You know exactly who you are. Your attic is overflowing, a testament to your affinity for keeping everything. You hold onto clothes, convinced you might fit into them again. Old toys and books? You can’t let them go. You’re the proud owner of a complete set of encyclopedias and stacks of National Geographics. Toilet paper rolls? Check. Milk jugs? Definitely. Flower pots? You never know when they might come in handy. Old boxes? You’ve got a collection. If it finds its way into your home, it likely stays there. While some may raise eyebrows at the thought of the KonMari method, you wear your packrat badge with honor.
And now, fellow packrats, the time has come for you to truly shine.
The Packrat Survival Guide During Quarantine
You find yourself confined to a small space—perhaps with energetic little ones. You need entertainment, creativity, and, above all, art supplies. During these unprecedented times, everything around you can transform into art materials. Remember those discounted paints you bought three years ago? They’re now your lifeline. Toilet paper rolls can be repurposed into stamps, as can potato ends and even the bottoms of glassware. The possibilities are endless.
And let’s not forget about glitter. Yes, that sparkly chaos you’ve been saving—now is its time to dazzle. You’ve got gallons of glue, too, probably snagged during back-to-school sales. Get ready to create sensory bottles or mix that glitter into slime. While you may find glitter in every nook and cranny for eternity, who cares? Desperate times call for desperate measures.
That bucket of buttons you inherited? Time for button art!
Those old clothes you’ve been hoarding? They can be cut into fabric scraps for collages, doll clothes, or even superhero capes. T-shirt fabric doesn’t fray, making it perfect for simple projects. Just snip one-inch tabs and tie them together to create blankets. Keep those kiddos busy and crafty.
Packrat, Your Garden is Calling
Dirt combined with anything equals instant fun. You can regrow a variety of vegetables using kitchen scraps, and you’ve likely got a plethora of unused vases or cups to facilitate the process. While others are purging, you are finding joy in watching your kids nurture their veggies. Old seeds? Plant them and see what grows.
Feel free to paint sticks strewn across the yard, wrap them with that yarn you promised to knit something fabulous with, and hang decorations from them. It’s called conceptual art, and it’s all the rage.
And don’t forget about that camping gear you haven’t touched in years. Drag out those old canoes for playtime adventures. Your kids will love it, and who cares if the tent has a few holes?
Make Use of Those Old Clothes
You’re reluctant to part with your clothes, unsure when you might need them again. Instead of donating, consider cutting them up. They can serve as makeshift toilet paper or rags when you run low on paper towels. Better yet, saturate them with bleach and create your own cleaning wipes. Use them for doll clothing, or embark on a quilting journey—all you need is a needle and thread. Don’t worry about patches on your kids’ clothes; it’s not like you can pop into a store to buy new ones right now.
By holding onto those items, you’re not just keeping busy; you’re also contributing to a healthier planet.
Reimagining Old Containers
Plastic jugs and containers can be transformed into countless things. Cut the tops off, and they become shovels for digging in the backyard. Poke holes in the bottom, and they can serve as planters for your veggies. They’re perfect for measuring cups or even toys for your little ones to scoop and dump. A packrat knows these hacks already, with a stack of containers likely tucked away.
Creating Collages from What You Have
As a packrat, you’re no stranger to the art of collaging. Old bottle caps? Perfect for a trash collage. Those magazines and books you’ve saved? Ideal for collage materials. You can even cut out pieces from old baby clothes and create a nostalgic memory collage. The creative possibilities are only limited by your imagination and your stockpile of items.
Embrace your identity, my packrat friend. You have all the tools you need. Your home has been preparing for this moment, ready to engage your children with creativity and resourcefulness. Reuse and recycle, and remember: what was once considered trash can be transformed into treasure.
You are thriving in these stay-at-home times!
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