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Have you ever stood over the trash can with an empty jar, a worn shirt, or a lonely cardboard box and thought, “There has to be something I can do with this”?
I do that all the time. I hate to toss something that still has a little life left in it. The good news is that we do not have to save every scrap or turn our homes into storage units. We can simply look at what we have, pick the ideas that fit our lives, and give a few useful things a second chance.
This list was inspired by the video 100 Things to Reuse or Repurpose You Have to Try. I sorted all the ideas by item type so you can jump right to the things you already have.
Start small. Choose one idea that solves a real problem in your home. If you have too many of one item, recycle or donate the extras when you can. Repurposing should make life easier, not add more clutter.
A quick safety note: Wash food containers well. Do not use cracked glass for food or drinks. Take care when drilling, cutting, melting wax, or working with electricity. Ask for help if a project is new to you.
Watch the Video
Glass Jars, Bottles, and Dishes
Glass is one of my favorite things to reuse. It is sturdy, easy to clean, and often pretty enough to leave out. If you want even more ideas, visit our guide to cutting glass safely before trying a project that changes the shape of a bottle or jar.
1. Food Jars for Leftovers
Save clean sauce and jam jars for leftovers. Clear glass makes it easy to see what needs to be eaten first. Leave room at the top if you freeze food, keep the jar upright, and only use freezer-safe glass.
2. Large Jars for Dry Food
Use big jars for rice, beans, oats, or pasta. A row of matching or mixed jars can make a pantry feel calm without buying new containers. Our 32 ways to reuse containers has even more simple storage ideas.
3. Jars for Fermented Food
A large, clean jar can hold sauerkraut, kimchi, or a sourdough starter. Follow a trusted recipe and keep everything very clean. Fermented foods need the right salt, temperature, and air flow to stay safe.
4. Jars as Drinking Glasses
Smooth jars can become everyday water glasses. Check the rim for chips before each use. This is such an easy way to build a casual set without spending a dime.
5. Jars for Paint Water
Keep one old jar with your art supplies for rinsing brushes. Mark it as a paint jar so it never goes back into the kitchen. A wide jar is less likely to tip.
6. Jars for Pens and Brushes
Use a pretty jar to hold pens, pencils, paintbrushes, or makeup brushes. You can leave it clear or decorate it with paint and a stencil. If you are new to stencils, our beginner’s guide to stenciling can help.
7. A Jar Coin Bank
Turn a jar with a lid into a coin bank. Cut a slot in the lid, smooth any sharp edge, and decorate the outside. Kids can watch their savings grow through the glass.
8. A Bathroom Compost Jar
Keep a small lidded jar in the bathroom for items your local compost system accepts, such as certain natural floss or cotton pieces. Check the rules first. Empty and wash the jar often.
9. Jars for Homemade Gifts
Fill a clean jar with cookies, truffles, tea, or a dry recipe mix. Add a reused ribbon and a small tag. It is a sweet gift that does not need a new box.
10. Jars for Candles
Heat-safe glass jars can hold homemade candles. Do not use thin, cracked, or unknown glass. Our full guide shows how to repurpose candle jars and leftover wax.
11. A Jar Terrarium
Make a tiny plant world in a wide jar. Add pebbles, a little charcoal, soil, and plants that like the same amount of moisture. Keep it out of harsh sun so it does not get too hot.
12. Beauty Bottles as Bud Vases
Small skincare bottles make lovely vases for one or two flowers. Clean them very well and remove the labels. This works best with glass bottles that have a narrow neck.
13. Pump Bottles for Refills
Refill a sturdy pump bottle with hand soap, lotion, or conditioner. Use the same kind of product each time and label it. Wash and dry the bottle before filling it again.
14. Olive Oil Bottles for Water
A pretty oil bottle can become a table water bottle after a deep cleaning. A pour spout makes it easy to use. You can also learn more ways to transform glass in our glassblowing article.
15. Wine Bottles for Lights or Pantry Storage
Place battery lights inside an empty wine bottle for a soft table glow. A dry bottle can also hold dry goods or infused oil when fitted with the right top. Never put regular plug-in lights inside a wet bottle.
Garden and Plant Supplies
The garden is a wonderful place for useful old things. A little weather and wear often adds charm. Just make sure painted items are safe for the plants you plan to grow.
16. An Old Bin Planter
Drill drainage holes in an old bin, then fill it with potting mix and flowers. A metal bin can look right at home on a porch. For another easy planter idea, see how we turned a reusable cup into a planter.
17. An Old Bin Compost Container
A lidded bin can become a simple compost container. Add air and drainage holes, then keep a good mix of green and brown material. Compost liquid can be strong, so learn how to use it safely before adding it to plants.
