You Spring Cleaned, Now What?

You took the first and hardest step- great job! Now that you have removed items from your closet and are ready to let go- what’s next? Let’s either get them out of the house or breathe fresh life into them!

Worksheet: Transform Your Closet in 3 Easy Steps

Sort your items into 3 piles. Pile #1 for donation; Pile #2 Resale, and Pile #3 Reinvent.

PURGE METHOD #1 DONATE

The hassle-free method, toss it in a trash bag and get it out of your house fast!

Why Donate?

It not only helps you purge, but it also helps the environment and other people. It is one of the easiest ways to help people out. Many people are in need of useable clothing. Giving makes you feel good! You’re doing a good deed. Good Karma, anyone?

Find a family in need, call a local organization to arrange to pick up, or find a Planet Aid bin to drop it and drive away. So satisfying! - It can be generous tax write off- keep your receipts!

PURGE METHOD #2 RESALE

If your items still have tags or are in good condition- you may be able to make a profit off them!

ThredUp

ThredUp is the world’s largest online consignment and thrift store. It is best for mall brands, is fast, easy, and shipping is free!

How it works:

ORDER A CLEAN OUT KIT- Fill it up with your items from any brand.
SEND IT OFF - Leave it for your mail carrier or drop it at FedEx or USPS.
GET CASH OR CREDIT- Get paid for items when they sell. They donate the rest.

The RealReal

TheRealReal is authenticated luxury consignment. You can earn up to 85% of the selling price for your item

Pick your method:

Schedule a free in-home pickup. Available in over 20 metro areas.
Ship your items directly to us with a free, prepaid label.
Visit a Luxury Consignment Office for a free valuation and consignment drop-off.

Then the RealReal team evaluates the items, and you get paid!

PURGE METHOD #3 REINVENT

For the items you just CAN’T let go of, whether it be for sentimental reasons, the perfect fit, or a piece that defines your signature style- there is still hope! You can breathe new life into them!

Hold each item, close your eyes, and try to visualize a renewed version of it. Can you dye it, cut it, hem it, tailor it? If you genuinely can’t see any potential- it’s time to let go. But if you can, it’s time to have a little fun!

Here are a few ways you can reinvent old items-

DYE

Use Rit Dye and rubber bands to have a tie-dye party with the kids
Any leather shoe, belt or bag can be dyed- I recommend taking your items to a professional

CUT

Hems can be cut off of an old pair of jeans to create a distressed look or shorts
Cut tee shirts into crop tops or tank tops
I recommend using fabric scissors

TAILOR

Creative tailoring transports ill-fitting items
Use a tailor for clothing that no longer fits, but still, have a long life ahead of them

Purging your closets each season is CRUCIAL. It can be dreadful- but if you create your own step by step method to use each season- it can become a fun, refreshing ritual.