We all have items around the house that seem destined for the trash. But what if they could have a second life? Repurposing household items is not only eco-friendly but also saves money and sparks creativity. That old jar, worn-out t-shirt, or empty wine bottle can transform into something practical or beautiful with just a little effort.
In this article, we’ll explore 25 common household items you can repurpose in fun and surprising ways. Whether you’re looking to organize, decorate, or reduce waste, these ideas will help you see everyday things differently. You don’t need fancy tools or special skills—just a bit of inspiration and a desire to make the most of what you already have.
Let’s turn “useless” into useful and give new purpose to the things you thought you’d toss.
Jars – From Containers to Organizers
Mason jars, peanut butter jars, and even pickle jars are perfect for organizing small items around the house. Use them to store everything from buttons and hair ties to spices and office supplies. You can even paint the jars to match your decor for a more personalized touch.
Alternatively, jars can make great planters for small herbs or succulents. Add some soil and your favorite plant, and you have a cute and eco-friendly addition to your home. They’re also great for homemade candles—pop in wax and a wick for a cozy, customized candle holder.
Old Towels – Reuse for Cleaning or Craft Projects
Instead of tossing out worn-out towels, turn them into cleaning rags. Cut them into smaller pieces, and you’ve got yourself a set of super-absorbent cloths that are perfect for wiping down surfaces, washing the car, or even dusting. This can save you money on disposable wipes and paper towels.
Old towels can also be used in craft projects. Try making a bath mat, a homemade pillow, or even a cozy pet bed by cutting and sewing the towels together. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to repurpose fabric that would otherwise be thrown away. If you have towels that are still in somewhat usable condition, there are plenty of places that accept used towels as donations if that is a better option for you.
Plastic Bottles – DIY Planters and Storage Solutions
Plastic bottles are super versatile! One popular way to repurpose them is by cutting them in half and turning them into planters. Add soil and a small plant, and you have an easy, eco-friendly way to bring greenery into your home or garden. You can also decorate them with paint or twine for a more aesthetic look.
Plastic bottles can also be used to organize cables and cords. Cut a small slit in the bottle, slide in your cables, and keep them tangle-free. This is a simple yet effective way to repurpose a common household item into something functional.
Wine Corks – Fun Craft Ideas for All Ages
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with your wine corks, here’s a great solution. These little guys are perfect for DIY craft projects. You can use wine corks to create coasters, keychains, or even bulletin boards. Just glue them together in fun shapes, and you’ll have an original handmade item to decorate your home.
For a more practical use, wine corks can be turned into drawer pulls or knobs. Drill a hole in the center of the cork, attach a screw, and you’ve got yourself a unique handle for cabinets or drawers.
Old T-Shirts – Upcycled Clothing or Quilts
Do you have old t-shirts that you don’t wear anymore? Before tossing them, consider turning them into something new. You can cut them into strips to make braided rugs or sew them into a quilt. If you’re not a fan of sewing, you can tie the shirts into no-sew blankets or make a trendy tote bag.
Another fun idea is to repurpose t-shirts into fashionable headbands or scarves. With a little creativity, you can transform old clothes into accessories that you’ll use.
Cereal Boxes – Organize and Craft
Instead of tossing your empty cereal boxes, repurpose them into organizational tools. You can cut and fold them into storage bins for your desk, closet, or even kitchen. Cover them with fabric or decorative paper for a more polished look.
You can also get creative and turn cereal boxes into cardboard picture frames, bookmarks, or even DIY gift boxes. It’s a great way to keep the boxes out of the landfill while also saving money on storage solutions.
Egg Cartons – Seed Starters and Crafting
Egg cartons are a fantastic item to repurpose in the garden. Use them as seed starters by filling each compartment with soil and seeds. When the seedlings are ready, you can plant them directly into your garden. It’s an easy way to start growing plants without spending money on fancy seed trays.
Egg cartons are also great for kids’ crafts. You can cut them into flower shapes, paint them, and turn them into fun wall art. Alternatively, try using them to create a DIY bird feeder by adding peanut butter and birdseed, then hanging it in your yard.
Toilet Paper Rolls – DIY Crafts and Organizers
Don’t throw away those empty toilet paper rolls! They can be transformed into tons of useful things. Cut them into smaller pieces and use them to organize cords and cables, or create a custom drawer organizer by standing them up in a box to separate small items like pens or makeup.