18. Scrap Wood Bee Hotel
Drill smooth holes of several sizes into untreated scrap wood for solitary bees. Place it in a dry, sheltered spot. Clean design and good upkeep matter, since a damp or rough bee hotel can cause harm.
19. Toilet Roll Seed Pots
Fold the bottom of a cardboard toilet roll tube to make a small seed pot. Set the tubes in a tray, fill them with mix, and plant your seeds. The cardboard can go into the soil once the seedling is ready.
20. Egg Carton Seed Starters
Paper egg cartons make handy starter cells. Keep them on a waterproof tray because they soften when wet. Tear the cells apart before planting so roots have room to spread.
21. Plastic Bottle Mini Greenhouses
Cut a clear bottle and place the top over a small pot. It holds warmth and moisture around a seedling. Remove the cap for air and lift the cover each day to prevent mold.
22. Glasses for Growing Vegetable Scraps
Stand green onion ends or other suitable scraps in a glass with a little water. Change the water often. This will not replace a whole garden, but it is a fun way to get one more use from kitchen scraps.
23. Chipped Mugs for Succulents
A chipped mug can hold a small succulent. Add drainage if you can, or water very lightly. For a different metal planter, you may love our tuna can caterpillar succulent planter.
24. Tin Can Plant Pots
Remove the sharp rim, add drainage holes, and turn food cans into pots. Paint the outside or keep the old-fashioned tin look. Our coffee can turkey project shows how much character a simple can can have.
25. Old Drawers as Raised Planters
Give a loose drawer a coat of outdoor-safe finish, add drainage, and use it as a shallow planter. Set it on blocks so the bottom can dry. Avoid drawers made from damaged pressed wood.
26. A Lampshade Frame Plant Stand
Remove the cloth from an old lampshade and turn the metal frame upside down. It may hold a light pot at a fun height. Test the frame first so it cannot tip.
27. A Bike Helmet Hanging Planter
An expired helmet can become a playful hanging planter after it is retired from safety use. Add drainage and secure it with strong cord. Never reuse a damaged or expired helmet for riding.
28. Wood Slice Garden Markers
Write or stencil plant names on small wood slices. Seal them for outdoor use and attach them to sticks. We have a full tutorial for wood slice garden markers and another set of DIY garden markers made with a Cricut.
Wood, Furniture, and Home Pieces
Old wood can become something strong and useful again. Check for rot, pests, nails, and unsafe coatings before you bring it indoors.
29. Scrap Wood Side Table
Join short pieces of sound wood to make a small side table. Sand every edge and test the legs for wobble. A little stain can tie mixed pieces together.
30. A Reclaimed Wood Desktop
A wide board can become a desk top when it is flat, dry, and well supported. Sand it smooth and seal it. If whitewashed wood fits your room, our guide explains how to whitewash wood.
31. A Pallet Coffee Table
Sand a safe, heat-treated pallet, add a finish, and fit strong caster wheels. The result can be a roomy coffee table with built-in shelves. You can also see our raised garden bed made from pallets for another large pallet project.
32. Crate Bookshelves
Paint or stain sturdy wood crates, then fasten them together so they cannot fall. Mix the openings for a relaxed look. Anchor tall units to the wall, especially in a home with children.
33. A Bread Box Charging Station
Drill smooth, well-placed holes in an old bread box for charging cords and air flow. Keep plugs easy to reach and do not crowd hot devices. It hides cord clutter while giving the box a useful new job.
34. An Antique Pot Lamp
A sturdy pot or jar can become a lamp base with a proper lamp kit. Because wiring must be safe, ask an electrician or an experienced maker for help. You may also enjoy our glass shade planter and glass shade desk organizer.
35. An Old Rake Mirror Frame
The curved metal head of an old rake can make a bold frame or decorative top for a mirror. Remove rust and cover sharp points. Mount the piece with hardware made for its weight.
36. A Rescued Coffee Table
Before buying new, look at a curbside table with fresh eyes. Tight joints, new paint, and a clean top may be all it needs. Take a peek at our own coffee table rescued from the curb for inspiration.
37. A Refinished Entryway Table
A scratched little table can shine again after cleaning, repair, sanding, and paint or stain. Our garage sale entryway table makeover shows what a big change a careful finish can make. If you need supplies, read our guide to the best paint for furniture.
38. Old Fan Parts as Useful Decor
Fan blades and metal parts can become signs, planters, or racks. Browse our collection of 14 projects using repurposed ceiling fan parts for plenty of ideas. Clean all parts well and cover sharp edges.
