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 neighbours and let them know what they can get for free. 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 a poor child or a homeless person. Do some research and find local orphanages and charity organizations. Do 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 second-hand 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 a good condition, so that someone else can use it for real.
3. Recycle
There are more and more brands and retailers that accept clothes for recycling: Nike, H&M, and Patagonia to name a few. Do your research and ask different companies for their requirements. The clothing may have holes or it could be in a pretty poor condition, but the raw materials could still be recycled regardless. You can also contact a local clearance company for help and advice. The more you recycle, the better for the environment, and the better for you.
4. Sell
Second-hand shops are gaining more and more popularity around the world. Used clothing is even exported abroad, as there is lots of 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.
5. 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 as it is.
6. Do not buy more than what you need
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 the closet? Apart from saving you space and money, that 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!