16 Convenient Items for Women to Create Space in a Busy Daily Life

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Good evening, this is Kurin.
From the moment I wake up in the morning, it's a race against time.

Getting myself ready while preparing breakfast, clearing away the dishes used, and taking out the trash. Once work or errands are done and I return home, I then have to think about what to make for dinner.

Just when I think the cooking is finally done, there are dishes in the sink. I also want to check tomorrow's schedule, and if possible, I'd like to have a little time to just relax without thinking about anything.

I'm sure days like that are not uncommon.

The reason housework doesn't go as planned isn't because you lack effort or efficiency. It's just that there is too much to do every day, so you end up running out of both time and energy.

So, why not rely more on tools?

Convenient goods and time-saving appliances aren't just for working harder at housework. By reducing the effort required for cooking or minimizing cleanup and dishwashing, they are also options for reclaiming time and peace of mind for yourself.

This time, I have collected 16 convenient items that might make your busy daily life a little easier.

Of course, you don't need to get them all. It's enough to find just one thing that makes you think, 'This might make the housework I find difficult right now a little easier.'

First, check by purpose

To make it easier to find the products you're interested in, I've categorized them by 'what housework becomes easier,' 'who it's suitable for,' and 'what to check before purchasing.'

Floating Storage & Kitchen Organization

tower Magnetic Storage Supplies

• Housework that might become easier: Moving items, kitchen cleaning

• Especially suitable for: People who want to incorporate floating storage

• Points to check before purchasing: Installation surface, load capacity

Marna Bread Freezer Storage Bag

• Housework that might become easier: Freezing bread for storage

• Especially suitable for: People who often eat bread for breakfast

• Points to check before purchasing: Bag size and care instructions

tower Foldable Dish Drying Rack

• Housework that will become easier: Dish drying and tidying up around the sink

• Especially suitable for: People who want to use a small sink as widely as possible

• Points to check before purchasing: Compatible sink width and load capacity

OXO Pop Container

• Housework that will become easier: Organizing dry goods and food items

• Especially suitable for: People who want to organize their pantry or kitchen storage

• Points to check before purchasing: Capacity, storage space, and storable food types

Cutting, Mixing, and Preparation

MUJI Silicone Cooking Spoon

• Housework that will become easier: Stir-frying, mixing, scooping, and serving

• Especially suitable for: People who want to reduce the number of cooking tools and dishes to wash

• Points to check before purchasing: Length, weight, and compatibility with your existing pots

récolte Capsule Cutter Bonne

• Housework that will become easier: Preparation tasks like chopping, grating, and mixing

• Especially suitable for: People who want to reduce the time spent using a knife and the burden of preparation

• Points to check before purchasing: Model, capacity, accessories, and storage space

3COINS Handy Chopper

• Housework that could become easier: Chopping small amounts of vegetables or herbs

• Especially suitable for: People who want to chop easily without using electricity

• Points to check before buying: Capacity, usable ingredients, and blade maintenance methods

Marna Colander Bowl

• Housework that could become easier: Draining, microwave cooking, and mixing tasks

• Especially suitable for: People who want to reduce the number of containers used for cooking and washing up

• Points to check before buying: Size, set contents, and microwave interior space

Hands-off Microwave Cooking

Iris Ohyama Electric Pressure Cooker

• Housework that could become easier: Stewing dishes and managing heat levels while cooking

• Especially suitable for: People who want to leave dinner preparation to cooking appliances after returning home

• Points to check before buying: Capacity, unit size, storage space, and maintenance methods

Lékué Steam Case

• Housework that could become easier: Steamed dishes using a microwave

• Especially suitable for: People who want to reduce the number of times they use pots and the amount of washing up

• Points to check before buying: Capacity, compatible microwave output, and heating conditions

Electric Pot with Kettle

• Housework that could become easier: Single-serving hot pot dishes, noodle dishes, and boiling water

• Especially suitable for: People living alone or those who want to easily cook small portions

• Points to check before buying: Capacity, safety features, temperature control, and how to wash the inner pot

Microwave Steamer with Slatted Tray

• Housework that will become easier: Steamed vegetables, steamed dishes, and side dish preparation

• Especially suitable for: People who want to easily make vegetable dishes without using a pot

• Points to check before purchase: Heat resistance temperature, compatible microwave output, and capacity

