What to do with old jars? Try these 5 easy DIY reuse ideas to turn them into useful storage containers

Once the contents of a glass jar are finished, it is often tossed into the recycling bin. However, with a little cleaning, these jars can be reused as handy storage containers around the home. They can hold everything from spices and stationery to sewing supplies and other small household items.

1. Reuse Old Jars As Spice Containers

Small glass jars can be a convenient way to store commonly used spices and seasonings such as chilli flakes, oregano, cumin seeds, peppercorns and mixed herbs.


Clean the jar properly, remove any leftover label or adhesive and let it dry fully. Fill it with the spice of your choice and add a label to the lid or side of the jar for easy identification. Keeping several similar jars together can also help create a neat and organised spice section in the kitchen.

2. Turn Jars Into Simple Stationery Holders

Loose pens, pencils, markers and other stationery can quickly make a desk look cluttered. Old jars can be repurposed into simple holders to keep these supplies in one place.

Use bigger jars for pens, pencils and markers, while smaller ones can hold erasers, sharpeners, paper clips and push pins. You can keep them as they are or personalise them with labels, ribbons or decorative paper.

3. Keep Buttons And Sewing Supplies Organised

Small jars are useful for storing tiny sewing and craft supplies that can otherwise be difficult to keep track of.

You can use them for buttons, threads, beads, safety pins, needles and other small sewing accessories. Since glass jars are transparent, you can easily check their contents without having to open each one.

If you are storing needles or pins, keep the jar tightly closed and place it somewhere safe and out of children's reach.

4. Use Old Jars For Bathroom Storage

Glass jars can also help organise some of the smaller items commonly found in the bathroom.

Depending on their size, they can be used to store cotton balls, cotton buds, hair ties, clips and other small beauty accessories. Adding labels can make it easier to keep different items separated and organised.

Before using a jar for bathroom storage, make sure it has been washed and dried properly to prevent moisture buildup.

5. Create A Simple Desk Organiser With Multiple Jars

If you have several unused jars, bring them together to create a simple DIY desk storage setup.

Keep pens and pencils in one jar, paper clips in another and rubber bands or other small items in a third. For a more coordinated look, you can use matching labels or decorate the jars in a similar style.

This simple setup can help keep small desk essentials organised without spending money on new storage containers.

Things To Keep In Mind When Reusing Old Jars

Clean every jar thoroughly before reusing it, particularly if it previously contained food, sauces or other products. Remove any leftover labels or sticky residue and allow the jar to dry completely.

Inspect the glass for cracks, chips or other damage before using it. Avoid using damaged or fragile jars for storage, particularly for heavier objects. Jars containing needles, pins or other sharp items should always be kept securely closed and stored safely away from children.

With a little cleaning and creativity, unused glass jars can be turned into practical storage solutions for different areas of the home.