Clever Ways To Use Things That You Don’t Need Anymore

1. T-Shirt Transformation

Image source / Pinterest

Old t-shirts can be cleverly repurposed into reusable shopping bags. This is a simple and eco-friendly way to reduce the use of plastic bags, and it can also save you money on buying new bags. To make a shopping bag, simply cut the t-shirt into strips and then tie the strips together to create a sturdy bag.

2. Picture Perfect

Image source / Reddit

Old picture frames can be transformed into a unique and personal wall collage! This is a fun and creative way to display your favorite photos or artwork, and it can also add a personal touch to your home. To create a wall collage, simply arrange the frames in a pleasing pattern on the wall and then fill them with your chosen photos or artwork.

3. Shoe Planters

Image source / Wonderful DIY

Turn your old shoes into planters for your garden! This is a creative and unique way to add some greenery to your outdoor space, and it can also add a touch of whimsy to your garden. To make a shoe planter, simply fill the shoe with soil and plants, and then hang it on a wall or fence.

4. Bottled Beauty

Image source / Homedit

Old wine bottles can be neatly reused as vases for fresh flowers. This is a simple and elegant way to add some color and beauty to your home, and it can also be a fun and creative way to use something you might otherwise throw away. To use a wine bottle as a vase, simply fill it with water and add your favorite flowers.

5. Suitcase Storage

Image source / Reddit

Old suitcases can be turned into creative storage solutions for your home. This is a fun and unique way to add more storage to your space, and it can also add a touch of vintage charm. To use a suitcase as storage, simply place it on a shelf or table and fill it with items like books, towels, or clothing.

6. Jar it Up

Image source / Reddit

Glass jars are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. Instead of throwing out old jars, they can be cleaned and used as storage containers for small items like buttons, nails, or paperclips. You can even use them a meal prep containers!

7. CD Crafts

Image source / CBC

Here's a great one if you have kids... Old CDs or DVDs can be made into coasters or suncatchers. This is a fun and creative way to reuse something that might otherwise be thrown away, and it can also add a personal touch to your home. To make coasters, simply glue the CDs to pieces of cork or felt, and then use them to protect your furniture from drink spills. To make suncatchers, cut the CDs into different shapes and then hang them in a sunny window.

8. Tire Swings

Image source / Sewhooked

Old tires can be up-cycled into swings for kids. This is a fun and unique way to add some outdoor play equipment to your backyard, and it can also be a great way to reuse something that might otherwise be thrown away. To make a tire swing, simply hang the tire from a tree branch or a sturdy frame and then add a rope or chain for the child to hold onto.

9. Pallet Paradise

Image source / Reddit

Old pallets can be used as garden beds or outdoor furniture. This is a practical and eco-friendly way to add some greenery to your outdoor space, and it can also give your garden a rustic or industrial feel. To use pallets as garden beds, simply stack them on top of each other and fill them with soil and plants. To use them as furniture, arrange them in a pleasing configuration and then add cushions or pillows for comfort.

10. Sock Stuffed Animals

Image source / Youtube

Old socks can turned into stuffed animals or dolls in this cute craft. This is a fun and creative way to use something that might otherwise be thrown away, and it can also be a great way to keep kids entertained. To make a stuffed animal or doll from a sock, simply fill the sock with stuffing or scraps of fabric and then sew it closed. You can add features like eyes and noses using buttons, felt, or other materials.

11. Newsprint Nesting

Image source / Moving.com

Use old newspapers as packing material when moving or shipping items. This is a practical and eco-friendly way to protect your belongings, and it can also save you money on buying bubble wrap or other packing materials. To use newspapers as packing material, simply crumple them up and fill boxes or bags with the crumpled paper. This will help to cushion your items and prevent them from breaking during transport.

12. Curtain Call

Image source / Pinterest

Old curtains can double up as tablecloths or picnic blankets. This is a simple and versatile way to give old curtains a new purpose, and it can also save you money on buying new tablecloths or blankets. To use old curtains as a tablecloth, simply cut them to the desired size and then lay them out on your table. To use them as a picnic blanket, fold them up and take them with you on your next outdoor outing. Use a shower-curtain for a great, waterproof beach blanket.

13. Paper Bag Crafts

Image source / Pinterest

Old paper bags can make awesome paper mache crafts or as gift wrap. This is a fun and eco-friendly way to wrap gifts, and it can also be a great way to get creative with paper mache. To use paper bags as gift wrap, simply cut the bags open and then use them to wrap your gifts. To use them for paper mache, cut the bags into strips and then use them to make sculptures or other decorative objects. Check out this Mom who made a whole tree out of old paper bags.

14. Furniture Facelift

Image source / Pinterest

Repurposing old furniture can give it new life and save you money on buying new pieces. By repainting or refinishing old furniture, you can transform it into something that looks completely different and fits your current style.

15. Button Brilliance

Image source / Etsy

Old buttons can be given a new lease of life as jewelry or decorations. This is a fun and creative way to give old buttons a new purpose, and it can also be a great way to add some personal style to your clothes or accessories. To use buttons as jewelry, simply sew them onto a piece of ribbon or cord and wear them as a necklace or bracelet. To use them as decorations, glue them onto clothing or accessories to add a pop of color or texture.