Nitori Microwave Pasta Cooker

• Housework that will become easier: Cooking pasta, boiling water, and cleaning up pots

• Especially suitable for: People who want to make a single serving of pasta in the microwave

• Points to check before purchase: Number of servings, container size, heating time, and draining method

Breakfast, Dining Table, and Desk Time

BRUNO Compact Hot Plate

• Housework that will become easier: Cooking at the table, plating, and serving

• Especially suitable for: People who want to enjoy warm dishes at the dining table

• Points to check before purchase: Storage space, included plates, and dining table size

Thermos Insulated Mug with Lid

• Housework that will become easier: Refilling drinks and reheating drinks

• Especially suitable for: People who want to enjoy their drinks slowly while working or doing housework

• Points to check before purchase: Compatibility between the mug and lid, capacity, and airtightness

Aladdin Graphite Toaster

• Housework that will become easier: Toasting on busy mornings and breakfast preparation

• Especially suitable for: People who eat bread for breakfast often

• Points to check before purchasing: number of slices that can be toasted at once, unit size, and installation space

Convenient items to make kitchen storage and cleanup easier

1. Yamazaki Jitsugyo tower magnet attachments

When you decide to clean the kitchen, just moving seasonings and cooking utensils one by one can be exhausting.

The tower series magnetic storage items are convenient when you want to reduce such small hassles.

If you attach frequently used kitchen items to compatible wall surfaces, you can reduce the number of items placed directly on the counter or around the sink. Since you will lift and move items less often, it is a nice benefit that you can quickly wipe surfaces when you notice dirt.

This is also easy to incorporate for people with small kitchens or those who want to use as much of their workspace as possible.

However, these can only be attached to surfaces compatible with magnets. Since the load capacity varies by product, please check the weight of the items you want to store and the installation location before choosing.

2. Marna Bread Freezer Storage Bag

Wrapping each slice of bread in plastic wrap every time you freeze it is a bit of a hassle. On the other hand, freezing it in its original bag can lead to concerns about drying out or absorbing odors.

Marna's bread freezer storage bag is a reusable storage bag that uses a three-layer structure with aluminum sandwiched in between and a double zipper.

If you freeze bread in bulk, it becomes easier to take out only what you need on busy mornings. This seems well-suited for people who often eat bread for breakfast or those who sometimes have leftover bread they cannot finish.

Since they come in half-loaf and full-loaf sizes, you can choose according to the amount of bread you usually buy.

To reuse them, you need to wash them after use and dry the inside thoroughly. Considering whether you find that maintenance burdensome will make it easier to choose.

3. Yamazaki Jitsugyo tower Foldable Dish Drying Rack

Dish drying racks are convenient, but leaving them out can make your cooking space feel cramped. Especially in a compact kitchen, there are many times when you might feel, "I wish I had just a little more workspace."

The tower foldable/roll-up dish drying rack is a type that can be spread out over the sink only when needed.

There are various ways to use it, such as drying a small amount of dishes or using it as a temporary place to put washed vegetables. Since it can be folded up small when not in use, you can switch between using it as a drying space and a workspace.

It is also suitable for people living alone or households that do not have a large amount of dishes.

When purchasing, make sure to check if the size can be stably hung on your home sink. Since load capacity and heat resistance temperatures vary by product, you need to be especially careful if you want to place heavy pots or similar items on it.

4. OXO Pop Container

When storing flour, cereal, or dried noodles in their original bags, they can sometimes fall over in the cupboard or make it difficult to see how much is left.

The OXO Pop Container is a storage container for dry goods that can be opened and closed with a button on the lid.

The container is transparent, making it easy to see what is inside and how much is left. Since you can combine different sizes for storage, it is also suitable for those who want to organize their cupboards or pantries.

By making it easier to find the food you use every day, you can reduce the time spent searching for things and avoid the mistake of buying duplicates.

However, the official guidance states that it is not completely airtight. Do not use it for storing liquids, and be sure to check the capacity and care instructions suitable for the food you are storing.

Convenient items to help with prep work like cutting and mixing

5. MUJI Silicone Cooking Spoon

A spatula for stir-frying, a ladle for stews, and another spoon for serving. If you switch tools depending on the dish, you might find that you have more dishes to wash than you realized.

