3 Smart & Easy Ways to Rehome Old Clothes
The fashion industry is one of the largest
contributors to waste in the U.S. As consumers, one of the most impactful things we can do is simply buy less. But what about the clothes we already own? How can we prevent them from ending up in landfills? Ideally, they’d be recycled by the end of their lifecycle, but the best thing we can do is extend their lifecycle for as long as possible. An easy way to do this is by rehoming them! By passing them on, you not only reduce waste, but can help people in need, and even make some extra cash.
Here are three easy and smart ways to rehome old clothes, ranked from least to most effort (and potential return):
1. Donate!
The easiest and most straightforward ways to rehome old clothes is by donating them to local thrift stores or charities. Donating extends the lifecycle of your items while benefiting others who may need them. At some thrift stores, I’ve even receive a discount or coupon for donating!
When donating, it’s not just clothing you can pass on; shoes, accessories, books, toys, and even unused office or school supplies are often welcome.
Tips:
- Research Local Charities: Shelters need warm clothing during the colder months, while schools look for stationary item donations. Different organizations have varying needs, so it’s helpful to know what they’re looking for.
- Prepare Your Items: Wash and fold your clothes before donating to get them ready for their new owners. Check for any small damages (like missing buttons or tears) and fix them if possible—this can be the deciding factor between them getting rehomed and being thrown out.
All in all, donating is a simple, low-effort way to keep your old clothes out of landfills while supporting both the environment and your community.
2. Send Them to ThredUp
For a hassle-free way to sell your clothes, ThredUp is one of the easiest platforms to use. Request a “Clean Out Kit” from their website, and they’ll send you a prepaid bag and shipping label. Once you send in your items, ThredUp photographs and lists the pieces they think they can sell. The rest of your clothes can be either returned, recycled, or put in their “rescue boxes.” While it’s an easy process, the items need to be in great condition, and you won’t have much control over pricing. The payout isn’t life-changing- for example, I made $5 from a dress they listed for $32- but it’s certainly an option if you want to try to get some cash back with minimum effort.
Tips:
- Check Accepted Brands: ThredUp has a list of brands they accept, so make sure your clothes are from those brands before you send them. That way, you can decide what to do with items that don’t qualify.
- Make Sure Items are in Really Good Condition: ThredUp is selective about the quality of the clothes they accept. Make sure everything is clean, free from stains or tears, and only gently worn.
- Track Your Bag: Follow your bag’s journey so you know when it’s received, processed, and when you can request your unsellable items back.
ThredUp is an excellent, low-effort way to rehome brand-name items if you want to earn a little cash in the process.
3. Resell Online
If you’re looking to maximize your return, reselling old clothes online is your best bet. Platforms like Depop, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay offer opportunities to sell directly to buyers. The process takes a bit more time and effort, but if your items are in good condition and you’re willing to put in the work, you can make some decent money.
Tips:
- Price Your Items Fairly: While you want to make a profit, remember that pricing your items too high can limit their chances of selling. Consider how long you’re willing to wait for the sale and set a reasonable price.
- Good Photos Are Key: High-quality, well-lit photos make a huge difference. Be sure to take pictures from multiple angles and highlight important details like brand, material, and condition.
- Make Your Page Attractive: Keep your listings consistent with a clear, inviting profile and an attractive background. Include as much detail as possible in your item descriptions (i.e. the items condition, material, color, size/fit, brand, etc.).
- Be Honest: Honesty goes a long way when selling secondhand items. If your item has imperfections, be upfront about it. I personally prefer knowing a pair of shoes has a scuff or that a pair of jeans needs a stitch—transparency builds trust. A lot of the people on these sites know what it’s like to shop secondhand and don’t expect items to be in perfect condition.
- Stay Responsive: Many buyers will have questions about your listings, so be sure to respond quickly to messages and comments.
- Patience Is Essential: Reselling can take time. If you’re feeling ambitious, try listing your items on multiple platforms to increase your chances of a sale.
Reselling is a great option if you have high-quality, desirable items and want to make a profit. It takes the most effort, but it’s worth it and it can be fun having your own shop!
Whether you choose to donate, sell through ThredUp, or resell your old clothes online, rehoming old clothes is a simple and effective way to extend their lifecycle and help reduce waste. Treat your clothes like a rental and pass them on to someone else when you’re ready, to keep them out of landfills.