How to Repurpose Plastic Containers for Smart, Sustainable Organization

• What Are Repurposed Containers?
• Why Reusing Plastic Containers Matters
• How to Repurpose a Plastic Container
• What to Do With Hard Plastic Containers
• Smart Ways to Repurpose Plastic Containers Around the Home
• How to Reuse Plastic Containers for DIY Storage Projects
• Repurposed Containers and Self-Storage: A Perfect Combo
• How to Store Repurposed Plastic Containers in a Storage Unit
• Sustainable Storage Options at CubeSmart

Staying organized doesn’t always require buying something new. Repurposed containers make it easy to create order in a sustainable, budget-friendly way. Whether you need bins for home organization or containers for your storage unit, you’d be surprised by what you can find around the house. Here are some ideas to help you repurpose plastic containers you already have for everyday storage.

What Are Repurposed Containers?

Repurposed containers come in many shapes, sizes, and types. Practically any plastic items, from bins and tubs to bottles and jugs, can be reused for a new purpose rather than discarded.

Learning how to reuse plastic can help you turn old containers into functional organizing solutions. An added benefit: reusing plastic containers is eco-friendly and cost-effective. 

Why Reusing Plastic Containers Matters

Through small habits in reusing and recycling, we can reduce waste that ends up in landfills and conserve resources and emissions that are used to generate new products. Reusing plastic containers matters, given that over 146 million tons of waste ended up in landfills in the U.S. in 2018, the most recent year for which comprehensive national data is available.

When you repurpose plastic containers, you not only help the environment but also improve your organizational habits. Repurposed plastic containers are an ideal custom storage solution to keep smaller items contained, yet accessible.

How to Repurpose a Plastic Container

Learning how to reuse plastic isn’t complicated. Here are four steps to get you started with reusing plastic containers.

1. Choose, Clean, and Prep Your Containers: Hard plastic containers are best to reuse, but thin, bendable plastics could be helpful in some cases. Look for a container that’s the right size for what you want to store. Then clean it by washing it with water and soap or a gentle detergent. 
2. Remove Any Labels and Sanitize: Remove any existing labels to avoid confusion when organizing later. Soak the containers in hot water with dish soap to soften labels for easy removal. Use rubbing alcohol to break down label glue. Then sanitize, if needed, with rubbing alcohol or bleach. 
3. Find Some Repurpose Inspiration: What should you put in your containers? They’re great for craft supplies, planters, pet treats, holiday decor, and much more. Repurposed containers are also an effective way to pre-sort items before placing them in a storage unit.
4. Make Your Container Fit Your Needs: You can cut or reshape bottles or bins to make them more useful. Mark where you want to cut, leaving a little extra room so you can fine-tune the shape later. Use sharp scissors or a box cutter to cut through the plastic. If the edges are rough, lightly sanding them can help smooth things out.

What to Do with Hard Plastic Containers

The durability of hard plastic containers makes them perfect for repurposing. Here are a few ideas we love.

• Create Long-Term Organizers: Thicker bottles, storage crates, and old bins work well for organizing closets, pantries, utility spaces, and storage lockers. Their sturdy design allows you to categorize and label items, while their open shape makes it easy to grab what you need.
• Fashion Stackable Storage Systems: Many hard plastic containers are easily stackable, allowing you to maximize vertical space in garages, basements, or closets. Just remember to put heavier items on the bottom so their weight doesn’t damage more delicate items.
• Use Them for Packing and Transport: Hard plastics retain their shape during transport, helping prevent items from shifting or being crushed while in transit for a move or to a self-storage unit. If you’re working through a big decluttering project, they can be helpful as sorting bins.
• Donate or Upcycle Extras: You might not find a purpose for every plastic container.  Consider donating your extras to a local “buy-nothing” group. Or you could try upcycling them into various crafting projects, another way to help keep plastics out of landfills.

