Upcycle and Repurpose to Declutter

Need more space and less clutter? Don't we all. As I  have said before, with the impending cold season upon us, I feel it necessary to declutter my home. I once heard someone say that a cluttered home is a sign of a cluttered mind. I don't know how true that is, but I do know that decluttering and organizing while cleaning is the best stress buster I know. So, in turn, decluttering the home declutters the mind. Here are a few ways that I have found to help with both problem. You can upcycle, recycle, and declutter without giving up items that you really want to keep, but don't have a practical solution for storage.

For issues of magazines that you cannot bear to throw out (for whatever the reason), simply roll them up and use them to help keep tall boots from sagging and flopping over. The magazines will curl, but are still completely readable. Pool noodles work well for this too.

If you have extra sets of curtains taking up space in your linen closet, double up on them to help keep out cold air. Complementing colors will not take away from the room.  Take some throw rugs out of storage to keep hardwood and tile floors warmer. Place extra blankets on your beds instead of cranking the thermostat when the temperature drops to save on your power bill. 

Stack books that you have already read and bind them together with an old belt or two. Place a cushion on top and you have an ottoman or a small stool that is an instant conversation piece. Leave off the cushion and you have a creative table. 

You can use vintage lunch boxes to store electronics or other small items. You can do this with old lunch boxes that are collectors items as well. It helps to make use of the space that the box takes up. You can also use them to store instruction manuals, journals, or phone accessories. After you have the items tucked away, display the box.

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Old suitcases can be turned into foot stools or tables with storage or a medicine cabinet. Both require you to alter the suitcase, but the results are amazing. It adds an element of nostalgia to the room. The older hard suitcases work best for this. Consider adding some scrapbooking stickers that look like old postage stamps to give character. 

Old t shirts can be upcycled into produce bags, quilt pieces, bracelets, pillows (just sew three sides, suff, then sew the other), pot holders, table covers, etc. The sky's the limit.

I hope that you have gotten some inspiration for these ideas. If you try any of these and would like to share, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave feedback or pictures in the comments below. Good luck and happy organizing!