The MUJI Silicone Cooking Spoon is a cooking tool that makes it easy to perform tasks like stir-frying, mixing, scooping, and serving all with one item.

The tip has just the right amount of flexibility, making it easy to scoop up ingredients and sauces while following the curve of the pot. If you can use the same tool from cooking to serving, you might be able to reduce the number of items to wash.

The regular size is about 26cm long and is dishwasher safe.

However, for small pots or single-serving meals, the small size might be easier to handle. Try choosing one that matches the size of the pots and pans you already have.

6. recolte Capsule Cutter Bonne

Chopping onions, grating daikon radish, making pastes. There are days when it feels like more time is spent on prep work than on the actual cooking.

Recolte's Capsule Cutter Bonne is a food processor that handles multiple prep tasks such as chopping, mixing, crushing, grating, and whipping.

It is suitable for those who want to reduce the time spent using a knife, such as on days when you want to chop vegetables in bulk or when you want to smooth out ingredients for soup. It is also a potential candidate for households that have opportunities to make baby food or paste-based dishes.

However, the functions and accessories differ between the conventional model and the cordless model.

Even if the main unit is compact, you will need a place to store accessories such as blades and plates. When choosing, check not only the cup capacity but also the effort required to wash and dry the parts.

7. 3COINS Handy Chopper

There are days when it feels like a hassle to prepare a cutting board and knife just to chop a small amount of onion or condiments.

The 3COINS Handy Chopper is a manual type that does not use electricity and chops ingredients by pulling a string.

It seems easy to use when you only want to chop a small amount, such as vegetables for soup or ingredients for a single serving. Since it can be used without worrying about cords or charging, it is also suitable for situations where it is not worth taking out an electric food processor.

There are regular and large sizes, so choose according to the amount you make.

Because the blades are sharp, you need to be careful when taking out ingredients or washing them. Please check in advance for items that cannot be used, such as ingredients that are too hard.

8. Marna Colander and Bowl

Washing vegetables, draining water, transferring them to another container to heat in the microwave, and then transferring them to a dish to season.

Even if each step is simple, the more containers you use, the more dishes you have to wash after cooking.

Marna's Colander and Bowl is an item that combines a colander and a bowl, which can be used for draining water and microwave cooking. Depending on the set, a tray is also included, which can be used as a lid for steaming.

It is likely to suit people who want to proceed from preparation to heating with as few tools as possible.

Since there are types such as 18cm and 21cm, and deep and shallow types, it is important to check the amount you make and the size of your microwave. Try to find a combination that suits your everyday cooking without choosing a set that is larger than necessary.

Convenient items you can rely on for hands-off and microwave cooking

9. Iris Ohyama Electric Pressure Cooker

While stewed dishes are delicious, it is a bit difficult to keep checking the heat while standing by the pot.

There are days when you want to bring in the laundry or take care of family errands while making dinner after returning from work.

The Iris Ohyama electric pressure cooker is a kitchen appliance that makes it easier to reduce the need to watch over the cooking process after you have prepared the ingredients and seasonings and set the timer.

If you can change your clothes or tidy up while the cooking is being handled for you, it creates a little more breathing room in your time after returning home. It is suitable for households that frequently make stewed dishes or cook rice.

However, since there is also time to wait for the pressure to drop, not all dishes will be finished immediately.

The capacity and number of menu options vary depending on the model number. Be sure to check the space for the unit, the space for steam to escape, the length of the cord, and the maintenance of the gasket.

10. Lékué Steam Case

Taking out a pot, boiling water, and washing the used pot just to make a small amount of vegetables or a side dish. There are days when just thinking about this series of tasks makes you want to give up on cooking.

The Lékué Steam Case is a silicone cooking utensil that allows you to put in ingredients and seasonings and heat them in the microwave.

It is easy to incorporate when you want to make steamed vegetables or a single serving of a side dish without using fire. Depending on how you use it, you can serve it at the table in the cooking container, which reduces the hassle of transferring food and washing dishes.

The amount you can cook varies depending on the size and accessories. Check the heating time and microwave output suitable for the ingredients, and be careful of burns from steam when opening the lid after heating.

11. Electric Pot with Kettle (for one person)

It is a bit troublesome to take out a large pot to make a single serving of hot pot or ramen. When you consider washing it after you finish eating, there are days when you want to get it done more easily.

