Whether you are making getting organized one of your New Year’s resolutions or not, use these DIY organizing home hacks to bring some sanity to your space.

One of the biggest obstacles to getting organized is taking on too much at once. The key is to tackle small projects with east organizing home hacks. The other mistake many make is thinking it’s necessary to buy all new storage containers and goodies. Organizing does not need to cost money or involve buying new stuff that will one day just end up in the landfill.

Instead, get your stuff together buy repurposing and getting clever with DIY organizing home hacks.

Organizing Home Hacks

1. Magazine Holders

Magazine holders can be repurposed for a multiple of uses. After all, who has a subscription to print magazines anymore? One idea is to reuse magazine bins for cabinet storage to organize pot lids and create more space.

2. Double Duty Furniture

Getting organized can be as simple as providing more storage space. For example, a small chest of drawers can be used as a bedside table. Not only is it a handy place on which to place a lamp, but you can also store your tech and cords in the drawers.

3. Create a coffee/tea station

Morning is not the time to be disorganized–especially for those of us who need to get caffeinated to start the day. Use a tray to store your coffee and tea fixings on the counter right next to the coffee pot and/or electric kettle. And use an under cabinet storage bar on which to store your mugs, so everything is within reach.

4. Color Code Closet

Another organizing home hack that will help you get to work earlier is to color code your closet. Not only will be able to find your favorite blue blouse, but you just may realize that you really have enough black pants.

5. Drawer Organizers are Key

Drawer organizing is key. Growing up, we had what was called the “junk drawer,” but in reality every drawer was a junk drawer.  Baby food and other small jars are perfect for holding everything from bobby pins to thumbtacks. Paper boxes (like cereal boxes) can be used to keep pens and pencils together (measure your drawer to see at what height you should cut the box). And by the same token, individual yogurt cups can be repurposed to keep jewelry separated.

6. Ice Cube Tray Storage

Did you get a new refrigerator with an icemaker? Don’t throw out those ice cube trays–they work wonderfully to keep nails, screws, nuts and bolts and other hardware sorted and organized.

7. Shower Hook Storage

Shower hooks are super versatile too. They work smashingly to keep scarves, belts, and small purses organized. Not only will your closet look like less of a disaster, but you will also look fabulous wearing all those items that were once lost on the floor or stuffed in a drawer.

8. Repurposed Drawers

Getting rid of an older chest of drawers? Consider keeping the drawers to utilize them for under bed or sofa storage. Store extra blankets or sweaters handy but out of the way. If your bed isn’t high enough, try using risers!

9. Shoe Boxes

Whatever you do, do not throw out shoe boxes when buying a new pair of shoes. They are super versatile for DIY organizing home hacks. They work well for office storage–keep all your notecards, stamps, pens, and other stationery in a box to make it easier to send greetings.

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Go green this season (and save some money) by choosing repurposed wrapping paper alternatives.

If you are freaking out right now about getting everything done before the holidays, take chill pill. We’ve got your back–or at least we can help you with wrapping your gifts this year.

According to The Atlantic, we spend $2.6 billion annually on wrapping paper and much of it cannot be recycled as a result of the dyes, laminates, glitter, and other decorative materials that make up wrapping paper. Instead of wasting money on wrapping paper that will inevitably end up in the landfill, use repurposed alternatives found around your house, the craft store, or thrift stores. Can’t see how that would work? Read on to discover some super easy (and green) alternatives to using store-bought wrapping paper.

Alternatives to Wrapping Paper

1. Newspaper/Magazines

The most obvious choice for repurposed alternatives to wrapping paper is newspaper. Of course, many of us do not take part in paper delivery anymore, but it’s around. Try asking neighbors, co-workers, families, or friends.

2. Snack Bags

Get super clever with your gift packing by repurposing snack bags. Turn snack bags (like chip bags) inside out and clean them well. You can either use them as a bag or cut them along one side and the bottom to use a flat wrap.

