Plastic buckets are versatile and can be repurposed in a variety of creative ways around the home. Here are 5 creative ideas to give those old plastic buckets a second life:
1. DIY Planters
- What You’ll Need: Plastic bucket, drill (for drainage), potting soil, and plants.
- How to Do It:
- Drill a few holes at the bottom of the bucket for drainage.
- Fill it with potting soil and plant your favorite flowers, herbs, or even small vegetables.
- You can paint or decorate the bucket to match your home’s style, turning it into a colorful focal point on your porch, balcony, or windowsill.
- Why It’s Great: Large buckets make excellent planters, and the size gives you ample space for bigger plants or even a mini garden.
2. Under-Bed Storage
- What You’ll Need: Plastic bucket, lid (optional), labels.
- How to Do It:
- Repurpose the plastic bucket as a storage container for out-of-season clothing, shoes, or toys.
- Use the lid to keep dust out, and label the buckets to easily identify the contents.
- You can stack them under the bed to maximize space in a small room.
- Why It’s Great: It’s a space-efficient, easy way to keep items organized and out of sight while also making use of what would otherwise be wasted storage space.
3. Child’s Toy Storage
- What You’ll Need: Plastic bucket, colorful paint, or fabric (optional).
- How to Do It:
- Clean the bucket and then decorate it with non-toxic paint, stickers, or fabric to make it fun and appealing to kids.
- Use it to store toys, blocks, or art supplies. You can create themed buckets based on the type of toys, like a “LEGO” bucket or a “Puzzles” bucket.
- Why It’s Great: It keeps toys organized and easy to access, especially in a playroom or kids’ bedroom.
4. Laundry Basket
- What You’ll Need: Plastic bucket, a handle (optional), and a drill.
- How to Do It:
- Drill small holes along the sides of the bucket to allow airflow and prevent odors from building up in your laundry.
- If it doesn’t already have a handle, you can attach one to make it easier to carry.
- Use it as a laundry basket for sorting clothes or even for a smaller batch of laundry that needs washing.
- Why It’s Great: It’s a cost-effective solution to buying a laundry basket, especially for smaller spaces like apartments.
5. Pet Feeder/Water Station
- What You’ll Need: Plastic bucket, pet food, water bowl, or pet-friendly paint (optional).
- How to Do It:
- Turn the bucket into a feeding station for your pets by filling it with their food or water.
- You can even use multiple buckets for different types of food or treats.
- For a more customized look, paint the bucket with pet-safe paint and label it with your pet’s name.
- Why It’s Great: It keeps your pet’s food and water neatly stored in one place and is easy to clean. Plus, it’s a fun and unique way to repurpose an old bucket!
Bonus Idea: Compost Bin
- What You’ll Need: Plastic bucket with a lid, drill.
- How to Do It:
- Drill holes around the bucket to allow air to circulate and prevent odor build-up.
- Use it as a mini compost bin for kitchen scraps. Place it in a discreet spot, and dump your vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, or yard waste into it.
- Why It’s Great: It’s an eco-friendly option for composting, and a great way to reduce waste while creating nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Repurposing plastic buckets in your home not only helps you save money, but it’s also a sustainable way to reduce waste and unleash your creativity. Whether it’s for storage, decor, or gardening, these buckets can find a new life in almost every room!
