If you’re at all serious about saving some dough, then it’s time that you start paying attention to those neighborhood garage sales and flea markets. On top of scoring unbelievable deals on hard-to-find items, these events are also chock-full of the best materials for repurposing and upcycling projects.
Because of this, it’s time for you DIYers to change your habits. Instead of purchasing your materials new at a craft store, hit up a local garage sale to snag these must-haves for pennies on the dollar.
Just click on the items below for full tutorials on how to turn this “junk” into one-of-a-kind treasure!
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Coffee Tables
mia.jdkins via Flickr
Spruce up an antique table with some wood cleaner, or create your own unique topper to hide any blemishes that may be showing in the finish.
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Mason Jars
Freedom II Andres via Flickr
Don’t get caught spending 10 bucks on a 12-pack of these babies! Instead, load up on used ones, then get started on making your own terrariums, herb gardens, and lava lamps!
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Hangers
Thaitrick
Clothes hangers just may be the most versatile item around. Go for the cheap, metal variety and repurpose the bendy guys into everything from trashcan holders to planters.
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Frames
Margo's Junkin Journal
Even the most busted wood picture frames can be upcycled into chalkboards, organizers, and table trays.
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Cardboard Boxes
Alitoysa
Aside from being a key element in storage and moving, a little cloth and yarn allows for an ordinary cardboard box to be made into a beautiful organizer.
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Dressers
Hometalk
Grab that sander and paint—it’s time to turn an old dresser into a unique bench, stand-alone kitchen cabinet, or dog bed!
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Old T-Shirts
GCVMedia
Pick out some tees with eye-catching designs, and turn them into some unique, no-sew pillow covers!
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Flower Pots
Shareably
From decorative candles to bird feeders, clay pots serve as the base in some of the most interesting DIY gifts.
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TV Cabinets
OWN
Believe it or not, these wooden relics make for the most beautiful baby armoires!
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Ladders
Home Made Simple
Making some expert cuts to an old ladder can transform the tool into a head-turning floating book shelf.
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Fish Bowls
WhatsUpMoms
Looking for a unique way to display your flowers? If so, then grab a glass fish bowl and spray on your favorite metallic paint. The results are so chic!
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Doilies
The Colorado Lady
These delicate lace embellishments aren’t just for your end table, they can also be used to make some attention-grabbing wall art.
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Cribs
Beautiful DIY
The components that make up old baby beds are just the right size for benches, reading nooks, easels, and craft stations. Who would have thought?!
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Magazine Holders
Mommies Daily
These organizers are the perfect places to store your beauty items, extra toilet paper, flip flops, and clutches.
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Old Denim
Makeit-Loveit
Even jeans in very poor condition can be transformed into a child’s plush toy or a chic gym bag. With denim, the possibilities are literally endless!
Now that you know what to look for, be sure that you make wise purchases. Bartering or negotiating with the seller may save you even extra cash. Happy repurposing!
What do you think of this garage sale must-have list? Have you used any of these materials in a DIY project before? Do you have any items that you would like to add to the list?
