Life Life Strategies Smart Finds A Cloud-Like Organic Pillow and 5 Other Clever Items to Simplify Your Life A summer-ready pop-up tent, a smart backpack for traveling, and a gadget to stop sheets from balling up. By Hannah Baker Hannah Baker Hannah is the Senior Home Editor at REAL SIMPLE magazine. She's worked in media for over a decade and previously worked at BRIDES magazine, Rachael Ray in Season magazine, and Reveal magazine. Her other bylines include Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, Shop TODAY, Better Homes & Gardens, Martha Stewart Weddings, and more. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on May 02, 2024 Close Photo: Earthfoam I'm a self-professed bedding snob, and have been looking for the goldilocks of pillows for as long as I can remember. I have plenty that are good enough, but few that have really impressed me—until now. I found my dream pillow that's a perfect blend of soft and cozy but supportive. I've also been on the hunt for a way to stay shaded during my summer park day hangs (which are imminent! yay!) and a no-fail way to keep my sheets from balling up in the wash—and I've found the perfect solutions. Keep reading for my favorite clever finds at the moment. 01 of 06 Reusable Sticky Notes Photo by Rocketbook $24 at Getrocketbook.com Sticky notes are a desktop essential. Even if you're someone who prefers to keep notes on their laptop, nothing beats a good ol' sticky note reminder. That's why I love these reusable ones from Rocketbook—when you don't need that little paper reminder anymore you can just erase it and write something else instead of trashing it. It can also be stuck and re-stuck hundreds of times without losing its stickiness. Plus, using these instead of the traditional kind cuts down on paper waste. 02 of 06 Carry-On Travel Backpack Photo by Bagsmart $66 at Bagsmart.com This TSA-friendly bag does it all. It has six external pockets, providing easy access to chargers, wallets, and keys; a top and side handle and a back luggage strap, giving you have multiple ways to wear it; a quick-access area that separates shoes or dirty clothes from the rest of your stuff; and a flat computer compartment for all your electronics to keep them together and safe. Oh yeah—and it's machine washable! 03 of 06 Bed-Sheet Wad Preventer Photo by Amazon $20 at Amazon Wrinkled, balled-up sheets are super annoying. Luckily, this handy gadget is here to save your laundry days. The tool prevents sheets from twisting and tangling and also helps control the weight distribution in the washing machine so that the load stays more balanced and your laundry comes out cleaner—a win-win! 04 of 06 Organic Pillow Photo by Earthfoam $99 at Earthfoam.com OK, I've been testing this for a couple of weeks now and it's a dream (pun intended). I always tend to want super-soft pillows, but they often end up "deflating" halfway through the night, and I wake up with a sore neck. This one is super plush and soft—but firm enough to keep its shape, and it's made with natural foam rubber and organic cotton, so you can help the planet while you sleep (kinda). Bonus points for its removable, washable cover. 05 of 06 Portable Air Purifier Photo by MoMA Shop $120 at Moma.org My thought is, if you're going to have something out on display at all times (like a humidifier or air purifier) why not get one with a good design? Not only is this purifier sleek, it also happens to be wireless, so you can take it from room to room without messing with a bunch of cords. 06 of 06 Pop-Up Tent Photo by Baggu $120 at Baggu.com Wherever your spring and summer adventures take you—the park, beach, etc.—this cute and lightweight pop-up tent will be your BFF. It folds flat and has a strap for easy carrying, plus it comes in three cheerful prints. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit