Trash to Treasure Storage and Organization Ideas

12 Clever and Unique Trash to Treasure Storage and Organization Ideas

They say “one man’s trash is another person’s treasure”. This is true at my house. When you first hear that phrase you may think of “junk”, but on the other hand there are many ways to upcycle that are not trashy. Today I am sharing some clever storage and organization ideas.

If you don’t know already I love to go flea market, thrift store, and antique shopping because:

  1. I love the hunt; and
  2. I love about second hand shopping is figuring out how to repurpose or upcycle something old and turning into something useful.

Items to Lookout For

Be on the lookout for these items:

  • Crates
  • Mason Jars
  • Shutters
  • Doors
  • Flower Frogs
  • Baskets
  • Plates
  • Containers
  • Suitcases

Here is how you can use the above items in your own home.

Double Duty Organization and Eye Catching Display

Crates can be used many different ways. You can use them to organize and display books and magazines or to hold Mason Jars to organize small items in the kitchen, office, or craft room.

To hold jewelry you can:

You can find old shutters at restoration stores like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Flower frogs seem to be in abundance at the flea markets here in Orange County and Los Angeles.

Hang flea market wire baskets sideways on a wall in a bathroom for towels, bedroom for books, or in the kitchen for dishes.

Imagination Beyond the Intended Use

An old tiered pie stand can be used in a bathroom to hold makeup.  Next, use mismatched plates as trays to add color or pattern to match your décor. In addition, a tiered display is not only an interesting statement piece, but adds convenience to makeup accessibility.

Old rakes are easy to find at flea markets and if they are broken, come at a great price.  Is it rusty? Don’t worry. You can easily refurbish one.  Rakes can be repurposed into dog leash holders, wine glass holders, or kitchen utensil holders.

Old vintage suitcases are perfect for hidden storage.  They look great stacked as is or cut them in half to make your own suitcase shelves. Stack some next to a bedside or sofa to use as an extra side table or night stand.

Bonus Video: Necklace Holder Scissor Organizer


As you can see there are many cool and unique storage and organization ideas around the house.  With a little imagination and creativity, you can literally turn someone else’s trash into your very own treasure.

Other Clever Trash to Treasure Ideas

For more storage ideas, check out my craft room makeover:

Like these Storage and Organization Ideas? Pin it!

Note: This updated post was originally written on January 8, 2018.

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