6 Useful Ways You Can Reuse A 5-Gallon Bucket
A 5-gallon bucket might not seem like much when it’s sitting empty in your basement or garage, but it’s surprisingly versatile, able to take on all sorts of useful roles around the house, garden, or workshop. Instead of throwing it out or letting it sit unused, consider putting it to work with one of these useful ideas.
1. Washing Clothes
If the washing machine is out of service, you’re out camping, or you’re totally off-grid, a 5-gallon bucket can help you get laundry done by hand. Fill it with warm water and detergent, add your clothes, then agitate them using a clean plunger (or your hands, or another long, clean poking device). Rinse in a second bucket of clean water and wring them out. It’s not a perfect replacement, but it’s a useful backup during outages, travel, or when trying to save water or power.
2. Collecting Rainwater
A 5-gallon bucket can help you make better use of rainwater. Place it beneath a downspout or under the edge of a roof to catch runoff. You can use the collected water for outdoor cleaning or to water plants during dry spells. It’s a simple way to stretch your resources and be more mindful of waste, especially during months when water usage should be kept in check.
3. Holding Garden Tools
Instead of letting garden tools lay scattered around the yard, turn a 5-gallon bucket into a simple tool caddy. Fill the bottom with sand mixed with a little oil to keep hand tools clean and rust-free (and it helps stop those tools from knocking into each other all the time, too). It keeps everything in one place and makes it easy to carry from the shed to the garden in one trip without losing anything along the way.
Alternatively, you can buy a bucket caddy that attaches to a 5 gallon and lets you carry all your gardening tools while keeping the bucket itself free for weeds, leaves, or dirt!
4. Indoor Compost Bin
For those trying to reduce food waste, a bucket can serve as a temporary indoor compost bin. Drill small holes in the lid to help with airflow and add kitchen scraps throughout the week. Empty it regularly into your outdoor compost pile or bin. It keeps smells and messes contained while helping you stick to a more sustainable lifestyle without needing to invest in an expensive compost setup.
5. Pantry Bulk Storage
Dry goods like rice, flour, oats, and beans store well in a clean, food-grade 5-gallon bucket. Just make sure it has an air tight lid so pests stay out and the food stays fresher. It’s a great way to stock up on pantry staples without cluttering up the kitchen, making them especially useful for those who like to cook in bulk or prepare for emergencies. They’re also easy to stack and organize!
6. Kids’ Outdoor Toy Bin
Buckets are tough enough to handle kids’ outdoor play, no matter how messy. Use one to store chalk, balls, water toys, or other outdoor fun items and keep them all in one place. It keeps clutter off your porch or patio and makes cleanup quicker at the end of the day. Since they’re waterproof and easy to rinse, you don’t have to worry about mud or messes. Kids can even help decorate their bucket, giving them some ownership over keeping things tidy.
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A simple 5-gallon bucket can become more than just a container. With a little creativity, it becomes a helpful tool in everyday life. Whether you’re organizing, prepping, storing, or just trying to keep things tidy, these buckets are a practical solution that fit right into real routines. Instead of letting one gather dust, give it a second life with a purpose that works for you.
Daniel Mitchell
