compartments to help you organize your photos by room or technician, as well as labels for even more organization. Use a compact hair dryer to dry repair projects quicklyConair Compact Hair Dryeramazon - According to Michael Allan, founder and interior designer at Mint Paint & Floor, your hair dryer can do double duty around your home. “With a hair dryer, patching a nail hole would only take minutes instead of hours. I also use it to speed things along when caulking,” he says. In case you don’t have one — or you want one dedicated to home projects, this one is perfect because it folds until it’s compact enough to fit inside a big tool box so you always have it when you need it. It has two speed settings, two heat settings, and a cool shot button.