16. Book Beautiful

Image source / Youtube

Old books can be turned into decorative objects by cutting out the pages. This is a fun and creative way to use something that might otherwise be thrown away, and it can also add a unique touch to your home decor. To use books in this way, simply cut the pages out of the book and then shape them into different forms, triangular points are a simple but effective shape to start with.

17. Tea Towel Treasure

Image source / Reddit

Old tea towels can be used again as napkins or cleaning cloths. This is a simple and practical way to give old tea towels a new purpose, and it can also save you money on buying new napkins or cleaning cloths. To use tea towels as napkins, simply fold them up and place them on the table. To use them as cleaning cloths, dampen them with water and use them to clean surfaces in your home.

18. Jeans to Bags

Image source / Reddit

For those nifty with a sewing machine, old jeans can turned into a cute bag or purse. This is a fun and creative way to give old jeans a new purpose, and it can also be a great way to add some personal style to your wardrobe. To make a bag or purse from old jeans, simply cut the jeans into the desired shape and then sew them together to create the bag. You can add features like pockets, handles, or closures using other materials.

19. Tire Planters

Image source / Trees.com

Old tires make funky planters for your garden. This is a creative and unique way to add some greenery to your outdoor space, and it can also be a great way to reuse something that might otherwise be thrown away. To make a tire planter, simply cut a hole in the tire and fill it with soil and plants. You can then hang the tire on a wall or fence, or place it on the ground to create a unique and eye-catching garden feature.

20. Ladder Library

Image source / Pinterest

Repurposing an old ladder is a creative way to add some unique storage to your home. An old ladder can be transformed into a stylish bookshelf that adds character to any room. Simply clean and paint the ladder, and use it to display books, plants, or other decorative items. This project is a great way to give an old ladder a new purpose and add some charm to your home.

21. Door Dreams

Image source / Reddit

Up-cycling an old door is a great way to give it a new life and add some unique character to your home. An old door can be transformed into a variety of different items, such as a headboard for a bed, a tabletop, or even a bench. Simply clean and paint the door, and add any necessary hardware or modifications to create your desired item. This project is a fun and eco-friendly way to repurpose an old door and add some charm to your home.

22. Tin-tastic Storage

Image source / AmazonUK

Old tins can be given a second life as unique storage containers. They can be transformed into a variety of different items, such as organizers, containers, or even planters. Simply clean and paint the tins, and add any necessary hardware or modifications to create your desired item. This project is a fun and eco-friendly way to add some charm to your home.

23. Xmas tree hack

Image source / The Mirror

Artificial Christmas trees and their decorations can be pretty basic and, unless you fork out for a really expensive one, easily break and get thrown in the trash. This leads to people replacing their trees and ornaments far too often. Not after this hack... wrap it in plastic wrap and your tree and all its fragile ornaments are ready to reuse next year!

24. Sweater Snuggles

Image source / Knithacker

Old sweaters can be transformed into a variety of different items, such as pet beds, stuffed animals, or even hats and scarves. Simply cut and sew the sweaters to create your desired item, or use a no-sew method such as fabric glue or iron-on patches. This project is a great way to turn old sweaters into cozy, handmade touches to your home.

25. Dresser Dining: Turning an Old Dresser into a Kitchen Island

Image source / Tasha Wiginton

Turning an old dresser into a kitchen island is a creative way to transform an old piece of furniture and add some extra storage and workspace to your kitchen. This project is a fun and eco-friendly way to give an old dresser a new life and add some unique character to your home. Simply clean and paint the dresser, and add any necessary hardware or modifications to create your kitchen island. You can even add wheels to the bottom of the dresser to make it easy to move around your kitchen.

26. Hanger Haven

Image source / One crazy Mom

Old hangers can be cleverly re-used in a variety of ways. One idea is to use them as organizers for items such as scarves, belts, and jewelry. This can be done by attaching hooks or small baskets to the hanger for hanging these items. Also, old hangers can be used as a base for DIY wreaths or garlands by attaching various materials, such as ribbons, flowers, or leaves, to the hanger.

27. Chic Coffee Table

Image source / Etsy

To turn wooden crates into a coffee table, gather the desired number of crates and sand down any rough edges. Apply a stain or paint to the crates and allow them to dry. Arrange the crates in a rectangular or square shape and attach them together using wood screws and a drill. Measure and cut a plywood top and attach it to the crates. Add any desired decorative elements and enjoy the finished coffee table!

28. Shutter art

Image source / DIYsos

Feeling creative? Why not turn shutters into wall art by painting them with a design or pattern or simply hanging them on the wall to create an interesting visual effect. You could also add decorative elements to the shutters, such as hanging beads or other ornaments. Another idea is to use the shutters as a frame for a piece of artwork, such as a painting or photograph.

29. Wine barrel coffee table

Image source / Reddit

To turn a wine barrel into a stylish table, cut in half  lengthways (you will need a professional saw to do this but most builders will be able to help you out). You can use wooden legs or metal ones, depending on the look you want to achieve. Once the legs are attached, you can add a tabletop to the barrel. This can be a piece of wood or glass that fits snugly inside the barrel, or overlaps like the one in this picture. Finally, you can finish the table by staining or painting the wood, neat!

30. Jean Genius

Image source / Reddit

More clever Jean hacks here... it's such a fun and eco-friendly way to give them a new life! Old jeans can be transformed into a variety of different items, such as skirts, bags, or even pillows. Simply cut and sew the jeans to create your desired item, or use a no-sew method such as fabric glue or iron-on patches.