There are products for single-person electric pots with kettles that support multiple uses, such as hot pot dishes, noodles, and boiling water.

This is a category that is easy to incorporate into situations where you want to cook only a small amount, such as dinner for someone living alone or lunch while working from home. Some products can be cooked at the table without using a stove.

However, since "electric pot with kettle" is not a specific product name, performance and safety features vary by product.

Be sure to check the capacity, temperature control, boil-dry protection, cord length, and whether the inner pot can be removed and washed.

12. Microwave Steamer with Drain Tray

Even if you want to eat vegetables, it is hard to add an extra dish if preparing a steamer or pot feels like a burden.

A microwave steamer with a drain tray is an item that makes it easy to steam food in the microwave while keeping the ingredients separate from the water that collects at the bottom of the container.

It is easy to use when you want to add warm vegetables to breakfast or make one more side dish for dinner. It is also suitable for situations where you want to heat up a small amount of leftover vegetables in the refrigerator.

Capacity, heat resistance temperature, and compatible microwave output vary depending on the product. Since the method of closing the lid and heating time also differ, follow the instructions for each product.

Be careful not to bring your face or hands too close after heating, as steam may be released all at once.

13. Nitori Microwave Pasta Cooker

To make a single serving of pasta, you have to put water in a large pot and wait for it to boil. After you finish eating, you have to wash the pot and the colander.

Nitori's microwave pasta cooker is a product that allows you to put water and pasta into a container and heat it in the microwave.

It is an item that is easy to incorporate into lunch while working from home or for a solo meal on a day when you get home late. Depending on the product, some also allow you to measure the amount of pasta using holes in the lid.

However, it is not necessarily always faster than using a pot. Some products require additional heating time on top of the pasta's indicated boiling time.

In addition to the number of servings, microwave output, heating time, and draining method, please also check if the container fits inside your microwave.

Convenient items to make breakfast, dining, and desk time more comfortable

14. BRUNO Compact Hot Plate

Moving food from a frying pan to a plate and carrying it to the table before it gets cold. If it is a meal for the whole family, you might have to make several trips.

The BRUNO compact hot plate is a hot plate that allows you to cook at the table and serve easily from it.

The official guide suggests it for 2-3 people, and the basic set includes a flat plate and a takoyaki plate. It seems easy to use for weekend breakfasts or days when you want to gather around warm food with your family.

Since it can serve as both a cooking utensil and a serving dish, you can reduce the hassle of plating depending on how you use it.

On the other hand, you need a place to store the main unit and the plates. Choose one by considering oil splatters, heat during use, the position of the power cord, and the effort required to wash the plates.

15. Thermos Insulated Mug with Lid

You put a hot drink in the morning, but it got cold while you were focused on work or housework. When such experiences repeat, even refilling it feels like a chore.

The Thermos vacuum-insulated mug has a structure that makes it easy to maintain the temperature of both hot and cold drinks.

By using a compatible lid, you can supplement heat retention while also making it easier to prevent dust from getting into your drink. It is likely a good fit for people who do not finish their drink all at once and prefer to enjoy it little by little while working or reading.

However, some products do not have a sealed lid structure. You cannot carry it in a bag like a thermos bottle.

Please check the compatible model numbers for the mug and lid, the capacity, and the range of parts that are dishwasher safe.

16. Aladdin Graphite Toaster

On a busy morning, even a few minutes until the toast is done can feel long.

According to the official information, the Aladdin Graphite Toaster has a model where the graphite heater heats up in 0.2 seconds. Since it can start heating quickly, it is suitable for people who often eat bread in the morning.

There are models for toasting 1, 2, or 4 slices, and another point is that you can choose according to the number of people and the available space, from living alone to living with a family.

However, even if the heating is fast, the toasting time and finish will vary depending on the type of bread, thickness, and settings.

In addition to the size of the unit, make sure to check the necessary heat dissipation space around it, power consumption, and how to clean the crumb tray and grill.

If you are choosing based on your current concerns

I want to reduce the number of times I use a knife and cutting board

• recolte Capsule Cutter Bonne
  It is suitable for people who want to delegate multiple preparation tasks such as mincing and grating.

• 3COINS Handy Chopper
  This is easy to use on days when you want to quickly chop small amounts of vegetables or condiments for one person.

