Reusing is one of the best ways to cut costs and minimize waste. Before discarding unwanted items or sending them for recycling, think: can they be repurposed? Not only will this help you save, but it can also enhance the functionality of your belongings.
Reusing Kitchen Items
Step 1. Don’t rush to throw away your milk bottle.
Hold off on discarding your empty milk bottle. Puncture a few holes in the cap, fill it with water, and use it to water your plants.
Step 2. Save your egg carton.
Keep the large square egg carton. Place it on your desk and put your laptop on it — this will help ensure good airflow and improve the fan's performance.
Step 3. Use bag clips to organize your cables.
Use bag clips to tie up all the cables behind your computer or on your desk. Write on sticky notes which device each cord belongs to and attach them to the wires to keep things tidy.
Step 4. Turn a wine bottle into a rolling pin.
Use a clean, dry wine bottle as a rolling pin. Dust it with flour before rolling out dough.
Step 5. Refresh an old baking sheet.
Paint or enamel an old baking sheet. It’s perfect for storing wet shoes or galoshes by the door.
Step 6. Repurpose old spice containers.
Clean out old spice containers and fill them with seeds for planting flowers in your garden.
Step 7. Store bobby pins in a Tic Tac box.
Step 8. Use a Pringles can to store pasta.
Save your Pringles can. It’s great for keeping spaghetti or other types of pasta fresh.
Step 9. Clean your ketchup bottle.
Wash out your ketchup bottle and use it for pouring pancake or waffle batter in controlled portions.
Reusing Clothing and Fabrics
Step 1. Store sunglasses in an old mitten.
Place your sunglasses in an old mitten or sock to protect them from dust. Store them flat in your closet.
Step 2. Wrap hair ties around hangers.
Wrap hair ties around the ends of plastic hangers to prevent clothes from slipping and falling.
Reusing Bathroom Items
Step 1. Install a towel holder inside your cabinet.
Attach a towel holder inside your kitchen cabinet. Lids for pots and pans can be conveniently placed between the hangers and doors to avoid clutter.
Step 2. Remove pilling from sweaters with an old razor.
Old disposable razors are great for removing pilling from sweaters. A slightly dull blade won’t damage the fabric. Just gently glide it across the surface of the sweater.
Step 3. Keep old toothbrushes.
Old toothbrushes can be used for cleaning silverware, shoes, and hard-to-reach places. They’re also great for removing hair from corn cobs.
Step 4. Use contact lens cases for salt and pepper.
Fill old contact lens cases with salt and pepper to take on camping trips or picnics.
Step 5. Store bags in a paper towel holder.
Place plastic bags in an empty paper towel holder. This will keep them compact and easy to access when needed.
Step 6. Wrap shoes in shower caps.
Use shower caps to wrap shoes during transport. This will protect your clothes from dirt.
Reusing Office Supplies
Step 1. Attach a paper clip to the end of tape.
Step 2. Save paper that’s printed on one side.
Collect printer paper that has only been used on one side. Stack it, cut it in half, and staple it — you’ll have a great notepad for jotting down notes.
Step 3. Store chalk in a handy spot.
Gather all your chalk into a box and store it in the garage or another location. They can help restore shine to metal surfaces and prevent silver from tarnishing.
Step 4. Use newspapers for absorption.
Use newspapers to absorb odors or moisture. Place them at the bottom of trash bins, in the fridge, or wrap bouquets of flowers.
Step 5. Hold nails with a comb.
Step 6. Attach binder clips to your desk.
Secure binder clips to the side of your desk. Run cables through them to create a convenient charging station for all devices.
Reusing Various Items
Step 1. Old pool noodles can help maintain boot shape.
Use old pool noodles to support the shape of your boots. Completely dry them, cut them, and insert them inside the boots.
Step 2. Decorate old shutters.
Paint old shutters in a color that matches your decor and use them as a magazine holder.
Step 3. Save an old frame or mirror.
Keep an old frame or mirror that you no longer need. Paint it and use it as a tray.