Smart Ways to Repurpose Plastic Containers Around the Home

From the kitchen and kids’ rooms to the garage and garden, repurposed plastic containers provide great storage options. Smaller containers are great for storing nails and screws or organizing snacks in the pantry. Bigger bins are helpful for storing toys or keeping garden planters at the ready. 

If you’re looking to declutter, here are some ways to repurpose plastic containers throughout the home. 

• Repurpose Protein Powder Containers as Compost Bins. Instead of spending $30 or more on a compost bin for your kitchen, give an empty protein powder jug a new life. The twist-on lid is perfect for keeping any food smells contained.
• Use Plastic Berry Containers for Seed Starters: If you have a green thumb, berry containers are the perfect repurposed containers for your garden. The lightly ventilated enclosure creates a greenhouse environment ideal for delicate seedlings. You can reuse these mini greenhouses throughout the season.
• Turn Laundry Detergent Bottles into Organizers for Kids’ Books or Magazines: Magazine holders are great for easy access to reading material, but they can become costly when you need a lot of them. Make your own by cutting diagonal or U-shaped cuts in laundry detergent bottles. Not only does it keep bookshelves tidy, but it can also serve as a practical toy storage idea.
• Reuse Plastic Containers as Drawer Organizers: Small plastic containers are a great way to add compartments to drawers, keeping items like hair ties, jewelry, and other small items separated. Just cut them down to fit the drawer.
• Make Bathroom Toiletry Holders from Empty Milk Jugs: If you have a lot of partially used toiletries crowding your counterspace, drop them into a gallon milk jug with the top cut off. Or use this to store pet grooming items you only need occasionally. 

How to Reuse Plastic Containers for DIY Storage Projects

With endless customization possibilities, repurposed plastic containers are perfect for DIY storage projects. Here are a few tips for repurposing plastic containers and streamlining organization at home or in a storage unit.

• Keep Small Items Organized with Ice Cube Trays: One of our favorite office storage ideas is to repurpose old ice cube trays into organizers for paperclips, thumb-tacks, and rubber bands. These can also keep nails, screws, and other small hardware contained. Since they are stackable, ice cube trays are perfect for use in larger boxes.
• Turn Buckets into “Grab-and-Go” Kits: Once cleaned thoroughly, these containers are ideal for storing items such as cleaning supplies, tools, cables, and more. You can even use them for emergency kits stocked with blankets, batteries, and flashlights. Their handles make them easy to transport, and their sturdy construction makes them ideal for the garage or storage unit. 
• Decorate or Label Containers in Creative Ways: Decorating and labeling storage bins helps make contents easily recognizable, especially bins holding holiday or seasonal decor. You can wrap the bin in seasonal wrapping paper, use paint and stencils, or decorate it with stickers. You’re working with repurposed materials, so you don’t have to worry about “messing up.”

Repurposed Containers and Self-Storage: A Perfect Combo

From holiday decor and seasonal clothing to books and household items you don’t use daily, repurposed containers are great for transporting items to a storage unit or locker and for keeping things organized once there. 

Repurposed containers are a great way to stay organized in your storage unit without overspending. Clear containers make retrieval easier in storage units, and plastic tubs can be stacked vertically to maximize space. If you’re using thin plastic containers, consider a climate-controlled storage unit.*

How to Store Repurposed Plastic Containers in a Storage Unit

When storing repurposed containers in a storage unit, thoughtful setup makes a big difference. Stack heavier bins on the bottom and lighter containers on top to avoid crushing. You’ll also want to label items as clearly and consistently as possible, so you know what’s in the container without digging through it. 

Over time, plastic can dry out and crack, whether repurposed or brand new. Climate-controlled storage* helps keep items stored properly over time, even if they’re stored in thin or cracked plastic. However, if your repurposed plastic containers start to fall apart when moving items around, consider upgrading to newer materials. 

Sustainable Storage Options at CubeSmart 

Knowing how to repurpose plastic containers is a great way to reduce waste and improve your organization at home. When you still need a bit more space, CubeSmart offers a variety of storage options, from storage lockers to boat storage, so you can find the perfect solution for your needs. Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.

*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.