7 Fun and Clever Ways to Reuse Plastic Bags Around Your Home (Because Who Wants to Throw Them Out?)

So, you’ve got a mountain of plastic shopping bags piling up under your kitchen sink, and you’re starting to wonder what on earth to do with them, right? Well, before you toss them in the trash, let me hit you with a little secret: there are actually a ton of smart ways to reuse those bags all over your house (and even outside!). You’ll be amazed at how many times these things can come to the rescue.

Let’s check out some creative, easy ways to put those plastic bags to good use, brought to you by professional organizers who definitely know what’s up. Get ready to wonder why you didn’t think of these ideas yourself!

1. Bring ‘Em Back to the Grocery Store

Who says plastic bags are one-and-done? Not us. Shantae Duckworth, the founder of Shantae-ize Your Space, is a big fan of bringing her plastic bags on repeat grocery trips. “I always leave a couple of them tucked inside my big reusable bag,” she says. Why? Because when you’re picking up meat, liquids, or any other things that could spill, wrapping them in a plastic bag helps protect your fancy totes from those messes. Plus, it’s super practical!

2. Line Those Tiny Trash Cans

Bathroom trash can? Tiny. Plastic bag? Perfect fit. Duckworth recommends using plastic bags as liners for small trash cans around your house. Not only does it keep the trash from making a mess of your can, but it also saves you from spending money on those special tiny liners. Why not let the bags do double duty?

3. Wrap Shoes for Travel

Let’s face it, when you’re packing for a trip, your shoes can get dirty. Airports, bathrooms, and random rest stops are full of grime that you definitely don’t want getting on your fresh clothes or souvenirs. Jill Moore, the guru behind Organized Jill, suggests wrapping your shoes in plastic bags before throwing them into your suitcase. That way, your other stuff stays clean and sanitary. Bonus: no more cringing when your shoes touch your fresh laundry.

4. Recycle ‘Em at the Store (Yep, You Can Do That!)

Okay, you’re probably thinking, “But I’ve got so many of these things!” Well, guess what? You don’t have to hoard them forever. Moore points out that most grocery stores have easy-to-access recycling bins right by the door. So, after you’re done shopping and have your new bags full of goodies, toss those used ones into the recycling bin before you leave. Keeping a stash in your car makes it even easier to drop them off later.

5. Keep Wet Swimsuits from Soaking Your Stuff

Pool day? Beach trip? Yes, please. But we all know the struggle of having a soaking wet swimsuit turning your whole bag into a soggy mess. Moore recommends tossing a plastic bag into your beach tote for just such occasions. That way, when you’re ready to change out of your wet swimsuit, you can toss it in the bag and save your bag from a watery disaster. No need to buy a fancy pouch either—plastic bags have your back!

6. Keep Your Car Trash-Free (Sort of)

If you’re carting around kids (or anyone, really), your car is probably starting to look like a mobile landfill. But don’t worry, plastic bags to the rescue! Moore suggests stashing a plastic bag in the car to collect wrappers, juice boxes, and the other inevitable messes that seem to pop up. It’s an easy way to keep your car clean without constantly having to do a full-on cleanup.

7. Pack Lunches Like a Pro

Sending your kids off to school or camp with a homemade lunch? No need to spend money on fancy lunchboxes every time—just use a plastic bag! Moore swears by this method because it makes it super easy for your kid to carry their food around all day without worrying about a bulky lunchbox. Plus, it’s less to remember when they come home. Older kids and teens might even prefer a plain old plastic bag over something that screams “I’m a little kid,” so it’s a win-win.

So, before you throw away that next plastic bag, remember: you’ve got options! From traveling to packing lunches, and even recycling, these bags are way more useful than you probably thought. Start giving your plastic bags a second life around the house, and you’ll feel pretty proud of yourself for not letting them go to waste. Who knew a little plastic could go such a long way?