Every time you finish a jar of jam, a bottle of sauce, or a container of yogurt, you might be throwing away one of the most useful items in your home.
Reusing jars and containers is not only a great way to reduce waste—it also opens the door to creative, functional, and budget-friendly home organization and decoration.
Whether you live in a small apartment or a large home, these versatile items can be transformed into stylish storage solutions and beautiful decorative accents.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to clean and repurpose jars and containers, organize every room with them, and create charming DIY decor that reflects your personal style—all while saving money and helping the environment.
Why Reuse Instead of Tossing?
Reusing jars and containers has benefits that go far beyond “going green.” It’s about creating a home that works smarter and looks great—with minimal cost.
Top benefits:
- Saves money by replacing store-bought organizers
- Reduces waste and landfill contributions
- Encourages creativity through DIY projects
- Creates customized organization suited to your home
- Supports a sustainable lifestyle with zero-waste principles
With just a few simple tools and materials, the humble jar becomes one of the most useful items in your home.
How to Clean and Prep Jars for Reuse
Before repurposing any container, you’ll want to clean it properly and remove labels for a polished look.
Step 1: Remove Labels
- Fill the jar with hot water and soak the outside in warm soapy water.
- Use a sponge or razor scraper to peel off the label.
- For sticky residue, rub with:
- A paste of baking soda and coconut oil
- Lemon essential oil
- Rubbing alcohol
Step 2: Clean Thoroughly
- Wash with hot, soapy water
- Use a bottle brush for deep cleaning
- For strong food smells, soak with vinegar or baking soda overnight
Step 3: Sterilize (Optional)
If you’re using jars for food storage:
- Boil for 10 minutes or run through the dishwasher on high heat
Now your jars and containers are clean, neutral, and ready to become part of your home system.
Types of Containers You Can Reuse
You’d be surprised at how many household containers can be reused creatively:
Glass Jars:
- Jam, salsa, pesto, pickles, olives, baby food, sauces
Plastic Containers:
- Yogurt, butter, sour cream, deli containers
Metal Tins:
- Tea, coffee, mints, cookies, chocolates
Bottles:
- Glass soda bottles, wine bottles, syrup bottles
Boxes:
- Cardboard cereal boxes, tissue boxes, shoeboxes
Specialty Containers:
- Candle jars, spice jars, mason jars
Save a variety of shapes and sizes—you’ll find uses for all of them.
How to Use Reused Jars and Containers for Organization
Let’s break down room-by-room how these humble items can help bring order to your home.
Kitchen & Pantry
Jars are perfect for pantry storage because they are airtight, stackable, and see-through.
Uses:
- Dry goods like rice, pasta, beans, and grains
- Baking ingredients (sugar, flour, baking soda)
- Spices (with labeled lids or shaker tops)
- Homemade snacks (trail mix, granola, popcorn)
- Prepped ingredients (chopped garlic, sauce leftovers)
- Coffee and tea station jars
Tips:
- Label everything with chalk markers, stickers, or tags
- Use uniform jar heights for a clean, aesthetic look
- Store lids separately if you stack jars inside drawers
Bathroom
Small jars help eliminate countertop clutter and create a spa-like aesthetic.
Uses:
- Cotton balls, swabs, pads
- Bath salts or homemade scrubs
- Hair ties, clips, and bobby pins
- Travel-size toiletries
- Toothbrushes in a decorative jar
Bonus: Add a ribbon or label and display on open shelving.
Bedroom & Closet
Turn containers into organizers for accessories, daily essentials, and more.
Uses:
- Jewelry storage: rings, earrings, bracelets
- Watches or glasses on a nightstand
- Coin jars or small cash storage
- Perfume sample bottles or makeup brushes
- Socks and undergarments in larger bins
Decor idea: Paint or spray lids with gold or matte black for an elegant look.
Home Office
Declutter your workspace and keep everything you need at your fingertips.
Uses:
- Pen and pencil holders
- Paper clips, rubber bands, pushpins
- Cables and chargers (use large jars with wide mouths)
- USBs, SD cards, and tech accessories
- Receipts or notes stored in labeled tins
Creative tip: Use different colored jars for categorizing supplies.
Craft Room
A haven for reused jars! Organize your creative supplies efficiently and attractively.
Uses:
- Beads, buttons, googly eyes
- Paintbrushes and small tools
- Paints, glues, adhesives
- Ribbon, lace, thread spools
- Sewing needles, safety pins
Mount small jars under shelves using their lids for extra space-saving.
Kids’ Room
Teach kids organization and sustainability through fun, simple systems.
Uses:
- Crayons, colored pencils, markers
- Lego pieces by color or type
- Stickers, trading cards, small toys
- Lunch box storage for homemade snacks
- Tooth fairy jar or special memory jar
Tip: Let kids decorate their own storage jars with paint or washi tape.
Entryway
Keep your drop zone neat with small containers for daily essentials.
Uses:
- Keys
- Sunglasses
- Loose change
- Pet leashes or treats
- Mail sorting or pen holder
Use a tray to group jars and add structure.
How to Decorate Reused Jars for Style
Make reused jars feel like intentional décor instead of leftovers.
Simple decoration ideas:
- Wrap with twine, ribbon, or lace
- Paint the outside with chalk paint for a matte finish
- Spray-paint lids or entire jars
- Glue on beads, shells, or buttons
- Use washi tape or decoupage
- Add chalkboard labels or custom tags
Seasonal themes:
- Fall: wrap with burlap and add dried flowers
- Winter: add pinecones, faux snow, cinnamon sticks
- Spring: pastel paint and fresh flowers
- Summer: seashells and beach sand for centerpieces
Jars can double as candle holders, vases, or lanterns with just a few tweaks.
Fun and Unique Projects with Reused Jars
Looking for more than storage? Here are some creative ideas:
1. DIY Terrarium:
Layer pebbles, activated charcoal, soil, and a small succulent for a low-maintenance plant display.
2. Memory Jar:
Write one good thing each week on a slip of paper and store it in a labeled jar. Open at the end of the year.
3. Homemade Gifts:
Fill with homemade cookies, bath salts, or candles and decorate with a custom label.
4. Spice Rack Upgrade:
Mount baby food jars under a shelf, fill with spices, and label the bottoms.
5. Emergency Kits:
Store first aid items, sewing kits, or car supplies in jars and keep them handy.
Safety Tips for Reusing Containers
- Avoid reusing plastic containers for hot foods or microwave use unless labeled microwave-safe
- Check glass jars for cracks or chips before using
- Do not reuse jars that previously held toxic substances
- Wash thoroughly to prevent mold or bacteria buildup
- For food storage, avoid using metal containers with rust or damage
Final Thoughts: Small Jars, Big Impact
Reusing jars and containers isn’t just about cutting waste—it’s about rethinking how we interact with our space. With a little creativity, that empty pickle jar becomes a bathroom organizer. A yogurt tub becomes craft storage. A cookie tin becomes a holiday gift box.
Start today by saving your next glass jar. Clean it, label it, and find it a home. Soon you’ll have a collection of useful, beautiful organizers that cost nothing and save everything.
Márcio Luzardo is the creator of Dromiya, a site dedicated to practical home care and everyday living tips. Passionate about simplicity, organization, and smart routines, he shares clear, useful content to help people take better care of their homes with less stress and more confidence.
His goal is to make your daily life easier—one clean room, one helpful tip at a time.