Ethan Clarke
Plastic storage bins are incredibly versatile and can be repurposed for a variety of uses around the home and garden. From storage and organisation to DIY projects, old plastic bins can be given a new lease of life with a little creativity. Whether you're looking to decorate your bins to match your home decor or transform them into something new, there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to repurpose plastic storage bins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use as a garden planter | Drill holes at the bottom for water flow |
| Home organisation | Stack and label them for an organised art centre |
| Storage | Store items like art supplies, Lego, shoes, sewing supplies, etc. |
| Decor | Cover with fabric, add craft feet, handles, etc. |
| Cat essentials | Use as a litter box or a play area |
| Ottoman | Attach padding to the lid and cover with fabric |
| First aid kit | Fill with band-aids, antiseptic, ointment, etc. |
| Cooler | Fill an empty, clean milk jug with water and freeze |
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What You'll Learn
Use as a garden planter
Plastic storage bins can be transformed into charming garden planters with just a few simple steps. Firstly, select a durable plastic bin that can withstand the elements and has, or can have, drainage holes added at the bottom for water flow. Before planting, thoroughly clean the bin to eliminate any debris or residues. If you are using a clear bin, you may wish to apply a coat of weather-resistant paint to add a splash of colour and protect your plants from excessive sunlight. To add a touch of elegance, you could attach craft feet to the bottom of the bin to raise it off the ground and enhance its overall appearance.
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Make a cat play area
Plastic storage bins can be repurposed in a variety of ways, one of which is to create a play area for your cat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a cat play area using plastic storage bins:
Firstly, source some large plastic bins and stack them securely on top of each other, using a hot glue gun to hold them in place. To make the play area accessible to your cat, cut an opening in the front of each bin. You can then fill the bins with fabric for your cat to lay on, or leave them empty so your cat can play inside.
To make the play area more enticing, you could add some empty cardboard toilet roll tubes. Stuff each tube with tissue paper and treats or catnip, and let your cat play, shred, and chew to their heart's delight. This will help to satisfy their natural hunting instincts. You could also try hiding treats in different areas of the play area for your cat to find, or scattering some empty boxes for them to play in and sneak up on their prey.
If you want to get really creative, you could cut some small holes in the sides of the bins and thread some string or ribbon through for your cat to play with. Just be sure to supervise them to avoid any accidents. With a bit of imagination, you can create a fun and stimulating play area for your cat using plastic storage bins and some simple household items.
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Create a Lego storage system
If you're looking to repurpose a plastic storage bin to create a Lego storage system, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you can sort and store your Lego bricks by colour. Large plastic storage bins can be used for this purpose, and you can even purchase inserts that slide into IKEA's cubed shelving system, making it easier to access and organise your Lego collection. Alternatively, you can create a custom storage rack out of wood, using plastic storage bins as drawers. This DIY system utilises wooden rails to support the lip of the containers, allowing them to slide in and out smoothly.
Another option is to use plastic storage bins for auxiliary storage. These bins can be purchased in various sizes to fit your space and can accommodate larger Lego pieces or even sealed sets that you haven't built yet. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, dollar stores offer a range of plastic storage bins in different sizes that can be used for Lego storage. Additionally, consider using small plastic bags to store your Lego bricks. The recommended size is 3 x 5 inches, as they are cost-effective and can hold a good number of pieces.
For those with a large Lego collection, it is advisable to invest in a proper storage solution. One suggestion is to use the Akro-Mils drawers, which are popular among Lego enthusiasts due to their durability and ability to further subdivide drawers with plastic dividers. If you're looking for a more aesthetically pleasing option, you can cover your plastic storage bins with fabric that complements your decor. This can be easily achieved using Mod Podge glue and fabrics such as old towels or linen.
Lastly, to make your Lego storage system even more efficient, consider adding labels to the sides of each bin. This can be done by printing labels on paper, cutting them out, and taping them to the bins. While this method may be time-consuming for a large collection, it is a cost-effective way to test out a labelling system before committing to more durable options.
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Store art and craft supplies
Plastic storage bins are a great way to store art and craft supplies. They are versatile and can be used to store a variety of items, from paintbrushes and crayons to ribbons and sewing supplies.
If you have a lot of smaller items, such as beads, buttons, or feathers, you can use smaller plastic containers to sort and organize them. Label each container so you know exactly what is inside, and store them in a drawer or stack them on a shelf. This will help you stay organized and easily find what you need for your next project.
For those who enjoy knitting or sewing, plastic bins can be transformed into yarn boxes by simply poking a few small holes in the lid. This allows you to organize your yarn by color or type and feed it through the holes, preventing tangles and keeping your yarn accessible.
Larger plastic storage bins can be used to store bulkier items such as sketchbooks, canvases, or gift-wrapping supplies. You can even create a mobile art cart by attaching caster wheels to a bin, making it easy to move your supplies around as needed.
Don't forget that you can decorate your plastic storage bins to match your style or the decor of your space. Cover them with fabric, paint them, or add decals to give them a personal touch and make them blend seamlessly into your creative area.
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Make an ottoman
Building your own storage ottoman is a fun project that can be completed in half a day and is a great way to repurpose a plastic storage bin. You can customise the ottoman to match your décor and experiment with different fabrics to achieve your desired look.
To build an ottoman, you will need to cut the plywood for the base, top, and bottom. Cut and glue the four sides together to form the base box, then drill pilot holes and secure the pieces with screws. Cut and install pine cleats and reinforcing pine blocks inside the box. Drill and screw the bottom piece to the cleats.
Next, cut the batting and upholstery fabric to wrap the base. Spray the back of the fabric with adhesive and stick the batting onto it. Spray the batting and wrap the fabric around the box, stapling it in place.
For the lid, cut high-density foam to size and use spray adhesive to stick it to the plywood. Choose a durable upholstery fabric such as leather or suede and cut it to size, leaving 2-3 inches of fabric to hang over the edges. Insert poly foam between the fabric and the lid, then staple the fabric in place.
Finally, attach the lid to the box using a piano hinge. Position anti-skid pads to keep the ottoman in place and screw them in with a power drill. Tap in upholstery tacks to secure any excess fabric and align them with the bottom of the ottoman for a uniform look.
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Frequently asked questions
You can cut and stick fabric on the outside of the bin using spray adhesive or Mod Podge glue. You can also add craft feet to the bottom of the bin for an elegant look.
You can repurpose a plastic storage bin as a litter box or a play area for your cat. For the litter box, you will need a box cutter, duct tape, and stair-tread carpet. For the play area, stack large plastic bins on top of each other using a hot glue gun and cut an opening in the front of each bin. You can fill the bins with fabric for your cat to lounge on.
Plastic storage bins can be used to store your kids' Legos, art supplies, shoes, and other toys. You can also label and decorate the bins to make them more vibrant and fun.
Plastic storage bins can be repurposed as garden planters. Ensure the bins are durable and have drainage holes at the bottom for water flow. You can also apply a coat of weather-resistant paint to add colour and protect the plants from excessive sunlight.
