Additional Coverage:
- 11 Things You Should Reuse Instead of Throwing Away (blog.cheapism.com)
Think Before You Toss: Clever Reuse Ideas for Everyday Items
We all have that urge to purge – to just chuck things in the trash and be done with them. But sometimes, throwing things away is like throwing money away.
Plenty of everyday items can be reused in practical, budget-friendly ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Hotel Shower Caps: Don’t leave these behind! They’re perfect for wrapping shoes in your suitcase, covering bowls in the fridge, or even (surprise!) using as a shower cap again.
- Toilet Paper Rolls: These cardboard tubes have hidden potential. Stuff them with dryer lint to create fire starters for camping or your fireplace. They can even be used as seedling starters for your garden.
- iPhone Boxes: That sleek packaging doesn’t have to go straight to the recycling bin. Use the boxes (or just the flat inserts) as organizers for your desk or drawers.
- Glass Jars: Empty pasta sauce or pickle jars can find new life as food storage containers, organizers for small items like screws and nails, or even as unique drinking glasses.
- Old Credit Cards: Those unsolicited credit card offers can be surprisingly useful. Repurpose them as pan scrapers for stubborn food residue.
- Sour Cream/Cottage Cheese Containers: These sturdy plastic containers are perfect for storing leftovers, especially if you’re sending food home with guests and don’t need the container returned.
- Bones: Don’t discard those leftover chicken or beef bones! Simmer them to make flavorful homemade broth. For a richer flavor, roast and blanch the bones before simmering.
- Twist Ties: These little wonders are invaluable for organizing cords and cables, supporting climbing plants, or securing food packaging.
- Grocery Store Bags: Use them to line small trash cans in your bathroom or under the sink.
- Bubble Wrap: Keep bubble wrap on hand for shipping fragile items or protecting valuables during a move.
- Spare Napkins: Keep a stash of napkins in your car, your purse, or your pockets. You never know when a spill might happen!
Read More About This Story:
- 11 Things You Should Reuse Instead of Throwing Away (blog.cheapism.com)