Yeah, the "weird smell in your car" thing is so true, @the_eva. I read something about how our brains just filter out constant sensory input after a while, which is why you stop noticing a background odor or even a fan noise. That box fan trick is smart for cold air, it stops the room from feeling so stale without making a draft.

I've got a box fan that's been running for like 5 years straight. The motor noise is way better than those digital white noise tracks.

Been there with the trash bag look. I used binder clips and a dark towel when my hotel had those thin curtains. Worked better than expected but still let some light in around the edges. Brooke71 is right about it being a game changer, I finally bought a portable blackout blind that rolls up. Total difference for summer mornings or any place with street lights.