An Easy Way to Clear Closet Space
After losing weight, the second most popular New Year’s resolution is to get organized. By mid-January, many busy parents find that this resolution is harder to keep than they thought. One easy way to get some of the clutter out of the house is to stop saving those old outgrown kids clothes. Take a few hours to pull them out of the closet or fetch the boxes of old duds out of the garage. Get rid of them today for more closet space and less clutter!
Make a Donation
One of the easiest and fastest ways to get rid of old clothes is to donate them to a local charity. Schools, religious institutions, and shelters always need clothes of assorted sizes. They take clothes in less than perfect condition, and usually have a drop off bin for your convenience. Bag them up or put them in boxes, drive them to the drop-off location, and you’re done! It doesn’t get much easier than that.
Have them Quilted
Many parents hold onto their children’s old clothes for sentimental reasons. These are typically stored in plastic bins and hidden away in a closet or corner. One unique way to keep the memories and cut the clutter is to have them made up into a quilt. There are many companies out there that sew everything from baby clothes to old t-shirts to denim jeans into quilts. Mail them in, pay the service fee, and a few weeks later you will have a keepsake quilt that you can display with pride.
Sell Them
Those with a little more time can get some of their investment back by selling their kids old clothes. Inspect all articles for holes and tears. If the item is damaged you may need to donate it, but if it is in good condition, there are many consignment stores that will sell them for you. You will need to wash them and many shops require that you bring them in on hangers. Each store has its own set of rules and guidelines, and some require that you make an appointment to drop off or only drop off during selected days and times. It is best to call ahead before you begin sorting and hanging the clothes, so that you know if your selected shop is taking new consignments and what they require of you.
Not a consignment shop near you? Not a problem! There are many online stores that take consignments by mail and send payment via cheque or PayPal once your items sell. Another option is to list and sell them yourself on eBay.
Once you have all of the old clothes out of the house, you may find that the closets in your home have extra space and look better. The following week take the same idea and donate or sell some of the toys and books that your kiddos have outgrown or no longer use. The more you get rid of, the closer you are to keeping that New Year’s resolution to whip the home into tiptop shape!
Do you have another great idea to cut clutter and get rid of those old duds? If so, leave a comment and let us know!
