The 50 cheapest, most clever home improvement products on Amazon

Home improvement can be an expensive undertaking — at least if you watch those TV shows that do makeovers on people’s homes. But in my opinion, those shows are totally unrealistic. Sure, I can walk through a house and say, “If we remove that wall, replace this rug, update the counters and cupboards, and pull out this aging shower stall, we can transform this place into a beautiful open layout.” I can’t actually do any of that, though, because it’s all super expensive, and I don’t want to live in a construction zone.

There are things I can do, of course. They just have to be smarter, easier, and able to stay within a realistic (i.e., small) budget. The kind of upgrades I’m currently willing to undertake start with an Amazon purchase and end with a high five and an adult beverage. There are plenty of these. In fact, these are the 50 cheapest, most clever home improvement products on Amazon.

This freestanding organizer that puts everything from shoes to hats in their place

Turn the awkward spaces in your closet into orderly cubbies with this freestanding divided organizer with six sections that are ideal for shoes, bags, hats, and other hard-to-store items. Instead of burying these things in bins where you forget you have them, put them in plain sight and within reach. It’s easy to set up and fits on the floor or a shelf. Each cubby is big enough for a pair of shoes or a hat.

This colorful charging station that holds & charges 6 devices at once

Line up all your gadgets, stand them on end, and charge them up at once in this affordable charging station that has six adjustable slots to hold your phones, tablets, power banks, or other electronics. It even comes with six tidy mini cords. It charges your gear quickly and the LED lights for each slot turn off when the gadget in that space is fully charged.

An over-the-door organizer with 24 pockets for highly visible storage

This over-the-door organizer will whip your chaotic shoe collection, pantry, cleaning supplies, or laundry room tools into tidy order in a few minutes. Just hang it over a door and put the shoes — or whatever needs organizing — into the roomy and breathable mesh pockets. You can see everything at once and, since it uses the back of a door, you don’t have to give up much space.

This luxurious cover for your body pillow

Turn your body pillow into a decorative element in your made bed (right?) with this ultra-soft, microfiber body pillow cover that’s made to fit it perfectly. It slips on like a standard pillowcase but covers that 54-inch long pillow completely. There’s a satin trim at the opening end and you have a choice of eight colors so you can design the look you want.

The tablet stand with a long gooseneck that holds the screen where you can see it

Clamp this long-armed, sturdy aluminum tablet holder to a table, the counter, or your desk, and bend the long gooseneck arm so that the phone or tablet it’s holding is exactly where you want it. Its arm is 24 inches long so it has significant reach. The clamp expands to hold either a phone or a large tablet. And the head rotates 360 degrees so you can see the screen in whatever position you like.

The smart way to store your water bottle collection

If you have accumulated an impressive water bottle collection, welcome to the club of people who have no idea how to store those in a kitchen that was designed for another era. This water bottle organizer is here to fix that. It allows you to store water bottles lying down to maximize your storage space. Each rack — this is a pack of two of them — holds three bottles. You can stack them in a tall cupboard or spread them out horizontally in a short one.

This adjustable laptop tray that keeps your machine cool

Set your laptop on this laptop tray with built-in fans to keep it cool, and it just may last longer and run better. Heat is bad for a laptop’s components, even when that heat is generated by the laptop’s hard-working machinery. This laptop tray has five fans that get that heat away from your machine — and you. You can choose how many fans to run at any time. It also lets you tilt the laptop at a better angle so you can see the screen better and not hunch over.

This pack of 8 silicone coasters so drinks don’t hurt the furniture

Go ahead and set your drinks down on these eight silicone coasters without worrying about the furniture. It doesn’t matter if the drink is hot or cold, these heat-resistant silicone coasters will protect your furniture from condensation, high temperatures, and splashes. And they are so affordable and easy to clean that you can litter them all over the house so there is always one within reach.

An expandable bamboo utensil organizer to tidy up the drawers

If you have drawers, and you have flatware and serving utensils you’d like to store in those drawers, you need this expandable utensil drawer organizer. It will fit your drawers because it expands from a skinny 13 inches wide to a roomy 20 inches wide, which means you can use them in a variety of drawers and take it with you when you move. When it expands, it gives you more storage — in the form of two extra sections on either side that grow with the width of your drawers. This is cool as well as useful.

These vacuum storage bags that make your stuff fit in less space

Do you need more storage space? Or maybe what you need is for the things you want to store to take up less space? It’s simple physics, and these four vacuum storage bags are how you alter how much space items take up. Put your off-season clothes, blankets, coats, and other bulky fabric items into these large bags. Then attach your vacuum cleaner or the included pump to the valve and remove the air. The same stuff now fits in less space — because the air is no longer bulking them up — and is easier to move around but you can still see what it is.

