My mom collects containers from Chinese takeout and supermarket lunch meats. When she sends people home with leftovers, that’s what she uses. No worries about getting the containers back like with Tupperware.
Cottage cheese containers. You don’t throw them out when they’re empty. You rinse them off and use them to store leftovers.
I buy yogurt in two-pound plastic containers and so I often have empty containers available for reuse.
If you need sturdy boxes for moving or putting things in storage. Go to a liquor store and ask for empty whiskey boxes. They are strong, some have metal reinforcement staples. Mr.Wrekker buys Bud in the small bottles by the case. The box holds 2 6-packs. They are divided in the middle and are sturdier than a average box. I agree with the diaper boxes. Though, I never understood why diapers came in such sturdy boxes. Seems like a bag would serve.
I use big yogurt containers to collect brine shrimp for aquaria.
We sound like Helpful Hints from Heloise.
I’ve learned from this board that paper towel tubes have an interesting secondary application.
Back when Ebay was new and small and without all that many categories, they used to have one category called “weird things” (or something similar) that I liked to browse. I once bought a lot of something like 120-130 Crown Royal bags in 3 different sizes from there. (I don’t drink, so can’t build my own supply.)
Blue Bunny ice cream’s 1¾ quart plastic tubs, perfect size for homemade ice cream.
Anything that comes in a box has a candidate for reuse.
My favorite is the pocket plastic containers for hi-tek toothpicks (I forget their trade name). They make good containers for memory cards.
Wiseco piston kits come in nice sturdy boxes that seal with flaps that are perfect for tool storage. I’ve got my Dremel tools in one, taps and dies in another, misc. special automotive stuff in one. They all fit nicely in a drawer of the rolling chest. Picture here:
I kept the orange juice bottle. It’s great for storing homemade Ice tea. I also use an old Mayo jar to take the teas to work in.
Some years back Planters, I think it was, put their peanuts in sports-themed glass containers that were fully expected to be used as mugs when emptied.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1980S-Detroit-Tigers-Pressed-Glass-Planters-Peanut-Beer-Jug-Mug-16Oz/191735758111
No, that’s not mine.
Definitely. Here’s a picture (that someone else took) to show you.
When I was a kid, I collected coins, such as wheat pennies, silver dimes and so forth. I kept them in prescription medicine bottles because I could usually find ones sized for various American coins.
Empty coffee cans make a convenient place to store coins or as a holder for longish hand tools like screwdrivers and files.
I’m another fan of the plastic containers that sliced deli meats come in. Hillshire Farms especially. I’ve put them in the microwave and dishwasher and they seem to last forever.
Sometimes the lids of mayonnaise and peanut butter jars are just the right size and thread to fit on Mason jars. So after your home-processed jam is opened you can dispense with the separate canning lid and ring and slap one of those repurposed plastic lids on. The Ball company does sell such a thing, but why buy them when recycled lids are free?
You can make a lightweight backpacking stove from an old tuna can and a hole punch. I’ve tried it with denatured alcohol as a fuel, and it actually works pretty well.
Redneck work bench organizer-made from pill containers and duct tape.
When I cleaned for a living I always had those handy; they fit in bathroom sinks!
In terms of reused packaging, I have a small jug clothes washer that started life holding cat litter.
The zippered plastic bags that comforters/bedspreads and sheet sets come in are great for storing winter blankets, afghans, winter coats, hats/scarves/gloves, bulky sweaters, etc. in.
Kick ass model rocket tubes!
The police inquired of Mrs. Plant (v.1.0) about her prescription pill bottles found on the side of the road. They had been stolen containing her coin collection.