Donating Like A Boss - How To Get Rid of Old Clothes Sustainably
So you've finally completed the excruciating affair of cleaning out your closet.
Here's a virtual and metaphorical LGY gold star for your efforts. The hard part is finally over!
But now, you have an intimidating mound of ugly polyester and glaring stripes sitting in the garbage bag in your room.
Is this really better than before?
YES.
It can’t end up here
You could just throw everything away, but then you'd have to give away your sustainable fashionista card.
We can't have that!
With this guide, I hope to give you the tools to feel confident donating your old clothes and to show you that it's easier than it seems!
Need professional help with paring down the right items? Grab our FREE closet editing guide
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What To Donate
Clean and undamaged clothes
Shoes that are still wearable
Linens and other household items
Furniture
Electronics that are still relevant to the era
Where to Donate Clothes quickly and Easily
For the clothes that are past reselling (or you don't have the patience), consider giving them to those who might need them most.
Places like Goodwill and The Salvation Army typically do not offer money for donations, but you can receive a tax receipt and they are an easy way to keep things in the cycle of use.
Men's Suit + Women's Workwear Donations - NYC ONLY
The mission of 100 Suits for 100 Men is to help underprivileged men and women improve their role in society, build dignity and self-esteem, foster self-sufficiency, dispel stereotypes, and promote community involvement in order to build each other up.
Pick-up services are available within NYC for donations of 25 items or more. Additionally, they also accept donations via mailing service.
Midnight Run coordinates over 1,000 relief missions per year. Volunteers from churches, synagogues, schools, and other civic groups distribute food, clothing, blankets, and personal care items to the homeless poor on the streets of New York City.
Dress for Success is a nonprofit organization that accepts professional clothing donations to empower women in need. They have multiple affiliates across the United States.
Looking for a different place to donate locally? Check out:
Church thrift shops
Hospital thrift shops
Local organization thrift shops
Homeless shelters
Buy Nothing Facebook groups
Sewing Facebook groups
Put it in a box outside your house on the curb with a FREE sign
National Organizations you can Donate Clothes
This organization accepts clothing donations to support veterans and their families. They have drop-off locations and scheduled pick-ups in various cities.
Planet Aid collects clothing donations to support global development projects. They have drop-off bins and partner locations across several states.
Amvets - Pick-up services available
Amvets is an organization that supports veterans and their families. They accept clothing donations, and you can find their drop-off locations and pick-up services on their website.
Habitat for Humanity operates ReStores that sell donated clothing, furniture, and other items to support their housing projects.
Looking for a place to send clothes that will make you a cash? We got you covered there, too!
This super popular thrift store with locations all over Manhattan and Brooklyn is the perfect place to donate higher-end items. They offer cash back and store credit, but their store credit deals are usually a better value. Use some of it to score a new piece you'll love!
Beacon's cool, hip younger sister. This thrift store also has locations all over the city, and uses the same store credit business model. If you're looking for bang for your buck, this is the place to donate!
Where to Mail-In Donations To Donate clothes
Nordstrom Donation - Give Back Box
Free donation program that makes it easy to give used clothing and accessories a second life—while also supporting nonprofit organizations. When you donate your items by mail, they will be directed to nonprofits where they'll be sold to support community programs like job training and education.
Recycle Clothing Bag — Easy clothing recycling: Order a bag, clean out your closet, and ship the filled bag back. Recycle your clothing and get rewards. A simple three-step process done entirely at home.
Recycling And reusing Clothes is Hot Behavior
Once you start donating your old clothes, you'll never go back to the days of throwing things away. Another great way to reduce waste and help reduce your fashion footprint is recycling.
Recycling means taking old clothes and using them for something else, and that something could be anything.
Turn an old t-shirt into a rag for cleaning
Cut up fabric scraps to make a blanket or quilt or donate to quilting groups online
Give an old sweatshirt new life by transforming it into a tote or other creative endeavor
Play hide and seek with your dog by sneaking treats tied up in old socks
There are tons of tutorials online for these DIY projects, and they're a fun weekend activity to distract your kids (or yourself). Get a little Martha Stewart with it!
If you're an NYC dweller:
311 offers a free service that allows people who live in an apartment complex to recycle clothes easily.
Just apply on their website to have a bin placed in your building. How much easier could it get?
Grow NYC and SCRAP are also two excellent places to recycle clothes. Scrap even offers free pickup services!
The more you donate, the less clothing ends up in landfills. Having fashion with a conscience makes you hotter and chicer!
Trust me, you'll never go back.
