As homesteaders, we’re known for our practical approach to life. While some things may warrant a dash of flair, others simply require a solution that gets the job done efficiently. The indoor hacks that follow fit squarely into the latter category – they’re quick, easy fixes that utilize items you already have on hand, requiring zero financial investment and minimal time commitment (think 5 minutes or less).
If you’re feeling extra creative, go ahead and add your own personal touch to these ideas!
Practical Indoor Homesteading Hacks
Mail Packaging Re-purposed
I’m guilty of frequent Amazon shopping, often resulting in a stash of puffy mailer pouches. These paper and bubble wrap hybrids are neither recyclable nor biodegradable, which prompted me to seek alternative uses. A little creativity can transform these otherwise disposable items into functional and eco-friendly solutions.
One such adaptation is the Easy Earring Organizer. Simply combine a skirt hanger with a mailing pouch and spend a few minutes arranging your earrings.
Hang your new organizer at the end of your closet or on the back of a door for easy access. For an added touch, decorate the envelope with craft paints or frame it using scraps from your ribbon collection.
Another innovative use is as an Ice Pack Insulator. When muscle sprains and strains strike our homestead, we find that alternating heat and cold applications hasten recovery.
To create a homemade ice pack, wrap a freezer bag filled with ice in one of these mailer bags for effective insulation.
Finally, these pouches can be repurposed as Seed Storage containers. The bubble wrap provides excellent protection around your seeds, allowing you to use a marker to label the contents on the outside. Alternatively, add some visual flair by painting or decoupaging images of the seed types or catalog descriptions onto the pouch.
You might even involve kids in the decorating process!
Egg Carton Organization
Egg cartons, a seemingly mundane item, have become a treasure trove of creative possibilities in my household. While I do need some for storing eggs, it’s the ingenious ways my friends and family utilize them that inspire me to think outside the box – or should I say, carton? I’ve found four particularly clever uses for egg cartons that not only declutter my jewelry box but also support the growth of new life.
Firstly, I sort my necklaces into categories – fancy, everyday, and so on – by storing them in labeled egg cartons. This simple hack keeps my accessories organized and visually appealing. You can adapt this technique to store rings, earrings, and select bracelets as well. In another creative twist, I use egg cartons to start seeds for plants with shallow root systems or those that are slow to germinate.
This eco-friendly method has become a reliable way to nurture the next generation of my favorite veggies. Just be mindful not to use them for tap-rooted vegetables, as they might not provide sufficient depth. But what’s truly remarkable is how this humble carton can be transformed into a self-watering seed starting system. Simply poke two holes at the bottom of each egg cell in the Styrofoam cartons, cut off the top, and fill it with water.
Place the top half beneath the lower half, then fill the cells with soil. As the seeds grow, their roots will learn to reach deep for moisture, just as they would in nature. And, of course, don’t forget to supplement with occasional watering from above. This innovative approach has revolutionized my seed starting process and encouraged me to think creatively about resourcefulness.
Old Sweater Storage
I have a confession to make: I’m a sweater hoarder. I just can’t bring myself to part with my favorite cozy tops, no matter how worn they may be. So, instead of letting them go, I find new ways to repurpose them. Like turning them into storage bags!
Beat the Blue Jeans Blues
As I’m sure many of us do, I have a habit of wearing out my jeans over the course of a year or two before repurposing them into something new. After cutting them into shorts, I use them for a few more seasons before ultimately using them as mulch in my garden. But before you toss those old pant legs away, take a minute to consider the many creative ways you can reuse them.
In just about 5 minutes, you can transform them into a range of useful items that will reduce waste and add some rustic charm to your home. One idea is to create a lumbar support for your favorite chairs by stuffing the pant leg with old t-shirts or fabric scraps, then securing it with rubber bands. You can even add some decorative flair by cutting off the seam at the ankle and running the legs through the dryer to fray them slightly before filling.
Another use for these old pant legs is as a drafty door fix. Simply cut two of the legs to the desired length, stuff them with rags or fabric scraps, and secure them in place with rubber bands. You can also add some decorative touches like ribbons or iron-on patches if you want to give your door a bit more personality. If you’re looking for a way to get a head start on your spring planting, consider using old pant legs as planters.
Simply cut the legs into the desired size, use rubber bands or twine to close the bottom, and cuff the top to create a sturdy container. Fill with soil, add some water and seeds, and you’re ready to go. Finally, if you have any areas of your garden where weeds are prone to growing, consider using old pant legs as a natural mulch. Simply slit the legs open along the seam, lay them out on the area in question, and cover with rocks or hardwood mulch to hold them in place.
This will prevent weeds from growing for up to 3 years, depending on your climate.
