We all have items at home that we don’t use anymore but still keep them for one reason or another. Whether it has a sentimental value or it is still OK and might be useful one day, the stuff clutters and, in some cases, can even lead to hoarding.
But instead of booking a waste removal service to get rid of all unnecessary belongings, you can use your imagination and give a new life to your old possessions.
So, if you want to learn some creative ways to repurpose and reuse your household items, keep reading!
Repurpose an Old Jar into Cutlery Holder
Transforming an old jar into a cutlery holder is a great way to give new life to an item that otherwise would be thrown away. You can use a few simple materials that you have at home, such as ribbons, paint or other decorative elements, to change the look of the jar and give a unique and personalised touch to your kitchen.
Necessary materials:
- A clean, empty jar
- Paint, ribbons or other decorative materials
- Sandpaper (optional)
Steps to follow:
- Таke a jar of the size you prefer – basically, any size will work, but you can put more items in a bigger one. Remove any labels or residue from the jar and ensure it is thoroughly cleaned.
- If necessary, sand it lightly to create a better surface for painting or glueing some decoration.
- Paint or decorate the jar according to your preferences. You can use acrylic paint, chalk paint, decoupage techniques or any other decorative materials.
- If you wish, you can add a nice ribbon, labels or any other embellishments.
- Leave the jar to dry out completely, and voilà – your new cutlery holder is ready. Place your forks, knives, spoons, etc., and arrange them neatly so they can be easily accessible.
By using the same technique, you can repurpose a jar into an attractive pencil holder that you can put on your desk or use it to store your children’s pencils and watercolour pens.
In addition, glass jars are perfect for storing different seasonings. Easy to open and air-tight, they protect the content from moisture and keep your seasonings fresh for longer. What’s more, you can see the content and quickly find what you are looking for, so they are a great way to organise your pantry and keep your kitchen neat.
Upcycle Cooking Utensils into Planters
By upcycling cooking utensils into planters, you can not only add a unique touch to your green space but also reduce waste removal by giving a new life to items that you would otherwise dispose of.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can repurpose your old cooking utensils:
- Choose cooking utensils like pots, colanders, teapots, etc., that you don’t use anymore and are damaged or outdated.
- To ensure the items are safe for your plants, clean them thoroughly and remove any food residue and grease.
- To prevent waterlogging and root rot, you may have to drill a few drainage holes in the bottom of the utensils or put some small pebbles and rocks to create a drainage system.
- After you have made the drainage, fill the utensils with suitable potting soil and leave space for the plants’ roots.
- Choose plants with suitable shapes and sizes for the utensils – small succulents, trailing plants or herbs are some of the best options for such types of planters. Place the plants in the utensils and press the soil around the roots to secure them.
- Put your new planters in a suitable place that provides the necessary amount of light for your plants, and enjoy your unique outdoor space.
Depending on the type of plants you want to grow, you can even use coffee mugs or tea cups.
And if you grow herbs, you can repurpose some of your cooking utensils into stylish planters and add a cosy touch to your kitchen.
Transform a Ladder into Flowerpot Rack
An old wooden ladder that has been covered in dust and cobwebs might not be safe to climb, but this doesn’t mean it is absolutely useless. With a coat of paint, you can refresh it and easily transform it into a low-cost display station for plants.
In case the ladder’s spreaders are damaged or missing, place the ladder against a vertical surface or secure it with two scrap pieces of 1×13 fastened where the spreaders should be. After the ladder is stable, you can fill it with flowerpots in different colours and enjoy your vertical garden oasis.
How to Repurpose and Reuse Silverware
Instead of disposing of bent and broken silverware, you can reuse it to make original and functional household items. Some of the things you can create are:
- Cabinet door handles – clean up your tarnished silverware and paint it to create rustic-looking handles. Use screws or adhesive to attach a flat spoon, fork, or knife handle to the existing door pulls. This look is very popular, and it may be quite expensive if you have to buy these handles.
- Wall hooks – you can make unique wall hooks by bending spoons or fork handles. Use pliers to bend the handle at a 90-degree angle, leaving a straight portion for mounting on the wall. These stylish hooks can be used to hang kitchen towels, hats, keys etc.
- Wind chimes – the silverware you don’t use anymore can be repurposed into beautiful wind chimes. Use a fishing line or sturdy wire to attach forks, butter knives and spoons of different lengths. Place the wind chime in a breezy area and enjoy its pleasant sounds.
Conclusion
You can repurpose and reuse your old household items in many ways. With a little bit of imagination and creativity, you can easily turn the things you don’t need into something useful, making your place unique and leaving your own mark.
So, before you call your local waste removal company, give your old things a second chance and try to find them a new use. You will be amazed at what you can achieve with an old household item and a little imagination!
