NEWS — Do you have a few empty 5-gallon buckets stacked up in your garage or shed? Don’t let them gather dust! With a little creativity and some clever accessories from Amazon, you can turn those buckets into incredibly useful tools for your home, garage, or outdoor adventures. Let’s explore some fun ways to breathe new life into these versatile containers.
360 Degree Swivel Seat
One of the easiest ways to repurpose an empty 5 gallon bucket is by turning it into a comfortable seat. With the swivel seat cushion, you can snap it onto the top of your bucket and instantly have a portable stool. This is perfect for fishing trips, gardening sessions, or even as a quick seat at outdoor events. The best part? The bucket itself can double as storage for tools or snacks while you sit comfortably and enjoy the convenience of a rotating seat. Amazon offers these swivel cushions in various colors and prices from $20.99 to $24.99 each.
Mouse Trap
Your old empty buckets can also be turned into practical pest control devices. Using the mouse trap lid, you can set up an effective DIY trap to keep rodents at bay. Simply attach the trap mechanism to the top of your bucket, add some bait, and let it do its job. This setup is ideal for garages, barns, or basements where mice tend to sneak in. The bucket’s size means it can handle multiple catches before needing to be emptied. It even comes with a mouse-sized ladder! Grab one for $9.99 from Amazon.
Portable Toilet
For those who love camping or need an emergency solution for road trips, a bucket can become a portable toilet with the help of a specially designed toilet seat. This accessory snaps onto the bucket and provides a discreet and lightweight potty option for outdoor adventures. Pair it with biodegradable bags for easy cleanup, and you’ve got yourself a compact solution that’s perfect for your next camping adventure or long car trip. This one even has a built-in toilet paper holder. It’s $26.99 from Amazon.
Car Wash Dolly
If mobility is what you need, turning your empty 5 gallon bucket into a rolling helper is easy with a car wash dolly. Attach your bucket to this wheeled platform to make it mobile during cleaning projects or home improvement tasks. The heavy-duty casters allow you to roll your bucket around effortlessly. Whether you’re washing your car or hauling supplies across the garage, this setup will save your back. It even comes with an insert that helps to keep the dirt at the bottom of the bucket. Grab one for $49.99 from Amazon.
Tool Organizer
Lastly, buckets are fantastic for organizing tools when paired with a tool organizer attachment. This accessory fits snugly around your bucket and provides compartments for brushes, wrenches, and other essentials. It’s perfect for DIY enthusiasts or mechanics who need portable storage that’s easy to carry from one project to another. Your tools stay secure and accessible while you work. Get one for $29.99 from Amazon.
Repurposing empty 5-gallon buckets is a great way to turn something that was taking up space, to something that has a purpose and use. So dig out those buckets, grab these handy products, and start creating something useful today!
(3Pcs) Recycle and Trash Decal Sticker, Recycle Bin Sticker Large, Trash Sticker for Trash Can, Recycle Decals for Trash Can - Stickers for Trash Cans, Containers and Garbage Bins 3" (Recycle)
$3.99 ($1.33 / Count) (as of April 28, 2025 02:04 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
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You had me at “portable toilet”.
Ha!!!! You’re welcome!
I’ve seen a number of folks with a fishing pole caddy like the one below that fits on to a 5 gallon bucket!
https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-bucket-caddy-100154313
My brother-in-law is a plumber and he uses a tool organizer similar to the one in the post.
I’ve used these for years instead of a toolbox. However, spend a bit more and get one from a quality tool manufacturer rather than one of the much cheaper ones widely available on Amazon. It will, literally, last you the rest of your life. Those cheap ones will last until the Amazon return period ends as they will tear, sag, or start sinking into the bucket.
Never saw/thought of the toilet top, but that’s going on my Amazon wish list.
Gamma Seals are a nice way to turn a bucket into sealed storage for pet food, ice melt, or many other things
https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=24282&v1=&v7=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAz6q-BhCfARIsAOezPxnhf6e-NhK6oQTgxxkYBcrsSI4aQXeqiE_mKm8e0dzcwstaln2FhzoaAtY1EALw_wcB
PSA – $11.95/lid (2 pieces/lid) for me. I’m guessing there’s a shipping charge too.
Early in my tech career, mid-1970s, I was taking a vacuum technology course at nearby Lawrence Livermore National Labs. They had a serious rodent problem and one evening we were in a different building and found their rodent solution: a ramp to the top of a 5 gallon bucket with a baited seesaw at the top. Their differnce: the bucket was filled with liquid nitrogen so instant frozen rodent. Kinda gross. publish, or don’t, this just brought that old memory up again.