3. Brown Paper

Nothing is simpler than brown paper packing. It works for all gift occasions–holidays, birthdays, weddings, housewarmings–and can be decorated with that special handmade touch. You can purchase extra large rolls of brown paper to keep on hand for gift wrapping, package stuffing, for covering the table for crafting time, and more.

4. Baskets

Baskets can easily be repurposed for holiday regifting and are ubiquitous at thrift stores and yard sales. Even Easter baskets will work, simply dip dye them in more winter holiday appropriate colors.

5. Tea Towels/Cloth Napkins

Give a gift within a gift by using a practical home textile like tea towels or cloth napkins to wrap a gift up in. Other ideas include handkerchiefs, hand towels, washcloths, dishcloths, and more.

6. Decoupaged Boxes

Repurpose food boxes (like cereal boxes) as gift boxes by decoupaging them with colorful paper like junk mail, newspapers, catalogs and more. Cereal boxes can easily be cut up and made into take-out style boxes using this clever tutorial.

7. Fancy Shopping Bags

Reuse those fancy shopping bags with the handles as gift bags. If you want to disguise them as store shops, easily cover over logos or lettering with repurposed paper like maps, sheet music, old holiday cards, and more.

8. Mason Jars

Of course, mason jars are perfect for food treats, but they can also work for for small gifts. Things like homemade soy votive candles or handmade jewelry gifts would also fit nicely nestled inside a repurposed mason jar.

9. Reusable Fabric Bags

If you are handy with a sewing machine, you can purchase (or repurpose) lightweight cotton fabrics and make reusable drawstring fabric gift bags.

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While it certainly seems like the emphasis is on buying at the holidays, it doesn’t have to be that way. After all, the focus of the holidays is family, and nothing brings us together like a DIY project. From homemade cookies to handmade gifts, previous generations knew that the secret to the holidays was keeping it simple–and not buying a bunch of stuff that will end up in the landfill — including holiday wreaths.

Keep the holidays handmade and decorate your home with these simple DIY holiday wreaths. Most likely you have some of these materials laying around your house already, or can easily source them from thrift stores, yard sales, or the recycling bin.

Repurposed DIY Holiday Wreath Ideas

1. Tinsel Garland Wreath

While tinsel garland is genuinely horrible stuff to buy new, the chances are that you have some taking up space in your holiday decoration storage bin. Or you might come across it at the thrift store. Wrap it around a wreath frame of your choice.

2. Christmas Ball Wreath

Somehow those of us who celebrate Christmas seem to end with more ball tree ornaments than we can use. Repurpose them by gluing them to a wreath frame for a festive front door wreath.

3. Wrapping Paper Wreath

I recently cleaned out the attic and discovered an old box of holiday wrapping paper. While it wasn’t ideal for use as gift wrap, it would have been perfect for making a decoupaged wrapping paper wreath!

4. Toilet Paper Tube Wreath

Believe it or not, toilet paper tubes are great fodder for DIYing up handmade goodies. Cut toilet paper tubes into sections (the thickness depends on your taste preference). Glue them together to form a wreath. Decorate with toilet paper snowflakes (tutorial found here).

5. Mason Jar Lid Wreath

Anyone who uses mason jars knows that the lids rust and are no longer suitable for food storage. They are ideal for repurposing, though. Firstly, paint them, decorate them with washi tape, cover them in fabric, or what have you. Then, string them on a large piece of ribbon for some colorful repurposing holiday cheer.

6. Cookie Cutter Wreath

By the same token, those old cookie cutters you were going to take to the thrift store can also be repurposed into a festive DIY holiday wreath.

7. Christmas Card Wreath

Have you ever wondered what to do with holiday cards after the holidays? Save them and turn them into next year’s holiday wreath, of course. The heavy cardstock makes cards the perfect material for cutting out shapes like poinsettias, mistletoe, trees and more. Old cookie cutters make the perfect templates too!

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Get into the holiday spirit with these easy peasy DIY holiday decorating ideas that you can put together in less than an afternoon. All that’s needed are some household items destined to be repurposed and little creativity.