• Marna Colander and Bowl
  This item makes it easy to reduce the number of times you have to switch containers, from draining water to microwave cooking.

I want to make preparing dinner after coming home easier

• IRIS OHYAMA Electric Pressure Cooker
  This is well-suited for people who want to reduce the need to monitor or adjust the heat while simmering food.

• Lékué Steam Case
  This is perfect for days when you want to make a single serving of a side dish or steamed food in the microwave.

• Microwave Steamer with Drain Tray
  This is convenient when you want to prepare steamed vegetables or side dishes without using a pot.

I want to reduce the amount of dishwashing as much as possible

• MUJI Silicone Cooking Spoon
  This makes it easy to handle everything from stir-frying to plating with just one tool.

• Marna Colander and Bowl
  This is an item that makes it easy to combine the processes of washing, draining, heating, and mixing.

• Lékué Steam Case
  This is suitable for days when you want to cook in the microwave without using a pot.

• BRUNO Compact Hot Plate
  By cooking and serving directly at the table, you may be able to reduce the number of serving dishes needed.

I want to make my small kitchen easier to use

• tower Magnetic Storage Supplies
  By utilizing wall space, you can easily reduce the amount of items placed on the countertop.

• tower Foldable Dish Drying Rack
  This type is easy to expand only when needed and helps ensure workspace when not in use.

• OXO Pop Container
  If you choose a size that fits your storage space, it becomes easier to organize the remaining amounts of dry goods and food.

I want to prepare breakfast in a short amount of time

• Aladdin Graphite Toaster
  Suitable for those looking for a toaster that can start heating up quickly.

• Marna Bread Freezer Storage Bag
  Likely a good fit for those who want to freeze breakfast bread in bulk.

• Microwave Steamer with Drain Tray
  Useful for days when you want to easily add steamed vegetables to your bread or rice.

I want to make my drinks more comfortable while working at my desk

• Thermos Insulated Mug with Lid
  Suitable for those who want to enjoy their drinks slowly or reduce the hassle of refilling them multiple times.

Since the lid may not be completely airtight, please be careful about tipping it over when using it near a computer.

I want to easily cook a single serving of food

• Electric Pot with Kettle
  Designed for those who want to make a single serving of hot food, such as hot pot or noodles, with just one appliance.

• Nitori Microwave Pasta Cooker
  Easy to use on days when you want to make pasta in the microwave without boiling water in a large pot.

• Lékué Steam Case
  Suitable for when you want to prepare a single serving of side dishes or vegetable dishes in the microwave.

• 3COINS Handy Chopper
  An item that is easy to incorporate when you only need to chop a small amount of ingredients.

7 things to check before you buy

Even if something looks convenient, if it doesn't fit your lifestyle, you might gradually stop using it.

Before purchasing, please check the following 7 points.

1. Does it fit comfortably in your storage space?

2. Does the capacity match the number of people you usually cook for?

3. Does it require hand washing, or is it dishwasher safe?

4. Does it fit the interior dimensions and wattage requirements of your microwave?

5. Can you purchase replacement parts such as gaskets or blades?

6. Can you secure a place for the cooking appliance's cord and for steam to escape?

7. Does the role of the product match the housework you want to reduce?

It is okay not to choose items just because they have many features or seem popular.

Breakfast preparation, dinner prep, post-meal cleanup, kitchen tidying. If you think about which of these moments you find the most difficult, it becomes easier to find what you truly need.

Summary | It is okay to rely on tools and protect your own time

The 16 items introduced here are not necessarily needed by everyone.

When choosing, try using the following three criteria.

• Is it useful for the housework you want to reduce the most right now?

• Does it fit your storage space and the amount you usually cook?

• Can you reasonably keep up with the maintenance after using it?

You do not need to get everything from the start.

First, try deciding on just one chore that feels like the biggest burden in your daily life. Depending on whether that is "chopping vegetables," "post-meal cleanup," or "preparing breakfast," the convenient items you should choose will change.

Once you find a product you are interested in, please check the size, model number, and compatibility conditions on the official website or sales page.

Doing housework perfectly is not the only way to organize your life.

Leave what you can to tools, and take a little rest in the time you have freed up. Drink your favorite beverage slowly. Create time to do nothing.

I think protecting your own time and feelings in that way is also an important part of making housework easier.
Thank you for reading this far.
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