Don’t throw away an empty pill organizer just yet. Discover 12 practical ways to repurpose an old pill box for small household items, crafts, travel, and organization.
Before tossing an empty pill organizer into the trash, take a second look at it. Those small compartments can be surprisingly useful for organizing tiny objects around the house.
If you plan to reuse one, clean it thoroughly first and remove or cover any old medication labels so there is no confusion about what the container is being used for.
Here are 12 simple ideas.
1. Organize Small Craft Supplies
Pill boxes are perfect for tiny craft materials.
Use the compartments for:
- Beads
- Buttons
- Sequins
- Small charms
- Embroidery accessories
- Tiny pieces of ribbon
Each compartment keeps similar items together and makes them easier to find.
2. Store Small Sewing Supplies
A pill organizer can become a compact sewing kit.
You can separate:
- Buttons
- Safety pins
- Sewing needles
- Thread bobbins
- Small fasteners
Keep sharp objects securely stored and out of reach of children.
3. Organize Jewelry
Traveling with small pieces of jewelry can be frustrating when everything gets tangled.
Use separate compartments for earrings, rings, bracelets, or small necklaces.
For delicate jewelry, place a small piece of soft fabric in the compartment to reduce scratching.
4. Create a Travel Emergency Kit
A small organizer can hold non-medication travel essentials such as:
- Spare buttons
- Small bandages
- Safety pins
- Hair ties
- Tiny sewing supplies
For actual medicines, however, keep them in their original labeled containers whenever possible, especially when traveling.
5. Store Small Electronics Accessories
If you have tiny electronic accessories constantly getting lost, an organizer can help.
Try using compartments for:
- Spare adapters
- Small cable accessories
- SIM-card tools
- Memory-card cases
- Tiny connectors
Keep electronics dry and don’t use an organizer that previously contained medication if there is any possibility of residue or contamination.
6. Organize Hair Accessories
Small hair ties, clips, beads, and decorative accessories can easily disappear.
Separate them by type so you can quickly find what you need.
This can be particularly useful when traveling.
7. Make a Mini Art-Supply Organizer
Children and adults can use compartments to organize small art supplies such as:
- Pencil sharpeners
- Erasers
- Small stickers
- Mini craft pieces
- Beads
Avoid storing anything that could be mistaken for medicine, especially around children.
8. Store Spare Buttons
Instead of throwing away loose buttons when you buy new clothing, keep them in an organizer.
You can dedicate one compartment to each type or group them by color.
You’ll be glad you saved them when a button eventually falls off.
9. Organize Small Hardware
For simple household projects, compartments can hold tiny pieces such as:
- Screws
- Washers
- Nuts
- Small nails
- Wall anchors
Label each compartment if you use many different sizes.
10. Create a Portable Craft Kit
A pill organizer can be useful when you want to take a small number of craft supplies somewhere without carrying an entire box.
Fill the compartments with the exact materials you’ll need for a small project.
11. Keep Small Office Supplies Together
Tiny office items are another good match.
Try organizing:
- Paper clips
- Rubber bands
- Binder clips
- Push pins
- Small staples
Keep sharp items away from children and pets.
12. Organize Tiny Parts During a Repair
When disassembling something, it’s easy to lose screws and other small pieces.
Use different compartments to keep parts separated and make a quick note about where each piece came from.
This can make reassembly much easier.
Important Safety Reminder
An old pill organizer should not automatically be reused for food, supplements, cosmetics, or anything that will be consumed or applied to the body.
Medication residue may remain in containers, and an unlabeled organizer can also create dangerous confusion.
If you’re reusing one for household organization, clean it thoroughly and clearly label its new purpose.
Final Thoughts
An empty pill organizer doesn’t have to become instant trash. Its small, separate compartments make it useful for organizing everything from craft supplies and jewelry to screws and office accessories.
Just remember: reuse it for clearly non-medical purposes, clean it first, remove old labels, and keep it away from children and anything that could be mistaken for medication.