Before throwing away an empty pill organizer, consider giving it a second life. Its small compartments and secure lids make it surprisingly useful for organizing tiny items around your home, while traveling, or for hobbies.
1. Store Jewelry Safely
An old pill box is perfect for keeping small jewelry pieces organized. Use each compartment for different items such as rings, earrings, bracelets, charms, or necklaces. It helps prevent jewelry from getting lost or tangled, especially when traveling.
Tip: Add small labels to each section if you have multiple pieces or jewelry sets.
2. Organize Craft Supplies
Craft materials often come in tiny sizes and are easy to lose. A pill box can hold:
- Beads
- Sequins
- Buttons
- Rhinestones
- Small stickers
- Embroidery thread pieces
- Mini charms
Each compartment can store a different color or type, making craft projects easier and more organized.
3. Create a Travel Organizer
When packing for a trip, a pill box can replace bulky containers. Use it to carry small essentials such as:
- Hair ties
- Bobby pins
- Safety pins
- Cotton swabs
- Small clips
- Bandages
It takes up very little space in a handbag, backpack, or suitcase.
4. Make a Mini Emergency Sewing Kit
Turn your pill box into a compact sewing kit for quick clothing repairs. Fill the compartments with:
- Needles
- Thread in different colors
- Small buttons
- Safety pins
- Tiny scissors (if the box allows safe storage)
It is useful for travel, work bags, or keeping in a car.
5. Sort Small Hardware
If you have leftover screws, nails, or other tiny repair items, a pill box can keep them sorted. Store:
- Screws
- Washers
- Nuts
- Wall hooks
- Small clips
Label each compartment so you can quickly find what you need during home repairs.
6. Organize Fishing Gear
Fishing accessories are often small and easy to misplace. A pill organizer can store:
- Fishing hooks
- Small weights
- Swivels
- Lures
- Line connectors
It keeps your tackle box neat and prevents small pieces from mixing together.
7. Keep Office Supplies Organized
A pill box can become a desktop organizer for small office items, including:
- Paper clips
- Push pins
- Staples
- Rubber bands
- Binder clips
Instead of searching through drawers, you can keep everything separated and easy to access.
8. Store Garden Seeds
Use a pill box to organize seeds for your garden. Each compartment can hold a different type of seed, such as flowers, herbs, or vegetables.
Tip: Write the plant name and planting season on labels before storing them.
9. Carry Small Snacks
A clean pill box can work as a portion container for small dry snacks during travel or outdoor activities. You can store items like:
- Nuts
- Trail mix pieces
- Small candies
- Dried fruit
Make sure the container is thoroughly cleaned and suitable for food use before doing this.
10. Organize Electronics Accessories
Small electronic accessories are easy to lose. A pill box can store:
- Memory cards
- SIM cards
- USB adapters
- Cable tips
- Small batteries (where appropriate and safely stored)
It is especially useful for organizing a travel tech pouch.
11. Use It as a Paint Palette
Artists and hobbyists can use a pill box as a small paint organizer. Each compartment can hold a different paint color, making it convenient for:
- Miniature painting
- Craft projects
- Touch-up work
- Small art activities
The lid also helps protect leftover paint for short periods.
12. Create a Kids’ Activity Box
Fill a pill organizer with small activity materials for children during travel or quiet time:
- Puzzle pieces
- Tiny building blocks
- Stickers
- Craft items
- Counting objects
The separate compartments make it fun and encourage sorting and creativity.
Extra Reuse Ideas
You can also use an old pill box for:
- Storing spare buttons from clothing
- Keeping emergency cash coins
- Organizing makeup samples
- Holding small collectibles
- Separating fishing or hobby supplies
Always clean the pill box thoroughly before reuse, remove old labels if needed, and avoid using damaged containers. For anything involving food or personal care items, make sure the plastic is clean and appropriate for that purpose.