Clothes, Socks, and Fabric
Fabric has so much life beyond its first job. Even stained or torn pieces may have good sections left. The trick is to save only what you are likely to use.
39. Flannel Face Cloths
Cut soft cotton or flannel into squares for washable face cloths. Hem the edges so they last longer. Squares also waste less fabric than circles.
40. Old Clothes as Cleaning Rags
Cut worn cotton shirts into cleaning cloths. Keep a separate set for greasy jobs, such as wiping a bicycle. This helps you protect the nicer rags used inside the home.
41. Socks as Cleaning Mitts
Pull an old sock over your hand and use it as a duster. It is great for blinds, baseboards, and odd corners. Wash it before using it again.
42. Socks as Ice Pack Covers
Slip a cold pack inside a clean sock to protect bare skin. Always follow the cold pack directions and limit the time. A sock is a cover, not a fix for a serious injury.
43. Socks for Overnight Moisture Care
Apply your usual moisturizer, then wear clean cotton socks on your feet or hands. Patch small holes first. Stop if your skin becomes sore or itchy.
44. Sock Puppets
Add scrap fabric, yarn, and safe sewn features to make a puppet. Avoid loose buttons when making one for a young child. This is a sweet rainy-day craft.
45. A Pillowcase Bread Bag
Turn a clean cotton pillowcase into a simple bread bag. You can also take it to the bakery instead of accepting a new bag. Wash it often and let it dry fully.
46. Old Clothes as Oven Mitts
Layer thick natural fabric with proper heat-safe batting to make oven mitts. Thin cloth alone will not protect your hands. Test your sewing and use a trusted pattern.
47. Sweaters into Mittens
Trace a mitten shape on a felted or tightly knit sweater, cut two pairs, and sew them together. A moth hole may be easy to place outside the pattern. Turn the seams inward for a neat finish.
48. Sweaters into Cozy Covers
Use sweater fabric for a teapot cozy or hot water bottle cover. Add a soft lining and leave the right openings. Never let loose fabric touch a stove flame.
49. Fabric Bowl Covers
Sew elastic around a fabric circle to make a washable bowl cover. It is handy for bread dough, picnic food, or short-term fridge storage. A clean tea towel and plate also work.
50. Clothes into Doll Clothes
Small good areas from worn clothing are just right for doll outfits. Use simple shapes and save snaps, lace, or pockets as details. Keep tiny parts away from very young children.
51. Fabric Scraps into a Pouch
Join scraps to make a makeup bag, coin purse, or little gift pouch. Mixed colors can feel joyful instead of messy when one color repeats. Our bench made with jeans and fabric scraps offers more fabric-saving inspiration.
52. A Stained Shirt with Embroidery
Cover a small stain with hand embroidery or a sewn patch. Choose a shape that looks planned, such as a flower or star. New to this craft? Our punch needle guide is a friendly place to begin exploring fiber art.
53. A T-Shirt Shopping Bag
Cut off the sleeves, widen the neck, and close the bottom of an old T-shirt. A few strong stitches make the bag last longer. Wash it just like any reusable shopping bag.
54. A Silk Scarf Gift Wrap
Wrap a small present in a secondhand scarf and tie the corners. The wrapping becomes part of the gift. It feels special and creates no pile of torn paper.
Paper, Cardboard, and Mailing Supplies
Paper items are easy to reuse once or twice before recycling or composting them. Keep a small, firm limit so boxes do not take over a room.
55. Notepad Backs as Postcards
The stiff back of a used notepad can become a postcard or mini art board. Paint one side and write on the other. Check postal rules before mailing it without an envelope.
56. Notepad Backs as Photo Boards
Cover a firm notepad back with paper or fabric, then add photos. It makes a light memory board for a desk or shelf. Use photo-safe adhesive if the pictures matter to you.
57. Saved Wrapping Paper
Open gifts with care and flatten good paper for next time. Fold it around a cardboard tube or store it flat. Even a small piece can wrap a book or fill a gift bag.
58. Delivery Boxes for Storage
Strong shipping boxes can sort craft tools, cords, off-season clothes, or pantry extras. Label them and keep them dry. If you want a prettier container project, try our Tide Pods container upcycling ideas.
59. Boxes for Under-Bed Storage
Low boxes can slide under a bed and hold light items. Add a fabric pull tab so they are easy to reach. Do not store paper boxes in a damp space.
60. Boxes as Protest or Event Signs
Cut a clean panel from a shipping box and paint your message on the plain side. Add a safe handle if needed. Recycle the sign when the event is done.
61. Boxes for Future Shipping
Save a few useful box sizes and padded mailers for packages you send. Remove or cover old labels. Use fresh tape so the parcel stays closed.
