How to Re-Use Items to Save Money

Every day, perfectly good items are thrown in the trash. A lot of these things could be used for something else, other than their original purpose. The saves time and money. Certainly we could all stand to save a little money!!!! So, next time you go to throw something away, ask yourself if it could be used again. Here are a few helpful hints to get you started:

Plastic grocery bags- These can be used as linings for smaller trash cans around the house. They can also be stuffed into the pocket of diaper bags for smelly diapers or into purses for little odds and ends such as discarded suckers, gum, etc from the kids. They can be kept in the glove compartment of the car for small trash bags. They can be used to wrap shoes in suitcases or to carry anything anywhere. Another helpful tip: store them in an empty tissue box somewhere accessible to everyone so they can jsut grab one and go.

Empty cereal bags- these are usually waxed paper. After being rinsed off, they can be used any way waxed paper is used.

Plastic food jars (such as peanut butter)- clean these well, then store items in the pantry like flour, powdered sugar, etc. You can also put things in the freezer in these like soups and broths. Store nuts and bolts in the garage. Store crayons in the kids' rooms. Take soups, etc for lunch.

Ice cream buckets- these can be used like the plastic jars for items in bigger quantities. They can be used to store almost anything. They can also be used to carry around a cleaning solution as you are cleaning.

Old pantyhose- these are great to cut into strips and use to tie tomato plants or some other kind of plants to stakes in the ground. They can be used as ponytail holders. The legs can be used to store onions- tie a knot after each onion is inserted.

Dryer sheets- Tie a fresh one to a belt loop when outside to repel insects. Place in drawers to keep clothes fresh. Dust tv's, etc with them to reduce static electricity and help repel dust. Place inside luggage before storing to keep from getting musty. Place in cars, drawers, closets, storage containers, the bottoms of trash containers and laundry hampers, and anywhere else you want to keep fresh smelling. Put a sheet in a pan with some water to loosen baked on foods before cleaning. Let sit over night. You can also use a dryer sheet in the dryer through 2 loads of laundry.

Milk jugs- Cut a portion out of the top (leaving the handle on) and use to carry clothespins to the clothesline. Cut the top off and make a funnel. Carry water in it to outdoor pets, or water your plants.

Egg cartons- keep earrings in the different holes. Start seeds in them before planting outside.

Baby wipe containers- These are awesome for storing things. Store barrettes, rubber bands and clips for little girls' hair. Store legos and other small toys. Store crayons. Store coupons, scratch paper, and other small office supplies.

Mesh onion or potato bags- ball these up to use as pot scrubbers. Use to hold smaller items in the dishwasher. Use to hold kids' bath toys- hang over the fauncet so the toys will dry.

tv dinner trays- use to freeze your own leftovers into tv dinners or use to reheat leftovers in the microwave. They can also be used as divided plates for toddlers.

water bottles- these can be refilled and reused. They also can be frozen to use as "ice packs" in coolers.

Looking around your home, you should be able to find several things you can re-use. You can take it as far as you want to go. I know several people who melt down old candle stubs to make new candles. There are tons of things that can be used not only more than once, but for things you may never thought of before. So, take a look around and see what you can come up with! There's no end to the possibilities!