New Uses for Old Things Hall of Fame

Smart solutions and hidden uses for household staples like lemons, newspaper, Ziploc bags, CD cases, coasters, and kitchen appliances.

50 All-Time Favorite New Uses for Old Things
Some of our smartest ways to rethink common items.

Rubber bands don’t have to be relegated to your desk drawer. See how you can reuse it (and toothpicks, felt circles, and more) in new ways.

Photo: Kate Sears

Clever ways to repurpose everyday items.

Photo: Frances Janisch

Can aluminum foil come in handy while you're grilling? Find the answer-and many more innovative ways to use everyday items outdoors.

Photo: Quentin Bacon

Can a bleach bottle come in handy for scooping soil? Find the answer—and many more innovative ways to use everyday items from cleaning.

Photo: James Baigrie

Wedding New Uses for Old Things
Surprising ways household objects help with your wedding day plans.

Assess the clutter. Start by creating three categories: keep, donate, and toss. As you work your way through the items in the basement, assign each one to a category. If you rarely use a piece, it’s probably a good candidate to donate or toss.
Donate or toss. Contact local charities and arrange for a pickup of items to donate; put the toss items out with the trash or recycling.
Edit the belongings you’re keeping. Separate the keep pile into new categories, such as books, sporting goods, etc. Assign each category a location: Books should be stowed in a plastic storage box placed on a high shelf (or in a corner of the attic); sporting equipment might be sent to a bin in the garage.