22 Smart Ways to Reuse Toilet Paper Rolls for Home Storage

The Surprising Versatility of Toilet Paper Rolls

Toilet paper is a household staple, but its cardboard tubes often go unnoticed. However, these simple cylinders can be transformed into useful storage solutions and creative projects. From organizing cords to crafting stylish organizers, the possibilities are endless.

Cleaning and Preparing the Tubes

Before repurposing toilet paper rolls, it's essential to clean them thoroughly. These tubes often sit in a humid environment near the toilet, so they may harbor germs. To clean them, start by removing any leftover paper. Use a rag or brush to gently scrub away debris. Then, spray the tubes with a sanitizer and let them dry under the sun in a clean, dry container for a couple of days. This ensures they are safe to use in your DIY projects.

Cord Organization

One of the simplest ways to use toilet paper rolls is to organize cords. Roll up your cords and slide them through the tube. This keeps them neat and prevents tangling. This method works well for electric cords, extension cords, and even phone chargers. It’s an easy way to free up space and keep your electronics organized.

Ribbon and Twine Dispensers

Loose ribbons and twine can take up valuable space in your craft area. Wrap them around a toilet paper roll to keep them tidy. This method works especially well for thinner ribbons and twine, but you can also use it for thicker materials. Secure the ends with tape or create a dispenser using a box and multiple tubes.

Jewelry Organizers

Transform empty toilet paper rolls into a stylish jewelry organizer. You’ll need a shallow box, multiple tubes, fabric, box feet, and a metal bar. Once the fabric is wrapped around the tubes and the bar is glued in place, you can fill it with rings, earrings, and other accessories. Place it on your vanity for an elegant and functional storage solution.

Toy Car Garages

For families with young children, toilet paper rolls can be used to create a toy car garage. Glue the tubes inside a box, facing the hole outward. Decorate the box to match your child’s room and hang it on the wall. This helps keep toys organized and reduces clutter.

Cabinet Door Storage

Use the inside of cabinet doors to store larger items like combs and brushes. Attach the tubes with tape or Velcro for extra strength. For smaller items, glue a bottom to the tube before attaching it to the door. This is a great way to maximize storage space in your bathroom.

Craft Vinyl Organizer

If you work with craft vinyl, keeping it neatly rolled is essential. Slide the material through the toilet paper roll to prevent it from unraveling. Label the cardboard before covering the vinyl. You can stack multiple sheets together to fit into one tube, making it easier to manage your supplies.

Kitchen Drawer Organizers

Create drawer organizers by marking each tube with what it will hold, such as cords, rags, or sandwich bags. Line them up in your drawer to keep everything neat. Add Velcro strips for extra security, allowing you to easily remove items when needed.

Scarf Storage

Keep your scarves organized by connecting multiple toilet paper roll rings and hanging them on a hanger. This allows you to see all your scarves at once and choose the perfect one quickly. Hang it in a coat closet for easy access.

Tongs Organizer

Use a toilet paper roll to hold tongs together, especially those that don’t close properly. Cut the tube to fit the size of the tongs and secure it with glue. This keeps them organized and prevents them from falling out of the drawer.

Trash Bag Dispenser

Make a trash bag dispenser by creating an opening in the middle of the cylinder. Slide the rolled bags into the tube and pull the last one out for easy access. You can also suspend the dispenser on the inside of a cabinet door to save space.

Hair Accessory Organizer

Keep bobby pins, hair ties, and scrunchies organized by sliding them onto a toilet paper roll. This keeps them in place and makes it easy to find what you need. Multiple rolls may be necessary if you have a large collection of hair accessories.

Makeup Organizer

Turn toilet paper rolls into a stylish makeup organizer. Stack two tubes for a taller compartment or add paper towel tubes for varying heights. Decorate the outside and attach the rolls together for a functional and attractive storage solution.

Wrapping Paper Storage

Use toilet paper rolls to store wrapping paper. Small rolls can fit through the tube, while larger pieces can be wrapped around it. This prevents the paper from unraveling and saves space in your storage area.

Art Supply Organizer

Organize your art supplies by placing the circular openings of the tubes facing up. Sort your supplies, such as pencils, scissors, and knives, into the tubes. A handled basket can make it portable, allowing you to carry your supplies wherever inspiration strikes.

Woven Basket

Create a stylish woven basket using multiple toilet paper rolls. The more tubes you use, the bigger your basket will be. This project involves weaving techniques and may require an extra pair of hands, but the result is a beautiful and functional storage solution.

Desk Organizer

Make a snazzy desktop organizer by gluing multiple tubes together. Add a base made from a plastic bottle or cardboard. Decorate it to match your workspace and use it to hold pens, paper clips, and other office supplies.

Bathroom Organizers

Turn toilet paper rolls into unique bathroom storage. Whether you use them individually or glue multiple tubes together, add a bottom before placing anything inside. Decorate them to match your bathroom’s aesthetic and place them on the counter for easy access.

DIY Shelf

Gather four empty toilet paper rolls and a flat surface to create a DIY shelf. Secure the legs to the surface and flip it over to set items on top. This is a great way to add storage and décor to your desk or counter.

Storage Box

Turn toilet paper rolls into mini storage boxes by attaching multiple tubes together or adding a bottom. Decorate them to match your space and use them to store small items like screws or gift wrap.

Pyramid Organizer

Create a pyramid organizer by stacking toilet paper rolls on their sides. Decorate it to match your home and place it on a flat surface or hang it on the wall. This is a stylish way to store pens, kitchen utensils, and other daily items.

Knife Sheath

Use a toilet paper roll as a sheath for your kitchen knives. This protects them from damage and keeps them organized. It also frees up space in your drawer for other items.

Moveable Organizer

Build a moveable organizer by sectioning off the toilet paper rolls into compartments. Each section can rotate independently, allowing easy access to your items. This project requires some additional steps and supplies, but the result is a versatile storage tool.