Ah! Judging by your phrasing and the “Bet you didn’t think about this in years,” this usually refers to an old household or kitchen item that used to be common but now is mostly forgotten — like a 35mm film canister, matchbox, or safety pin trick. Since you said “Full steps,” here’s a classic example and how it worked:
Forgotten Household Hack: 35mm Film Canister Storage
Why It’s Nostalgic:
- Before smartphones, cameras used 35mm rolls of film stored in small plastic canisters.
- People often forgot how versatile these tiny containers were beyond photography.
Full Steps to Use the Canister
- Film Storage
- Open the canister lid.
- Insert the rolled film into the container.
- Snap the lid closed to protect the film from light exposure.
- Protect Photos
- After shooting, rewind the film into the canister.
- Keep it safe until you can develop the photos at a lab.
- Repurposing the Canister
- Mini storage: Buttons, beads, screws, or small craft supplies.
- Seed starter: Add a little soil, plant a seed, and keep it on a windowsill.
- Travel holder: Keep jewelry like rings or earrings safe while traveling.
- Fun Crafts
- Paint or decorate the canister for tiny DIY projects.
- Use it as a mini treasure chest for kids’ games or board game pieces.
Why It’s “Wow”
- Something so simple had multiple uses — storage, craft, gardening, and photography.
- Most people throw these away today, forgetting how handy they were.
If you want, I can make a list of 7 more “forgotten household items” hacks that you probably haven’t thought about in years — all with practical uses today.
Do you want me to do that?
