If you are like me, you have been using your time during lock down to do some decluttering. I have been working through the house room by room and clearing things that I have not used for a long time and generally streamlining. We even cleared our garage which we found things that have not seen the light of say for many years. BUT why are we keeping all this stuff? I do not think that I am any different to anyone else we all have too much stuff that we are holding onto. Here are my tips on what to do with your unwanted clothes and clutter.
My tips on what to do with your unwanted clothes and clutter
Facebook Sales
In my lounge we had a Vibrapower Disk (Vibrating Plate). We bought it some time ago with all good intentions of how often we were going to use it and the benefits it would have. We did for a while and then the novelty wore off. It then spent some time in the garage, back indoors again and it was just not being used. So, it had to go it was cluttering up the lounge. I placed an ad on the Facebook Sales sites. Now when creating the ad, it gives you the opportunity to place on multiple groups, and yes it sold. I have used this way to sell several things and it means that you get something back. I have sold my mum’s golf clubs and down to wicker baskets.
Music Magpie
During lockdown we sold a large box of CD’s on Music Magpie, we did not get a lot for them, but they were cluttering up the garage and we had nothing to play them on.
eBay & Gumtree
I have also used both sites to sell things and if you put buyer to collect you are not responsible for postage and packing/delivering. We sold our dining room table and chairs on Gumtree to a lady who was going to upcycle it. Your waste is often someone else’s treasure.
On eBay you can apparently donate a portion of any item you sell to a charity of your choice. I did not realise this as I do not usually use eBay, but I know that would work for some people.
There are lots of other sites available online and I have seen shpock.com advertised on TV, Shopify.co.uk and Depop.com I have not used either of these but they are platforms to sell clothe.
Dress Agencies
There also dress agencies that will sell your clothes for you and they take a commission for doing so. This works well if you have some designer pieces, but they do have to be in very good condition. This works exceptionally well for handbags and shoes that have seen truly little wear. One of the shops I used to visit had a lot of the Mother of the Bride type outfits and ball gowns which usually would only have one wear.
How to make the best advertisement
Without a photo most people will not buy which is understandable. For best results take photos in natural light against a neutral background. For clothes I usually hang them on a hanger on a door so you can clearly see the item. Be fair with how you describe an item as to the condition and be sure to note any wear or tears. With clothes if you know it is small size 12 then do say so, as it will help buyers decide if this item is for them.
How to price items
Consider your pricing strategy carefully as people who buy like this know what sort of price they need to pay. Years ago, my parents used to say that if something was in excellent condition you could price at a third of the price of new. I do not know if that still stands but I will always look at something and say would I pay that?
NWTO (New with tags on)
The other thing to bear in mind is if you have something that you have never worn with the tags still on you can take that into account when pricing. These items are very sort after and will always sell well.
Charity Shops
Charity shops are known for the clothes that they take, but these days they choose what they sell through the shop. I was told by someone that anything they think will not sell, they bag up and they get paid a price for rags. Anything that you would not be happy to purchase yourself you should throw away. If you have items of furniture of electrical goods, the Heart Foundation will take those. They do the pap test themselves. The one in Chelmsford is good and does sell some genuinely nice pieces. The pieces must be in a saleable condition with the fire guard and they will collect from you.
My tips on what to do with your unwanted clothes and clutter
There are other sites online where you can sell clothes, but I have not tried them myself. I know people who have and find them highly effective. If you do not mind the packing and posting up of items, I think it works well. Several of my daughter’s friends do that, but they are selling branded names which I think sell well.
My tips on what to do with your unwanted clothes and clutter
I know many people have been doing some decluttering during lockdown. Do you still have the black bin liners at the bottom of the bed? Or perhaps bags of stuff in the garage? If you do have some saleable items, it is worth trying to sell them first as anything that you do make can go towards something else.
I hope you have found that useful. If you need any help or advise, please do not hesitate to get in contact and I will be pleased to help you. You can follow me on Facebook where I regularly post style updates. Pinterest is a love of mine and here I have several boards from style, colour combinations and many more. If Instagram is your thing, I am on there as well. Why not give me a call for a chat to find out how I can help you on 07786 632798. Or email me sandra@colourworx.me or visit my website www.colourworx.me
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