If you have moved around a lot, chances are, you have accumulated a fair number of old keys from places you once lived. A lot of homeowners find that their old keys pile up in junk drawers, garages, and in other areas of their homes. This is fairly common and most homeowners may be unsure as to what to do with their old keys. Instead of simply tossing out old keys, there are plenty of ways you can reuse them. 
Whether you have just a couple of old keys lying around or a whole handful of them, there are lots of projects you can try out. Below you will find easy and fun ways to recycle your old keys and make the best use of them.

Create a Keepsake

If you remember where some of your old keys came from, you can create a keepsake of some sort. Framing and displaying old keys is easy and makes for a nice memento. You can create a shadow box to display your old keys or simply frame them in a way that suits your style. Also, you can easily create Christmas tree decorations by using a hook or piece of string to attach the key to one of the branches. Consider whether or not a keepsake might be the best way for you to make the best use of your old keys. Even if you can’t remember exactly where the keys came from, they make for classy and timeless decorations.

Make a Toy for Toddlers

Toddlers and young children are always trying to imitate adults and be like their parents. Use some of your old keys to create a play keyset for your child. This is simple, easy to do, and your child will absolutely love it! You will clean out your junk drawer of any keys that are no longer in use and your child can pretend that they are just like the adults in their life by having a play keyset of their very own.

Make a Key Hook

You can create a key hook for the keys you do still use by taking 3 or 4 old keys, bending the tail of the key at a 90-degree angle, and attaching the keys to a board or a nice piece of wood. You will then have a creative way to store your keys. This kind of project is more involved than some of the other suggestions listed here, but if you are up for a DIY project this is the perfect way to reuse your old keys in a fun and interesting fashion.

Use Them for Cleaning

It is a good idea to keep an old key or two in your mudroom or by your front and back doors. That is because old keys make great cleaning tools for the bottom of shoes. If you have hiking boots or shoes with a lot of tread on the bottom, using an old key to clean in between the treads is highly effective. You can easily clean away dirt buildup, mud, and debris all by using an old key.

Weigh Down Curtains, Table Cloths, and Other Items

Old keys are great for weighing down certain fabrics. If you have curtains that seem to aimlessly blow in all directions when the windows are open or your central air is running, try slipping an old key into the hem of the curtains. This can make for a quick and inexpensive solution. You can also use old keys to weigh down table cloths by also slipping a key into the hem along the bottom.

Weighing down certain items can also be accomplished with old keys. For example, tying down helium balloons with old keys is a great idea for birthday parties and other events. Instead of buying weights to tie on the end of balloons, you can simply use an old key and have a discrete, free, and effective way to keep your balloons from flying away. 

Make Jewelry

Making jewelry with old keys is simple and easy to do. Since keys already have holes in them that allow owners to slip them onto keychains, you shouldn’t have to worry about drilling or breaking out the power tools for this kind of project. You can use the same hole at the top of the key and weave a fishing line, string, or chain through it. Then, you will have a DIY necklace that is completely unique.

Donate Them

If you want to forego any kind of art projects or other endeavors with your old keys, then it is recommended that you recycle them. Some locksmithing services may accept old keys and will be able to recycle them for you. There are also organizations that may be able to accept donations of old keys, as well. Call around in your area to see if any local services are willing to recycle old keys. In a world where we seemingly create so much waste, it is always best to reuse old keys in some fashion or recycle them responsibly.