Spring is here, so it’s time to start getting organized. I really like finding new jobs for old things. I figure if it’s not broken, use it so it won’t go into a landfill. I am continuously amazed at the things that I find that other people threw out, that I can use. My motto is “Organize Repurpose Reuse!”
Crates
Probably the biggest thing someone threw out is the giant wooden crate that sits bottom side up in my living room as a coffee table. I was walking around one day in an industrial part of the city when I found it just laying in the middle of the sidewalk. I called my friend, and he came and helped me get it home. I love it! It’s really sturdy. It’s all wood, all pine. I can stand on it, sit on it, use it as a table, and put store things under it.
My best friend, Amber, called me one day after I got the big crate and wanted to know if I wanted some smaller crates to go with it. I said sure, and she brought them by. Amber had already painted and decorated them. She did a wonderful job, and they got to live in my kitchen for organizing my small appliances. Then she called me and said she had still more, so they went into the bedroom. We got rid of the one broken dresser, and put the crates up against the wall. They are solid wood, and they’re not going anywhere. It would take a big earthquake to dislodge them.
Apartment Garden Drawer
Someone else gave me a dresser drawer. I don’t know why they gave me just the dresser drawer, but I definitely made use of it. I turned it into a gardening bed and have cabbage, onions, and herbs growing in it. It was so successful for planting that I am now actively looking for another abandoned dresser drawer for more plants.
Vines
My neighbor had grape vines growing on his house. The entire roof was covered by them, and I imagine they got a little out of hand. So, one day, all this dried grape-vine was available. I brought in some of the nicest, tallest vines, and strung them together with wire. Then I went to Michael’s and bought two flower garlands and strung them on the grape-vine. It looks like a real plant in my house, I love it!
Plastic Bakery Boxes
We live in an area where a lot of baked goods come in plastic boxes. I like those boxes because you can see through them, and you can close them up. They are small, and stack nicely. They’re great for storing small things, or keeping crafting supplies where you can see them.
Wash Cloth Holder
Someone gave me a wash cloth holder as a house-warming present. I had plenty of room in the bathroom to hang wash cloths, but nowhere to really put jewelry. I have a lot of costume jewelry, and I think it’s a shame to put it into a jewelry box where it’s never seen and becomes forgotten. I like hanging my jewelry so it decorates not only me, but also the room. The wash cloth holder was perfect for holding costume jewelry. The higher part in the back is just high enough for necklaces, and the front part is just right to hang pierced earrings. Bracelets and rings live in little glass bowls on the dresser.
