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.
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.
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.
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. Because its lid is see-through and tall, we can keep more gum inside and see when we are getting low.
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.
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!
(found the pics!)
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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.
We buy lunch meat in plastic lockable containers. Ones like they sell: hefty, glad lock, ziplock. After the meat is gone we wash the containers and reuse them for multiple tasks: left overs, drawer stock (paper clips, rubber bands, tea bags, fuses, push pins, etc.) and nuts/bolts to name a few 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.
