Upcycling, or reusing unwanted items by giving them a new life, is an environmentally friendly way to save money. Here are seven tips for upcycling at home.
Before you start upcycling, take inventory of repurposed items at home. Walk through your home, paying close attention to the stuff you no longer use, such as old furniture, clothes, or household items.
Once you’ve collected some items for upcycling, choose a project to work on. You can look up ideas online or ask experienced upcyclers to help you choose the perfect project. Of course, you can also come up with your idea. The possibilities are endless – let your imagination run wild!
When choosing a project, pick one that suits your skill level and the materials you already have on hand.
It’s best not to start an upcycling project until you have all the tools you need. Depending on your project, you may need to prepare sandpaper, paint, a glue gun, or a sewing machine. If you plan to upcycle often, investing in some versatile tools you’ll use often can be worthwhile.
If you’re new to upcycling or working on a challenging project, you don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to friends or family members with upcycling experience, or join a local upcycling group to get inspiration and advice. You can also find a wealth of information online.
Once you’ve completed your upcycling project, share it with others. Post a photo of your project on your favorite social media platforms, or enter it into a local or online upcycling competition. By sharing your work, you’ll inspire others to take up upcycling.
Plenty of projects involve more advanced skills if you want to take your upcycling to the next level. For example, you can build a desk from old pallets or a chicken coop out of a trampoline frame!
Upcycling is an easy way to reduce your environmental impact. Have fun, and see what you can create! If you liked this post, check out the rest of our MoneySmart Tips blog.
Your Turn: Are you a beast when it comes to upcycling? Share your best tips and tricks in the comments.