Closet overwhelm is a common style challenge. You have all this stuff that you know you don’t wear but you just aren’t sure what to do with it. It’s such a common problem that statistics show you only wear 20% of what hangs in your closet. What if you could have 80% more room for items you really loved to wear?
It’s easy to do. First, let go of the guilt you feel about getting rid of things that no longer work for you or the style you want to have. You’re not wearing them anyway! Second, figure out the best way to get rid of them. Below are three options for you to consider and they all come with financial reward.
Consign your clothes
I LOVE the consignment store. I regularly edit my closet and anything I’m not completely in love with goes to the consignment store. I then take the money I make and buy new items I love to wear. Sometimes I even score unique finds while I’m there.
What You Should Consign: Clothing and accessories that are in like new condition and in current fashion. If you’re not sure if your items adhere to these rules simply take them to your consignment store and ask.
How It Works: Many stores require clothing to be brought in on hangers and at certain times of the day. They will look through your items and decide what they think they can sell. You typically receive around 40% (check with your store for their policy) of whatever amount your item sells for. Be sure to call your local consignment store to find out their specific policies.
The Benefit: It’s super easy! All you have to do is drop off your clothes and remember to come back in a couple of months to pick up your check!
Become an Ebay Seller
Ebay is a great way to recoup money you’ve spent on an item that no longer works for you. It can also be fun to watch others get wrapped up in a bidding war over something you are selling.
What You Should Sell: Clothing and accessories from designers or sought after brands. For best results your item should be in a like new condition. Before you decide to list something on Ebay you have to do a little research. Search for items similar to yours. Do you find any? Do you find an overwhelming amount that have no bids? Are they at a price that you feel is worth the effort to list them on Ebay? These should all be considerations when deciding whether or not Ebay is the best option for you.
How It Works: Once you list your item on Ebay others can bid on it starting from the price you set. Remember that the fun of Ebay is bidding against others so be sure to set a good starting price. Ebay charges you a fee to list your item. You can list your item yourself or take it to a local Ebay store that will do it for you.
The Benefit: If you list an item yourself on Ebay, this is typically the best way to recoup the most money from an item you want to sell.
Donate to Charity or Goodwill
It’s a great feeling to know that clothing which no longer works for you can help to serve another individual. There are many non-profit organizations that can benefit from items you are looking to let move on.
What You Should Donate: If you choose to donate to a charity with a specific focus such as Dress for Success, you should contact them to find out about their specific needs. If you are donating to your local Goodwill store, donate clothing in ANY condition. They sell items that will be profitable in their stores. The rest is sold as bulk salvage and recycled into other things. Even if you have clothing that is ripped or stained, be sure to donate it to Goodwill instead of throwing it away.
How It Works: Find your local donation point and drop off your items. You can also schedule a pick up with some organizations. Don’t forget your donation receipt!
The Benefit: This is a very easy way to get rid of items you no longer need and you can receive a tax deduction.
For specific help on what in your closet you should keep or purge consider a
closet edit. A closet edit can help you discover why your closet is full of items you’re just not excited to wear. Contact the Charleston Style Concierge and discover how a closet edit can benefit you.
Tags: clothes, common style challenge, money
During the seminar I put together different outfits and asked participants how old they thought each mannequin would be based on their wardrobe. It was astounding to hear the age ranges they provided. Everyone had a completely different idea of how old the mannequin was, with varying ideas on why she was that particular age.
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