My apartment is full of stuff I like, don’t use – but won’t get rid of. I know it’s a flaw, but I’m too emotionally invested. I’m by no means a real hoarder, but I certainly have hoarding tendencies.
I relish the moments when I come across something I haven’t used in a while. I reminisce, justify its sentimental value, and put it right back where I found it. Those short lapses of nostalgia are the primary reason I keep some of those things lying around—and it needs to change.
If you haven’t heard of upcycling, now is the time to get familiar. It’s sort of like recycling, except you skip the middle-man and find fun, practical new uses for your own junk. It’s the ultimate solution to satisfying our inner hoarders while remaining environmentally friendly.
So, if you’re anything like me and can’t commit to throwing anything out, try these upcycling ideas and reduce your carbon footprint while you’re at it:
Turn your stack of old magazines into a chair
What You Need: Magazines, wood-base, leather belt/rope, drill, screws.
See it here
Turn an old leather belt into a curtain tie
What You Need: Belt, measuring tape, hammer, nails.
See it here
Turn your dust covers into pillowcases
What You Need: dust covers, scissors, sewing machine.
See it here
Transform your vintage suitcase into a side table
What You Need: suitcase, hairpin, legs.
See it here
Turn the baking tin you never use into planter
What You Need: Baking tin, plastic sheet, stones, soil, herbs, scissors, superglue.
See it here
Frame your vintage scarves
What You Need: Vintage scarves, frames.
See it here
Transform your vintage tins into organizers
What You Need: Vintage tins, plywood, jigsaw, compass, drill, threaded rod, nuts, washers, measuring tape, copper pipe, pipe cutter, hacksaw.
See it here
Make floating shelves out of old books
What You Need: Hardbound book, L-brackets, level, drill, hammer, pencil.
See it here
Turn your dusty old Globe into a Pendent Lamp
What You Need: Crafts Knife, off-white paint, lamp.
See it here
