What Hacks Reduce 'Friction' in Your Daily Life?

Oneguyinmelb on 22/07/2020 - 15:19
Last edited 28/07/2020 - 12:40

I've been on a home automation kick the past month and was wondering what other life hacks the OzBargain community has to reduce 'friction' in your daily life?

Now friction is probably a silly word to use, and will lead to a lot of replies about lube. Basically I'm just looking for little hacks you have in place to make your everyday life easier - and hopefully cheaper in the long run.

Do you stock up on Toilet Paper when it's on special, or do you subscribe so a new pack arrives every fortnight/month?
Is there a way you combine exercise with work/entertainment?

Anything that will help give me more time in the day or minimise decision fatigue.

Summary of the most useful and regular comments below:
• Electric Locks - Saves forgetting keys, giving access to family and friends.
• Robot Vacuum Cleaner - more suited to those without small children OR hiring a cleaner once a fortnight.
• Calendar Reminder to take bins out, especially if there is alternating Green waste and recycling weeks.
• Temptation Bundling – Pair an unpleasant activity (exercise, ironing) with a pleasant one (Netflix, audiobooks, etc).
• Apple/Google Pay so carrying a wallet is less important
• PriceHipster and OzBargain Subscriptions on monthly/quarterly consumables. Alternative is Amazon Subscribe and Save.
• Tile tracker for keys and wallet.
• Password Managers – BitWarden is free, paid for 1Pass or Dashlane
• Automatic top up and direct debits.
• Smart Lights and Plugs, pair with routines for Alexa or Google Assistant.
• Pyroletic Oven – No more oven cleaning (just oven dusting?)
• HelloFresh / Lite and Easy – Easier for those without kids

General Discussion

Comments

  • AdosHouse on 22/07/2020 - 15:26
    +52

    1) Lube, as you said.

    2) The phrase "yes dear"

    AdosHouse on 22/07/2020 - 15:26 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • Trying2SaveABuck on 22/07/2020 - 17:08

      I donno who neg you becuz you kind of got a point

      • ECE on 23/07/2020 - 12:26

        Fixed it

    • bobbified on 22/07/2020 - 18:25
      +2

      Everyone's lost their damn sense of humour!

    • [Deactivated] on 23/07/2020 - 22:14
      +3

      Lol love how this gets marked as off topic
      And the next 5 troll comments are fine

  • kahn on 22/07/2020 - 15:42
    +178

    I suggest reading a book on this subject. You'll find one in the non-friction section.

    • arkie0 on 22/07/2020 - 15:53
      +1

      I would suggest - No-Way-Slippery-Slick, it's a children's book to help you get a grasp on the subject.

    • Hangryuman on 24/07/2020 - 17:11

      teflon frypan ?

      • frewer on 27/07/2020 - 14:05
        +1

        Have you seen Dark water? There was a law suit in AU too, not directly at dupon

  • cktftw on 22/07/2020 - 15:51
    -6

    KY jelly

    cktftw on 22/07/2020 - 15:51 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • Seni0r El Cheapo on 23/07/2020 - 22:02
      -2

      Respect.

      I don't know why people are downvoting? this HAS to be a legit hack.

  • knasty on 22/07/2020 - 15:55
    +23

    Gas continuous hot water temperature controller in the kitchen and bathroom. Allows exact temp out of the water heater. Doesn't sound like much but saves adjusting/wasting the water temp in the shower as you just turn on the hot tap and get exactly what you want…

    Despite that, there's a fraction too much friction, yeah.

    • DevD on 25/07/2020 - 16:23

      can you please post a guide on how to do this ?

      • capslock janitor on 25/07/2020 - 16:47

        yes pls

        • knasty on 25/07/2020 - 22:44
          +1

          Just use the Rinnai temp controllers that came with it. Wad 2 controllers as standard but I think you can have up to 4.

          • DevD on 26/07/2020 - 21:07

            @knasty: Unfortunately I have a Chromagen setup for solar hot water.

      • bluelink279 on 26/07/2020 - 13:40

        If you have a Rinnai Infinity you can buy the add on controllers. No mains wiring required, if you can operate a screwdriver you can DIY install. Just a few wires into a terminal block.

        https://www.gstore.com.au/hot-water/accessories/rinnai-water…

        $450 for the wireless base unit is a bit steep but in theory you should also see a reduction in your gas bill because you're not heating the water to 60C just to cool it back down again at the shower mixer.

