Declutter Your Space And Recycle Old Tins With This Smart DIY

Don't know what to do with old tin cans? With just a few tools and a little creativity, you can turn discarded tins into rustic storage containers perfect for any room in your house. This simple hack helps reuse old containers, such as olive oil containers, without them ending up in a landfill.

To turn an old tin into a storage basket, start by cleaning the tin to remove any residual oils or dirt. Mixing warm water with mild dish soap can work wonders for stubborn dirt. Once dry, grab a pair of heavy-duty tin snips and carefully cut the tin in half horizontally, creating two open-top containers. Make sure to take time to snip the corners and fold down the sharp ridges, hammering them smooth.

With the existing tops and bottoms on the containers, you could use them right away. However, to increase the look, and sturdiness, of your new containers, you'll want to grab some wood scraps for custom edges. Start by measuring the size of the tin's base and cutting your wood to fit just inside of it. Then, attach the new wooden base to the top or bottom half using small nails. Add some chic home labels and one large tin can will make two wonderfully uniform containers that will fit easily on your storage shelves.

If you don't have specific woodworking tools, you could always repurpose old or thrifted cutting boards of the right size to use as the container's ends. As with most DIY projects, these tin storage containers are very adaptable to whatever it is you need. If you want a more polished look, stain the wood before nailing it onto the tin. For an old-school farmhouse vibe, paint the entire tin in neutral grays and whites, or lean into deep greens and cream for that modern rustic look.

Adding felt to the inside of your tin with an all-purpose glue or spray adhesive can help protect more delicate items. If you want to get really crafty with it, try some creative ways to use decoupage, like covering the tins with vintage labels or patterns, before sealing them with a clear matte finish. Once done, the containers will sit nicely on a shelf in your crafting room ready to hold supplies or in your garage keeping groups of tools together. These tin containers are simple enough for beginners with just enough customization options for seasoned DIYers looking for a quick weekend project.