28 New Uses for Things You Were Going to Throw Away
To think you almost got rid of all those super-useful paper towel tubes, egg cartons, and tissue boxes.
To think you almost got rid of all those super-useful paper towel tubes, egg cartons, and tissue boxes.
Plastic Bags
Instead of getting your paint tray covered in, well, paint, use a plastic bag to line it and pour the paint on top. Unlike the liners at the hardware store, this plastic-bag trick is totally free.
Baby Food Jar
After you're done feeding your little guy, wash the food out and use it for your at-home spa — seriously. Wedge a sponge into the jar, the pour in nail polish remover, and stick your finger in to take off your polish.
Ketchup Bottle
The best way to make sure all your pancakes are the same size and completely round? Use a dispenser that elevates your batter-pouring skills to pro-level.
Egg Carton
Who needs a fancy cupcake holder when you have an empty egg carton? There are pockets for 12 treats and a lid to protect the frosting on top.
Cereal Boxes
Keep mail and unread magazines tidy by upcyling a cereal box. Here, a magnet is attached to the back of two patterned boxes so they can hang on the side of the fridge.
Toilet Paper Roll
Nothing is more frustrating then going to your closet to get the wrapping paper and finding an unrolled, crinkled mess. Cut a toilet paper roll in half lengthwise to secure your paper in place.
Tissue Box
Just because you're out of tissues, doesn't mean this box needs to go — use it to dispense other household items, like plastic grocery bags.
Broken China
The gorgeous pattern on your favorite platter can get a second life as a mosaic tabletop. Here, blue-and-white patterns pop against the dark wood on this side table.
Cheese Shaker
It's so sad when the Parmesan is all gone. But this nifty idea might perk you up: Fill it with plant fertilizer for a super simple way to feed your garden.
Coffee-Mate Lids
We're pretty sure you're going to flip your lid over this hack: It turns out Coffee-Mate toppers fit super snugly on top of mason jars, resulting in tighter, safer storage.
Chocolate Box
Apparently those compartments that keep our beloved caramels separate from those yucky strawberry candies (just us?) are also handy for sewers. Here, thread and pins stay separate so no one accidentally gets poked.
Water Bottle
This is hands-down the easiest way to separate the yolk from the egg white: Just squeeze the water bottle, hold it over the yolk, then release your grip and the yellow middle will get sucked right up.
Yesterday's Newspaper
Once you're done reading the cartoons (err, we mean the news) use that black-and-white paper to line an empty box. Tie stings on the top and voila, you've got a DIY gift bag for your next birthday party.
Brown Paper Bags
The occasional dribble of wax off of your candle is inevitable. But a handy way to get it out of your carpet is to put a grocery bag on top of the spot, then coax it out by slowly gliding an iron on top — which will transfer it from the carpet to the paper.
K-Cups
The next time you buy an entire bundle of parsley only to use four leaves, try this trick: Empty a used K-cup, then cut up your herbs, add some water, and free the mixture until the next time your recipe calls for that flavor.
Milk Jugs
The bottom of a milk jug is a nifty container for each of your favorite herbs in your garden. Even better? When the weather gets colder put the top half back on the jug to create a greenhouse effect and protect your plants.
A Sock Without a Match
Bubble wrap and packing paper are overrated — use a sock without a mate to wrap up your breakables, like vases and candle stick holders instead.
Tea Tins
These adorable containers can get a second life as the holder for a citronella candle — so even if you're using it to ward off nasty bugs, at least it looks good doing so.
Broken Terracotta Pots
This is one of those why-didn't-I-think-of-that ideas. Since these pots are meant to withstand the conditions of your garden, they're ideal for herb labels.
Tic Tac Boxes
If you've ever rented out a house for vacation for a week, you know how annoying it is to have to stock a kitchen for only seven days. Instead, use these portable boxes to make a travel-size spice rack from home.
Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.
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