Goodwill trays are a treasure trove for DIY and organization projects. Their low cost, solid construction, and unique styles make them perfect for repurposing.
Here are 10 brilliant ways to reuse trays from Goodwill:
1. Serving & Food Station Chic
Don’t just serve on them—create a station. Use a large tray to corral all the fixings for taco night, a brunch mimosa bar (with glasses, fruit, and a bottle), or a coffee corner with mugs, sugar, and spoons. It looks intentional and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Vanity or Bathroom Organizer
A pretty ceramic or metal tray is perfect for the bathroom counter or a dresser top. Use it to organize perfume bottles, daily skincare, jewelry, hair accessories, or shaving gear. It instantly elevates clutter into a styled display.
3. Home Office & Desk Caddy
Keep your desk tidy. A medium-sized tray can hold pens, sticky notes, paperclips, and your phone. A larger one can organize files, notebooks, and mail. It defines the space and makes everything portable.
4. Craft & Hobby Central
Designate a tray as the home for your current project. Whether it’s knitting supplies, sewing notions, painting tools, or a puzzle-in-progress, you can stash the entire tray away when you need the table back.
5. Entryway “Drop Zone”
Place a sturdy tray by the front door. It becomes the designated spot for keys, wallets, mail, and sunglasses. Choose one with a lip to contain small items, or a flat one for under a decorative bowl.
6. Rolling Bar Cart Upgrade
Give a basic IKEA cart a custom look. Find trays that fit the shelves perfectly. They add a finished surface, protect the cart, and make it easy to lift groups of bottles or glasses on and off.
7. Pet Feeding Station
A large, lipped tray (like a cafeteria tray) is ideal under pet food and water bowls. It catches spills, kibble, and slobber, keeping your floors clean. Easy to wipe down and much nicer-looking than a plain mat.
8. Vertical Wall Art & Shelves
Mount them on the wall! Hang a collection of similar or themed trays as unique wall art. You can also attach small brackets to the bottom of a deep tray and mount it as a shallow, decorative shelf for lightweight objects.
9. Garden & Potting Helper
Use a rugged plastic or metal tray as a portable potting station. Carry your tools, seeds, and a small bag of soil to your garden spot. It also makes a great base for houseplant saucers to protect your furniture.
10. Kids’ Activity Tray
A lipped tray is a parent’s secret weapon. It contains the mess of Play-Doh, LEGO bricks, beading projects, or snack time. The activity stays in the tray, and you can carry the whole project from table to floor to closet.
Pro-Tip for Thrifting: When choosing trays, look beyond the obvious. Consider the material (wipeable is best for many uses), the depth of the lip, and the overall sturdiness. A quick scrub with soap and water or a disinfecting wipe is all most need to be ready for their brilliant second life!
Happy hunting and upcycling