A nice rug that’s affordable, soft, & comes in the size you want

Give your room an artsy vibe while improving the overall comfort simply by laying down this Moroccan area rug that’s woven from easy-to-clean, non-shedding fibers. It comes in three colors and eight sizes so you can choose the configuration that best fits your room. And the medium pile won’t obstruct doors or make it hard to vacuum.

This set of modern LED puck lights with motion sensors

It is so simple to add safety lighting to your stairs, convenience lighting to cupboards and cabinets, and install a light in a dark closet with this three-pack of motion-triggered puck lights. They sense movement and turn on when you walk down ,the stairs or open a cupboard so they add lighting as you live in your house without any effort from you. They are battery operated so there is no need for wiring. And you can mount them simply by peeling off the backing and sticking them where you want them.

This box that neatly hides all your wires

This cable management box is the simple, fast, and easy fix for the messy cables under your desk or TV — or anywhere in your house. Just drop that big power strip into this clean, white box, guide the cords through the slots in the back, and put the lid on. The mess is gone, replaced with a neat white box you can set a lamp or phone on.

A set of storage cubes that organizes your underwear drawer

Instead of digging through an untamed pile of socks and underwear every day hoping that you will encounter the pair you want — or even a pair that fits — take a few minutes to install this three-piece set of drawer storage cubes and organize that stuff so you can quickly locate the very item you want. There are two small bins for socks and underwear and a large one that’s great for tanks or undershirts.

An indoor or outdoor mat that withstands heavy trekking

This durable doormat looks nice, and is built to withstand whatever weather happens on your porch. You can use it inside the door or outside. The rubber bottom keeps it from moving and the durable looped mesh of the top looks good and does a great job getting debris off of shoes. It’s an ideal mat to put in the laundry room, entryway, porch, garage, or anywhere that people are likely to track in dirt.

This set of rustic floating shelves in cool geometric shapes

Turn the clutter in your house — everything from figurines to rocks to plants — into wall art by mounting these interesting, geometric-shaped floating shelves to the wall and setting your stuff on the rustic wood base. They are easy to install because the mounting hardware is a visible part of the design. And they can make even personal care products in the bathroom or small kitchen tools look like art.

An easy TV wall mount that lets you view the screen from any angle

Skip the bulky furniture for standing a big TV and streamline your space by mounting that flat-screen to the wall. This totally affordable full-motion TV wall mount can help. Not only is it a sleek, minimalist, and space-saving solution, but it lets you view the TV from more places. Pull it away from the wall and angle it so you can watch from your desk or another place in the room or keep it tidy and flat against the wall.

This complete cord management set that cleans up all your wires

When there are cables snaking away from your computer, lights, and entertainment center, the effort you put into the decor gets undermined by clutter. But it doesn’t have to look like a mess. The artful use of this cord management system can hide all of that from view. There are several options for cinching cable bundles together and even more solutions for sticking individual wires or cable bundles to the underside or back of furniture where they will be invisible. There are also handy clips that let you keep wires you use frequently at hand.

A set of absorbent & biodegradable dishcloths

Amp up your cleaning game with these biodegradable dishcloths that can be used for everything from cleaning your kitchen to washing windows. They feature a diamond pattern that makes them ultra-absorbent and capable of picking up dirt and crumbs and are made of a cellulose/cotton blend that can hold 20 times their weight in liquid.

This beefy power strip with 12 outlets & 4 USB ports

This is the power strip you want for your work-from-home rig or massive entertainment system. There are 12 standard outlets and four USB plugs to power everything from your computer or TV to your phone. All the plugs are all protected against power surges to protect your gear. And the two outlets on the end have plenty of room around them to accommodate big power bricks.

This ultra-thin, portable disk that’s a wireless phone charger

This easy-to-pack aluminum charging disk is the phone charger you want with you at the café, in your hotel, or on your own bedside table. It looks like a high-tech coaster. But drop your phone on it and it will charge it up. No more fumbling with wires or looking for that tiny plug in the dark. It lights up briefly to let you know it is connected to your phone then it quietly goes about fast-charging while you sleep.

This big-display alarm clock that can handle 2 alarms

If you share a bed with someone, you probably get up at different times. This dual alarm clock is a helpful addition to your morning routine. Set it for both of your wake-up times and create alarm equity. You can choose a volume for each alarm, and each sleeper can delay the inevitable for nine minutes by hitting the snooze button. There is a USB port for charging your phone, a battery backup in case there is a power outage, and the big display is dimmable.

The flexible filter fabric that helps clean what blows from the air vents

Add some extra filtration to the air that comes into your home easily and cheaply with this filter fabric you cut to size and attach to your air vents. It comes with hook and loop tape that you also just cut to the size you need. You can attach it to the outside of your air vents or remove the vent and put the filter fabric on the inside. It helps keep out dander, smoke, and other potentially harmful airborne elements, which can help people indoors breathe easier.