        • Jackson on 26/07/2020 - 16:24
          +1

          Rinnai has a practical monopoly in Australia, and it shows in their pricing. At least they did before Bosch arrived on the scene

          • knasty on 26/07/2020 - 22:12
            +1

            @Jackson: Current pricing is pretty competitive just over 800 for the B26. I think I paid about 1100 for my Infinity 26 about 8 years ago. After 8 years with zero issues I'd be happy to repurchase .

            • Jackson on 26/07/2020 - 22:15

              @knasty: dont get me wrong they are good, simple, reliable products, but these should be a factor cheaper than 200L tank for your house. The only reasons they aren't, because you'd rather have one of these. No way and entire tank with everything that goes in it should be more expensive than one of these IMO.

              $800 sounds better though, I thought they hadn't moved and were still around the 1100 mark

        • goms on 27/07/2020 - 18:15

          Can anyone explain how this works? How does it know that one room is being used not the other?
          Edit: RTFM here https://www.rinnai.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/mc_503r…

          I'm so getting this!! Im tired of getting cold water in the shower when my wife is turning on and off the taps in the kitchen.

        • goms on 27/07/2020 - 18:33

          Hmm I understand how this will give you the exact temperature at the tap, but how does it actually maintain temperature fluctuations when the other taps are turned on?

          Avoid Temperature Fluctuations
          Continuous Flow water heaters like all types of water heaters can experience temperature fluctuations when other taps are turned on. Water controllers avoid this by maintaining an exact temperature even when other taps are used or a toilet is flushed.

    • Chandler on 27/07/2020 - 09:52

      OP, since you mentioned Home Automation

      Pair this with voice/schedule/routine controls to automatically set the water temperature when you're going for a shower.

      Shower in the morning? Bed sensor picks up that you've gotten out of bed, sets water temperature based on ambient in bathroom.

      Shower in the evening? Schedule + room presence picks up that you're probably going for a shower, does as above.

      Further extension: water heater being on + increased sensor in bathroom turns on your extraction fan.

    • PAPower on 28/07/2020 - 10:58

      Yes I am loving this! However there're certain shower heads / mixer tap to match this system or water temp will not regulate.
      Do you know roughly longevity of gas continuous system? Previous owner at my place initially installed a Bosch system then changed to Rheem and the property is 10 years old so I am guessing it'll wear out after 5 years?

  • kolorijo on 22/07/2020 - 16:12
    +10

    Run/walk/cycle to work

    • Oneguyinmelb on 22/07/2020 - 16:15
      +22

      I used to cycle to work when I lived in the city - though working from home the past four months means I've just been walking to the opposite room, which lead to a 7kg weight gain.

      • lookin4bargain on 22/07/2020 - 16:21
        +3

        i gained 2kgs in a week :(

        • kolorijo on 22/07/2020 - 16:37
          +9

          True. I have lost my only exercise, walking to station, get some lunch, etc2. And now I am sitting working even longer in front of my computer, doing 7.30 to 19:00 and not really being paid for the extra hours. It is hard to detach myself from work when working from home.

          • poboy on 22/07/2020 - 19:21
            +1

            @kolorijo: Have gone back to the office as management were keen to have everyone back to push projects forward. We've all commented that we are all working a hell of a lot less and getting less done.

            So annoying. Would love to continue working from home.

            • SummerZero on 24/07/2020 - 00:03
              +2

              @poboy: Everyone is different. I find it harder to work from home as I don't have a 'study' room.

          • gimme on 25/07/2020 - 09:22

            @kolorijo: You're still allowed to walk.

            • kolorijo on 07/10/2020 - 10:57

              @gimme: I know lol. Raj was spot on with his assessment of me (below) :D. I have no self discipline or when I have - I failed to sustain it.

              • Raj09 on 07/10/2020 - 11:50
                +1

                @kolorijo: I was the same as well. We are human. I kept procrastinating for nearly 3 years and never got results. My breakup with my gf in March this year was the big slap I needed. Keep the focus

          • Raj09 on 26/07/2020 - 08:58

            @kolorijo: I lost 10kg from the start of the lockdown. It's a matter of discipline. Get rid of snacks and eat at a specific time. I do small portions and favour complex carbs during the week. No meat as well. I have cheat days on weekends q

            • kolorijo on 07/10/2020 - 11:00

              @Raj09: I just started to do exercise bike for 30 minutes a day, almost every day. I can feel that my head is getting clearer and feel fitter. I can also see my face is getting thinner, probably lost a couple hundred grams already lol. Start to cut some sugar off and snacks. Hopefully by Summer I can lose 3-4 kgs (my pre covid weight).

