Don't Toss That Old Tackle Box: 20 Clever Hacks To Reuse It Around The House

Cleaning our garages and sheds is important. However, there are some things you shouldn't discard just yet. Don't toss that old tackle box when storing batteries and transforming it into drawer organizers are some of the 20 clever hacks to reuse it around the house. When we think of tackle boxes, the multi-tiered version may come to mind, but there are actually a variety of options. These items are available in plastic, metal, or fabric, and can come in a variety of sizes, be different colors, and even boast additional features. Tackle boxes are durable, with a proper latching system designed for rough handling and transportation. Most options come with multiple compartments to also assist you in keeping your supplies sorted.

Before you jump right into storing items away, this storage vessel needs a good clean, especially if you used it for all your fishing trips or if it's been sitting in your garage for a while. First, empty the box, putting the fishing accessories and tools in another location or tossing items that can't be used anymore. After that, using a wet, soapy cloth, wipe the outside and inside of the plastic. For metal versions, use a cleaner that works for the material, such as Bar Keepers Friend MORE Spray + Foam, and allow it to soak for a few minutes before polishing the suds away. While you can spot clean fabric options, it's best to review the tag for laundry codes to see what the material can handle.

Keep all your beads inside

Tiny beads thrown in a bag or box are hard to keep sorted and often get lost. Instead, use a tackle box to keep them in order. These fishing gear kits typically have tight lids, which secure these small items in place so they never fall out. Having one of these boxes also makes it easy for you to organize the beads, ensuring they are always kept separate. Plus, if you use one of the clear options, it makes it painless for you to find which beads you plan on using next.

Convert it into a planter

Since a majority of tackle boxes are plastic or metal containers, you can convert them into quirky, multi-tiered planters. For this hack, you'll keep the vessel open, filling it with the proper soil and different plants. Once filled, it becomes a beautiful statement piece for inside or outside without you having to spend money on a planter. Just remember that whatever green additions you choose, you must follow their care and maintenance requirements to ensure that they stay healthy.

Make into a snack box

After giving it a good cleaning and sanitizing, your old box can become a snack container. With its various-sized compartments, it's an ideal kit for sorting different foods, especially if all your kiddos have different tastes and don't want anything to touch. Close it up, and they can effortlessly tote it around, whether they are in the backyard or living room. It also is a clever pick for a party, easily becoming a sampling board that everyone can pick from. Just make sure to give it a thorough wipe down before and after use.

Keep all your hair accessories in one place

Those loose hair ties and clips won't be all over the place on your bathroom counter with the help of an old fishing gear storage kit. Use smaller compartments to sort smaller hair accessories, giving each type its own slot. Larger boxes with bigger sections can even hold combs and other styling tools. With a securely closing lid and handles already included, it makes it easy for you to do your hair just about anywhere.

Organize your makeup

Keep your makeup supplies conveniently organized with your used tackle box. With its different compartments, every item has a designated spot, whether it is eyeshadow or foundation. If you want, you can even glue on a mirror on the inner lid. Since they usually have a cover and handle, it also makes it easy to tote around, no matter where you do your makeup. Don't forget to deck yours out to match your current aesthetic by using paint, stickers, beads, or other décor elements.

Store tiny building blocks

Those tiny building blocks can stay neat and organized inside a used tackle container. Each compartment makes it easy for you to sort by color, size, and type. Some larger vessels can even hold some of the instruction booklets that may come with a set. What's great is that these boxes make it seamless for you to store, tuck away, or even travel with these small items. Plus, when your kiddo outgrows them, it is easy to give them to the next family or donate them without having to dig through old bins.

Hold all your art supplies

If you're an artist, you know how cluttered your items can get; that's why that used tackle box collecting dust is the perfect kit to hold all your art supplies. The best type of case to use is a larger one with multiple tiers, as painting materials will likely be bigger than sections on smaller boxes. Once you have the perfect sized one, it can hold paints, brushes, and pencils. After everything is tucked away, you can easily take it anywhere so you're ready when inspiration hits.

Transform it into a first aid kit

With segmented sections and tiers, a tackle box becomes the perfect first aid or medicine kit. With each section organized, you'll know exactly what needs to be refilled. Since it is in a convenient container or bag, it makes it hassle-free to carry around, no matter where you get injured. If you have multiple tackle boxes, you can even make one for your car. Make sure to fill the box with emergency supplies that every house should have stocked, like a flashlight, batteries, and a multi-tool.

Create a junk journal kit

Calling all avid junk and bullet journalers — an old tackle box is exactly what you need to hold all of your supplies. Its small compartments are ideal for stowing all the items you use, including washi tape, stickers, stationery, writing utensils, and stamps. If your kit is big enough, you can even put the journal inside, making the optimal tote for easy organization.