This hack that makes your heat or AC more effective

If your heat and AC vents are in the wrong place, it can have a huge effect on how warm or cold your house feels. This two-pack of air deflectors for vents will send the air in the direction it will do the most good. If all your heat is up at the ceiling, direct it down into the room. Or if the cold is chilling your ankles and little else, send it up into the room. Just attach them magnetically. They adjust from 10 to 14 inches wide and require no tools to install.

This Wi-Fi extender so the signal reaches everywhere in your house

If you have spots in your house where the internet signal is feeble, the solution is so easy. Just plug this Wi-Fi extender into a plug that’s inside the signal but near your dead spot and it will grab the Wi-Fi and throw it another 1,200 feet so you can surf anywhere in the house — even the places that had a weak connection. It will look like you just got a whole new network to the devices connecting to it, and you can add up to 20 devices to that network.

This USB wall charger that’s also a unique night light

Plug this slick wall charger into an outlet and get two USB plugs that can charge your phone or other gadgets. It’s also a cool-looking night light, with a blue light and a crackle pattern, which makes it terrific for travel, the kids’ room, or even for charging your electric toothbrushes in the bathroom if you don’t have many outlets in there.

This stick-on bug prevention for your trash can

Your trash can is a tempting home for some pretty gross bugs. To the insect underworld, your trash is their luxury meal. And once flies, roaches, and others move in there is little reason for them to leave, given that you are constantly resupplying. Stick this insect puck to the inside lid of that trash can, though, and you don’t have to worry about any of this. It ends the bugs that are in there and stops new tenants from ever moving in with a slow-release vapor. It lasts up to four months.

A set of stainless steel measuring cups & spoons

Toss your mismatched collection of measuring tools and upgrade to this 12-piece set that’s made of durable stainless steel and boasts engraved imperial and metric measurements for easy conversions. The set is dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up, and each of the six measuring spoons has an extra-long handle to easily scoop from narrow jars.

The under-cabinet jar opener that can handle any lid

Mount this genius jar opener to the underside of a cabinet and you will be able to open whatever jar you have without asking anyone for help. Just push the lid into the triangular opener until it catches on the toothy jaws and turn. You can use both hands so there is no struggle, even with huge jars. “It just takes a quarter turn to loosen jar lids that used to take me several minutes of hot water and effort to open,” said one reviewer. “I cannot thank the people at Grip Jar Opener enough for making this incredible change in my enjoyment of life and urge all with poor hand strength to get the Grip Jar Opener!”

A ring light on a flexible gooseneck that clips to the desk

Clip this mini ring light wherever you need better illumination for reading, working, or Zooming. The long, flexible gooseneck arm lets you position the light exactly where you want it and you can choose from three color temperatures and 10 brightness so that the light never hurts your eyes. The base also works as a stand.

A luxury cover for your body pillow

If you love your body pillow, give it a beautiful, soft, and decorative cover so it looks as gorgeous on the bed as it feels when you wrap yourself around it. This luxury body pillow cover is made from fine, microfibers that give it a nearly silk-like feel. It comes in nine colors so you can make that bit of comfort part of your bedroom decor.

The bedside wall shelf that keeps everything you need at hand

No room for a nightstand? Peel and stick this clever bedside shelf next to your bed and keep everything you need right next to you. There are two cubbies that are sized perfectly for a phone, glasses, alarm clock, or remote control. It’s easy to mount, is small, and is loved by reviewers who give it almost 6,000 five-star reviews.

A wall-mounted phone holder for the shower

Peel and stick this waterproof phone mount to the wall of your shower and you can bring your videos, games, and phone (video?) calls into the bath with you. Just push the frame to pop it open and slide your phone in or out. You can use the touch screen while your phone is protected and the case rotates 360 degrees so you can see the screen in the position you prefer.

This set of nonstick silicone baking mats

Cookies and other baked goods will slide right off these silicone baking mats without having to use cooking sprays, butter, or oil. Made of premium silicone, these mats can withstand temps up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit and help distribute heat to ensure even baking. Plus, they’re dishwasher, freezer, and microwave-safe.

This reversible comforter that looks super expensive

You can stop saving up for the comforter of your dreams because this reversible comforter is gorgeous on both sides. And not only does it look like it belongs in a luxury hotel but it’s soft, plush, comfortable, and just the right weight to keep you cozy all year. Choose from eight color combinations that allow you to flip it over to get a completely different look.

This bath pillow for spa-like relaxation

Turn your tub into a sweet escape with this bath pillow that cushions your head, neck, and shoulders for ultimate comfort. The soft, padded pillow stays put with the help of six suction cups on the back and is made of a breathable quilted material that dries quickly after use.

