This page contains the following solutions.
Use cupcake trays from the grocery store bakery for mini greenhouse to start plant seeds in. Each cake compartment holds a peat seed starter pot nicely.
Drawer organizers are just a mushroom pizza away
We had homemade pizza with mushrooms recently and the package inspired the perfect way to organize our kitchen junk drawer. These cute little blue containers are perfect for corralling all those small necessities that, left loose, junk up the junk drawer.
We can fit 4 in the back of the drawer. No more getting stabbed by the meat thermometer and no more sting from pricy store bought containers!
I recently bought one of these $.99 travel packs with 8 bandages in it. When it was empty, I found that it is perfect for all kinds of things. You can put in q-tips, antacids, nails and small screws, and I keep some insulin needles in mine. Other things could be medications like aspirin, coins for laundry, hair pins, rubber bands, and the hits just keep on coming!
I especially like the little hole where you can keep it on a lanyard for a sporting event, a key chain, or on a peg hook. And, you can peel off the front so people don't think they are bandages anymore, and label them with a felt tip marker.
Hope this helps!
By Sandi/Poor But Proud from Salem, OR
Having to test my sugar daily leaves me with these wonderful little tubes that seal down really well. They are smaller than old film tubes, so you can't put quarters in them.
I recently purchased some glue on nails at the Dollar Tree. This wonderful little container they came in just stayed in a drawer, determined to be needed until today.
My friend and I love sugar free gum. Her console is not designed to keep many things by the cigarette lighter. But, I found that the container I got a manicure set in from the Dollar Tree is perfect.
I have a tender spot in my gums, so yesterday I went to get some soft toothbrushes from the dollar tree. Choosing the packaged kind, I happened to look down at the other choices not at eye-level.
The magazines I receive often come in plastic bags, and I find that if I am very careful and cut them at the top, I can re-use them around the house. Same with the plastic bags samples come in and so on.
I don't know about you but my underwear drawer is frequently in disarray. I keep those clear plastic things that sheets come in and tablecloths because they are good for so many things.
Magazines that arrive in the mail are often in a clear plastic sack. Open it carefully instead of ripping it hurriedly and you have a nice sack to save items.
After using wax for my warmers, I don't throw the plastic away. I use it for paint compartments for small projects. The lid snaps and keeps my paint fresh.
This is a collapsible storage bag used to store sugar cane blend sugar. The one I have shown here is a 24 oz. Truvia bag. It has a screw on lid which makes it airtight.
I save bits of hard "see through" plastic from the boxes of things I buy (toaster, etc.) to use as a disposable paint palette for acrylic paints that I use for crafts. It doesn't have a well, but the paint stays put anyway.
School teacher supplies can be a challenge to store in a crowded classroom with limited storage space. Empty tennis ball containers which are clear can store office supplies such as paper clips, paper brads, pens, pencils, erasers, etc.
I used dry facial cleansing clothes to remove my makeup. They come in a nice size plastic container that is great when empty to use in drawers as dividers for such things as socks, jewelry, panty hose, etc.
I use the piece of plastic found underneath the bacon in each package. It is flimsy enough to cut with regular scissors, yet strong enough to use many times over.
These little pill packets made out of plastic squares are extra sharp. You can open packages with them, and they slice right through tape on packages.
Every once in a while I will get in my mailer a really nice plastic CD box with a CD from one of the "other internet providers" I use these to mail Photo CD's to my family. Open the CD and lay the box flat and remove the paper from inside the plastic cover.
I've noticed that there are a lot of same-size things around the house that can be reused.
I have used the waxy earplugs to help me sleep for a while. I love the containers, and use them for all kinds of things. I have a nice new deck of cards in one, my business cards in another, a mini sewing kit in another (in fact, the dollar trees' have mini sewing kits in them already), mini first-aid kit, craft items, and soooooooo much more!
Take the plastic containers that come ready to eat with chips and salsa and clean it out. These make excellent swimming pools for your miniature house layouts. Usually they come in black but you can paint them to resemble a swimming pool. Great recycle project
Keep a few disposable Cool Whip tubs on hand. You can always use them for freezing leftovers, or taking a dish of something over to your neighbor's. Today, I needed one for a neighbor's dog that had gotten loose. He was thirsty and I gave him 2 bowls of water. Afterwards, I just tossed the tub away.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I would love to see ideas on planned leftovers, not necessary for food. For instance purchasing an item wanting the container for a further use.
By notwrong
i really like the plastic flip top tasters choice boxes! I store "W&W's" (as my son jokingly refers to them)
in them or the ones I get from a Dutch bakery near here which are called Earnies & other candies or candied fruit ! Glue a couple quarter sized (.25c piece) googlie eyes on the brown lid for fun!
Also I used to buy a bakery item that came in a super sturdy clear plastic box (i believe it was mini muffins)
The box was slightly rectangular & would fit the larger size recipe cards.
That is a good way to shop though ! You should be commended for your mindfullness of this.Being aware of the need for doing/dealing with empties is becoming more & more popular!
I love that so many people keep in mind as they shop the potential for later use of the containers/bags/boxes!
Great!
Thanks!
(found the pics!)
www.flickr.com/
www.flickr.com/
www.flickr.com/
I purchase gift packs that are on clearance after the holidays...just for the containers they come in. I take the soaps, shampoos & other bath items to a local shelter, and keep the containers.
I've used them to store pet toys, plant flowers, waste baskets...anything I can think of at the time. Some have actual baskets, other are wire baskets & I have found a few that have metal tubs. You can usually get them for 50%-75% off after the holidays.
I have a square plastic clear container, about 1 foot high supported with metal rods. What could I do with it besides a terrarium which I don't want?
By Sandy C
I bought some linen recently which was wrapped in thick clear plastic, like a wallet. My husband bought underpants contained in the same material. I don't want to just throw this clear plastic away - surely it could have another use? Windows for a doll's house perhaps? (which I don't really want to make!) Does anyone have any ideas? They'd be gratefully accepted!
I put out of season clothing and blankets in what I think you're talking about.
Make sure you open the package carefully and you can re-use it for storage.
