Responsible ways to pass on unwanted wardrobe items
When cleaning out your closet, try donating items rather than throwing them away. (Dreamstime)
When editing your wardrobe you’ll need to pass some items on to someone else. Instead of throwing them away and sending them to a landfill, give them a second life. Here are five ways to do just that.
Give items to friends and family: I used to love when my big sister cleaned out her closet to get rid of items she no longer wanted because that meant I ended up with a gold mine of fashion for myself! Think about friends, acquaintances and family members who would enjoy receiving some, if not all, of the items that you’re passing on. If the recipients live far away, take them along the next time you visit or send a fun style package their way.
Donate to Goodwill or Salvation Army: Items that are donated to Goodwill are resold for very low prices. At the Salvation Army, items are passed on to those who are less fortunate. Also, when you donate, most places offer a tax write-off receipt to use as a charitable deduction come tax season.
Donate to Dress for Success: Drop dressier items off at Dress for Success, where they’re used to dress women who are re-entering the workforce. Many DFS clients come from homeless shelters or are in temporary YWCA housing and desperately need an interview outfit and work-appropriate attire. DFS provides them with a mini workwear capsule for free to get them on their way. They are especially in need of sizes 12 to 20, and petites and talls across all sizes.
Have a swap party: Get a group of friends together who have wardrobe items to pass on. Turn up the music, provide snacks and libations and swap. Clothing sizes might differ among the participants, but remember that footwear and accessories can be easier to fit. This is also a cost-effective and fun way to refresh your style. When the swapping is all done, have a mini fashion show to show off your newly acquired pieces!
Consign or resell on eBay and Poshmark: You can resell wardrobe items at consignment stores in your area. Or take photos of them and sell them on sites like eBay and Poshmark. You can also do it old-school style and collect the items for a spring garage sale.
Even though we’re currently in the trenches of winter, it never hurts to get a jump-start on your spring cleaning. Before you know it, spring will be upon us; that’s the perfect time to do some refreshing to your wardrobe and closet. These are simple and environmentally friendly ways to clear out your unwanted items while also giving them new life elsewhere.