Clothespins to the Rescue
I’m absolutely enthralled by the versatility of clothespins – they’re not just limited to doing laundry! In fact, I’ve discovered a multitude of creative ways to repurpose them around the homestead. Take, for instance, the humble necklace holder. By combining some twine, a few clothespins, and an over-the-door hook (or any other hanging device), you can create a simple yet effective sorter for those pesky necklaces that refuse to fit in egg crates. But the possibilities don’t stop there!
I’ve also found that clothespins make excellent sticky notes. Simply attach them to a string or twine, and use them to hang reminders or to-do lists on your fridge or any other convenient spot. And why not give old junk mail or receipts new life by writing notes on their backs and then pinning them up for later reference? In my household, clothespins have even found a role in the glove department – or rather, the glove sorter.
My furry friend has a knack for snatching my gardening gloves, so I’ve taken to hanging them up on an over-the-door hanger using twine and clothespins. This nifty system not only keeps the gloves organized but also prevents them from getting all soggy and mildewy after a rainy day. Finally, no discussion of clothespin hacks would be complete without mentioning their potential as makeshift chip clips.
By folding your bag over and securing it with a trusty clothespin, you can keep those pesky snacks fresh and within reach. And the best part? This versatile solution can also double as a bag holder for freezer veggies, cheese culture bags, or any other containers that require a bit of extra grip.
Pining About Twine (String, Ribbon, etc.)
Twine’s versatility knows no bounds! Beyond its practical uses on the homestead, this humble material can be repurposed in creative ways to salvage and enhance everyday items. Take, for instance, overstuffed drawers. Over time, their paperboard bottoms may begin to sag, threatening to spill their contents onto the floor. A clever solution is to employ a length of twine, carefully tied around the center of the drawer, to prevent this from happening.
And why not take it up a notch by using a decorative twine or ribbon that complements your dresser’s aesthetic? You can even add some flourishes to make the fix a stylish part of your furniture’s design. Similarly, if you’re in need of a curtain rod but lack the necessary hardware, don’t worry! Simply find a suitable branch, attach it to the wall with screws, and then use twine to secure your curtain or shower curtain to this makeshift rod.
Better Ways to Use Baggies
When it comes to storing food, I’m a fan of reusable and recyclable options. However, when it comes to organizing my personal items, like underwear and office supplies, I turn to trusty baggies. The transparency of these bags makes it easy to see what’s inside without having to dig through the contents, and they tend to last a long time. This system also keeps similar items together and prevents accidental tangles or snags.
For example, I keep my lingerie in separate bags to prevent any delicate items from getting damaged. In the office, baggies help me stay organized by keeping supplies like paperclips and staples clean and easy to find. The best part is that when it’s time to do some tidying up, all I need to do is pull out the bags and wipe down the drawer. No more scrubbing away at crumbs and mystery stains! In addition, baggies make inventory a breeze.
When it comes to batteries, I also use this system to keep track of which ones are ready to use, recharge, or recycle. This saves me time and frustration in the long run.
Salad Servers
I’ve received wooden salad servers as gifts from friends and family, but I never quite knew what to do with them beyond using them for their intended purpose. That was until I stumbled upon two creative ways to repurpose these decorative yet non-dishwasher safe utensils.
One clever hack is to transform the curved shape of the spoon into a DIY coat rack. To do this, find a sturdy stud in your wall and screw a screw through the spoon area of the server, securing it firmly.
The handle side then becomes a hook for hanging coats. A word of caution: spork-style servers tend to split, so pre-drilling holes does help prevent damage.
The second upcycling idea is to turn the salad server into a hand towel holder. Simply place the server horizontally and screw another screw underneath to prevent it from rotating and dropping your towels. Fold your towels in thirds and hang them over the arm for a tidy display.
For an extra touch, apply wood putty over the screw head and stain or color it with mascara once dry.
Wine Bottle Makeover
While wine bottles are often associated with sipping and savoring, they also have a multitude of practical uses beyond the realm of refreshment. One creative solution is to repurpose them as a tape and rubber band dispenser. By wrapping masking tape, duct tape, or electrical tape around the bottle, you can create a convenient storage system for your various adhesive needs. To take it a step further, clip a clothespin to the top rim to keep smaller rolls of tape tidy and within reach.
Meanwhile, storing rubber bands at the bottom allows for easy access without having to disturb the tape rolls. This simple hack not only declutters your workspace but also adds a touch of whimsy to your daily routine. Another innovative use for wine bottles is as a storage vessel for vinegar extractions. By using the bottles as mini-laboratories, you can transform everyday ingredients into unique flavors in just a few minutes.
Once the extraction process is complete, you can transfer your flavored vinegar into the empty wine bottle and store it for long-term enjoyment.
Conclusion
Don’t let limited resources or time constraints hold you back from achieving your indoor homesteading aspirations. By dedicating just a few minutes each day to these simple, no-cost hacks, you can effortlessly boost your productivity and organization, making significant progress without breaking the bank or sacrificing precious time.
