Affordable Sustainability 3 of 12-7 Tips for Upcycling at Home
Upcycling, or reusing unwanted items by giving them new life, is an environmentally friendly way to save money. Here are seven tips for upcycling at home.
Identify what you have.
Before you start upcycling, take inventory of repurposable items you have at home. Walk through your home, paying close attention to stuff you no longer use, such as old furniture, clothes or household items.
Choose a project and get creative
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 dream up your own 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.
Prep your tools before you start
It’s best not to get started on an upcycling project until you have all the tools you need on hand. Depending on your project, you may need to prepare sandpaper, paint, a glue gun or a sewing machine. If you plan to upcycle often, it can be worthwhile to invest in some versatile tools you’ll use often.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you’re new to upcycling, or you’re working on a challenging project, you don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to friends or family members who have experience with upcycling, or join a local upcycling group to get inspiration and advice. You can also find a wealth of information online.
Share your work
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, too.
Take it to the next level
If you want to take your upcycling to the next level, there are plenty of projects that involve more advanced skills. You can build a desk out of old pallets, or even 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!