Save An Old Water Jug To Create A Budget-Friendly Tool Holder With An Easy DIY

Whether you buy them for the convenience of cold, filtered water straight from the fridge or pick one up for a party, those plastic water jugs with the built-in tap have a way of piling up faster than expected. Add an accumulation of old water jugs to a shed already crowded with tools and outdoor odds and ends, and the space can start feeling like a cluttered mess in no time. One way to prevent these plastic bottles from taking up valuable space and help organize your tool storage in one go is to DIY a tool holder out of the jug. This particular style of water jug makes it easy to cut out sections and make a simple caddy with only a few materials needed!

You may not see the need to find ways to repurpose gallon water jugs, but these inconspicuous containers can add to a much larger waste problem over time. Instead of letting them build up or lugging them to the curb each trash day, you can create a portable storage caddy that's ideal for organizing tools and knick-knacks. In addition to the water jug, you'll need to have a marker on hand to mark the pattern, as well as a utility knife or sharp scissors to complete the cuts. Though optional, you can also incorporate elements like paint or embellishments to up the appearance of the final product.

The first step to this simple project that helps declutter and organize your garage tool kit is to thoroughly rinse the water jug and let it dry. Before marking your cut lines, try to picture the jug as a basket with handle. The bottom section will become the base of the caddy, while the center handle will stay in place so you can carry it. You'll only be cutting away sections from the upper side panels to leave enough plastic around the bottom and handle to keep the jug stable. Next, use a marker to draw an opening on each side of the jug and make sure the lines do not extend into the handle or the lower half. Carefully cut along the marked lines and discard the excess plastic material.

Now you're left with a holder that has a convenient handle you can use to take it from area to area. However, you can also save the cut-out side pieces to create an enclosed toolbox. Instead of throwing the material away, line them back up along the outside edges of the jug where they were removed. Attach each piece with small hinges so the panels can swing open and closed like small doors. Another way to repurpose old plastic jugs around the house with this project is to get creative when it comes to customization. For example, you can paint the outside with spray paint made for plastic or outdoor-friendly acrylic paint to make these not only functional but stylish tool holders.