7 tools that quietly improved my life

Top Productivity Tools for a Clutter-Free Life

Author

Ark
June 11, 2025

After testing countless analog tools and tech products, I’ve narrowed it down to seven game-changers that have transformed how I work and live. These tools, ranging from $3 to $150, have decluttered my life by up to 90% and delivered significant quality-of-life improvements. Here’s a detailed look at each one and how they can streamline your workflow, save money, and optimize your time.

1. TRMNL E-Ink Display: Simplify Your Calendar

Managing my schedule used to be chaotic with multiple apps causing distractions. The TRMNL e-ink display, created by entrepreneur Ryan Kulp, solved this elegantly. This open-source device displays your calendar (or other data like Shopify analytics or sleep scores) without a touchscreen or buttons, minimizing distractions. It refreshes a few times daily, requiring only a one-time setup. Priced at $150, it’s subscription-free, and its sleek design (I use the clear case version) blends seamlessly into my workspace. My calendar is always visible, reducing the need to check apps, and even my girlfriend can glance at it to know my availability. It’s a low-maintenance, high-impact tool for staying organized.

2. Copilot: Master Your Finances

Tracking expenses manually in spreadsheets was tedious, and traditional finance apps like Mint felt outdated. Copilot, a beautifully designed all-in-one finance app, changed that. By syncing with your banking and investment platforms, it aggregates your assets, income, and expenses. It helped me identify and cancel forgotten subscriptions, saving thousands of dollars. The intuitive UI offers clear insights into recurring payments, investment performance, and cost bases, with a new savings goal feature for automated planning. At less than the cost of two LA coffees per month, Copilot’s transparent pricing and no hidden fees make it a worthwhile investment. Check out their two-month free trial to see the savings for yourself.

3. Timelines: Take Control of Your Time

Inspired by entrepreneur Rob Dyrdek, who sold his company for $300 million and meticulously tracks his time, I adopted the Timelines app to combat procrastination. Timelines lets you start timers for tasks like work, socializing, or reading, with automations to sync with your calendar or sleep tracker. It provides a clear breakdown of how you spend your time weekly or monthly, revealing discrepancies between your goals and reality. By making me aware of wasted hours, it’s helped me focus on what matters. This app is essential for anyone looking to optimize their attention and align their time with their priorities.

4. Field Notes Pocket Notebook: Capture Fleeting Ideas

Smartphones often fail to capture dynamic thoughts like sketches or quick notes. A Field Notes Hard Cover pocket notebook, costing just $3, is my go-to for jotting down ideas, to-dos, or recommendations on the go. Its portability and durability make it ideal, and I’ve customized mine with a MagSafe ring and a smart tracker to prevent loss. A handy tip: rip out page corners to mark your current page. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s legendary notebooks, this tool encourages creativity and mindfulness, reducing phone dependency and ensuring ideas are never lost.

5. Magex Laptop Stand: Improve Posture, Reduce Strain

Using a MacBook Pro as my primary computer led to neck strain from looking down at the screen. The Magex laptop stand, a metal attachment for any laptop, solves this by elevating the screen to eye level for better ergonomics. Unlike bulky stands, it attaches directly to the laptop, making it portable and convenient. This simple addition has significantly reduced posture-related discomfort, making it a must-have for laptop users.

6. Bonus Tools for Enhanced Productivity

While not detailed here, two additional tools have been invaluable. A minimalist desk organizer reduced physical clutter by 90%, keeping my workspace clean and focused. A smart pen, paired with my pocket notebook, allows me to digitize notes effortlessly, bridging analog and digital workflows.

7. The Power of Integration

These tools work best together. The TRMNL display keeps my schedule visible, Copilot tracks my finances, Timelines optimizes my time, the pocket notebook captures ideas, and the Magex stand ensures comfort. Each addresses a specific pain point, creating a cohesive system that maximizes efficiency and minimizes clutter.

Why These Tools Matter

From eliminating calendar chaos to saving thousands on subscriptions, these tools have transformed my productivity. They’re affordable, practical, and designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life. Whether you’re a student, professional, or entrepreneur, these solutions can help you declutter, focus, and achieve your goals. Try them out, starting with the pocket notebook or Copilot’s free trial, and see the difference for yourself.

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