Repurposing Glass Jars: 7 Practical Uses From Professional Organizers

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Empty glass jars, often discarded after finishing food products, offer a surprising number of functional and cost-effective uses around the home. Instead of tossing them into recycling, consider repurposing them. Professional organizers share seven creative ways to maximize their utility, reducing clutter and saving money in the process.

Desk Organization Made Easy

A cluttered workspace hinders productivity. Empty glass jars provide simple, clear storage for office supplies like pens, paperclips, and markers. According to Eryn Donaldson, founder of The Model Home, the transparency of glass makes it easy to locate items quickly, streamlining workflow and minimizing distractions.

Craft Supply Storage

For those engaged in hobbies like knitting, painting, or jewelry-making, glass jars are ideal for organizing small parts. Buttons, beads, ribbons, and other craft materials can be neatly categorized and stored within labeled jars. This approach not only enhances functionality but also improves the aesthetic appeal of the craft space, making cleanup easier.

Bathroom Organization

Skip the expense of plastic bathroom canisters and repurpose glass jars instead. Angela Mai, founder of Organized Calm, recommends using them to store everyday essentials like toothbrushes, cotton balls, makeup brushes, and even bath salts. This solution is both practical and visually appealing, adding a touch of style to bathroom countertops.

Hardware Storage

Garages and supply closets often accumulate loose screws, nails, and small hardware parts. Glass jars offer an effective way to keep these items organized and sorted by size and type. Proper labeling ensures easy identification and prevents wasted time searching through mixed containers.

Family Rituals: Gratitude Jars and Chore Assignments

Beyond storage, glass jars can facilitate positive family habits. Layne Brookshire, founder of Ms. Placed Professional Organizing, suggests using a jar as a “gratitude jar,” where family members write down daily appreciations on small pieces of paper. Alternatively, jars can be used to assign chores in a fun, visible way.

Indoor Gardening

Glass jars can be transformed into mini indoor gardens. They function well as vases, succulent planters (with rocks for drainage), terrariums, or even DIY herb gardens. This brings a touch of nature indoors while repurposing materials that would otherwise be discarded.

Kitchen Utensil Holders

Finally, glass jars are perfect for kitchen use. Brookshire suggests turning them into utensil holders. Their easy-to-clean surfaces allow for periodic rinsing and can withstand dishwasher cycles, making them a durable and hygienic solution.

Repurposing glass jars offers a simple, sustainable way to declutter and organize homes without additional expense. The versatility of these containers makes them valuable tools for any household seeking efficiency and aesthetic improvement.