Toilet paper rolls are also great for crafting projects. You can turn them into flower vases, holiday ornaments, or even little robots. Let your imagination run wild with this simple household item.
Old Newspapers – Wrapping Paper and More
Newspapers are perfect for repurposing as wrapping paper. Whether you’re giving a gift or just looking for a more eco-friendly option, wrapping gifts with newspaper adds a personal touch and is a great way to reuse what would otherwise be thrown away.
Old newspapers can be used to clean windows and mirrors. Scrunch up a piece of newspaper and use it to buff your glass to a streak-free shine. It does not leave lint like paper towels either!
CDs and DVDs – Creative Wall Art and Coasters
If you still have old CDs or DVDs lying around there are a few cool options to repurpose them. You can glue them to canvas to create funky wall art, or use them as coasters to protect your surfaces from drink rings. Another fun idea is to cut them into small pieces and use the shiny bits for mosaics or other creative projects.
Don’t just throw away old discs—give them a second chance to shine in a whole new way.
Shoeboxes – Storage and Organizational Solutions
Shoeboxes are a classic item that can be repurposed for so many uses. They make fantastic organizers for small items like craft supplies, photos, or office materials. You can also decorate the outside with fabric, paper, or paint to make them blend in with your room decor. Stack them up and label them for easy access.
Another creative way to repurpose shoeboxes is by turning them into drawer dividers or compartmentalized organizers. Cut them to fit your drawers, and you’ll have a custom storage solution that helps keep everything organized.
Old Ladders – Chic Home Decor and Storage
If you have an old wooden ladder you are not using, repurpose it into a stylish home decor piece. You can lean it against the wall as a unique bookshelf, towel rack, or plant stand. The rustic look of an old ladder adds a cozy, vintage vibe to your space.
Ladders can also be used as hanging storage in your garage or closet. Hang your scarves, bags, or jewelry from the rungs, or use the lower steps to store shoes or other items.
Mugs – Planters or Candle Holders
Got a collection of mismatched mugs you no longer use? They can be repurposed as plant holders! Add soil and a small plant, and you’ve got an adorable little indoor garden. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or even your desk at work. Mugs can also be used as candle holders. Pour in wax, add a wick, and voilà—your own custom candles.
Old mugs can also be transformed into desk organizers. Use them to hold pens, pencils, brushes, or as a catch-all for paperclips and other office supplies.
Old Curtains – Pillow Covers and Totes
Before you toss your old curtains, consider repurposing them into pillow covers. Curtains often have a lot of fabric, and by simply cutting and sewing them into pillow-sized pieces, you can create custom cushions for your couch or bed.
Old curtains are also great for making reusable shopping bags or totes. Grab a pair of scissors and some thread, and you have a sturdy, eco-friendly bag for carrying groceries or other items.
Buttons – Jewelry and Craft Projects
Buttons are small but mighty when it comes to repurposing! You can make beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry by turning buttons into necklaces, bracelets, or earrings. Glue them onto pins or thread them together, and will have a unique accessory.
If you’re into crafting, buttons can be used to create greeting cards, picture frames, or wall art. Their colors and shapes can add texture and personality to all sorts of projects, so don’t let them go to waste!
Wine Bottles – Vases and Home Accents
Wine bottles are perfect for repurposing into elegant vases or centerpieces. You can leave them as-is for a rustic look, or paint them and add decorative twine or lace for a more polished design. Whether you’re using them for fresh flowers or dried arrangements, wine bottles make great vases for any occasion.
For a fun project, try turning wine bottles into candle holders. Just drill a hole in the bottle and place a candle inside. The glass will create a soft, warm glow, making for a chic and budget-friendly addition to your home decor.
Old Jeans – Denim Crafts and Upcycled Accessories
If you have a pair of old jeans that no longer fit or are too worn out, you can repurpose them in many ways. You can turn them into a stylish denim bag or wallet by cutting and sewing the fabric into a new shape. You could also make a unique patchwork quilt or a set of placemats from the denim.
Old jeans can also be used to create a fun, trendy headband, or even a decorative pillow. With a little sewing or gluing, you can transform your jeans into something functional and fashionable.
