10 Upcycling Home Hacks for Thrifty Retirees

Upcycling is the act of taking something that’s considered waste and repurposing it (according to UpcycleThat.com). In other words, it’s a great way to turn something old and broken into something new and useful! You can upcycle just about anything—even items that are already in your home! If you’re a retiree on the hunt for some thrifty tips, this article is for you. Here are TEN upcycling hacks that’ll make your décor look brand-new.

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.

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. Now, how’s that for a thrifty hack?

3. Turn old books into shelves.

Most of us have stacks of unread books piled around our house. 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. If you follow this tutorial from Very Liv, you’ll have a cute, unique new lampshade in just four, easy steps.

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 wallpaper.

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 storebought 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.

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. You can actually use teacups as 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.

Looking for more?

Looking for even more great thrifty tips? Then check out these articles next:

• 6 Thrifty Tips for Seniors to Save Money on New Clothes
• 7 Cheap Privacy Fence Ideas for Seniors Who Value Their Privacy
• 8 Low-Cost Hobbies for Boomers
• 8 Thrifty Tips for Caregivers to Cut Costs While Providing Quality Care for Your Senior Loved One
• 10 Thrifty Tips for Living Alone After 60
• 15 Money-Saving Challenges for Retirees to Try