8 Tips for Dealing with Old Household Items – GWC Mag

We are all a dab-hand at recycling and upcycling the obvious things such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and newspaper, but what about those more puzzling items like shoes, socks, and sheets?

For those who aren’t ready to chuck stuff in the trash just because it can’t be used for its intended purpose anymore, it’s time to think outside the box.

Thankfully, there are a whole bunch of OGP articles that can guide you through the process of making use of old household items that have seen better days.

1. Doors

When we start to think of old doors like beautiful slabs of wood, their potential grows exponentially. They can be so much more than what hangs on hinges. Plus, with that in mind, the paint, keyhole, inlays, and other typical door features become qualities to work with, to be accentuated in whatever an old door becomes anew. Check out these ideas for 7 Awesome DIY Projects for Old Doors.

2. Windows

There is something glorious about an old frame window, the paint peeling back a little, the panes distorted with errant brush strokes from who knows when. They hold a sense of mystery about them, a sense of history, a window into another time you might even say. That’s why they make such good items for repurposing; old windows readily make for something remarkable. Take a look at these 7 DIY Projects for Old Frame Windows.

3. Shoes

Clothing constitutes about 5% of our landfill space, the equivalent of over 13 million tons. What many of us don’t realize though is that there are plenty of possibilities for old clothing that don’t involve the garbage dump. Shoes, be they sneakers, heels, or boots, are much the same. Just like we recycle our paper and plastic, our glass and metal, we have to get into the habit of repurposing and recycling our shirts and shoes. Here are some fun ideas on How to Repurpose, Recycle, or Resell Old Shoes.

4. Towels

It happens to everyone. Towels get dingy, stained, torn, and plucked over time, and they start to look unappealing.  Well, if you have old towels that have seen better days, don’t just toss them out. There are lots of fun and inventive ways you can use your old towels with little to no expertise. It is worth looking into options in your local area for fabric recycling. Alternatively, you can cut up your old towels and upcycle them into something new and useful! Here are 6 Ways to Reuse Old Bath Towels.

5. Socks

For some of us, old socks linger in the sock drawer for years. We will even pack these things and keep them with us when we move. For others, those with an obsessive impulse sent into a frenzy with sock shenanigans, a mismatched sock instantly gets tossed away. Most likely, the majority of us fall somewhere in that seemingly healthier middle ground. Whatever the case is, the good news is old socks can be used to make great new things. Here is a list of 25 Creative and Useful Things to Do With Old Socks

6. Sheets

At some point, our bedrooms must have makeovers. Maybe the sheets have seen better days and need replacing. Maybe we’ve painted the walls anew and our sense of aesthetics can’t stand the new clash of colors the bedsheets have with the bedroom. Maybe it’s just time for a change. Some old sheets still have life in them, but that life might not be as bedding. That’s when we, DIY-ers and upcyclers, have the opportunity to get creative. We can take those old sheets and make something that sparks some new magic. Here are 6 Upcycling Uses for Old Sheets.

7. Books

Books, though enlightening, can become a burden. Ask anyone who has moved apartments a little too regularly. A box of books is always the worst box to lug around, and the fact of the matter is…they’ve already been read or, after all this time, they’re likely never to be read. So, why are we lugging them around? Even with those books we just loved and feel the need to keep, we have to ask: how many books do we read multiple times? There are better ways to deal with old books than moving them from place to place, stuffing them on some forgotten shelf, or quarantining them in storage. Take a look at these ideas for 12 Things You Can Do with Old Books.

8. Bottles and Jars

Of course, many people have never made a hole in a glass bottle or jar before. Many can’t even begin to explain how such a thing can be done. What if it doesn’t require any kind of unusual tool or knowledge? It’d be worth trying, right? Luckily for those crafty bottle/jar enthusiasts out there, this game-changing operation is about to be less mysterious. Not only are we about to divulge the not-so-secret secret about making a hole in the glass, but we are going to introduce some great projects that go along with it. Learn here How to Repurpose Glass Bottles and Jars.

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