10 Repurposed Holiday Decorating Ideas

1. Origami Wrapping Paper Ornaments – Leftover wrapping paper from holidays from years past is perfect to repurpose into origami ornaments.

2. Yoga Mat Door Mat – Have an extra yoga mat? Turn a yoga mat into a holiday-themed doormat with a box cutter, some spray paint, and letter stencils to spell out a holiday welcome.

3. Jar Light Displays – Repurpose glass jars into a festive light display with battery-powered mini LED string lights. Group a collection of jars for a seasonal light display centerpiece for your holiday gathering.

4. Mobile Tree – Using a large round embroidery hoop, tie strands of textiles and festive sewing notions like rickrack, glitter yarn and more for a low-maintenance “tree”. Add metallic holiday bulb ornaments for extra points.

5. Cardboard Tree – Anyone with pets will tell you that a Christmas tree can be tricky. Instead of worrying about the tree getting brought down by the cats, repurpose cardboard into a festive tree with a little creative spirit.

6. Fabric Advent Calendar – Repurpose textiles headed for the scrap bin into a DIY advent calendar with a little sewing know-how. Cut out shapes (star, circle, diamond) using a cardboard stencil. Sew two pieces of fabric together and stuff with batting. Add numbers with glitter paint. Use clothespins to hang from some Bakers’ twine for a homemade holiday countdown.

7. DIY Snow Globes – Mason jars that have seen one too many canning seasons (the jars do weaken from repeated use) can be repurposed into snow globes. Super Glue a holiday tchotchke on the bottom of the jar and fill it with a little glycerin, water, and glitter (the glycerin should keep the glitter from clumping).

8. Sheet Christmas Tree – Not into the whole bringing a live tree in the house or putting up a fake tree? Instead make a tree from a sheet (or tablecloth, bedspread, or another textile) that has gotten a little dingy. Use fabric dye to color the fabric green and then cut out a tree shape. Hang the tree from a curtain and use spray starch if needed.

9. Tiered Glassware and Plate Centerpiece – Repurpose glassware and plates that you might be giving to the thrift store into a tiered display centerpiece. Use Super Glue or epoxy to affix the glass to the plates. Add pine boughs, succulents, or votive with tealights to create a lovely DIY holiday centerpiece.

10. Cookie Cutter Ornaments – Don’t toss out those old cookie cutters! Instead, add a little spray paint and twine to create super easy DIY holiday ornaments.

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Updating your space doesn’t have to cost a bundle with easy (and cheap) DIY home decor projects.

Have a yearning to make some changes to your home decor, but don’t necessarily have the budget for big changes? Don’t get down, get busy. By undertaking some cheap and easy DIY home decor projects, you can make little changes that can have a big impact. And it’s totally possible for $25 or less per project.

To get you started, check out this sexy, simple, and super fun list of easy DIY home decor projects that can be completed on the cheap and in an afternoon or less.

Easy DIY Home Decor Projects Under $25

1. Wood Storage Boxes

Turn wooden storage crates into easy shadow box shelves to store your collectibles and knickknacks. Spray paint them with metallic paint for a super glam effect.

2. Embroidery Hoop Bulletin/Fabric Boards

Have embroidery hoops from abandoned embroidery projects from the past? Add fabric or cork to make useful bulletin boards. Group a cluster for a playful and practical project.

3. Spray Paint Lampshades

One easy way to update outdated or faded lampshades is to spray paint them. Use painters tape to create cool shapes or designs.

4. Lattice Wall Art

Looking to add some inexpensive wall art? Latticework, available at most home improvement stores, can be painted up and turned into cool geometric wall art.

5. Crown Moulding Drawer Front

Add a little pizzazz to plain drawer fronts with decorative crown moulding elements. One dramatic look is to paint your drawer fronts with milk paint and paint the crown moulding pieces in a contrasting color.

