The end of summer is right around the corner, which means it’s almost time to clean out your closet and prepare for a new season. Do you have old clothes you no longer wear? Do you need new clothes, but are short on funds? Now’s the perfect opportunity for you to recycle and replenish your wardrobe with secondhand clothes. It’s the great way to save money, help Mother Earth, and start the new season with style.
Mindful Tips for Secondhand Clothes
Whether you’re looking to buy or get rid of used clothes and shoes, consider the three quick tips listed below.
Support Local Thrift Shops
Organizations like Goodwill and Salvation Army are some of the most common shops, but they aren’t the only ones. Maybe it’s time to think outside the “thrift shop box.” There are many local thrift shops that offer great deals, some even support great causes.
One great example is Housing Works, an advocacy organization with a chain of thrift shops in New York City. The items sold at these shops help fund their mission to end the homeless epidemic and the AIDS crisis. In addition to clothing and shoes, they also sell used books, art, furniture, and more. They even have an online auction business. You can find more information on their website.
Make a Few Extra Bucks
Some thrifts shops are part of charities and their shelves are stocked with donated items, but that isn’t the case for all gently used clothing stores. Some thrift shops buy merchandise for their stores. So, if you’ve got some old clothes you no longer wear and you need some extra cash, consider visiting thrift shops like Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Exchange. You can get cash or store credit for your unwanted items. It’s a great way to save money for back-to-school shopping.
Help Mother Earth by Recycling Your Clothing
Do you have clothes that are too old for even thrift shops? Consider having your clothes recycled so that they don’t end up in a landfill somewhere. In fact, some stores will even offer you a discount or other rewards for dropping off your old, unwanted items. It’s a win-win situation.
American Eagle offers $5 off your next pair of jeans. The North Face store will give you a $10 reward (toward a future purchase of $100+) in exchange for your old clothes. And Levi’s will give you a 20 percent off coupon in exchange for your unwanted clothing or shoes. Read their websites for more details.