Woman Picks Up Items at Thrift Store, Finds ‘Unconventional’ Uses for Them

A woman has shared on social media a video highlighting how it isn’t always “one size fits all” when it comes to home decor items. Instead, you can think outside of the box and give them another purpose.

In a viral clip posted on TikTok by Liz (@lifewithliztoday), a self-proclaimed thrift-aholic who is addicted to DIY projects, she can be seen shopping in a secondhand store and then styling the item.

The video, titled “Things aren’t always what they seem,” has received 2.6 million views and over 446,000 likes. Liz, 26, points out in the caption that “items can be used for more than just one thing!”

She starts with a chessboard that surprisingly makes a great key rack when glued onto the wall with the pieces attached. This is followed by a planter pot that looks like a head, which doubles as a bust sculpture lamp.

One might naturally assume a vase is for flowers, but in Liz’s Tampa, Florida, home, it’s used as a wine holder. Despite its name, her butter dish serves a different purpose, holding jewelry instead. In a creative twist, she turned several brooches into unique fridge magnets. Additionally, she repurposed a tea light candle holder as a ring dish in her kitchen, perfect for keeping her ring safe while washing up.

Liz wants to inspire people to unleash their creativity and repurpose items in unique ways. She invites users to share in the comments section the “unconventional uses” they’ve found for various objects.

Viewers were left in awe, with one writing: “My jaw dropped on every single one.”

Another comment, with 13,800 likes, said: “The chess board blew my mind and Im a creative person. Thats awesome.”

“Broaches for fridge magnets is GENIUS,” said another, who asked how she stuck the magnets onto the broaches. Liz replied, saying she used a glue gun.

“I hope you make a ton of money off this talent because it’s a gift everyone doesn’t have!” said a fourth user. Another said, “It’s so innovative, I’m speechless.”

It is possible to earn a living through thrifting. Newsweek previously spoke to a professional thrifter stylist who curates bundles for clients from her home in Los Angeles. They are all made from secondhand or pre-loved pieces she breathes new life into.

The global secondhand apparel market is booming, reflecting shoppers’ growing preference for secondhand items and a shift toward a circular fashion system. ThredUp’s Resale Report estimates that this market will reach $350 billion by 2028, making now an ideal time to get involved in the business.

Newsweek reached out to @lifewithliztoday for comment and could not verify the details of the case.

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