11 Genius Ways To Repurpose Old Phone Cases Around The House

Repurposing is a great way to extend the lives of things that you might have gotten tired of but are still in good shape. A great example of such an item is a phone case. Whether you've just upgraded your phone or simply want a different design, you might be wondering what you can do with your perfectly okay case. No matter its style, there are some genius ways you can use them around the house, like as trays for jewelry or candles or as soap dishes in the bathroom or kitchen. They can also be turned into luggage tags or notetaking stations.

Repurposing phone cases is best done when you know about the case's material and what its strengths and weaknesses are. Some common types are clear plastic, leather, silicone, suede, and flip cases. Some are more unusual, with irregular shapes and forms or 3D surfaces that you can even interact or play with. All these styles can come in handy in different ways, so consider them when choosing which project to take on. Clear plastic cases, for example, are great in situations where there's a lot of moisture and water involved, while leather cases can be stylish pieces for a place like the bedroom dresser.

One way to repurpose a phone case is to turn it into a coaster to protect your living room's coffee or side table. You can use either side of the case, but we recommend using it right side up so that it's a more stable surface for your glass or cup. An old phone case is a great no-spend option; however, if you have just one or two and need more coasters, try one of these DIY coaster projects, some of which involve other things you might already have at home.

An old phone case can also be turned into a soap dish for your shower nook or bathroom sink. If you use bar soap, you can just place it on the inside of the case to give it a little home. This can even work with bottles of soap because the case can catch any extra liquid that drips, making it easier to clean up and keep the area tidy. This is best done with waterproof phone cases or those made out of plastic or silicone gel, not leather or cloth materials.

Similar to using it as a bathroom soap dish, your old phone case can come in handy as a sponge holder for your kitchen sink. This is a nice hack because it allows the sponge to air out, unlike some holders that are more closed off. Just make sure it is waterproof so it can last a while in this wet environment. One tip is to keep it as clean as you keep the sponges, so rinse it and air it out regularly, and replace it before it starts to get gross.

An old phone case can be used as a rest for your spoons and other utensils while you cook. Instead of leaving utensils directly on the counter or on the sink, just turn the phone case over, and you have a place to set them down. Phone cases in materials like plastic and gel will be the best types for this hack because they can be easily washed. You also don't want to use cases in light colors or with fabrics that can stain easily because they won't look good.

Even if you already have a jewelry box or rack, you can still benefit from having a little tray for the items you use more frequently. With an old phone case, you can keep those pieces within reach, whether it's on your bedroom dresser or on the bathroom counter. For this hack, it's best to use cases that don't have the camera holes in the back, or at least small ones, to stop dainty necklaces and earrings from falling out easily. In terms of style, it helps to use a case that suits the surrounding decor.

There are various containers in which you can store loose change in the home, like mason jars and piggy banks. However, using an old phone case as a coin dish can help in more specific ways due to its design. Its openness will make the coins easily accessible, and its small size will allow you to keep it on virtually any surface. From the fireplace mantel to the entryway table, this DIY coin dish will come in handy. This also helps you avoid issues like loose change going through your washer and damaging it.

One genius way to repurpose old phone cases is to create little pen and notepad stations so you can easily make notes. Just stick a stack of sticky notes on the inside of the case and get a pen that fits inside to place on the stack. This can be helpful in various spots, like the kitchen, the entryway, your work desk, and even your bedside table. You can just leave it on any surface or add some adhesive or a magnet to the back so you can hang it up, perhaps on the fridge.

Another idea is to turn that phone case into a luggage tag. Depending on the material, you can either write your information with a permanent marker directly onto the surface or stick on a piece of paper and write on that. The main details you need to include are your name and contact information. After, pass a rubber band or hair tie through the camera hole and form a knot that you can then pass through your luggage handles. You can use the case as is or add some design to it with paint or stickers.

If you still use traditional candles around the house, skip getting a holder and just use your old phone case. This no-cost option will give you a surface for the dripping wax and also allow you to easily transport your candle around the house. You may want to use a hard case or at least one with a firm back so it doesn't bend, easily causing the candle to fall when you move it. A "tough case," which is designed to be extra durable, would be great. Conversely, flip cases and leather cases aren't ideal for this.

Another portable item that a phone case can be turned into is a makeup holder. Holding products in small, thin containers, like mascara, lip gloss, and eye pencils, an old phone case can be perfect for organizing surfaces like the bathroom vanity or bedroom dresser. It goes a long way when these tiny items aren't left out just by themselves because that creates visual and actual clutter. You should also consider other savvy ways to organize your beauty room, like baskets and vases for items that can't fit in a phone case.

Batteries are delicate and need specific methods of storage. The small ones especially shouldn't be left loose because they can get lost and spoil, so phone cases are a great DIY container idea to keep them in one spot. Ideally, you would use a battery container with a lid and sections, but this can certainly help in a pinch. When storing batteries like this, make sure to store new and old ones separately. Add a label to the back or inside of the case so you know which are functional and which you need to recycle.