Everyone dreads cleaning out their closet as the weather begins to change since many people struggle to find the most responsible way to clear out their wardrobe. Here are tips for how to properly dispose of old clothes this winter.
Hand Them Down
Before your old clothes leave your closet, consider handing them down to relatives or friends. Hand-me-downs are sentimental items that many people cherish for years. This method is excellent for valuable or memorable clothing pieces that don’t deserve to see the garbage—instead, a different generation can repurpose them.
Handing down clothing is environmentally conscious, as it doesn’t add to public waste. Furthermore, you provide someone else clothing without the need for manufacturing, labor, or production.
Sell Them
Selling off old clothing items is an easy way to clear closet space and make some cash on the side. Thankfully, there are many ways to make money off of your old wardrobe effectively. For starters, thrift/second-hand stores will potentially buy your clothes for a reasonable price—higher-end thrift stores will pay more for designer brands or unique items.
Online marketplaces such as Facebook, eBay, or apps like Depop allow users to list, market, and sell clothing items to others. If your old pieces are of good quality, someone on the internet might pay a considerable sum for them. To price your clothing correctly, research similar listings and various fashion trends. Some clothing once thought of as “out-of-style” may be popular at the moment.
Recycle or Repurpose Them
Throwing away clothing in the trash may seem like a quick fix, but that waste poses a massive threat to our environment. Before you pick up the bin, consider if you can alter or repurpose your clothing. You can quickly make an oversized tee into anything from a trendy crop-top or cleaning rags for the home. Repurposing is a great way to find new value in old junk, and it’s amazing for the well-being of the planet.
If there’s no possible “second-life” for your clothing, dispose of them in clothing-specific recycling bins around your area. Look for the locations of these bins in your local area. Textile plants use the garments from these bins to create new items with recycled materials.
Donate Them
In truth, donating clothes to the less fortunate is one of the best ways to dispose of your old wardrobe. Most donation centers accept clothing in any condition, as well as shoes, hats, and accessories. Even the most beat-up item in your closet has value to someone else, and donating is a rewarding gesture for you and others. As an added benefit, most donation centers provide you with a receipt that you can use for tax write-offs come April.
With these tips for how to dispose of old clothes this winter, you can confidently clear your closet while making a positive, eco-friendly impact. Enjoy the new wardrobe space and repeat this process as needed.