Plastic Utensils – Crafting Tools and Decorations
Plastic forks, spoons, and knives are often discarded after use, but they can be turned into useful items or decorations. For instance, plastic forks can be repurposed into a fun flower decoration by bending and gluing the tines into a circular shape, creating a unique floral wall art piece.
You can also use plastic utensils as stencils for painting or creating prints. By dipping the utensils in paint and pressing them onto paper or fabric, you can create fun patterns for your DIY projects.
Old Books – Creative Shelving and Art
Old or damaged books can be repurposed in creative ways. You can turn them into a decorative bookshelf by stacking them and adding a coat of paint to the edges for a colorful look. Alternatively, hollow out a book to create a secret compartment to hide valuables.
Books can also be used for art projects. Tear pages out and use them as a background for scrapbook pages, decoupage, or even framed art. You can make beautiful wall decor by cutting pages into shapes and creating a collage.
Old Tins – Stylish Storage and Planters
Old tin cans, like those from coffee or canned vegetables, make great storage containers. Decorate the outside with fabric, paper, or even paint, and you’ve got a stylish way to store pens, pencils, or small items around the house.
Tins are also perfect for repurposing into planters. Drill a few drainage holes in the bottom, add some soil, and plant your favorite herbs or flowers. They add a charming touch to your kitchen windowsill or garden.
Glass Bottles – Eco-Friendly Lighting and Decor
Glass bottles can be repurposed into all sorts of cool decor pieces. You can make a beautiful lamp by adding string lights inside a glass bottle, or even use a cork to turn it into a candle holder. It’s an easy way to create eco-friendly lighting for your home.
Alternatively, use glass bottles as decorative vases or centerpieces. You can add water and fresh flowers, or use them to display seasonal branches or twigs for a more minimalist design.
Old Bed Sheets – DIY Home Decor and Crafts
Old bed sheets are often too worn to use for their original purpose but can be repurposed into a variety of items. You can turn them into custom curtains, pillowcases, or a cozy throw blanket. The fabric is often large enough to create multiple pieces for your home.
For craft lovers, bed sheets can be transformed into tote bags, aprons, or even fabric wall art. With a little creativity, these simple pieces of fabric can be turned into functional and stylish home accessories.
Old Keys – Jewelry and Wall Art
Don’t throw away old, unused keys! These little metal pieces can be transformed into fun jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, or keychains. You can also attach them to a decorative board or frame to create unique wall art that adds a vintage touch to your home.
Another fun project is to turn old keys into bookmarks. By attaching a ribbon or string to the key, you can make a functional and charming bookmark that will keep your place in your favorite books.
Plastic Bags – Reusable Grocery Bags and Crafts
Plastic grocery bags are notorious for piling up in drawers or closets, but they don’t need to go to waste. You can repurpose them into reusable shopping bags by sewing a few together or folding them into a cute pouch for easy storage.
Plastic bags are also great for crafting. You can turn them into colorful woven mats, baskets, or flower petals to make a decorative arrangement. It’s an easy and creative way to keep these bags out of landfills.
Old Phones – DIY Tech Projects
If you have an old phone that’s no longer working, don’t toss it! You can repurpose it for DIY tech projects. For example, turn it into a home security camera by installing an app that streams the camera feed to your other devices. You can also use it as a dedicated music player or a photo frame by setting it up to display a slideshow.
Another fun idea is to convert your old phone into a remote control for other devices or a smart home hub. With a little creativity, your outdated phone can have a new lease on life.
Repurposing household items not only helps you reduce waste but also sparks creativity. The next time you want to toss something, pause and think about how it can be repurposed into something new and useful. Your wallet and the planet will thank you!
How You Can Repurpose Silica Gel Packs
Most of us throw away those small silica gel packs that come in some of the things we buy. They are great for absorbing moisture and keeping stuff dry, so why not reuse them? Instead of throwing them away – check out the ways you can repurpose silica packs around your home.
15 Online Thrift Shops To Save Money and Shop Kinder
Too busy to hit the local thrift shop? No problem! We have dug up some of the best online thrift shops for you so you can shop from your home. This list features 15 thrift stores, but don’t forget about eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace! These are all great options for finding used goods to help you save money and be kinder to our planet.