This article was contributed by Natalie Miller.
Clothing clutter is a common problem in today's consumer society. People buy more than what they need and end up with insufficient space to store it all. Here are a few ideas you could use to get rid of unwanted clothes in a clever and eco-friendly way:
1. Give Away
Contact family, friends, and neighbors and let them know you have some items that you're no longer using. That pink sweater you bought and barely wore could be of interest to somebody else. The same applies to those fancy jeans that simply do not fit you anymore. Just get over it. Somebody else will look better in them now. Plus, you will be regarded as such a generous friend!
2. Donate
Here is a wonderful opportunity to clean out your closet while helping someone else. The clothes that you consider useless can be of great use to someone in need, such as a poor child or a homeless person. Do some research and find local shelters and charity organizations that are in need of donations. Keep in mind that a lot of them see an overabundance of clothing being donated, so a lot of it will find itself on the international secondhand clothing market. You should consult the charities so you can find out more about the clothing they really need. Make sure that what you donate is in good condition so that someone else can put it to good use.
3. Sell
Secondhand shops are gaining more and more popularity around the world. Used clothing is even exported abroad, as there is a huge demand for it on the foreign markets. As long as they are well preserved, your items will be readily accepted. Plus, they will bring you some extra money.
4. Repurpose
There are plenty of ways you can give your old clothes a new life. Check out fashion magazines, gather some repurposing ideas, and set your imagination free. You can reuse and turn an old-fashioned dress into a classy skirt or restyle plain trousers into cute shorts. You can, of course, also simply give some of what doesn't fit you to friends, family, and charities so it can be reused instead of repurposed.
5. Watch Your Consumption
Once you clean out the closet, be careful not to clutter it again. The next time you feel the urge to buy something new, just stop and think about it. Do you really need it? Perhaps you already have one at home? Or maybe you can restyle and reuse something in your closet? Apart from saving you space and money, it can inspire you to unlock your creative potential.
Apart from being an aspiring home-design enthusiast, Natalie Miller is also a devoted advocate of healthy lifestyle. She is also eco-cautious about the environment and always looks to implement clever designs and techniques that make everyday life greener!