Paper is one of the largest contributors to clutter around the house. Messages, birthday invitations, recipes, coupons, receipts, school art projects, and business cards can really pile up and make your space look messy if you don't have a designated spot for all of it. Some things should be filed away or pitched, but we all need a place to jot down notes and tack up reminders from time to time. These clever ways to make a memo board are simple and inexpensive; some even make use of thrift or upcycled items you may have around the house already.
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Cookie Sheet Memo Board
Use a metal – not aluminum – cookie sheet or tray to make a magnetic memo board. You can hunt for a pretty vintage one or pick one up from a garage sale and paint it.
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Window Memo Board
Old windows are easy to find at flea markets and they make perfect memo boards. Insert cork where any broken panes might be, or write right on the glass with a dry-erase marker.
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Roll of Paper Memo Board
Good 'ol paper is the original and it still works great for messages and grocery lists. But instead of writing notes on the backs of envelopes that just add to the clutter on countertops, install a roll of kraft or colored paper on the back of a door or even a wall for a tidier spot to jot.
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Wine Cork Memo Board
Make a "cork" board out of wine corks for your dining room or kitchen.
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Shutter Memo Board
Shutter Memo Board Shutters make excellent memo boards because of their built-in slats. Put one in an entryway to hold outgoing mail or reminders. You can even hang hooks from the slats for keys and other small items.
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Picture Frame Memo Board
There are dozens of ways to upcycle a picture frame into a memo board, including this crisscrossed string look.The only limit is your imagination.
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Paint Can Lid Memo Board
Before properly disposing of all those old paint cans, remove the lids. Arranged vertically, horizontally, or in a grid, they make a clever magnetic memo board with a shabby-chic appeal.
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Ironing Board Memo Board
Use a vintage wooden ironing board covered in burlap or linen as a pretty place to hang inspiring photos or artwork.
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Embroidery Hoop Memo Board
Insert the fabric of your choice into a large embroidery hoop and tighten the screws to make a simple memo board that coordinates with your decor.
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Cork Trivet Memo Board
IKEA's Heat trivets are inexpensive and versatile. Paint and hang them for a modern take on a memo board.
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Burner Cover Memo Board
Inexpensive burner covers from the dollar store can be painted or covered with decorative paper, then hung with ribbon.
Burner Cover Memo Board via Madigan Made (now Rosyscription)
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Bike Wheel Memo Board
Source flea markets for bicycle wheels with spokes, then upcycle one into an eclectic spot to hang reminders and cards.
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Chalkboard Memo Board
Chalkboards are trendy and for good reason. Turn a picture frame, a cupboard door, or a whole wall into a spot to write reminders; you can even use magnetic chalkboard paint so you can hang invitations or greeting cards on it as well.