              • Raj09 on 07/10/2020 - 11:49
                +1

                @kolorijo: Good on you man. Keep at it. You won't see progress overnight. It's similar to an exam. You take 5 to 6 months to get ready so it'll be the same for your body.

          • bennos on 26/07/2020 - 22:28

            @kolorijo: Same here, It's hard to know if I am working from home or living at work

      • Fysh on 24/07/2020 - 00:39
        +19

        I lost 34 kilos. I am going to need a new ID to get into work.

        • serpserpserp on 25/07/2020 - 07:55
          +6

          Interesting. Did your workplace supply unlimited donuts for free?

          • Fysh on 25/07/2020 - 21:06
            +4

            @serpserpserp: Last year in October I made a post for advice on travelling to isolate myself and get into a regime. Well I was right and it worked for me. Covid isolation has been a big advantage in improving my physical health.

            Part of my post from last year.
            "Being out of my normal environment means I don't really feel the need to drink to socialise and also I usually stick to 1 main meal a day. Its fairly easy for me to be regimental / exercise / walk around all day and lose weight."

            • Indomietable on 26/07/2020 - 17:13
              +4

              @Fysh: congrats and well done! 34 KG is A LOT!

              • Fysh on 26/07/2020 - 17:18
                +3

                @Indomietable: Thanks. I kind of say it was easy now but on reflection its very bloody hard and I wonder how personal trainers can really reflect on how difficult it can be for people to do this if they have never been obese. As an i traversed person the only way I could have done this is by myself and without input and judgement from people in isolation .

        • DemocracyManifest on 25/07/2020 - 17:19

          More home cooking? I lost my job so there went the egg and bacon sandwiches most days

          • Fysh on 25/07/2020 - 21:29

            @DemocracyManifest: Using the normal commute time to walk then got into jogging. Ate 1500 cals for 4 months , didn't cry if I had 1 or 2 days of stupid calories. Got a heap of sleep and water.

          • Fysh on 26/07/2020 - 17:22

            @DemocracyManifest: I could eat this on my diet using 2 shortcut pieces and 2 eggs spray oil in a non stick pan. Its the bread that kills ya. I dropped the bread.

        • Raj09 on 07/10/2020 - 11:52

          Good on you. Stay healthy! 👍🏾🙏🏾😊

      • whatgift on 27/07/2020 - 21:17
        +3

        I changed my routine to replace my lack of cycling to work. I now start my work from home when I would usually leave, finish at the same time and take a long lunch break to go cycling. It’s great to get outside during the day, and I’ve discovered all these new paths to follow and sometimes new takeaway places to try. I usually eat lunch at home before I ride to save spending money or buying junk.
        It has the added bonus of breaking up the work day for something pleasant.

    • Slippage on 23/07/2020 - 12:19

      As someone who sweats a lot and no shows at work, this makes things more complex

  • pegaxs on 22/07/2020 - 16:23
    +9

    WD40, KY or graphite powder, depends on what aspect of my life we are reducing friction.

    • lunchbox99 on 22/07/2020 - 16:54
      +1

      Corn starch is good for reducing chafing in damp areas. It's the main ingredient of non-talc baby powder.

      • apey2000 on 24/07/2020 - 16:49

        Might try adding some corn starch in my 'isolation' belly crease, especially since I also use that stuff to thicken up my cooking sauces. One stone, two birds. Thanks.

      • Vession on 28/07/2020 - 12:19

        One stove*

    • Chandler on 27/07/2020 - 09:54

      WD40

      But WD40 isn't a lubricant! :P

      • pegaxs on 27/07/2020 - 10:33

        From the WD-40 MSDS;

        Product Use: Lubricant, Penetrant, Drives Out Moisture, Removes and Protects Surfaces From Corrosion

        Anything is a lubricant with the right amount of force…

        • Chandler on 27/07/2020 - 12:45

          Anything is a lubricant with the right amount of force…

          That's what she said.

          Serious question but - is it that good of a lubricant? The time's I have used it to loosen up joints etc it has done the job, but doesn't seem to last very long, especially compared to other products i.e. white lithium grease.

