Instead of a tarp, use a lawn or sport umbrella to collect and distribute leaves
More Home & Garden Tips
A dustpan can be used to drain water out of a small sink into a larger bucket.
Drill holes in the bottom of the garbage can to prevent suction
Convert an old hose into a sprinkler by poking holes in it.
Take a Phillips screwdriver or any other sharp object to poke holes about a foot apart on the hose and turn it on low pressure. Now you don't have to keep moving the hose as often.
Broke a glass and want ensure you clean up all of the shards? Turn off the lights and shine a flashlight on the floor.
The shiny bits should reflect off of the light and you can take a piece of wet paper towel to gently wipe the area down.
To loosen a stripped screw, put a rubber band in hole before unscrewing.
If that doesn't work, try using a dremel to cut a slot on the head and use a flathead screwdriver to unscrew it.
Buying a house? Visit the neighborhood at night.
Spend about an hour just observing the neighborhood. Listen to the sounds and look for any obnoxious lights. Consider going on either a Friday or Saturday.
The key to using a plunger is in the pull, not the push.
Make sure there is a good amount of liquid around the drain you're plunging to assist with the suction. Push in slowly, then pull out quickly with force. If plunging a double-sink, have someone hold a stopper in the other side. When plunging a bathtub, tape some cling-film around the overflow (usually where the shower/spigot selector is).
Ant problem? Keep cucumber skins near their nest or put it where they are entering your home.
Cucumbers contain a compound called trans-2-nonenal that repel insects. This particular compound has also been used in insecticide foams for repelling ants.
Always keep a wet rag next to you when painting.
You will thank yourself when you inevitably paint over an unintended area. Just make sure to immediately wipe it off (within a couple minutes) before it dries.
Have a mosquito problem? Install a bat house on your property.
Bat populations are in sharp decline which is a detriment to the environment as they are huge pollinators. They also love munching on mosquitos so not only are you improving the ecosystem, you are also taking care of a nuisance.