6. Painted Rug

Have a plain rug just calling out to be brought back to life? Use RIT dye and a foam brush to add designs like polka dots, chevrons, or others.

7. Painted Vase Grouping

By the same token, use glass markers to add designs to plain glass vases or other vessels. Add a grouping to a mantle or table as a centerpiece.

8. Decoupaged Window Blinds

One clever trick to update window blinds is to use Modge Podge to decoupage old maps, scrapbooking papers, wrapping paper and more on the blinds.

9. Lace Cornstarch Windows

An old trick to create decorative privacy windows is to use cornstarch paste to affix pieces of lace to window panes. Here is a handy tutorial for the lowdown.

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Whether you find yourself snuggling on the sofa with your main squeeze or needing another layer in the bed, warm and cozy textiles are de rigueur for adding some quick and easy extra warmth.

And not only are cozy textiles like throws, afghans, light blankets, quilts, and more good to have on hand, but they can also add some color, texture, and personality to your space.

Warm throws are also great if you have pets. Case in point, a throw blanket is a lot easier to wash than an upholstered sofa. In my home, we always have a steady supply of various types of cozy textiles at hand to rotate through the house and through the wash (we do have three cats, so everything does need to be washed pretty regularly).

It’s also so super easy to DIY up your own throws and afghans. In fact, you can drape yourself in a project to keep warm while you are working on it! Don’t worry, if you aren’t crafty, though. There are plenty of crafty people in the world from whom you can purchase handmade cozy textiles to keep you warm and add to your home.

Most important, the season’s cozy textiles are just perfect for the nights you decide to stay in for “Netflix and Chill”.

Handmade and DIY Cozy Textiles

1. Chunky Throw Crochet Pattern

Depending on your crochet skills, this handmade throw is just a few nights away. Shown here in white, you could use any color yarn to crochet up this project.

2. Linen Bed Throw

Add some stylish warmth with a linen throw like this one made from 100% linen. Linen is a great choice for coverings because it is anti-allergenic, durable and highly breathable.

3. Jelly Pop Quilt Pattern

Put that sewing machine to good use and sew up a pretty jelly roll quilt using this pattern. The size is just perfect for pulling over your feet when your feet get cold while sleeping!

4. Handmade Woven Wool Blanket

If you are looking for a super warm blanket, consider a wool one like this Jacquard-woven Alpaca wool throw.

5. Owl Decorative Throw Pattern

Here is another digital downloadable tutorial for a crochet blanket, but this one features a cute owl motif.

6. Turquoise Ocean Handmade Quilt

Not only would this handmade quilt help keep your toes warm, but it can add a bit of serenity to your space as well. Available is sizes from crib to king.

7. Crossroads Throw Pattern

Turn worsted weight yarn and a crochet hook into this graphical modern throw with this handmade tutorial download.

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Wooden cutting boards are easily repurposed for all kinds of practical purposes.

Whether your wooden cutting boards are worn out or you come across a treasure trove at a garage sale, you will want to hold onto or snap them up, whatever the case may be. Wooden cutting boards are one of the more cleverly repurposed household items. They can easily be upcycled and given new life. Discover some of the clever ways that cutting boards can be repurposed.

9 Ideas for Repurposing Cutting Boards

1. Tablet Stand – To keep your iPad safe while cooking, turn a wooden cutting board into a handy tablet stand by affixing a Scrabble tile holder to the bottom of board big enough for your device. You can add a support to hold the board up or simply place it in a plate stand.

2. Blackboard – Need an easy way to keep track of what to get at on your next trip to the store? Chalkboard paint can turn anything into a chalkboard. Paint up an old wooden board, add a hook, and you have got an instant way to make notes in the kitchen.

3. Jewelry Hanger – Anyone who has ever had to untangle a necklace can you tell it is best to store necklaces by hanging them. Add some hooks to a board that’s past its prime in the kitchen to create some additional hanging jewelry storage.

4. Serving Tray – Repurpose a larger cutting board into a functional serving tray by adding some handles from the hardware store.

