10 Upcycling Home Hacks for Thrifty Retirees

You’ve heard of recycling. But what about upcycling? According to UpcycleThat, it can be defined as “taking something that’s considered waste and repurposing it. The upcycled item often becomes more functional or beautiful than what it previously was. That’s why it’s called upcycling, because the value of the item is increased!” In other words, it saves money and helps the environment. Better yet, you probably have dozens of potential upcycling projects scattered around your home and garage! So before you toss that old lamp into the garbage or donate that mirror to Goodwill, read this article and see if you can upcycle it into an old-but-improved masterpiece!

1. Transform old bottles into vases.

A vase full of flowers is a simple way to breathe new life into a space. And while you could run out to your local Hobby Lobby to purchase some new vases, I’ve got a much cheaper suggestion. Take old bottles, wash them, and turn them into vases! Any kind of bottle will do. Cover it in burlap or fabric to hide the label. Or use spray paint! As long as you have an open mind and a little creativity, you can turn those bottles into vases prettier than any you could get at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Places to Get Cheap Fake Flowers for Your Upcycled Vases:

• Dollar stores
• Thrift stores
• Discount home goods stores
• Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace
• Craft stores during clearance events
• Wholesale flower markets
• Local garage sales or flea markets

2. Repurpose a cheese grater into wall décor.

When most people think of cheese graters, they definitely wouldn’t consider using them for anything outside the kitchen. However, cheese graters can actually be turned into just anything…even wall décor! All you need is some paint, decorations, and a glue gun. Spruce up the cheese grater however you like, flip it upside down, and screw it to the wall. Add some ribbons for a little pizzazz, and you’ve got yourself a brand-new wall decoration. How’s that for a thrifty hack?

3. Turn old books into shelves.

Most of us have stacks of unread books piled around our houses. If you’ve already read them and have no room for them on your bookshelves, don’t get rid of them. Instead, turn the books into shelves. Yes, you read that right. You can use stacks of books and turn them into floating shelves. If you’re a bookworm, you’ll want to click HERE for an awesome tutorial on how to do exactly that. And remember: if you don’t want to use any books you currently own, check out your local Goodwill or a yard sale to score some cheap books.

4. Paint tin cans and reuse them as planters.

Most people would throw away their old tin cans without a second thought. However, if you’re creative, you can actually repurpose those tin cans into adorable planters. You’ll just need some paint and painting supplies. Make sure that you remove the label and give them a good scrub before you paint! You’ll also want to hammer a few drainage holes, as well. After that, you’ll have a perfect place to grow some beautiful flowers.

5. Use hats as lampshades.

Floppy straw hats are made for summer. But they may also be a cheap alternative to a new lampshade. Best of all? They’re pretty easy to make! In addition to some supplies, all you’ll need is a lighting cord set. Put them together, and you’ll have a cute, homemade lampshade in no time at all!

6. Make eco-friendly wrapping paper.

Wrapping paper is one of those items we need year-round. From birthdays to holidays, we always have a use for it. And while you may always have an extra tube or two lying around your house, you can also make your own eco-friendly wrapping paper. You can use magazine covers, old maps, brown paper, and even newspapers. Tie it up with a little ribbon and string, and you’ve got a cheap, eco-friendly alternative to wrapping paper!

7. Use Mason Jars as apothecary jars.

Apothecary jars are a great place to store your cotton balls and Q-tips. And while a 6-pack of apothecary jars will only cost you about $19.99 on Amazon, there’s an even cheaper (potentially FREE) option. If you have Mason jars sitting in your cupboard, wash them and repurpose them into apothecary jars. They’ll look just as nice as store-bought apothecary jars and be every bit as useful!

8. Create a vintage bicycle planter.

Do you have an old bike collecting dust in your garage? Don’t sell it or donate it to the local trash heap. With some paint and ingenuity, you can turn that old bike into a bicycle planter! All you’ll need to actually buy are some baskets, potted plants, and wire. With just those three items, you can transform an abandoned bike into a functional planter and whimsical addition to your yard and front porch. Of course, you can also paint the bike for a little extra charm.

9. Turn old chandelier crystals into necklaces.

Replacing an old chandelier? Not sure what to do with it? While you could always sell it or give it away, I’ve got a much thriftier hack for you. Remove the crystals and turn them into statement necklaces! Use ribbons, chains, or beads for the string. This is not only a thrifty upcycling hack; it may also turn into a business venture. Believe it or not, there’s a market for chandelier jewelry on places like Etsy.

Other Things You Can Make Out of Chandelier Crystals:

• Earrings
• Bracelets
• Keychains
• Sun-catchers
• Curtain tiebacks
• Christmas tree ornaments
• Wine glass charms

10. Repurpose teacups into candles.

Teacups are lovely, whether you drink from them or display them. But they can also be used for another purpose: candles! If you have hot glue, candle wax, and a way to heat it, you can easily repurpose a teacup into a beautiful candle. If you’d like an easy-to-follow tutorial, then check out this one from A Night Owl Blog.

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