13 Creative Ways to Use Old Tupperware Containers Instead of Tossing Them

Tupperware is also ideal for keeping craft supplies and sewing essentials in order. Gill suggests labeling the lids with washi tape or a marker. “Keep buttons, beads, screws, and nails sorted in clear containers with their lids on. You can see what’s inside at a glance, and they stack neatly on a shelf,” she says.

“Small hardware like screws, nails, and miscellaneous parts can easily get lost in larger bins or drawers,” says Stephanie Treantos of Lemonaid Solutions. Instead, place them in Tupperware containers, so it’s easy to find what you need to tackle any home improvement project.

Need a good spot to store paint for craft projects? Gill suggests reserving a few containers for this purpose. “They work well for mixing paint, holding brushes while you work, or soaking hardware in cleaning solution. Once they’ve been used for projects, keep them out of the kitchen,” Gill advises.

When it comes to travel organizers, Tupperware containers with tight-fitting lids are the way to go, says Gill. “Use them for toiletries like cotton swabs and pads, jewelry, chargers and cables, or snacks for the car or plane,” she suggests. “They keep loose items from rattling around your suitcase, and a hard-sided container protects fragile things like earrings.”

And if you’re planning to pack anything that could potentially leak, double-check that the lids are secure.

Ever done laundry, only to become frustrated by not having a place to put all the random items from your pants pockets? Well, Kinsella says your old Tupperware can easily do the trick.

“Keep a small open container near the hamper or washing machine for coins, hair ties, receipts, and other little bits and bobs you find while checking pockets,” she explains. “It gives those items a consistent temporary landing spot instead of leaving them scattered across your washer or dryer. When it’s full, toss what you don’t need and put the rest back where it belongs.”

Wrapping all of those holiday presents will be way less stressful if you know exactly where your finishing touches are located. “Use the containers to hold things like gift tags, mini bows, tape, and ribbon,” says Treantos.

We all have small items that tend to consume space on a tabletop or in a drawer. Rather than buying new storage solutions, try using old Tupperware to keep clutter at bay.

“Lidless containers are an easy way to corral small items in a junk drawer, desk, or bathroom vanity,” says Gill. “Group like things together, like batteries, rubber bands, or makeup, and use different sizes to fit the space.”

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Those plastic utensils you keep on hand for parties shouldn’t take up your cabinet space. Laura Cattano recommends placing them in old Tupperware that can be stacked on higher shelves in your cabinet or pantry. “They’ll be in one place, and they don’t have to be perfectly neat,” she says.

Activity kits can keep kids entertained when you’re on the move, whether it’s a family road trip or long flight. According to organizer Jennifer Du Bois, Tupperware can make assembling these grab-and-go kits a breeze.

“Fill each container with items that support a single activity, like a small coloring book, crayons, and stickers or play dough, cutters, and molds, says Du Bois, founder of Home With Jen D. “And as an added bonus, the lid can double as a work surface.”

Instead of hanging bracelets and necklaces in your closet, consider keeping them organized in Tupperware containers. “They can be stacked on shelves, and since they're clear, you can see what's inside,” says Cattano.

She also suggests categorizing them by style—think options for the beach, special occasions, and work.