Kim Kubsch
“Reducing clothes in the closet” is fifth in a series of articles featuring techniques for decluttering your home—one room at a time. This month, we will tackle how to get rid of clothes and accessories (the average person lets go of 82 pounds of clothing a year) and small household items.
Your clothes represent your identity, how you feel about yourself, and how you present yourself to the world. Therefore, those that do not make you feel joyful, confident, and stylish should be shared with others. Here are a few suggested resources to help you accomplish this task.
Local Consignment Shop
Prepare your gently-used, clean clothing before bringing it to be evaluated. Hint: Sometimes simply spritzing with essential oils can cleanse an item of clothing. Call in advance to know what “season” the shop is accepting. Keep in mind that most offer a better commission rate when you accept store credit rather than cashing out with a check. Rates range from 40 to 60 percent, so learn the terms before you set up your account. You will need to call to follow up on your balance and go to the store to collect the proceeds or use the store credit.
My Sister’s Closet (www.mysisterscloset.com) has recently reduced their locations to two in Scottsdale. Even though our Chandler location closed in late 2020, they accept clothing at the My Sister’s Attic location by Whole Foods at Ray Road/101, which is transferred to be sold at the Scottsdale store.
My Sister’s Attic is a huge store accepting furniture and decorative household items, but you must email them ([email protected]) with photos of your items to be accepted before taking to the store.
Turnstyle Consign (www.Turnstyleconsign.com) has several stores in the Phoenix area. Each location requires a separate account.
Garage or Estate Sale (if allowed)
There’s no easier way to part with your clothing than to hang it up in your garage and stick a price tag on it. Or maybe you can add your items to a friend’s sale. Estate sales are arranged well in advance of the actual sale and will clear out the entire house.
Sell Items Online
Research sites like Poshmark, eBay, ThredUP, and Tradesy to see which one works best for you. ThredUP is good for high-end fashion items.
Donate to Your Favorite Charity—call ahead to confirm their policies, hours, etc. Be sure to ask for a tax deduction form. In the Chandler area on Alma School Road between Warner and Guadalupe, there are three charities that accept deliveries: White Dove Thrift Shop/Hospice of the Valley, Assistance League of East Valley, and St. Vincent de Paul.
Veterans Organizations, such as Vietnam Veterans of America, will pick up at your curbside.
Salvation Army and Goodwill take clothing, small home goods, and linens. They’ll sell your items inexpensively or deliver them to a shelter for those in need.
Rummage Sales—Sun Lakes Women’s Association Annual Fall Bazaar is at the country club each November. Also, area churches hold sales. To learn more, post your question on Nextdoor.com—you will likely hear back from several area residents!
Animal Shelters—many welcome linens, blankets, and towels.
Stay tuned for future articles.
Contact me for a free 30-minute consultation at 480-720-8566 or [email protected]. Read what my happy clients say at www.JoyfulDOWNSIZING.com.