7 Overachieving Household Objects You're Probably Underusing

We love a fancy new gadget, but we love a simple solution even more. Save space, time and money by letting these everyday items do double duty -- or more.

Related: Instant Organization: Get It Together in 15 Minutes or Less

Adhesive Tape

Crisscross strips across the top of a vase, creating a grid to help stabilize flower stems in an arrangement.

Use sticky side to pull out tiny cactus spines stuck in skin.

Chopsticks

Dislodge mud from boot treads.

Stake houseplants for extra support.

Tease apart roots when repotting.

Tamp soil into tight spaces.

Garment Steamer

Flatten wrinkles in your bedding, including skirts and sheets -- right on the bed.

Smooth creases in curtains as they hang.

Unfurl corners of area rugs so they'll lie flat.

Toothpicks

Outline letters and designs on a cake before piping the icing.

Clear the holes in a strainer or garlic press.

Unclog the burners of a gas stove.

Use colored frilled toothpicks to identify grilled burgers (rare, medium, or well-done) and highlight vegetarian appetizers.

Related: 47 Ways to Maximize Space in Your Kitchen

Clothespins

Grip a nail with a spring-type clothespin when hammering it.

Suspend floating row covers (lightweight fabric used to protect plants from frost and insects) by clipping them to the plants.

Slip one-piece pins into the fingers of just-washed woolen gloves to retain their shape.

Baster

Replace the water in a vase with minimal disruption to the floral display.

Water houseplants with dense leaves by getting direct access to the soil.

Extract excess liquid from a plant saucer after watering so that the plant won't rot.

Tongs

Extend your reach for items stored on high shelves.

Adjust hot pans or baking sheets in the oven.

Rearrange hot coals in a grill.

More from Martha Stewart:
15 Kitchen Shortcuts That Will Change the Way You Cook
19 Tips for Perfect Laundry Every Time
20 Super-Efficient, Super-Effective Ways to Clean All the Things
Don't Shelve These Clever Bookshelf Decorating Ideas

You don't need extra equipment to make an extra-beautiful Thanksgiving pie. Check it out!