8 Items in Your House You Should Always Repurpose

Whether you're aware of it or not, there are almost certainly a few items in your house that you could be repurposing and making better use of. Not only is repurposing (like recycling) eco-friendly and good for the environment, but it’ll save you money in the long run. Here are eight common items in your house you should always repurpose.

Glass Jars and Bottles

Glass jars and bottles are one of the easiest items to repurpose. Think pasta sauce jars, pickle jars, jam jars, drink bottles, wine bottles, and more. These types of containers can be reused as pantry storage containers, vases for flowers, glassware, jars for canning, tealight holders, houseplant propagation vessels, and so much more. 

Plastic Takeout Containers

If you're a takeout food connoisseur, then you are familiar with the good kind of takeout containers that lend themselves well to being repurposed. You know, the sturdy black plastic ones with the clear lids and the liter-sized soup containers? Give them a good wash and these takeout containers can double as your new lunch containers, plant pots, food prep containers, gift boxes, and more. 

Paper Bags

As the world begins to collectively shift away from single-use plastics, paper bags are becoming a staple in many grocery stores and supermarkets across the country. While these bags can be recycled after use, they can easily be saved and repurposed too, regardless of their condition!

Paper bags that are still intact and functional can be reused as gift bags at Christmas and for birthdays (you can even get crafty and add a personal touch using paint or markers), for packing lunches, or even for collecting other recyclables like cans and bottles. If your paper bag broke during transit, the pieces can be reused for arts and crafts.

Plastic Grocery and Produce Bags

If you are still using plastic grocery bags regularly, don’t throw them out after you unpack the groceries. Instead, save them and repurpose them. Plastic bags can be used as garbage bags in small trash cans around the house, for packing lunches or takeaway food, disposing of kitty litter, picking up dog waste, and so much more. If you want to get really creative, you can braid together plastic grocery bags and use the rope to weave everything from baskets to trash cans and waterproof welcome mats.

Wooden Pallets

Wooden pallets have so many potential uses it’s a shame to throw them away. Repurpose a wooden pallet by using it to create DIY patio furniture, a vertical plant wall, a bookshelf, a coffee table, and so much more. Even if you aren’t particularly handy, there are lots of simple-to-follow tutorials and ideas for repurposing pallets that are available to inspire you and guide you through the process.

Wooden Furniture

Similar to wooden pallets, wood furniture can be easily refinished and repurposed in a multitude of ways. Unlike furniture made from wood composite or MDF, wooden furniture can be restored from just about any condition using a bit of elbow grease and know-how. When all else fails, a light sanding and a fresh coat of paint can work wonders for an old piece of furniture. The best part is, it usually doesn’t cost that much, it just takes some time and dedication.

Tissue Boxes

Tissue boxes are one item that Pattie Kelly, certified interior decorator and owner of Virginia-based design firm Inspired Home Interiors, recommends you always repurpose. According to her, they make excellent drawer organizers for your kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. 

Simply cut the tops of the tissue boxes off and add some clear tape around the edges to encourage longevity. You can even line the insides with pretty contact paper to really make them pop.

“These repurposed boxes allow for more organized storage within your drawers and reduce the need to buy plastic drawer inserts,” Kelly says.

Old Artwork and Canvases

Do you have an old piece of artwork that just doesn’t speak to you anymore? Or a canvas filled with your childhood creative endeavors that just doesn’t reflect your current style anymore? Instead of throwing them out, repurpose them by creating a new piece of artwork that you can enjoy in your home! 

Even if you aren’t creatively inclined, there are so many ways that you can create simple and beautiful art at home using easily accessible tools and supplies. Grab some acrylic paint from the dollar store or plaster from the hardware store (hello DIY plaster wall art!) and have fun creating a custom piece of artwork. 

Not only will you save a perfectly good canvas from hitting the landfill, but you’ll save money on purchasing a new piece of art. Win-win.