Organize small toys

When you have kids, you know how hard it is to keep those sets of small toys in one place. With a fishing gear container on hand, however, storage becomes quite simple. If your tackle box it is a backpack design or features a handle, you can easily turn it into portable storage. Before you know it, your kiddo will have a travel play set perfect for long car rides or play dates at the park.

Turn it into a sewing kit

If you enjoy sewing, you know that all of those tiny supplies can easily get tangled or lost. Thankfully, a tackle kit is a great vessel for organization. Each cell can be used to store thread, needles, or buttons, and it's easy to spot each item quickly when you need to use it. This will also help you see everything you have at once, allowing you to know exactly when it's time to restock. Since these kits are robust, they can hold bigger items while also deterring small, prying hands that could get pricked.

Organize your nail supplies

Never let your nail polishes and accessories clutter your bathroom counter or drawer ever again — simply store them in your used tackle box. Since nail polish needs to be stored upright in a dark, cool space, you can use each compartment to keep bottles pointed up or store them close together in a large section underneath. Position other supplies in larger sections, like stickers, tools, nail polish remover, and cotton balls. Once the box is full, put it under a sink or on a closet shelf until you need to use it again.

Make a travel camping set

If you love the outdoors, it's a great idea to have a pre-made camping kit ready in your home, and all it takes is a tackle box. Fill it with items like cooking utensils, first aid tools, fire starters, matches, a multi-tool, and anything else you find you reach for while roughing it. This kit will even work if you plan on pitching a tent or enjoying a barbecue in your backyard.

Convert it into a jewelry box

Using a tackle box is the storage solution you need for small jewelry. Each small divider is great at holding accessories, like your earrings, rings, and brooches. Longer compartments can store necklaces and bracelets to prevent them from tangling. Shut the lid, and you can easily tuck it away on a vanity or in a closet. If you're concerned about scratches or damage, add a fabric liner at the bottom of the box to mimic a jewelry box. Get creative and decorate it, or add a mirror to the lid for easier styling.

Store batteries

Batteries are a must for every home, but sometimes they roll around in drawers, making them hard to find and keep track of. With a tackle box, you can easily stow them all in one location. Use each section to hold each type of battery. You can even add small screwdrivers to help with any items that may need one handy for replacements. Just remember that your garage might not be the best place to store spare batteries due to the extreme high and low temperatures — store them in a dry, cool space instead.

Transform one into a drawer organizer

Pop off the lid of those clear plastic fishing gear boxes and use them as convenient drawer organizers. Set your tackle box in the drawer, and you can effortlessly position items in it, whether you use it in a kitchen junk drawer or in your bathroom. If you have an option with adjustable dividers, you can even create your own compartments that fit precisely what you need to stow away. Thanks to the divided design, you'll know exactly where to find your items every time you need them.

Use one to germinate or organize seeds

Get some of your plants started in a tackle box by using it as a vessel to germinate seeds. Recycled containers like tackle boxes are ideal containers as long as you completely sterilize them and drill drainage holes in the bottom. Once your sapling is big enough, remove it from the tackle box and transfer it to its new home. You can also use your tackle box to store seed packs and other supplies until you're ready to plant — just be sure to keep them in a dark, cool area.

Conveniently sort hardware

All those nuts, screws, washers, and drill bits can easily become a chaotic mess in a workspace, but not with the help of an old tackle box. Each section is ideal for keeping small hardware organized, so you won't have to constantly buy new items or risk accidentally stepping on them. Once the kit is filled, be sure to label it before storing it on a garage shelf or counter. Then, when you're ready to use them again, you don't have to spend extra time digging through the pieces to find the right one for your project.

Keep school supplies inside

You can use tackle boxes to organize your home for the smoothest back-to-school transition by tidying up your kids' homework station. The separate sections make it easy for you to stow pens, pencils, crayons, markers, and other supplies in a convenient area. Once homework is done, you can clean it up, swiftly putting the items away. These closed containers are also ideal for holding extra supplies that you plan on using in future years. Once the kids are out of the house, repurpose the box for your office supplies or another project.

Store holiday supplies and decorations

Clean out a tackle box to get your holiday supplies organized. Deck it out with whatever you need to spread holiday cheer. For example, your Halloween box can carry pumpkin carving supplies, while Christmas's can be stocked with wrapping items or tree decorations. Either way, it's an optimal way to hold small items or supplies that may easily break or get tangled in storage. Once the box is closed, you can stow it away with your other seasonal decorations. Just remember to label the box if you have multiple for different holidays.

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