5. Hanging Mug Storage – By the same token, a little hardware can turn a wooden board into coffee mug storage with some larger hooks and hanging the board from the wall. That’s one way to add hanging mug storage without creating as many holes in your walls!

6. Lap Desk – Whether it’s in the car or on the sofa, most of us find a time when we need a hard-surfaced lap desk. Ever tried to play a card game in the backseat while traveling cross country? A lap desk can really come in handy.

7. Pedestal – Add some knobs or repurposed stool legs to create an elevated pedestal on which to place a table centerpiece for your next dinner party. Use a glass cloche for extra points.

8. Stenciled Wall Art – Old wooden cutting boards can easily be repurposed into wall art. One easy way is to use stencils to paint designs and sayings for some decorative repurposing.

9. Clipboard – Add a pinch clip to make a DIY clipboard.

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Get inspired with these ideas for bringing a painterly watercolor effect into your home.

There’s something super chill and zen about watercolors. Whether you are into realism, abstractism, impressionism, pointillism, or any other kind of “ism,” watercolor evokes a sense of whimsy and of being a free spirit. And don’t think that the watercolor effect is just for the canvas–it’s possible to decorate your space with the lightness and color that is watercolor. Read on for some inspiration and DIY ideas for adding the watercolor effect to your home.

DIY Watercolor Effect Ideas

1. Watercolor Throw Pillows

One easy way to add color of any kind is with throw pillows. By using a fixative medium it is possible to actually paint with watercolor paints on fabric. For the how-to, check out this tutorial that lays out what you will need and how to do it. Don’t be afraid to  come up with your own design though!

2. Watercolor Wall Art

Turn your talents (even if they are limited like mine) toward making some DIY watercolor wall art. Pull out your trusty watercolor paints and your imagination to make some pretty prints for your space. If you think you can’t paint, think again. You can use stencils to guide your hand or stick to simple geometric shapes. Here’s a handy tutorial for making colorful word art with watercolors.

3. Watercolor Bunting

Let your creativity guide you in making a watercolor bunting for a fun space that needs a little color (like over your desk). One clever idea is to paint coffee filters with watercolor paints and tie them to Bakers’ twine. This tutorial can offer you some inspiration.

4. Watercolor Napkins

By the same token as the throw pillow covers, it is easy to add a watercolor effect to your dinner napkins. While you could use watercolor paints and a fixative medium, you can also use acrylic paints with a medium to get the look of watercolors. Check out this tutorial for the how-to.

Watercolor Goods to Buy

5. Ink Splatter Removable Watercolor Wall Mural

One super easy way to add any home decor trend to your space is with a removable wall decal like this stunning watercolor wall mural. This would work great even if you live in a rental.

6. Watercolor Duvet

And don’t forget about the bedroom when thinking about where to add a calming watercolor print. This gorgeous duvet cover is available in twin through king sizes.

7. Watercolor Forest Blind

One creative way to add the beauty of watercolor is with these eco-friendly roller blinds. Combine the noble beauty of a watercolor painting and make a statement with window styling.

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Fermented foods and beverages, like kombucha, are tasty ways to add healthy probiotics to your diet.

Do you regularly enjoy kombucha (extra points if you make it yourself at home) yet find yourself wondering what other healthy probiotics that you can buy (or make)? You are not the only one. After a period of waning interest, curiosity in fermented foods is at an all-time high in the U.S.

We all know that probiotics are good for gut. Get on board and try or make some new fermented foods to up your probiotic game.

4 Fermented Foods to Try After Kombucha

Sauerkraut

Think you aren’t into sauerkraut? Think again. The canned sauerkraut from the school lunches of your childhood is a thing of the past. Today, it is possible to find delicious small-batch sauerkraut made with love and perfect to top your next sandwich.

Brand to Try: Cultured

Cultured features ten varieties of sauerkrauts ranging from classic Eastern European spices to Ayurvedic blends, and quite a lot in between. All of Cultured’s sauerkrauts are naturally fermented in brine created from the juice of the vegetables and salt.