A pair of oil dispenser bottles with measurements & pour spouts

Store your oils in these two pour-top dispenser bottles that are made for the task. Each one holds 17 ounces of your favorite olive oil, vinegar, lemon, or other necessities. And the set comes with four spouts so you can choose if you want one with a flap or one with a dust cap. The measures on the side make adding oil to recipes easy because you don’t have to get out measuring spoons. The set even comes with a funnel to make filling them a cinch.

These clear organizers that make your fridge so much easier to manage

These refrigerator organizer bins will put an end to that frustrating search for the right condiment or beverage by bringing order to the internal chaos of the fridge. Put all the juice boxes one bin. Line up your massive jelly collection in another. When you want a sandwich or a soda, grab the right bin and choose your flavor. There are eight bins in two sizes.

A pack of versatile cotton tea towels

Great for baking, cleaning, or even using as cloth napkins, these 100% cotton towels boast a thin and lightweight construction that’s surprisingly durable and absorbent. Fans of these towels love how versatile they are, with one reviewer writing, “These are very sturdy and work well as cleaning or drying towels, but they are also great as decoration as well.”

This highly rated sheet pan & baking rack combo

Whether you’re making some perfectly crisp bacon or a batch of homemade cookies, this sheet pan and baking rack combo is a must-have. The versatile stainless steel rack is great for cooling baked goods and helping to create crispy edges while roasting, and the sturdy aluminum sheet pan can be used with the rack or alone for all of your kitchen creations.

A splatter guard to minimize greasy clean-up

Reduce clean-up after grilling or frying with this splatter guard that conveniently sits on top of your frying pan to stop up to 99% of grease splatters. The stainless steel mesh guard is 13 inches in diameter to accommodate most pans, plus it’s dishwasher safe and can also be used as a strainer or cooling rack.

This cloud-like memory foam bath mat

Never step on cold, hard bathroom floors again with this incredibly soft bath mat that has earned over 40,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. The thick memory foam material is quick-drying and has a nonslip bottom to keep it in place. Plus, there are six sizes and 22 colors to choose from.

A complete kitchen utensil set in stainless steal

Want to take your kitchen from spare to armed for cooking in one fell swoop? Set this stainless steel utensil set holder — already loaded with every spatula, spoon, and whisk you need — down on the counter. You can’t gear up with individual pieces for this price and the nine tools include things — like a potato masher and spaghetti spoon — that you will probably forget you need until you are faced with that specific task.

A chic glass pitcher with an airtight seal

Perfect for storing your favorite teas, juices, and cocktails, this large, 68-ounce glass pitcher is made of thick and durable glass, boasts a stylish square design, and features an airtight twist-and-lock lid. It’s both lead and BPA-free, has an ergonomic handle, and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

These ice trays that make a big batch of snazzy round cubes

Make a big batch of spherical ice with these two round ice cube trays that make this task super simple and easy. Just fill the lower tray, put the upper tray on top, and push it down till water shoots out of the spouts so you know your trays are full. Then stack them in the freezer. The trays are flexible so it’s easy to get the cubes out and they make a total of 66 round ice pieces that really slap at parties.

A plush blanket for extra-cozy Netflix and chill sessions

Get cozy in bed or on the couch with this super-soft throw blanket that boasts a plush ribbed texture. The machine-washable microfiber/polyester blend blanket promises not to shed or pill and is OEKO-TEX certified, meaning it was manufactured without harsh chemicals. Choose from four sizes and 34 colors, including gray pearl, coconut milk, and red wine.

This best-selling pet hair remover

Quickly and easily remove fur from your furniture, carpets, bedding, and more with this pet hair remover tool that one fan writes “is truly like magic.” Simply roll the non-sticky roller over the surface you’d like to clean, and it will pick up and trap fur in a chamber that can be easily dumped into the trash when finished.

This broom holder to keep them neat & organized

Keep your brooms, mops, and other cleaning tools organized with the help of this wall-mounted broom holder. It has five spring-loaded clamps to hold tools with long handles, as well as six hooks for smaller objects like dustpans and gloves. Plus, it comes with all of the screws and anchors needed for a secure installation.

A complete manicure kit in a handy travel pouch

You will find every tool you need and discover a few you’ve never heard of in this manicure set in a handsome case. And you will always be able to find your tools because each one has its own slot and the case keeps it all orderly. “I bought this for my husband because I am always borrowing his tweezers and nail clippers and then losing them,” said one reviewer. “This way he has a set that is unmistakably his and hard to lose since all everything is in a nice travel case.”

These solar lights that spruce up your walkway

For an easy way to upgrade your outdoor walkway, add these solar pathway lights. They install quickly in the ground, charge in the sun, and turn on automatically after dark. They’re also weather-resistant, so you can leave them out year-round, and each order includes 10 lights.