know, it can be a pain in the pants to clean out your closet, but if you do it a few times a year (depending on how often you go shopping, of course) it becomes much easier. Set a few rules for yourself while making a selection and enjoy the benefits!
I started selling my old clothes many years ago when I desperately needed some extra cash. The more I did it, the easier it became to make a critical selection. So how do I do that?
I ask myself a couple of questions and the answer has to be a simple “yes” or “no”. This helps to make quick decisions. I do this when I go shopping for new clothes too.
The questions are:
- Am I wearing this often?
- Can I use it for a special occasion? And if so, will I really wear it?
- Is it a basic that I must have?
If the answer is “no” to all of the questions, it means I have to get rid of it. I never had any regrets, in fact, once the item was gone I completely forgot about it and didn’t miss it at all.
Benefits? A decluttered and organized closet, extra cash, and a second life for your items, which is very eco-friendly.
There are several options to find new owners for your old clothes, I will list them down below.
Vinted: an online marketplace
Vinted is an online marketplace and community that allows its users to sell, buy, and swap new or secondhand items, mainly clothing and accessories.
You need to invest some time in making good pictures, communicating with the buyer, and sending the package. But honestly, Vinted’s system is the easiest and most convenient for me.
How it works?
You post an ad, select the approximate size of the package and select the shipping options. Once you’ve sold your item, you’ll get an e-mail with a shipping label and clear instructions. Do keep in mind that you have to send your package within 5 working days.
I only use Mondial Relay and Correos. Several shops offer Mondial Relay services, which is super convenient. You can check the closest point on their website, so you don’t have to walk around the entire city to send a package to a random stranger.
After you’ve shipped your item, you can follow the process through the app. Once the buyer has received it and is happy with it (they can return it if they are not satisfied, but that has never happened to me), you’ll get a confirmation that the money will be sent to your bank account. This can take up to 7 working days, so you have to have some patience.
Extra free advice:
- Always ask the buyer for a review, this makes your profile trustworthy.
- Write a good description (has it been worn a lot, does it have any imperfections, what size is it, etc.)
- Make good quality pictures: front and back, the label (size & material), show imperfections and make sure there’s good lighting.
- Don’t expect to become a millionaire, keep your prices low. I wasn’t selling anything until I lowered my prices. I usually sell dresses and tops for €5,- now.
- Buy big envelopes at Tedi or one of the Bazaars, they have different sizes and they’re much cheaper than the ones in the postal offices. If you need to send something bigger like shoes or bags, save cardboard boxes at home - you never know when you might need it.
Clothing swap party
Organize a fun night with tapas and drinks and ask all your friends to bring their old clothes and accessories. The idea is to swap, but if you’re trying to get rid of clothes because your closet is exploding, you can also just donate. I mean, we want the best for our friends, right?
But not everyone has that many friends. Maybe you’re looking for new connections, so why not create a clothing swap event here? That’s a win-win situation if you ask me, you’ll get to meet new people while getting rid of your clothes. Olé!
Donate to Humana fundación Pueblo para Pueblo
Humana is a foundation that you can support by donating your old clothes. What their goals are? This is what they’ve shared on their website:
“Our main goal is to protect the environment and to develop cooperation projects that promote community development in the South. We also promote education and development awareness in the North. To implement these actions, we generate funding through the management of Spanish textile waste. Our awareness-raising work in the North, therefore, includes an environmental component. Related to our work with clothing, we also have a voucher program to help those most in need in Spain. The cooperation and environmental protection projects are complemented by other activities around social assistance and education for development.”
You can deposit your clothing, shoes, and textiles into any of their containers in Valencia or you can bring your items to their stores. How great is it to help this beautiful foundation with the simple act of cleaning out your closet?!
For more information on their locations and mission, please check their website.
Are you ready to clean out your closet and wish your old ropa the best?
We’re getting... close ;-)
Un abrazo,
Stephanie
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