          • pegaxs on 27/07/2020 - 16:37
            +1

            @Chandler: It depends on what you’re using it on. It works well for some things, but not others. I would call it an immediate lubricant. Great to get something moving or quieter, but it’s not a long term solution.

            • Chandler on 27/07/2020 - 22:55

              @pegaxs:

              I would call it an immediate lubricant. Great to get something moving or quieter, but it’s not a long term solution.

              Yeah that's a well worded version of what I was thinking.

              Thanks :)

          • kale chips suck on 27/07/2020 - 20:21

            @Chandler: WD40 dissolves grease.

            ….

        • D C on 28/07/2020 - 06:15

          Anything is a lubricant

          Even water is considered a lubricant. You can even get water lubricated bearings.

    • rodericb on 22/08/2020 - 14:12

      Some folk wear bike shorts and the two surfaces slide easily against each other but after too much walking they may have built up so much static charge they'll be shooting lightning bolts out of their fingers like Emperor Palpatine on a bad day.

  • Katie1Pie on 22/07/2020 - 16:31
    +8

    Saving ingredients in a list in online grocery account for certain recipes to last a week. Save a bunch of recipes and then each week you can pick a list and you've got your dinner/lunch for the week.

    • Oneguyinmelb on 22/07/2020 - 21:13
      +16

      I've been doing that mince recently. Splitting 1kg of mince into three portions rather than two, place in ziplock bags and roll them flat with a rolling pin to save on freezer space.

      • LlamaOfDoom on 23/07/2020 - 21:20
        +16

        Getting them flat is a massive help too as they defrost much more evenly and ready sooner.

        • athk on 24/07/2020 - 06:55
          +2

          Life pro tip

        • Hahuh on 24/07/2020 - 13:18
          -2

          Umm, how else do you portion and store mince? Sorry imagine a different way of storing mince to me is baffling.

          • shakoo on 24/07/2020 - 13:26
            +4

            @Hahuh: this is probably weird but, i store mine in different shapes depending on the meat 'cos i'm really bad at telling minced meat apart.
            e.g. flat square for beef, long skinny cylinder for pork, an undefined lump for chicken, although i should probably settle on a better defrosting shape for chicken but i don't often buy chicken mince so…

            • dtc on 24/07/2020 - 16:37
              +1

              @shakoo: here is a secret tip - sticky labels and marker pen…

              • Carbon Door on 24/07/2020 - 17:04
                +3

                @dtc: Can't you just write on the bag, skip the labels

              • juki on 25/07/2020 - 16:21

                @dtc: hey big spender, aint nobody got time for that

    • ChillBro on 27/07/2020 - 07:19

      What app would you recommend for this?

      • Katie1Pie on 27/07/2020 - 11:57
        +1

        I order through woolies online shopping and you can save different lists. So I can save one recipe per list, or a week's worth of meals' ingredients in a list.

      • yasindesign on 27/07/2020 - 17:52
        +1

        I use Google Keep. I have the list shared with my wife so she can add stuff when she likes and so can I. Whenever one of us is out shopping, we refer to the list. You can even set reminders to trigger when you are at a place. For example, if you need something from Bunnings, you can set it to notify you to check the list when you are at your local Bunnings.

      • Tuttle on 20/08/2020 - 23:22

        I use AnyList (free simple app).
        Have multiple lists running (shopping, bunnings, to do, my projects etc).
        All have Google home linkage, so if I think of something, I simply say "Hey google, add xxxx to my shopping list" and any of my home minis or phone adds it.
        Lists are all shared so wife can add to them to.
        (if you do go this route, make sure you go to Google home settings and change default list to AnyList)

        I swear this has saved me so much brain power by not needing to later on think "what was I going to do/buy/build???" like I use to so often.

  • GG57 on 22/07/2020 - 16:44
    +25

    Rather than add more complexity to my life, I follow a more simplistic approach to living.
    I'm in a pretty safe, secure country, have a job (I'm very lucky in that regard), and have a roof over my head. I walk a lot; if I use escalators I walk up those. I cook simple but flavoursome meals. I make time to read. I listen to the types of music I like, and enjoy exploring the works of artists that are new to me.
    I buy practical clothes, when I need them.

    To me, even home automation is a step too far; I cannot identify any benefits to me in going through the cost and process of procuring and installing.

    • kahn on 22/07/2020 - 16:55
      +64

      Is that part of your online dating profile?

