Absolutely—an old pill organizer can be surprisingly useful for small-item organization and travel. Just clean it thoroughly first, and don’t use it for food or anything that could be ingested, since medication residue can remain. Also remove any medication labels or personal information before repurposing containers. (US EPA)
12 clever ways to reuse an old pill box
- 💍 Jewelry organizer — Keep earrings, rings, and small chains separated.
- 🧵 Sewing supplies — Store buttons, beads, needles, pins, or small spools of thread.
- 🎨 Craft-supply organizer — Perfect for sequins, googly eyes, charms, and other tiny pieces.
- 🔩 Hardware holder — Sort screws, nuts, washers, and small nails.
- 🎣 Fishing tackle — Use compartments for hooks, swivels, sinkers, and other tiny gear.
- 🔋 Small battery storage — Keep loose batteries separated and easy to find. Don’t store damaged or leaking batteries.
- 🪴 Gardening supplies — Store seeds or small gardening accessories, provided the container is clean and dry.
- ✏️ Art supplies — Keep pencil erasers, pencil sharpeners, tiny crayons, or other miniature supplies together.
- 🧷 Hair accessories — Bobby pins, hair ties, clips, and small barrettes won’t disappear as easily.
- 🧳 Travel organizer — Keep small non-medication items such as earplugs, spare buttons, or tiny accessories organized.
- 🔧 Electronic-repair parts — Great for tiny screws, connectors, washers, and other components.
- 🏕️ Camping odds and ends — Use it for small non-food items such as cord locks, hooks, repair pieces, or other tiny essentials.
⚠️ One important exception
If you’re still using the organizer for medications, don’t repurpose it for crafts or other materials. Pill organizers are designed to help people organize their medicines, and medications should be stored securely away from children and others who could accidentally ingest them. (MedlinePlus)
Best idea: Turn an old organizer into a dedicated “tiny things box.” Label each compartment—buttons, screws, beads, pins, clips, etc.—and you’ll never have to hunt through a drawer for those little items again.