Make Your Own: Foolproof Homemade Sauerkraut

Water Kefir

Just like kombucha, water kefir is a fermented drink that you can make at home. Water kefir is a lightly carbonated lacto-fermented beverage that is made from water kefir grains and sugar water, fruit juice, or coconut water. It is incredibly easy to make and  is a fantastic probiotic beverage alternative. Like kombucha, kefir is a symbiotic relationship of cultures, but the taste may be more sour and bitter than kombucha.

Where to Buy Grains: Cultures for Health

Kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional fermented Korean food made from a variety of vegetables and seasonings. Not only does kimchi boast of some big probiotic power, but it’s got a little bite to it as well making it the perfect topping for everything from stir-fry to eggs.

Brand to Try: Choi’s

Choi’s Kimchi is handcrafted using a small-batch process that has been handed down from generation to generation. Choose from Napa, White Napa, Radish, or Green Cabbage.

Make Your Own: Homemade Vegan Kimchi

Yogurt

If you love yogurt, you owe it to yourself to find small-batch yogurts to buy or to make it yourself at home. The stuff you buy at the big grocery stores is nothing like the real thing.

Brand to Try: Trimona Yogurt

Trimona Yogurt is a Bulgarian-style yogurt so it is is unstrained (to keep all the nutrients in the whey), and tastes tart but light.

Make Your Own: Cultures for Health offers a Bulgarian yogurt starter

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Repurposing textiles to keep them out of landfills may be one of the most impactful changes you can make in disrupting fast fashion.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, textile waste occupies nearly 5% of all landfill space in the U.S; Americans generate an average of 25 billion pounds of textiles per year. Those textiles include clothing, accessories, towels, bedding, and other home textiles. That works out to roughly 82 pounds per person per year. Even more amazing is that only 15% of that get donated, recycled, or repurposed. The other 85% (or 70 pounds per person) makes its way into our already stressed landfills.

To give a name to the problem, this textile waste is referred to as post-consumer textile waste and the amount of it ending up in landfills grew by 40% between 1999-2009 (most likely as a result of the increase in fast fashion). On the other hand, the diversion rate of textiles making their way to landfills only increased by 2% during this same period. This means we can do a lot more to keep highly reusable and recyclable textiles out of landfills.

The easiest way to help reduce this immense problem is at the point of sale, but completely avoiding the purchase of new textiles is not realistic for most us. That said, consumers can make better choices by supporting companies that rely on fabrics and products made from recycled textiles or purchasing secondhand where possible.

Divert for Recycling, Donating, or Repurposing Textiles

But what to do with those clothing and household textiles that we already own? Gently worn and like-new items can be donated or resold on sites like ThredUp, but that leaves out textiles that may be somewhat worn, have a small stain or tear, are out of style, or are otherwise not easily reused. These kinds of textiles can be recycled and many secondhand stores do sell unsellable textiles to recyclers, but repurposing textiles is another solution to this dilemma.

Not only does repurposing textiles (clothing, bedding, curtains, blankets, towels) keep usable items out of landfills, but much of these items can be turned into really useful stuff. Need some DIY inspiration for repurposing textiles? Read on for a list of ideas below.

DIY Ideas for Repurposing Textiles

1. Patchwork Memory Quilt
2. Rag Rugs
3. Cleaning Cloths
4. Pillowcase Bags
5. Market Bags from
6. Homemade Draft Dodgers
7. Reusable Heat Pack Bed Buddy
8. Drawer Sachets
9. Holiday Ornaments made from Old Sweaters
10. Fabric Bookmarks
11. Fabric Roses
12. Decoupage and Mixed Media Wall Art

All that’s needed is a little sewing skill, some imagination, and a willingness to make somethign new out of something old!

If you would like to learn more about the textile landfill issue, visit the Council for Textile Recycling, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising public awareness about the importance of textile recycling and the need to reduce the amount of textile waste ending up in landfills.

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