      • serpserpserp on 25/07/2020 - 07:57
        +1

        Can you imagine how many dates they are getting from that?

      • Chandler on 27/07/2020 - 09:55
        +4

        Is that part of your online dating profile?

        Didn't mention walks on the beach. 0/10

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 27/07/2020 - 23:09
        +2

        Needs more dragons.

    • mooney on 22/07/2020 - 19:16
      +30

      Robot Vacuum and Dishwasher are life improving home automation. Robot window cleaner and I am done.

      • GG57 on 23/07/2020 - 10:03
        +3

        It depends what you do with time saved using these items.
        I don't mind vacuuming, and I ensure that I include stretching and core engagement whilst doing it, so that provides me with some additional benefits.
        I do use a dishwasher, but if I need to wash some pans or whatever anyway, and if there are only a couple of bowls or plates, I just wash those first, which saves on water usage / delays the use of the dishwasher until it is full.

        • mooney on 23/07/2020 - 11:06
          +28

          No it doesn't. They are chores I find irritating and unrewarding. If I chose to do absolutely nothing with that time I am still ahead. However I try to spend my spare time with my two kids and not washing up or doing vacuum pilates helps me achieve that.

          • skido on 23/07/2020 - 22:10

            @mooney: It's rewarding for children/teens when their parents give them pocket money to do chores

            • mooney on 23/07/2020 - 23:05

              @skido: Lol.. thanks for this tip. Don't recall saying anything different.

          • serpserpserp on 25/07/2020 - 07:59
            +1

            @mooney: Yep with two kids there is no problems with needed to wait until the dishwasher is full. Happens every day.

          • capslock janitor on 25/07/2020 - 16:51
            +1

            @mooney:

            vacuum pilates

            Lmfao 🤣

      • StalkingIbis on 24/07/2020 - 19:26

        Got both of these in the last 12 months. Revolutionary!

        Also, radar cruise control is amazing.

      • diddy50 on 25/07/2020 - 09:52
        +3

        Who cleans windows? That's what the rain is for.

      • virhlpool on 25/07/2020 - 19:30

        I believe Dyson stick is a godsend equipment. Leaves the place much cleaner than robot vacuum. It's perfect unless you're dealing with a very big house.

    • markathome on 22/07/2020 - 23:31
      +8

      To me, even home automation is a step too far; I cannot identify any benefits to me in going through the cost and process of procuring and installing.

      You'd think this but every time I stay at my Mum's and have to use a light switch, I'm like "What? I'm expected to use my hands……LIKE AN ANIMAL?"

      • GG57 on 23/07/2020 - 10:06
        +9

        I have stayed in homes where the owners have automated lighting, and have been in wonder at the frustration they go through to get it to work as they want it to.

        Similarly, I have recently realised that there are some people who have only ever encountered mixer taps, not separate hot and cold taps. Amazing how some can't cope with that.

        • Chandler on 27/07/2020 - 09:57

          have been in wonder at the frustration they go through to get it to work as they want it to

          As someone dabbling in Home Automation, you definitely have a point here.

          • Scorn on 27/07/2020 - 16:31

            @Chandler: My advice is that you get what you pay for… Cheap overseas items are a hassall… Good quality, available locally items work a lot better.

        • Pulseidon on 27/07/2020 - 10:12

          The automated lighting thing makes sense because there's the potential for more setup/technical issues but I feel like mixer taps are way more convenient than separate taps and just as easy to use and maintain. It's not that I literally couldn't survive without mixer taps but if I want to shave or wash my hands with warm water I'd rather not have to fill the sink and try to get it to the right temperature, the same goes for rinsing a few dishes.

          Like how far are you willing to go to avoid "automation"? Rather than having a hot water system and mixer shower would you prefer to heat water over an open fire for a bath?

    • OzzyOzbourne on 23/07/2020 - 21:52
      +1

      A rare person in a country of greed, consumption and FOMO

  • idjces on 22/07/2020 - 17:06
    +9

    I suppose a non-electronic number lock for the front door. Saves the hassle of remembering keys, and potentially losing them. I can give the code to the friends/family I trust, and they're free to come and go as they please without me needing to be home. Usually to borrow a simple tool or the like, or if family visits they can get in the house without any assistance.

    • andyholloway on 23/07/2020 - 17:41
      +1

      Which one do you have? I have one on my garage but it is quite easy to crack the code I think. I thought all non-electric ones weren't very secure.

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