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Old 09-07-2016, 05:56 PM   #1
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Dollar store hacks

I love finding interesting tools and making them work in unusual ways.

For instance, we're constantly in need of shims and wedges to level chairs and tables and stoves. I've been collecting bits of various things to use in leveling catastrophies and emergencies, but never quite have the right thing.

Last week I was in the dollar store (getting some clamps, see below), and happened to see THESE:



Two in a package for a buck. I bought two packages.



Got that sucker level!


I also grab a $1.49 drop cloth from the Paint Mart, to use under the outdoor rug. The rug stays 95% cleaner = less mess when we get home. Things weren't very tidy yet, but here's a shot of the rug with drop cloth underneath. The plastic is wide enough that I can stretch it under the trailer, to help keep items we have to stash under there cleaner.



Then since the awning gave us a lot more room, I added an "extension" to the outdoor carpet... but didn't have enough drop cloth to protect it. BUT, did have a pretty huge plastic party tablecloth ($1). It was bigger than the rug, put it down. It was actually stronger than the drop cloth.

to be continued...
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Old 09-07-2016, 05:57 PM   #2
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That night our camp stove and equipment was soaked in dew. So, that night I used another $1 investment to cover the whole shebang. Along with clamps and clothes pins from youknowwhere. Six clamps for $1, dozens of wooden clothespines for $1.



Also leaves and junk kept falling down in piles on the carpet, so the NEXT night the tablecloth became an inprovised awning extension, using more clamps, some cordage, metal shower curtain rings, and some paper towels. Oh, and two rubber bands.


Oh, and a few bungee cords.

Result? Dry gear and no more leaves and junk on the outdoor carpet.


I also use a ton of $1 items inside the trailer for organizing (ask me how I happen to have extra cords and guy lines and shower curtain hooks and clamps and stakes and clips etc. handy). Maybe another post one of these days
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Old 09-07-2016, 06:05 PM   #3
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Not a Dollar Store Hack

Here's something else that worked really well, and it was free.

This thermal envelope came with something frozen that was shipped to us. We thought it might come in handy.

I tried it like this:



It is covering an enamel coffee pot after we'd got the water Very Hot. When placed on the table on a silicone pad, the water stayed warm for hours.

In this picture, I decided to keep it on top of the dutch oven while baking brownies. It helped insulate the oven, and also collected heat that would have otherwise been lost.

Double hack score.
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Old 09-07-2016, 06:12 PM   #4
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I too am a fan of the Dollar Store. One of the sharpest paring knives I own came from there...shudda bought a dozen!


I use the wood clothespins as "potato chip" clips. I think there's 24 clothespins in a bag. Double duty, if I need to hang something to dry on the line.
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Old 09-07-2016, 06:48 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Donna D. View Post
I too am a fan of the Dollar Store. One of the sharpest paring knives I own came from there...shudda bought a dozen!


I use the wood clothespins as "potato chip" clips. I think there's 24 clothespins in a bag. Double duty, if I need to hang something to dry on the line.
Double hack score! (Especially if you left your chips out in the dew and THEY needed to hang out to dry )
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Old 09-07-2016, 06:48 PM   #6
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Ahhhh...gotta love the Dollar Store!!!

It is one of my "go-to" spots for alot of items.

Good job being so inventive, Ellpea.
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Old 09-07-2016, 07:05 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by Ellpea in CA View Post
Double hack score! (Especially if you left your chips out in the dew and THEY needed to hang out to dry )
I would love to see this double hack!!! It could be a "progressive dinner" for the squirrels!
I scout out the dollar stores for "out of the box" uses for items also!
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Old 09-07-2016, 07:23 PM   #8
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My latest dollar store hack is lighted tent pole pegs ,great for holding down the carpet and not tripping over them
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Old 09-07-2016, 09:32 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by Mikmay View Post
My latest dollar store hack is lighted tent pole pegs ,great for holding down the carpet and not tripping over them
What? What? What are these? Must know!
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Old 09-07-2016, 09:38 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by theresa p View Post
Ahhhh...gotta love the Dollar Store!!!

It is one of my "go-to" spots for alot of items.

Good job being so inventive, Ellpea.
It's how I entertain myself out in the wild. Plus, "Daniel Boone" was one of my favorite programs as a kid!
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Old 09-07-2016, 09:40 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by Norma G View Post
I would love to see this double hack!!! It could be a "progressive dinner" for the squirrels!
I scout out the dollar stores for "out of the box" uses for items also!
OK Norma, you're next up. Give us a great out of the box hack!
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Old 09-08-2016, 05:04 AM   #12
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Got a small trash can from Dolar General to lay inside of power cord door. My cord is now not interfering with controller, hot water etc.

Also got a 9" wide trash can that fits perfectly under the back bench in my Independence to hold the cheap water bottles use.
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Old 09-08-2016, 05:33 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by Ellpea in CA View Post
What? What? What are these? Must know!
I get them from dolarama in Canada ,I'm going to try and get as many as I can find as they do sell out quickly. They are actually 2 dollars as we truly don't have a real dollar store in Canada , even dollar tree in Canada the lowest price is $1.25.
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Old 09-08-2016, 06:35 AM   #14
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$1.50 in Canada Eh?

Quote:
Originally Posted by theresa p View Post
Ahhhh...gotta love the Dollar Store!!!

It is one of my "go-to" spots for alot of items.

Good job being so inventive, Ellpea.
Hi: theresa p... Don't forget to get some LA's Totally Awesome All Purpose cleaner LA's Totally Awesome | Products For Every Day Life from The Dollar Store. It's truly awesome cleaning all things camping!!! Even takes off the dreaded black streaks under the windows and cleans awnings with ease.
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Old 09-08-2016, 07:53 AM   #15
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I never thought of this trick for the cord area. I'm so tired of having to stop and go inside, lift the cushion raise the cord from around the converter, go back outside....well..yall know the story if you've been there.

I like it and will pursue it!!! Thanks for sharing!

Quote:
Originally Posted by librarianocnj View Post
Got a small trash can from Dolar General to lay inside of power cord door. My cord is now not interfering with controller, hot water etc.

Also got a 9" wide trash can that fits perfectly under the back bench in my Independence to hold the cheap water bottles use.
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Old 09-08-2016, 09:37 AM   #16
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How about a grocery store hack - took the wrappers from the Asian pears and slip them around the cups and glass jars to stop them banging together. Another camper I met used the little bubble wrappers sleeves from packaging for the same purpose.
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Old 09-08-2016, 10:44 AM   #17
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Would you share your Dutch oven brownie recipe?
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Old 09-08-2016, 10:46 AM   #18
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How about a grocery store hack - took the wrappers from the Asian pears and slip them around the cups and glass jars to stop them banging together. Another camper I met used the little bubble wrappers sleeves from packaging for the same purpose.
I used bra washing machine protectors inside an insulated lunch bag for my previous Uhaul

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Old 09-08-2016, 11:13 AM   #19
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I agree with Alf on that LA Awsome all purpose cleaner. That stuff works great and it is available at any of the dollar type stores including Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar, and even Big Lots.
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Old 09-08-2016, 11:15 AM   #20
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Would you share your Dutch oven brownie recipe?
She did. Duncan Hines.
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