62. Newspaper for Cleaning Glass
Use crumpled newspaper with your usual glass cleaner. Test it first because some ink may rub onto pale frames or your hands. A washable cloth is also a good choice.
63. Newspaper Gift Wrap
Choose a cheerful page, comic, or plain section and wrap a gift with it. Add twine or a fabric ribbon. It is simple, low-cost, and full of character.
64. Newspaper for Compost
Tear plain newspaper into strips and add small amounts to compost as brown material. Skip glossy pages and heavy color ink if your local compost guide says to. Mix it well so it does not form a wet mat.
65. Newspaper Pet Cage Liner
Newspaper may work as a liner for some pet areas. Ask your vet what is safe for your animal, since needs vary by species. Change it often and keep the space dry.
66. Egg Cartons as Gift Boxes
Paint a clean paper carton and use it for tiny gifts or mini treats. Add a paper liner if food will touch it. Do not reuse a dirty carton.
Metal and Plastic Containers
Plastic and metal can be useful, but not every container is safe for every job. Do not place harsh chemicals in drink bottles, and do not store food in containers that were not made for food.
67. Takeout Containers for Sorting
Wash sturdy takeout tubs and use them for craft parts, photos, wires, or solid shampoo bars. Reuse for food only when the container is in good shape and marked for that use. Replace it when it warps or cracks.
68. Small Tins for Hair Ties
A mint tin is a tiny travel box for hair ties, clips, pins, or sewing items. Cover the inside if it has rough spots. The lid keeps little things from spreading through a bag.
69. Plastic Bags as Small Bin Liners
If a plastic bag enters your home, use it again as a small trash liner. Check for holes first. Keep bags away from babies, children, and pets.
70. Plastic Bags for Wet Clothes
Carry a used bag for a damp swimsuit or muddy socks. Let the items dry as soon as you get home. A washable wet bag is a good long-term choice if you swim often.
71. Plastic Bags as Packing Dividers
Separate shoes, cords, or laundry inside a suitcase with bags you already have. Canvas bags and pillowcases also work. Labeling is not needed when the bag is clear.
72. Aluminum Foil for Another Meal
Clean foil can sometimes be wiped, dried, and used again. Do not reuse foil that touched raw meat or became badly torn. Local rules may also allow clean foil to be recycled.
73. Foil as a Pot Scrubber
Ball up clean used foil to scrub tough marks from uncoated metal pots. Never use it on nonstick, enamel, glass, or other easy-to-scratch surfaces. Test a hidden spot first.
74. A Plastic Bottle Funnel
Cut the top from a clean plastic bottle to make a quick funnel for nonfood craft materials. Smooth or cover the cut edge. Keep a separate food-safe funnel for the kitchen.
75. Milk Jugs as Dispensers
A clean milk jug can scoop birdseed, pet food, or dry garden material when cut into a scoop shape. It can also hold craft supplies. Never mix food tools with chemical or garden products.
76. Squeeze Bottles for Infused Oil
A thoroughly cleaned food squeeze bottle may dispense homemade oil. Make small batches, follow food-safety guidance, and store them correctly. Garlic in oil can be risky when handled or stored the wrong way.
77. Tins as Outdoor Candle Holders
Punch a simple pattern into a clean can and place a battery candle inside. If you use a real candle, keep it outside on a heat-safe surface and never leave it alone. Smooth every cut edge.
78. A Paper Basket from Newspaper Rolls
Roll newspaper into firm tubes, then weave them into a small basket. Use it for dry, light paper waste. This project takes time, but the finished texture can be lovely.
Food Scraps and Kitchen Odds and Ends
Some kitchen leftovers can do one more job before the compost bin. Stay careful with food safety, pets, and plant claims. A natural item is not always safe for every use.
79. Food Scraps as Fabric Dye
Avocado skins, onion skins, and other plant scraps can add soft color to natural fabric. Use a trusted dye guide, separate dye pots from cooking pots, and expect each batch to look different. Old fabric is perfect for testing.
80. Banana Peels for Plant Care
Compost banana peels or use a small piece to wipe dust from sturdy leaves, then wipe again with water. Do not leave sticky bits that may draw pests. Peels do not replace balanced plant food.
81. Eggshells for Compost or Soil
Rinse, dry, and crush eggshells before adding them to compost. They break down slowly. While they contain calcium, they will not fix every soil problem, so test your soil before adding a lot.
82. Dryer Lint as Fire Starter
Some people save lint for starting outdoor fires, but lint from synthetic clothing can release unwanted fumes. A safer choice is untreated paper and dry kindling. Never burn lint from loads that held chemicals, dryer sheets, or oily cloths.
