New Projects to Recycle Old Things

The old saying goes something like this: "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." In today's disposable society it doesn't seem like anyone follows this advice to increase frugality. But the fact of the matter is that you can reuse some of your household items and save money on buying organizers and other items. All you have to do is know what can be reused to good benefit.

Those old cardboard rolls from paper towels can actually be used to store tablecloths, napkins, and scarves. Wrap this cloth items around round tubes, and you have wrinkle-free storage. No more fold creases in your linens. When such items get old, like placemats or your little kitchen curtains, cut them up as drawer liners. This will save you actually buying drawer liners, and is a creative way to recycle that ugly décor that was "so cool" ten years ago.

Instead of buying arm guards for your gardening, all you need is old knee-high socks. You can cut the feet out of them and they are just the right length to slip on your arms for protection against scratches and any poison ivy you might encounter. Likewise, old shoulder pads can aid in your gardening efforts. They make great kneepads for when you are kneeling on the ground.

Other uses for old clothes include using making finger puppets for your kids out of old gloves (snip of the fingers and viola!). It will give the kids something to do that costs nothing. Use old buttons, ribbon, and some markers to decorate the puppets. Also, and old T-shirt can help you dust high places and remove cobwebs. Just wrap it around a broom and spray a little water on it. Traps dust and cobwebs easily from the ceiling or from on top of dusty shelves.

You can convert many things into storage items to help you organize your life (without the fancy and sometimes expensive organizers you see in stores). All you have to do is look around the house. Place small boxes (like old shoeboxes) in your drawers to keep underwear, socks, nylons, and other items separate. Then you don't have to go digging through everything to find what you want. Vinyl shoebags are already compartmentalized to provide the optimal storage for sewing and craft supplies. And, as one might expect, those crusty old ice cube trays are perfect for organizing small items like pins, nuts, and bolts.