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We researched the best choices from top brands, considering the comfort, stability, and organization of each one. Based on those factors, the Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack is our top pick. The spacious backpack has a padded laptop sleeve, fleece lined pockets for glasses, and a water-resistant base to protect against spills. Here, the best backpacks for college. Herschel is widely beloved in the backpack space, and the brand’s Pop Quiz Backpack doesn’t disappoint....

To help you find the best door hooks for your own space—like our overall pick, the sleek and hyper-functional InterDesign Classico Over Door Hooks—we scoured bestseller lists for the most functional and stylish hooks capable of carrying the weight. Here, the best door hooks to buy. Slip this door hook onto the door in the bathroom, bedroom, or the mudroom to stash any number of things on the double hooks—bathrobes and towels, coats and hats, or even cleaning supplies in a kitchen pantry....

Our selections pair top-notch functionality with style, because appliances don’t necessarily need to be an eyesore in your space. “Replacing cookie-cutter hardware with decorative knobs or pulls is an easy and cost-effective way to update any kitchen,” advises Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy trend expert, “and the same hack works just as well for appliances.” Nowadays, you can purchase handle covers or a mini fridge with an aesthetic or bright door....

We evaluated rotary tools based on reliability, ease of use, available attachments, durability, and overall performance. Our top choice is the Dremel 3000, which comes with a flex shaft and 25 useful accessories and attachments. Here are the best rotary tools for a wide range of applications. Since they invented the high-speed rotary tool in 1934, Dremel has been crafting high-quality tools that can be used on a wide range of projects....

Our favorite, the Costway Folding Shopping Cart with Swivel Wheels, can hold several bags of groceries, is easy to maneuver, and has a separate spot for storing smaller items such as a purse or mobile phone. Below, the best shopping carts for any age, budget, or amount of heavy stuff. The cart is made of heavy-duty metal and weighs 13 pounds when empty, so it’s not super lightweight, but the frame is sturdily constructed so it won’t buckle under the weight of your groceries or DIY supplies....

To learn more about these devices, we spoke with an electrician experienced in installing smoke detectors and other smart home products. “We tell customers it’s great to have smoke detectors hardwired; that’s the best,” says Justin Landeen, vice president of business development and smart home installation manager for Penco Electric. With installation in mind, we researched and tested available options based on other essential features, including sensors, app control, and smart assistant compatibility....

When considering what you may need to start this project, Carol Miller at York Wallcoverings suggests, “Basic is better. Tools and supplies such as a scoring tool, a scraper, chemical wallpaper stripper, a bucket, and a bottle mister should do the job for most removal projects. Removal does not have to be expensive.” We researched dozens of wallpaper removers and evaluated them on ease of use, effectiveness, and value. Our top recommendation is the Roman’s Wallpaper and Paste Removal Kit....

Our favorite, the Pure Enrichment Wave Sleep Therapy Sound Machine, has six soothing sound options, an energy-saving timer feature, and a flat-faced design that’s easy to pack for travel. Here are the best white noise machines. Drown out the world and tune into deep relaxation with the Wave Sleep Therapy Sound Machine. With all the essential features and an easy-to-use interface, this model is our top pick for a white noise machine....

We gathered our own team of testers and ordered more than a dozen top-performing foot massagers to try at our Lab. We considered factors like design, effectiveness, and overall value, and deemed the Best Choice Therapeutic Shiatsu Foot Massager as our top overall pick because of its various massage settings, washable sleeve, and deep rolling massagers that target the bottom and side of the feet. Here, the best heated and electric foot massagers for a spa-like experience in your own home....

We spoke with smart home expert Marlon Buchanan, author of “The Smart Home Manual” and founder of HomeTechHacker.com, who highlighted the nearly universal usefulness of smart plugs. “Most devices in your home won’t have any problem with most smart plugs. However, to be safe, I always recommend getting a smart plug that is rated to handle at least the same number of amps as the outlet you are going to plug it into....

Our top pick, the Porter-Cable PCE980 is a sturdy, splash-proof electric saw that makes highly accurate straight cuts on tiles up to 12 inches square, as well as diagonal and bevel cuts for tiles that will wrap around corners. Here are the best tools for cutting tile, from wet saws to nippers. A tabletop wet tile saw is one of the top tools for cutting tile, since it’s easy to use and provides straight, accurate cuts and the ability to bevel tile edges as needed....

When researching the best trash bags, we evaluated products for their material, capacity, durability, scent, and overall value. Our best overall pick, Glad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags, offers excellent durability along with leak and odor protection. Here are the best trash bags to contain messes and unwanted smells. For added convenience, they have a drawstring that fits securely on the rim of the trash can to keep it in place....

To help you find the right footrest for your own office, we evaluated the top-rated options on the market for quality, comfort, durability, and overall value. Our favorite footrest, the ErgoFoam Adjustable Footrest, is adjustable, manufactured with high-quality foam, and has a convenient machine-washable cover. Thanks to a second cushion that raises the contoured footrest, this footstool is adjustable (especially useful for shorter folks). We also love that this footrest comes in your choice of two different covers—a very soft velvety option or a highly-breathable mesh option that’s resistant to pet hair....

We researched the most popular wood router kits available today, evaluating horsepower, agility, ease of use, and overall value. Our top pick, the Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit, is durable, versatile, and affordable. Here are the best router kits for your woodworking projects. There’s no need to choose between a wood router with a fixed base or plunge base, or between a router with a 1/4-inch collet chuck or 1/2-inch collet chuck when you can simply purchase the Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Combo Kit and get all of the above....

Below, we’ve rounded up the 15 best houseplant Instagrams. From succulents to shrubs, these accounts know how to style their homes with the best plants. Whether you aspire to have a mini jungle in your space or are just looking for one or two leafy friends, you’ll gain plenty of inspiration.

Once you have a target price in mind, follow these tips for selling used books. Places to Sell Used Books eBay: eBay is a great place to try reselling your used books. Niche books typically attract bidders, and there are usually plenty of people are looking for used SAT or textbooks. Local bookstores and book-buying markets: If you don’t want to fuss with packing and mailing your books, take them to a local used bookstore, put them in a kids’ consignment sale, or try selling them through Facebook Marketplace....

If you only have a few leaves, you may be better off letting them blow off into the bushes, turning into mulch and fertilizer. Or you might want to run the lawn mower over them and let them feed the lawn. But if you have substantial leaves, so many that you can’t see the lawn underneath, the leaves will smother and kill the grass long before they turn into fertilizer....

Spray painting is incredibly rewarding and shockingly easy. Check out these three unique ways to elevate ordinary items using just a few coats of spray paint. How to Spray Paint Vases and Jars Yet another common thrift store find we all love? Vases and jars! In just a matter of minutes, you can transform your containers from meh to jaw-droppingly awesome simply by spray painting them. You’ll be surprised to find that the super simple technique we used to achieve this polished trendy look is really easy....

Gather Essentials on the Nightstand No one likes a messy nightstand. Let’s face it, one of the reasons that it’s so relaxing to walk into a hotel room is because the nightstand is completely clear, barring the basics. I’ve found that keeping a tray on my nightstand forces me to be a bit more organized and eliminate the clutter. Grab a tray that covers most of your nightstand’s surface and use it to hold only the essentials: maybe a candle, your latest read, a pair of glasses, and a bottle of hand lotion....