BLOGS

Creative Ways to Repurpose Items and Save Money at Home

Reduce, reuse, recycle. We have all probably said that mantra at some point in our lives. Now we’re adding another R word that you can apply in your McCaleb home—repurpose. Repurposing everyday household items is an excellent way to save money and reduce waste. Instead of throwing things away, consider how they can be used in new and creative ways. In this month’s article, we will offer some practical ideas for repurposing common household items to give them a second life.

Glass Jars and Containers

Glass jars from pasta sauce, pickles, or jam can be reused in many ways:

• Storage for pantry items – Use them to store rice, pasta, spices, or coffee beans.
• DIY candle holders – Add wax and a wick to create homemade candles.
• Desk or bathroom organizers – Store pens, makeup brushes, or cotton swabs.
• Drinking glasses – Larger jars can be used as rustic drinking cups.

Old T-Shirts and Clothing

Instead of tossing out worn or outdated clothing, repurpose them into something useful:

• Cleaning rags – Cut old T-shirts into reusable cloths for cleaning.
• DIY tote bags – Sew old shirts into reusable shopping bags.
• Pillow covers – Use fabric from old clothes to create unique pillowcases.
• Braided rugs – Weave strips of fabric into a colorful, upcycled rug.

Coffee Grounds and Tea Bags

Used coffee grounds and tea bags have multiple household uses:

• Garden fertilizer – Coffee grounds add nutrients to the soil.
• Odor eliminator – Place dried coffee grounds in the fridge to absorb odors.
• Natural scrub – Use coffee grounds as an exfoliant for skin or to scrub tough stains in the sink.
• Eye de-puffer – Chilled tea bags help reduce puffiness under the eyes.

Old Furniture and Wood Scraps

Before getting rid of old furniture or leftover wood, consider repurposing them:

• Turn an old dresser into a TV stand – Remove some drawers to create open shelves.
• Use wood scraps for shelving – Extra pieces of wood can become floating shelves.
• Refinish or paint furniture – A fresh coat of paint can make old furniture look new.
• Convert an old ladder into a bookshelf – Lean it against the wall for stylish storage.

Mason Jars and Tin Cans

These common household items can be transformed into practical or decorative pieces:

• Planters – Use them for small indoor herb gardens.
• Candle holders – Add a tea light for a rustic decoration.
• Utensil holders – Store kitchen tools or office supplies.
• DIY soap dispenser – Attach a pump lid to a mason jar for a stylish soap container.

Egg Cartons and Toilet Paper Rolls

Instead of tossing these items, use them for fun and practical projects:

• Seed starters – Use egg cartons or toilet paper rolls to start garden seedlings.
• Cord organizers – Keep cables tangle-free by placing them inside toilet paper rolls.
• Paint palettes – Egg cartons work well for mixing paint colors.

Wine Corks and Bottle Caps

Small items like corks and caps can also be repurposed in creative ways:

• Coasters and trivets – Glue wine corks together to create a heat-resistant coaster.
• Drawer bumpers – Cut corks into small pieces and use them to soften cabinet door closures.
• DIY keychains – Attach a screw hook and keyring to a cork for a floating keychain.

Repurposing Saves Money and Reduces Waste

There you have it—a ton of ways to repurpose items and save money. By finding new uses for everyday items, you can reduce household waste and use the extra money on gifts or vacations with the family. With a little creativity, almost anything can be given a second life, making your home more efficient and sustainable.

By McCaleb Homes Staff 2-1-2025