You’ve cleaned out your closet…now what?

This is the time of year when many of us clean out our closets. It’s time to eliminate things you didn’t wear all winter, and evaluate what you have (and what you’re keeping) for the warmer days ahead. But once you’re done and left with a pile of clothes you no longer need (or want), then what?

Look no further. We’ve searched the internet and found some places where you can donate used clothing, shoes, and bras. (Yes, bras!) Read on for details.

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Donating Clothes

When you’re donating, please remember your items should be clean, mended and wearable. To be blunt…no one wants your crap! Many donation centers resell items so everything should be in usable condition. Check the donation center’s website to make sure they accept what you are donating. (Some donation centers only take seasonal items, in season – no winter coats in July).

Here are a few ways to donate:

Where to Donate Clothes

• GreenDrop – In the VA/NJ/PA area, try Green Drop. Just go to their website, choose your pickup day and tell them where you’ll leave the donation. On pickup day, put your donation out and they’ll leave you a tax receipt. Simple! 
• PickupPlease – This is another free donation pickup service.
• Give Back Box from LOFT – use your box from your latest order (or any box) to send gently used clothing and accessories. Visit the link to download a free shipping label.
• Athleta and Thred UP – Athleta is partnering with thredUP to allow customers to turn their gently used clothes into Athleta shopping credit. Out with the old and in with the new! Check out this website for the details on how to get credit towards new Athleta purchases.
• Lululemon accepts used gear in their stores in exchange for credit to shop (in-store or on-line). You can also shop on-line for gently used gear at a reduced price.

This is a great article with many more resources to donate your clothing. 

And check out this interesting article with information about what to donate, how to donate and what happens to the items you donate. You might be shocked and rethink parting with some of your items.

Where to Donate Shoes

• Zappos and Soles4Souls – recycle gently used shoes and clothing. 
• DSW also participates with Soles4Souls and you can drop off your donation at many DSW locations.

Where to Donate Bras

• Did you know you can donate bras? Free the Girls accepts used bras to help sex trafficking survivors. They do ask that you also consider donating “a buck a bra” to help offset their operating costs like shipping. 
• Here are a few more links for bra donations.

Other Options for Clothes You No Longer Need

• Poshmark – a very easy way to resell your still current clothes. All you need is your cell phone and a free shipping box from the Post Office. The website walks you through the very easy steps to success.
• Local Resale Store – Salvation Army, Goodwill and lots of local “Closets”
• Give to a Friend or Family Member
• Freecycle
• Repurpose your old clothes – here are 27 ideas
• FB Marketplace – if you have a Facebook you can use the FB Marketplace feature to buy/sell items (not just clothes!). Megan’s mom has had great luck with this!

For more tips on building a sustainable wardrobe, check out this post, Going Green.

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If you find that you have a lot of clothes to donate, remember to shop thoughtfully, invest in classic pieces that last, minimize how many trendy pieces you buy each season, and only buy what you really love. Your wallet will thank you and you’ll have a wardrobe you love to wear. For more shopping tips, subscribe to our blog, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.