Every home has one – the infamous junk drawer. It’s a magical place where seemingly useless items gather. But what if these forgotten objects held the key to surprising, innovative solutions for everyday problems? Get ready to transform your clutter into creative hacks. Let’s unveil the hidden potentials of your junk drawer items!
1. Rubber Bands
Those colorful loops of elastic have more uses than just holding things together. A rubber band can work as a makeshift phone holder – just wrap it around the top and bottom of your device and hook it to a convenient spot. It can also be used to prevent a spoon from slipping into a pot or bowl while cooking.
If you have a hard-to-open jar, wrap a rubber band around the lid for extra grip. Additionally, you can use them to mark different boxes or containers for easy identification. They can even serve as simple bookmarks in a pinch.
2. Paper Clips
Those tiny metal spirals can be surprisingly handy. Aside from keeping papers together, they can be used to reset electronic devices or to help thread a needle. They can also serve as a substitute for a broken zipper pull.
Unfold a paper clip and you have a handy tool for cleaning narrow spaces like the crevices in your keyboard. You can also use them to clip bags closed or as a makeshift bookmark. With a bit of creativity, they can even be turned into cute jewelry.
3. Old Keys
Old keys are often thrown into the junk drawer and forgotten. However, these discarded pieces of metal can be used as a makeshift screwdriver or to scrape off hard-to-remove dirt. They can also be used to open packages when you can’t find a pair of scissors.
With a bit of creativity, old keys can be turned into beautiful DIY jewelry or unique keychain accessories. They can even be used as weights for a makeshift fishing line or as a noise maker to scare away pests. Check out these creative key crafts here.
4. Old Cards
Those old credit cards or hotel key cards can be repurposed as a scraper to remove stubborn grime or as a ruler in a pinch. They can also be used to spread glue evenly on a surface, or as a makeshift bookmark.
With a bit of creativity, you can turn them into guitar picks, or even use them to help open locked doors. Just remember to destroy any sensitive information on the card before using it for these purposes.
5. Bread Clips
Those little plastic tags that keep bread bags closed can serve a surprising number of purposes. They can be used to label cords and cables, keeping them organized and easy to identify. They can also be used to hold small groups of papers together.
Have a tape end that keeps getting lost? Use a bread clip to mark the end. They can also be used as makeshift bookmarks, or to scrape off tough grime from surfaces. The uses for these humble plastic pieces are limitless!
6. Twist Ties
Twist ties are not just for closing bags. They can be used to organize wires and cables, to secure plants to stakes, or as temporary fixes for broken eyeglasses. They can also help keep jewelry untangled.
Moreover, they can be molded into hooks for hanging small items, or used to fix broken zippers. With a bit of creativity, they can be turned into miniature sculptures, adding a bit of whimsy to your workspace.
7. Empty Film Canisters
Those old film canisters can serve as small storage containers. They’re perfect for keeping tiny items like pins, buttons, or coins. They can also be used to store small amounts of paint for touch-ups.
With a bit of creativity, these canisters can be turned into DIY mini flashlights or pinhole cameras. They can even be used as molds for small DIY candles. Check out some of these creative film canister crafts here.
8. Bottle Caps
Bottle caps have a multitude of uses. They can be used as tiny containers for mixing small amounts of paint. If you have a broken knob on a dresser or cabinet, a bottle cap can serve as a temporary replacement.
With a bit of creativity, bottle caps can be turned into miniature picture frames or used to make unique DIY jewelry. They can also be used to create a fun and colorful checkerboard game.
9. Old Lighters
Even when a lighter is out of fluid, it still has some uses. The flint can be used to start a fire, while the metal top can be used as a makeshift scraper. The empty body can even be used as a small container.
Additionally, the lighter’s spark wheel can be used to create a mini fire starter. Just remember to handle it with care to avoid injuries. With a bit of creativity, old lighters can be turned into unique DIY crafts.
So there you have it, a treasure trove of hacks hiding in your junk drawer. Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Before you decide to throw away those seemingly useless items, take a moment to consider their potential. You might just find a surprising solution to an everyday problem!
