Repurposing
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Use small (6-8 oz) yogurt tubs as disposable coffee cups.
they stack and are convenient for travel
one person who lived it
Use an old laptop mouse packaging box as a pen holder on your desk.
One person found it the perfect size and cute, though another noted that pens might fall over or get squished tight if items are removed.
- Pens may fall over or be squished tight if other items are removed.
one person who lived it
Use plastic mason jar lids instead of metal ones to prevent rusting and cracking when drilling holes for straws.
Plastic lids produce no sound and do not rust.
- Be careful when drilling, as plastic lids will crack.
one person who lived it
Use an empty tissue box as a trash container in the car.
It keeps trash contained until you can toss the whole thing when full.
2 people, independently
Use a computer box covered with a curtain as a nightstand to save money while renting.
It provides extra storage space inside the box and is functional and cute.
one person who lived it
Fold the tops of mailing tubes inward to reinforce corners when building a structure.
It makes the corners strong.
one person who lived it
Use small squares of toilet paper to wipe your mouth instead of paper towels.
It is cheaper and reduces waste by allowing you to tear only what you need.
one person who lived it
Cut empty wrapping paper cardboard rolls in half and insert them into tall boots to keep them upright during storage.
Without support, unsupported boots flop over, causing wrinkles and small cracks in leather.
one person who lived it
Use a tissue box as a gift container by placing a gift and tissue inside and securing it with a ribbon.
It keeps the contents perfectly contained.
one person who lived it
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Donate recyclables to scout troops, youth groups, or summer camps for program planning; one camp director noted needing empty pizza boxes for solar oven projects.
groups may need them for crafts or programs
one person who lived it
If your building does not recycle, take recyclables to a community recycling center; one person reported saving $25 a month by doing this instead of paying for pickup.
reduces monthly costs
one person who lived it
Move an existing trash can closer to you when sick rather than building a DIY container.
It takes only seconds compared to minutes spent constructing a makeshift solution.
one person who lived it
Place an empty tissue box on top of the dryer and scrape lint into it with your hand against the plastic piece to hold lint better than a handful.
holds lint more securely than carrying it in hand
one person who lived it
Place dirty diapers in scented dog-waste bags before putting them in the regular trash to eliminate odor.
Scented bags help eliminate smell.
one person who lived it
Take soiled diapers directly outside to the main trash can immediately after changing.
It takes very little time and avoids indoor smells.
one person who lived it
Flush solid diaper waste into the toilet before bagging the diaper.
This prevents human waste from entering the water table upon disposal and reduces trash odor.
one person who lived it
Repurpose empty sanitary napkin packaging for large trash needs.
The bags are notably large.
one person who lived it
Keep cereal in its original bag inside a storage container rather than pouring it directly into the container.
It doubles freshness and reduces how often you need to wash the containers.
one person who lived it
List unused recyclables on Freecycle or Craigslist for others to take.
someone else may need storage solutions
one person who lived it
Wrap used pads or tampons in their original packaging wrappers to contain odor.
Some brands print instructions on wrappers recommending this procedure.
one person who lived it
Use electronics boxes as drawer organizers.
They have cute, unusual shapes and are recommended by Marie Kondo in her original book.
one person who lived it