83. Candle Ends into a New Candle
Sort leftover wax by type and scent, remove old wick pieces, and melt it with care. Use a double boiler made for wax, not direct heat. See our candle mat tutorial for a cozy project to place under the finished candle.
84. Soap Ends into Usable Soap
Collect little soap pieces in a mesh bag and use them together. You can also grate and rebatch plain soap with a tested recipe. Keep the process clean and stop using anything that smells odd.
85. Wine Cork Coasters
Cut corks with care and fasten them into a small heat-safe coaster. They can also become a notice board or bath mat. Use a sharp tool only on a stable surface and keep fingers out of the cutting path.
86. Bread Tags as Cord Labels
Write the device name on a bread tag and clip it around the matching cord. This is most helpful behind a desk or TV. Keep loose tags away from young children and pets.
Electronics, Travel, and Small Gear
Small cases and broken gear can solve very modern problems. Make sure a repurpose is safe and does not hide damage that matters.
87. Glasses Case Cord Holder
Store earbuds, charging cords, or small adapters in an old glasses case. It protects them in a suitcase and keeps them easy to find. Add a small label if you have several cases.
88. Glasses Case Sewing Kit
Fit a few needles, thread, tiny scissors, buttons, and safety pins inside a hard case. Wrap sharp items in felt. It is a useful kit for travel repairs.
89. Broken Tripod Microphone Stand
A tripod with a broken camera head may still support a light microphone when fitted with the right adapter. Check its balance before use. Do not trust cracked legs or loose locks with valuable gear.
90. Delivery Box Electronics Organizer
Use a small box and cardboard dividers to sort batteries, cables, and adapters. Do not store loose batteries where their ends can touch metal. Recycle old electronics through a proper local program.
91. Canvas Bags as Packing Cubes
Use the tote bags already in your closet to group clothes, shoes, or cords. They can go straight into the wash after a trip. This saves you from buying a set of packing cubes.
92. Bike Straps as Utility Ties
Old toe straps can hold a rolled blanket, hose, or bundle of light items. Inspect them for cracks before use. Never reuse worn safety gear where a break could hurt someone.
Gifts, Art, and Seasonal Decor
The last group is pure fun. These ideas turn small leftovers into gifts, art, and decorations with a story.
93. Light Bulb Ornaments
Paint a burned-out bulb as a snowman, penguin, or simple pattern. Handle it gently and add a secure hanger. For more ideas, explore our 20-plus homemade Christmas ornaments and easy six-step DIY ornaments.
94. Toilet Roll Bird Feeder
Coat a tube with a bird-safe food and seed, then hang it in a sheltered spot. Choose ingredients that suit local birds and skip this project if pets or pests may reach it. Clean up old tubes and string.
95. Toilet Roll Kids’ Crafts
Tubes can become animals, tiny houses, stamps, or pretend binoculars. Use washable supplies and age-safe decorations. A box of a few tubes is plenty.
96. Cork Notice Board
Save corks until you have enough to fill a shallow frame, then glue them in place. The board is useful for notes and photos. Mount it securely before adding pins.
97. A Homemade Wood Sign
Paint scrap wood and add a stencil, vinyl saying, or simple picture. Our guide to making a wood sign with stencils walks through the process. You can also use our tips for centering a stencil.
98. A Reused Canvas
Paint over old canvas art and give it a new design. A base coat can hide the old image before you add a stencil. See how to repurpose canvas art with a Cricut for a full example.
99. A Repurposed Kitchen Towel Wall Hanging
A towel with a pretty print can become wall decor when stretched or fastened to a firm backing. It is a nice way to save a stained towel with one good section. Our kitchen towel wall art project shows how.
100. A Junk-Made Angel or Wind Chime
Bring together small metal, wood, and hardware pieces to make something full of charm. Our angels made with old junk and wind chime made from repurposed materials are lovely places to start.
Which Repurposing Idea Will You Try First?
One hundred ideas can feel like a lot, so please do not feel that you must try them all. Look around your home for one item that keeps showing up. Maybe it is a glass jar, a cardboard box, or an old shirt. Pick one useful new job for it and let the rest go.
That is what I love about repurposing. It is not about being perfect. It is about pausing before we toss something and asking one kind little question: “Could this help me one more time?”
Sometimes the answer is yes, and a worn or empty thing becomes useful again. Sometimes the answer is no, and responsible recycling, donation, or disposal is the right choice. Both answers can help us build a calmer home and waste a little less.
Which idea would make your life easier today? Let us know in the comments below!
